GB2228193A

GB2228193A - Inflatable support devices

Info

Publication number: GB2228193A
Application number: GB9003610A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Caldwell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-02-17
Filing date: 1990-02-16
Publication date: 1990-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2010-02-16
Also published as: GB2228193B; GB8903613D0; GB9003610D0

Abstract

An inflatable support device in the form of a cushion, mattress, mattress pad or like support device, has a plurality of apertures (15, 15') extending therethrough. The device is suitably rectangular in shape and the apertures are preferably in the form of a regular patterned arrangement. The cushion may be partially enclosed by an envelope or flexible tray 31 provided with drainage means 41 for collecting urine. The device may additionally include a system of forced ventilation, whereby an air flow is introduced into the base of the device and passed upwardly through the apertures (15, 15') and around the patient. The apertures may be in the form of holes or slots. The device may be inflated by air or by a semi-solid or semi-liquid foam or plastics material. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO INFLATABLE SUPPORT DEVICES The present invention concerns improvements in or relating to inflatable support devices, particularly inflatable cushions, mattresses and mattress pads.

The present invention is concerned with providing improved comfort in seating and sleeping for the aged or sick in hospital or home environment, and to assist in the prevention of, and in the healing of, pressure sores as well as in the treatment of burns and other related skin ailments.

It is a well known fact that elderly and sick people sit or lie for long periods which create problems of soreness on various parts of the body. It is also well-known that an inflatable cushion will give even support all over the surface of contact, thereby eliminating direct pressure on any one point.

Inflatable cushions are generally made from totally impervious material and are completely airtight, which causes problems of perspiration build-up.

Additional problems occur due to incontinence problems which further increases the discomfort in patients.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatable support device which, utilising a system of natural and forced ventilation, combined with means for efficiently collecting and disposing of incontinence urine etc., in cushions and mattress pads and mattresses made from totally impervious plastics or rubber based sheet materials or by moulding processes.

According to the present invention there is provided an inflatable support device in the form of a cushion, mattress, mattress pad or like support device, said device having a plurality of apertures extending there through.

The provision of a plurality of apertures enables the support device to be extremely stable when utilised by a patient and provides an overall support surface for the patient.

In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable support device of the present invention is rectangular in shape and is provided with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, such apertures being in the form of a regular patterned arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable support device in accordance with the present invention is in the form of a cushion formed from two sheets of material which are sealed together at their edges, and is provided with a series of disc-type joints between the two sheets with an aperture punched through each disctype joint to create a clear passage. When inflated, the cushion forms a tightly controlled device and the apertures act as ventilation holes so that a person can sit uniformly supported with equalised pressure all over the contract area, but with ventilation passing through the holes to reduce perspiration build-up.

The ventilation holes also serve as a passage for incontinent patients urine. In such embodiment, the cushion will be partially enclosed in an envelope or flexible tray which is suitably supplied with a drainage means. The inflated cushion keeps the patient supported well above the fluid level and therefore relatively dry.

The fluid can be safely drained away through the drainage means thereby preventing any accidents to furniture etc.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable support device is in the form of a bed size mattress, cushion or pad which may be in the form of a single pressure area or divided into a number of independent pressure zones. In such latter arrangement, each zone may then be individually adjusted in pressure to give maximum patient comfort.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to incorporate a system of forced ventilation whereby a gentle warmed pressurised air flow is introduced into the base of the support device and passed upwardly through the ventilation holes and around the patient. Such system will assist the healing processes such as burn cases, and cut down on body perspiration build-up.

The support device of the present invention is suitably manufactured from PVC or other plastic fibre or coated fabric suitably having flame retardant and antibacteriological properties. The material should preferably be machine washable at low temperatures so that same can be repeatedly used.

In order that the support device of the present invention may be inflated, same is suitably provided with an inflation valve to enable pressurised air supply to be introduced into the interior of the support device. Such valve is preferably fitted into one face, the edge is welded or adhesively secured together all around its perimeter to form an air-tight joint. Such pressurised air supply will suitably be generated by a separate power pack comprising forced draught fan which blows over an electronically temperature controlled heater element, together with associated volume and pressure controls for the airflow. The air flow will suitably be conducted to the interior of the support device by means of a flexible conduit or tube.

It has been found that best comfort can be obtained when the support device is approximately half filled with air. It is also to be understood in place of air it is possible to render the device of the invention inflatable by incorporation therein of a suitable seai- solid or semi-liquid foam or plastics material.

