IT202000006058A1 - SUPPORT DEVICE IN THE FORM OF A MATTRESS, MAINLY FOR USE ON AN OPERATING TABLE - Google Patents

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE IN THE FORM OF A MATTRESS,

MAINLY FOR USE ON AN OPERATING TABLE

DESCRIPTION

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a support device, in particular substantially in the form of a mattress, mainly for use on a support structure in the form, for example, of an operating table.

Background

Many support devices in the form of a mattress are known in the art, which are typically arranged on an operating table, or on a different support structure, for example during a surgical intervention.

Such devices typically provide a deformable main body, precisely in the form of a mattress, which is fixed to the operating table by means of bands or straps. Similar locking elements are also? designed to hold the patient's body in the desired posture during medical intervention.

Despite their wide use, the known support devices are still perfectible, especially in relation to the capacity? of the main body to withstand the stresses associated with the traction on the aforementioned belts or bands, to the simplicity? of construction and at the cost of production.

Another essential requirement which you can? provide an improvement solution? simplicity connection to the operating table or to a support structure in general.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem posed and solved by the present invention? therefore that of providing a support device which allows to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art.

This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1.

For the solution of the aforesaid technical problem, the invention also provides? a device according to claim 15.

Preferred features of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises the three main components listed below, structurally distinct or integrated or connected to each other.

? A mattress element, or pad, configured to receive the body of a subject, typically a patient, in a completely or partially extended position (prone or supine) on it. To this end, this element generally has a flat and elongated shape in a longitudinal direction of a prevalent dimension with respect to the dimension in a transverse direction, both being widely greater than the thickness of the element itself.

? Fastening means to a support structure subjected to the mattress element, typically an operating table or a transport stretcher, which fastening means generally comprise straps, strips or in any case oblong elements.

? A pair of longitudinal elements for distributing the stresses, interposed between the mattress element and the fixing means and each typically made in the form of a band or band.

Advantageously, the mattress element can? be configured to prevent the subject from slipping, even in longitudinally and / or transversely inclined positions typical of some surgical procedures, for example of the gynecological type.

In addition, the mattress element can? present a viscoelastic behavior to effect a distribution of the loads more? uniform on the subject, avoiding concentrated stresses due to the prolonged stay in contact with the support structure and which could cause damage to the skin.

Advantageously, the mattress element can? be made, at least in part, of an open cell expanded polymer, which allows breathability? of the skin of the subject lying on it, avoiding localized irritation.

Preferably, the mattress element? made entirely or partially in Polyurethane (PU), in particular expanded polyurethane, or in a material with similar physical-mechanical characteristics.

In preferred embodiment variants, the mattress element has properties? of biocompatibility? and / or? fireproof.

On the basis of a first aspect of the invention, each of the stress distribution elements? precisely configured to evenly distribute the forces involved between the straps and the mattress element, both during the connection operation of the device to the support structure and in subsequent use, even in procedures that require an inclined posture of the patient.

To this end, advantageously, each distribution element? consisting of an elastic material, preferably having a stiffness of the same order of magnitude as that of the mattress element, with a difference? 20%.

In a specific embodiment, the stiffness of each distribution element? within a range of approximately 1.1x10 <-2>? 1.7x10 <-2> N / mm and preferably equal to 1.4x10 <-2> N / mm.

Preferably, each distribution element? made, wholly or in part, of fabric, for example based on natural and / or synthetic fibers. In variant embodiments, each element has a coating, for example made of polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or the like. Other solutions can consist, for example, in a coupled Polyester / Polyurethane foam / Polyester, or in a simple sheet of polymeric material.

In one embodiment, each distribution element? bound to the mattress element by means of a continuous junction area, arranged over the entire longitudinal extension of a long edge of the mattress element itself. In this way, the entire longitudinal portion involved contributes to the transfer of forces.

This constraint, or mechanical connection, can? be realized through one or more? of the following techniques: bonding with adhesive; welding, for example by ultrasound or heat sealing; melting using solvents; seam.

In advantageous embodiments, each distribution element is constrained to the mat for a portion of its width comprised within a range of 50-75%, the remaining part being dedicated to the connection with the fixing means.