The apertures may be in the form of holes or slots or of any other suitable shape.

The present invention will be further illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cushion in accordance with the present invention, shown in the flat deflated state; Fig. 2 is a cross-section taken along the line A-AA of Fig.1, but showing the cushion in the inflated state; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cushion in accordance with the present invention additionally including an incontinence collector envelope fitted therearound; Fig. 4 is a section taken along the line B-BB of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a bed mattress unit in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an outlet valve utilisable in the device of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a ventilation hole which acts as a valve seat for the valve of Fig. 6.

Fig.8 is a schematic sectional view of an inflated cushion in accordance with the present invention utilising the outlet valve of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing the effects of airflow when body weight is applied to a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 10 is a modified device in accordance with the present invention wherein the apertures are in the form of slots; Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a cushion in the form of the present invention having a large central hole to relieve contact from wound areas; Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a box mattress or cushion construction having elongated tube-type ventilation holes therethrough; Fig. 13 is a section taken along the line C-CC of Fig. 12; and Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a valve arrangement utilisable with the device as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13.

In Fig. 1 there is shown a basic cushion device 11 which is shown in the flat deflated state. This cushion 11 is made by welding or adhering together two sheets of material 12 face to face in the format illustrated in Fig. 1. An inflation valve 13 is fitted into one face 12 of the cushion 11 and the edges thereof are welded or stuck together all around its perimeter to form an airtight joint.

A series of disc type joints 14, 14', 14" are made between the two sheets and a respective hole 15, 15', 15" is punched through to create a clear passage.

The cushion 11 when inflated forms a tightly controlled device as shown in Fig. 2 with ventilation holes 15, 15' so that a person can sit uniformly supported with equalised pressure all over the contact area 16, 16', 16"...., but with ventilation passing through the holes 15, 15', 15"...to reduce perspiration build up.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the cushion 11 having disc-type joints 14, 14', 14"... and associated apertures 15, 15', 15"... is enveloped by an incontinence collection device 31 which is fitted around the cushion 11. The ventilation holes 15, 15',15"... serve as a passage for incontinent patients' urine when the cushion 11 is partially enclosed in the envelope or flexible tray 31 which is open on the top side as illustrated in Fig.

3. The inflated cushion 11 keeps the patient supported well above the fluid level and therefore relatively dry.

As illustrated in the section shown in Fig. 4, the fluid can be safely removed from the incontinence collector 31 by a fluid drain 41. Such arrangement prevents any accidents to furniture etc. taking place.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a bed size mattress, cushion or pad 51 for use by a patient who may be both incontinent and badly injured such as in burn cases. The mattress 51 is illustrated as being in three independent pressure zones 52, 53 and 54, although it is to be understood that the mattress may consist of a single pressure area. The zones 52, 53 and 54 are provided with inflation valves 55, 56 and 57. Each zone 52,53,54 is provided with its own plurality of ventilation holes 58, 58'... 59, 59'... and 60, 60'....

Each zone 52, 53 and 54 may then be individually adjusted in pressure to give maximum patient comfort.

In the typical bed mattress referred to in Fig.

5, zone 53 would be pressurised underneath the inflated section and above a base skin which is welded or adhered to the inflated section 53 all around its perimeter to form an airtight and watertight sealed chamber. Forced ventilation airflow is then introduced into this chamber and the outflow through the ventilation holes 59, 59'...

is controlled by the insertion of mushroom-headed valves 61 as illustrated in Fig. 6 made from a soft collapsible material and suitably fixed to the base skin with the head of the valve 62 protruding through the vent hole and normally held closed by the upward pressure of the mattress of the base skin.

Fig. 7 shows a ventilation hole 72 which is surrounded by circular member 73 which is formed or moulded into the cushion.

Fig. 8 is a section through the zone 53 portion of the mattress 51 of Fig. 5. In such section the base skin 81 and outlet valve 61 with its head 62 protruding through the vent hole 59 is clearly shown. The arrangement in Fig. 8 shows the air flow valve 61 in the closed condition with the cushion inflated and in its unloaded condition. The base skin 81 has a fluid drain member 82 associated therewith.

When a patient lays upon the mattress 51, the body weight depresses such mattress in the immediate body area as illustrated in Fig. 9 depressing the valve seat hole 72 downward away from the mushroom head 62, thus opening the valve 61 and allowing pressurised air to flow upwards around the body as indicated by arrows 82, 82'.