In specific embodiments, each distribution element?, As mentioned, in the form of a band or band, advantageously with a substantially rectangular or quadrangular plan, for example with a width of 150 mm.

Distribution elements can also be fireproof.

On the basis of a second aspect of the invention, which can be used synergistically or independently of the first aspect mentioned above, the fixing means are also made of a material having an elastic modulus of the same order of magnitude as the mattress element, which helps to distribute the forces. between the latter and the distribution elements.

Can the fasteners be made of the same materials and structures already? mentioned in connection with the distribution elements.

? It is also possible, for example, to use a non-woven fabric (TNT) belt.

As mentioned, the fastening means typically comprise straps at both longitudinal sides of the mattress element, preferably three per side.

Preferably, the fastening means also include hooking elements, for example in the form of velcro, buckle, clip and / or button, provided at one or both ends. of each belt.

The fastening means can also be fireproof.

The fastening elements made on the basis of this second aspect of the invention can be provided, as mentioned, even independently of the presence of the distribution elements as introduced above.

In a first preferred configuration, the three main components mentioned above are already provided. mechanically connected to each other.

In an alternative configuration, they can be supplied mechanically separated from each other or only partially connected. For example, the distribution elements may already be? connected to the fastening means, but not to the mattress element. Advantageously, in this case the distribution elements can be prepared with a pre-applied adhesive layer protected by a removable covering, or liner, to be mechanically connected to the mattress by the user at the time of use.

In this configuration, therefore, the device? supplied in kit form.

In one embodiment, the device can understand one or more? pressure sensors or transducers, which, on the basis of the measured values, can transmit the measured data to a unit? acquisition and / or local or remote control. The transmission can? take place in the mode? wireless (e.g. via Bluetooth and / or WiFi). These data, suitably processed, can provide a signal to operators regarding any critical areas, in order to act accordingly for the (re) positioning of the patient.

In a further variant, on the basis of the processing of the acquired data, commands (possibly arranged automatically) can be sent to a second device, arranged under the first, which selectively activates compensatory measures. For example, the second device could be divided into inflatable sectors, which can also be activated separately from each other, to redistribute the loads in an optimal way, thus avoiding the physical intervention of the operator.

The aforementioned sensors or transducers can be integrated in one or more? of the components of the device introduced above or applied to the surface of this (s), for example printed on one face of the mattress element.

Also or only detectors other than pressure sensors or transducers can be provided, for example suitable for measuring any vital parameter such as temperature.

Other benefits, features and methods? of use of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example.

Brief description of the figures

Will come reference is made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

? Figures 1, 1A and 1B refer to a first embodiment of a support device according to the invention, showing respectively a perspective view from above, the same view also exploded and an enlarged detail of the latter;

? Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of fastening means of the device of Figure 1;

? Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a component of the fastening means of Figure 2;

? Figure 2B shows an enlarged view of a detail of the fastening means of Figure 2A;

? Figure 3 shows a plan view of locking means of a subject which can be used in association with the device of Figure 1;

? Figure 4A shows an exploded perspective view of the locking means of Figure 3;

? Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a component of the locking means of Figure 3;

? Figure 4C shows an enlarged view of a detail of the locking means of Figure 4B;

? Figures 5 and 5A refer to a support device according to an embodiment of another aspect of the invention, showing respectively a perspective view from above and the same view also in exploded view;

? Figures 6 and 6A refer to a support device according to another embodiment, showing a perspective view from above and the same view, also exploded, respectively;

? Figures 7 and 7A refer to a support device according to a further embodiment, showing respectively a perspective view from above and the same view also in exploded view;

? Figures 8 and 8A refer to a support device according to a different embodiment, showing respectively a perspective view from above and the same view also in exploded view.

In the figures introduced above, the dimensions are intended as purely illustrative and not necessarily with components shown in proportion.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Hereinafter, various embodiments and variants of the invention and of its parts will be described, based on different aspects of it that can be used separately or in combination. with reference to the figures introduced above.

Similar components are denoted in the various figures with the same or corresponding numerical reference.

In the detailed description that follows, further embodiments and variants with respect to embodiments and variants already mentioned. treated in the same description will be illustrated limited to the differences with what already? exposed.

Furthermore, as mentioned, the various embodiments and variants described below are capable of being used in combination, where compatible.

With reference initially to Figures 1 and 1A, a support device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention? altogether denoted by 1.

The support device 1? intended mainly for use on a support structure, in particular a fixed or mobile health bed, subjected to the device itself.

The support device 1 comprises a mattress element, or pad, 2, configured to receive the body of a subject in a lying position on it. To this end, the mattress element 2 generally has a planar, or flat, in particular quadrangular conformation, with a longitudinal dimension L prevalent with respect to a transverse dimension T, and both prevailing with respect to the thickness s.

The mattress element 2? configured to support the subject, preventing it from sliding even in longitudinally and / or transversely inclined postures.

The mattress element 2, advantageously, has a viscoelastic behavior to effect a distribution of the loads more? uniform on the patient, avoiding concentrated stresses.

Preferably, the mattress element? made entirely in part in Polyurethane (PU), in particular expanded polyurethane, or in a material with similar mechanical characteristics of elasticity? and / or deformability.

The support device 1 further comprises means 3 for fixing the mattress element 2 to the support structure.

The support device 1 then comprises a first and a second stress distribution element, denoted respectively by 10 and 11. Each distribution element 10, 11? substantially configured in the form of a band or longitudinal band.

Each of those elements of distribution? arranged, in use, in correspondence with a respective portion of the longitudinal margin 20, 21 of the mattress element 2 and interposed between the latter and the fixing means 3 to connect one to the other.

In particular, each distribution element 10, 11? connected to the respective longitudinal margin portion 20, 21 of the mattress element 2 preferably in correspondence with a lower face of the element 2 itself. Such a connection? performed at a respective first longitudinal portion 101, 111 of each distribution element 10, 11. Each element 10, 11 protrudes externally with respect to the mattress element 2 with its own second longitudinal portion 102, 112 at which the fastening means 3.

Advantageously, each distribution element 10, 11 has stiffness of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of the mattress element 2 and / or of the longitudinal margin portions 20, 21 of the latter.

The fastening means 3 comprise one or more? oblong fasteners, each preferably in the form of a strap or strip. In the present example, three fastening elements are provided for each longitudinal margin portion 20, 21 of the mattress element 2. In particular, in Figure 1A, by way of example, the fastening elements provided on the right margin are denoted with 31, 32 and 33, respectively.

Preferably, also each fastening element 31, 32, 33 has stiffness of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of the mattress element 2 and / or of the longitudinal margin portions 20, 21 of the latter.

In the present embodiment, each fastening element, for example the one denoted by 31, comprises a first branch 311 and a second branch 312 which extend towards the outside of the mattress element 2 from one end. common longitudinal 310 fixed on the respective distribution element 11.

As best seen in Figure 1B, in the present example each fastener 31-33? obtained through the union of a first and a second oblong component, also denoted with 311 and 312, performed at a single respective end? longitudinal 310 of each of them.

With reference to the more detailed Figures 2, 2A and 2B, each fastening element, for example the one denoted by 31,? configured to form, in use, a ring, or loop, for connection to the support structure. For this purpose, dedicated means can be provided for closing the loop, for example in the form of one or more? Velcro strips ?, one of which is denoted by way of example as 313 in Figures 1B and 2.

As shown in Figure 2B, each fastening element, for example the element 31, has, in cross section, a multilayer structure, in particular a sandwich structure, which comprises an intermediate layer of expanded polyurethane and two external layers of polyester.

The same structure can? also be provided for each of the distribution elements 10 and 11.

With reference to Figures 3 to 4C, the support device 1 described above can? be provided in association with one or more? locking components of the patient's body, one of which is denoted by 5. As shown, component 5? in the form of a locking belt or band and includes three oblong parts, respectively denoted by 51, 52 and 53 in Figure 4A, mutually connected at respective end portions? longitudinal.

The belt 5? equipped with buckles 50, or other mechanical connection elements, in correspondence with at least one of its ends? longitudinal.

As shown in Figure 4C, the cross-sectional structure of the belt 5 can? be similar to that already? described in relation to the fixing means 3.

With reference now to Figures 5 and 5A, a support device made in accordance with another aspect of the invention? generally denoted with 500. The device 500 also comprises a mattress element, here denoted with 502, made in two equal parts 551 and 552 mutually associated in the vertical direction.