It can also be seen that the mattress area not depressed by the body will keep all its valves closed and prevent air loss so that a controlled quantity of air passes through the bodily contact opened valves.

The valves opened by body weight also allow the downward progress of urine where it is collected in the base skin 81 and, as previously mentioned in relation to Fig. 8, can be drained away through drain 82 in a controlled manner.

In the case where the inflated mattress is used on top of a conventional bed, the weight of the patient may depress the middle portion of the bed such that the incontinence urine will drain towards the depression and will not drain away by gravity. In this case, a pump such as a Peristaltic pump will be used to draw off the fluid and keep the drainage area reasonably clear.

It will be normal practice to cover the mattress with a draw sheet of normal cotton type cloth to assist in distributing air around the body and adding to patient comfort.

Fig. 10 schematically shows an alternative format of cushion 101 wherein two sheets 102 are welded together. Instead of holes, slots 103,103' are formed in the manner of tubes which provide larger areas of ventilation and greater comfort for the seated patient.

The cushion 111 shown in Fig. 11 has the usual ventilation holes 112, 112'. 1121,...together with a central clear hole 113 which relieves any contact from wound areas such as after operations.

Fig. 12 illustrates a typical box mattress or cushion construction 121 having elongated tube type ventilation holes 122, 122' extending therethrough.

Fig.11 is a section taken along the C-CC of Fig. 12 and shows the location of the holes 122, 122'. A similar valve arrangement to that described in connection with Figs. 5 to 9 can be used with the box type mattress or cushion as illustrated in the section shown in Fig. 14 where the valve 141 is located in hole 122. The urine collection and pressurised ventilation works in a similar manner as indicated in connection with Figs. 5 to 9.

It can thus be seen that a system of forced ventilation utilising a gentle warmed pressurised air flow into the base and passed upwardly through the ventilation holes and around the patient assist with the healing processes, such as in burn cases, and cuts down on body perspiration build up.

It can thus be seen that the inflatable support device in accordance with the present invention which has built-in ventilation holes and, preferably, positive incontinence control, gives maximum personal comfort without perspiration and is able to reduce valuable nursing staff time, particularly in relation to dealing with incontinence problems in a positive way but without embarrassment to the user, as well as helping in control of pressure sores.

The device of the present invention can prevent damage to furniture and allows the patient comfort and stability. When used with a cover, the incontinence unit becomes invisible.

The cushion of the present invention can be used as a back cushion, an arm rest cushion, a leg rest cushion and also assists in providing relief in connection with a patient resting a foot on a cushion in addition to being used in the normal cushion manner. The devices of the invention will be provided with suitable ties for easy fixing.

As mentioned, the material from which the device of the present invention is made will be preferably flame retardant, hygienic and machine washable.

As also previously mentioned, whilst the device of the present invention has been specifically illustrated in connection with same being inflated with air, it is also within the scope of the present invention to inflate the device by utilising semi solid or semiliquid foam or plastics material.

Claims

1. An inflatable support device in the form of a cushion, mattress, mattress pad or like support device, said device having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough.

2. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 1, said device being rectangular in shape.

3. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 2, in which said plurality of apertures are in the form of a regular patterned arrangement.

4. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 1, said device being ill the form of a cushion formed from two sheets of material which are sealed together at their edges, and is provided with a plurality of disc-type joints between the two sheets with an aperture punched through each disc-type joint to create a clear passage.

5. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 4, in which the cushion is partially enclosed in an envelope or flexible tray.

6. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 5, in which the envelope or tray is provided with drainage means.

7. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 1, in which the device is in the form of a bed size mattress, cushion or pad in the form of a single pressure area or divided into a number of independent pressure zones.

8. An inflatable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, additionally including a system of forced ventilation, whereby an air flow is introduced into the base of the device and is passed upwardly through the apertures and, in use, around the patient.

9. An inflatable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is provided with an inflation valve to enable pressurised air to be introduced into the interior of the support device.

10. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 9, in which the inflation valve is fitted into one face of the device, the edge is welded or adhesively secured together all around its perimeter to form an air-tight point.

11. An inflatable support device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, in which the pressurised air supply is generated by a separate power pack comprising a forced draught fan which blows over an electronically temperature controlled heater element, together with associated volume air pressure controls for the air flow.

12. An inflatable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is formed from PVC material having flame retardant and anti-bacteriological properties.

13. An inflatable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apertures are in the form of holes or slots.

14. An inflatable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is inflated by air or by a semi-solid or semi-liquid foam or plastics material.

15. An inflatable support device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.