The mattress element 502? provided with seats, in the form of through openings 530, each advantageously having an oblong profile. The seats 530 are arranged in correspondence with their own longitudinal margin portions 520 and 521 and are therefore obtained on both parts 551 and 552. The openings 530, on each margin portion 520 and 521, are aligned precisely according to the longitudinal direction of the element. mattress 502.

The support device then comprises stiffening or reinforcing elements, denoted by 510 and 511, each in the form of a band or band and interposed between the two parts 551 and 552 in correspondence with a respective portion of the longitudinal margin 520, 521. Each element stiffening 510, 511 has respective seats, in particular openings 553, 554, corresponding to those of the mattress element 502.

The elements 510, 511 define a structural stiffening in correspondence with the perforated areas of the device 500.

The support device 500 then comprises fixing means 503, which also in the present example are in the form of a plurality of materials. of oblong elements, or straps, one of which denoted by way of example with 531, preferably equipped with end buckles? 513. The belts are arranged in correspondence with the longitudinal margin portions 520, 521 of the mattress element 502 and are inserted within the aforementioned seats, according to a desired configuration which can be defined in the assembly phase.

For example, the belt 531 fits into a seat 530 of the lower part 552 of the mattress element 502 and into a seat 553 of the stiffening element 510.

The belts 531 advantageously have, in correspondence with their oblong main body, stiffness of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of the mattress element 502 and / or of the longitudinal margin portions 520, 521 of the latter.

Figures 6 and 6A refer to another embodiment of a support device, here generally denoted with 600. The device 600 also comprises a mattress element, denoted here with 602, preferably made in one piece.

The mattress element 602? equipped with seats, in the form of through openings 630, for example each with a substantially circular profile, in correspondence with its own longitudinal margin portions 620 and 621. The openings 630 are aligned precisely according to the longitudinal direction of the mattress element 602 and, in the present example, there are three for each portion of the margin 620, 621. Within each location 630 pu? a reinforcing or stabilizing element 632, for example in the form of a ring, possibly made in two parts vertically juxtaposable and engageable one into the other, be arranged.

The support device 600 further comprises fixing means 603, which also in the present example are in the form of a plurality of elements. of oblong elements, or belts, one of which denoted by way of example with 631. Preferably, each belt 631? equipped with end closure means, to form a ring or loop, for example in the form of one or more? velcro elements? 613.

The belts 631 are arranged in correspondence with the longitudinal margin portions 621, 622 of the mattress element 602 and are inserted into the seats 630 mentioned above to form the aforementioned loop or ring.

The belts advantageously have stiffnesses of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of the mattress element 602 and / or of the longitudinal margin portions 620, 621 of the latter.

With reference to Figures 7 and 7A, a support device made in accordance with another aspect of the invention? generally denoted with 700. The device 700 comprises, similarly to the device 500, a mattress element, here denoted 702, made in two equal parts 751 and 752 mutually associated in the vertical direction.

The mattress element 702? equipped with seats, in the form of through recesses 730, advantageously each with a semicircular profile, in correspondence with its own longitudinal margin portions 720 and 721 and therefore obtained on both parts 751 and 752. The recesses 730 open precisely in correspondence with the respective edges of the mattress element 702, which therefore has a profile with notches.

Between the two parts 751, 752 of the mattress element 702? interposed a stiffening body 710, shaped substantially according to the same planar profile of the mattress element 702 and made from a plurality of elements. of bar elements 711. The profile of the bars pi? external? accessible through the aforementioned recesses, so as to create, together with the edge of the mattress element 702, a plurality of of ring seats, also denoted by 730.

The body of stiffening 710 can? be made of metal.

The support device 700 then comprises fixing means 703, made similarly to the means 603 described above, in particular comprising oblong elements in the form of belts 731.

The belts 731 are arranged in correspondence with the longitudinal margin portions 720, 721 of the mattress element 702 and are inserted through the aforementioned structure 710 to form the aforementioned loop or ring.

The belts 731 advantageously have stiffnesses of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of the mattress element 702 and / or of the longitudinal margin portions 720, 721 of the latter.

With reference to Figures 8 and 8A, a support device according to another embodiment? generally denoted with 800. The device 800 also comprises a mattress element, here denoted by 802, made in two equal parts 851 and 852 mutually associated, similarly to the configuration of Figure 5. In this case, openings on the upper part have been omitted 851, for the benefit of the subject's comfort.

Furthermore, the reinforcing elements 510, 511 of the previous embodiment are replaced or integrated with an anti-deformation grid 810, or a reinforcement or stiffening grid, with the same planar extension of the parts 851 and 852.

The mattress element 802? equipped with seats, in the form of through openings 830, advantageously each with an oblong profile, in correspondence with its own longitudinal margin portions 820 and 821, obtained on the lower part 852 and on the grid 810. The openings 830, for each margin portion, are aligned precisely according to the longitudinal direction of the mattress element 802. Advantageously, two rows of side-by-side seats are provided.

The support device 800 then comprises fixing means 803, similar to those described with reference to the configuration of Figure 5.

The present invention? It has been described heretofore with reference to preferred embodiments. ? it is to be understood that other embodiments may exist which pertain to the same inventive nucleus, as defined by the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Support device (1), mainly for use on a support structure, in particular a fixed or mobile bed, which support device (1) comprises: ? a mattress element (2), configured to receive on it the body of a subject in a lying position and for this purpose generally having a flat conformation with a longitudinal dimension (L) prevalent with respect to a transversal dimension (T); ? fastening means (3) of the mattress element (2) to the supporting structure; And ? a first (10) and a second (11) stress distribution element, each arranged, in use, in correspondence with a respective portion of the longitudinal margin (20, 21) of said mattress element (2) and interposed between the latter and said fixing means (3) for connecting one (2) to the others (3). Support device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element has stiffnesses of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of said mattress element (2) and / or of said longitudinal margin portions (20, 21). Support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which said fixing means (3) have stiffnesses of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of said mattress element (2) and / or of said longitudinal margin portions (20, 21). Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element? substantially configured in the form of a band or longitudinal band. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element? connected to the respective longitudinal margin portion (20, 21) of said mattress element (2) at its own first longitudinal portion (101, 111) and protrudes externally with respect to said mattress element (2) with its own second longitudinal portion ( 102, 112) in correspondence with which said fixing means (3) are connected or connectable. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element? constrained to said mattress element (2) by means of a continuous junction area, preferably corresponding substantially to the entire longitudinal extension of the respective longitudinal margin portion (20, 21) of the mattress element (2) itself. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element? bound to said mattress element (2) by means of one or more? of the following techniques: bonding with adhesive; welding, for example by ultrasound or heat sealing; melting using solvents; seam. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing means (3) comprise one or more? oblong fasteners (31-33), each for example in the form of a strap or strip. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing means (3) comprise at least one fixing element (31) obtained through the union of a first (311) and a second (312) oblong component performed at a respective end? longitudinal (310) of each of them. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening means (3) comprise at least one fastening element (31) comprising a first (311) and a second (312) branch extending from one extremity? common longitudinal (310). Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening means (3) comprise at least one fastening element (31) configured to form, in use, a ring, or loop, for connection to the structure supporting. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening means (3) comprise at least one fastening element (31) carrying Velcro-type closure means? (313) buckle, clip and / or button. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element and / or said fixing means (3) are made, completely or partially, in one or more? materials selected in the following group: fabric; polymeric material; Polyurethane; Polyurethane foam; Polyvinyl chloride. Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of said first (10) and second (11) distribution element and / or said fixing means (3) have, in cross section, a structure multilayer comprising an intermediate layer of polyurethane foam and two external layers of polyester. 15. Support device (1), mainly for use on a support structure, in particular a fixed or mobile bed, which support device (1) comprises: ? a mattress element (2), configured to receive on it the body of a subject in a lying position and for this purpose generally having a flat conformation with a longitudinal dimension (L) prevalent with respect to a transversal dimension (T); ? fastening means (3) of the mattress element (2) to the supporting structure, in which said fastening means (3) have stiffness of the same order of magnitude, in particular with a percentage difference? 20%, of said mattress element (2). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which? supplied in kit form. Device (1) according to claim 15 and according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said fastening means (2) and said distribution elements (10, 11) are supplied pre-assembled to each other. 18. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising sensor or transducer means, in particular for pressure or temperature, in communication with a unit? control.