MXPA00003749A - Mattress having air fluidized sections - Google Patents

Abstract

A mattress (10) includes an outer cover (12, 18) formed from an air impermeable material. The outer cover (12, 18) is configured to define an interior region and having a top support surface (20). The mattress (10) also includes at least one air fluidized support module (48, 54) located within the interior region of the cover (12, 18). The mattress (10) further includes a connector (68, 94) coupled to the air fluidized support module (48, 54), the connector (68, 94) being configured to be coupled to an air supply (58). The mattress (10) also includes a vent connector (165) coupled to the outer cover (12, 18) in communication with the interior region of the cover (12, 18). The vent connector (165) is configured to exhaust air from the interior region of the cover (12, 18).

Description

MATTRESS THAT HAS FLUIDIZED SECTIONS WITH AIR BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE. INVENTION The present invention relates to a replacement mattress that is portable between bed frames. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress having a plurality of modular mattress zones including air bladders and air-fluidized sections. The replacement of the mattress of the present invention has reduced maintenance requirements compared to other beds fluidized with air. The present invention provides a modular mattress replacement having both air-fluidized sections and air bladder sections, regular to support a patient. Air-fluidized sections provide reduced pressure against the patient's body resting on the mattress. In illustrated embodiments, the air-fluidized sections are located in the section of the buttocks and in the section of the feet or heels of the mattress. It is understood that air-fluidized sections can be placed in any desired location within the mattress. The air-fluidized sections are supplied with air from a spring to move a fluidizable medium within the fluidized sections with air. The mattress also includes cushions or air bladders located adjacent to the fluidized sections. In the illustrated embodiment, the air cushions are used in a section of the mattress head and in a section of the knees of the mattress. The air cushions of the head, of the present invention, are configured to move toward one end of the head of the bed; As the mattress head section is articulated to an elevated position to reduce the cutting forces on a person who is on the mattress. Air-fluidized beds have been used as patient support systems. In this type of bed, a fluidizable medium such as tiny spheres formed of glass, ceramic products, or silicone are contained within a suitable support and are fluidized by air passing through the support mechanism to support the patient. In a common design, the fluidizable medium is supported by a diffuser board which is air-foldable by permeable to the fluidized medium. A retention mechanism is placed which is impervious to air around the outer edges of the diffuser board. A flexible cover encloses the fluidizable medium and is permeable only to the air flow. Conventional air-fluidized beds are typically attached to the structure of a frame. Air-fluidized beds are typically heavy and rather difficult to move. The present invention provides a replacement mattress that includes air-fluidized sections. The replacement mattress that includes the air-fluidized sections is not attached to a particular frame. In other words, mattress replacement can be easily moved from one frame to another to provide the benefits of an air-fluidized mattress in any frame. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a mattress includes an outer cover having an inner region and an upper support surface, and a module receiving section located in the inner region of the cover. The module receiving section has a first coupling portion in communication for fluids with an air supply. The mattress also includes an air fluidized module having a first chamber containing a fluidizable material, a second chamber, a second coupling portion coupled to the module in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a permeable air sheet located between the first chamber. and second cameras. The fluidizable air module is configured to be located in the module receiving section, and the first and second coupling portions are configured to be coupled together, to provide communication for fluids between the air supply and the second chamber; so that air from the air supply passes into the second chamber and through the permeable sheet air to fluidize the fluidizable material in the first chamber. In the illustrated embodiment, the air fluidized module has an upper surface that is permeable to air. The illustrated mattress also includes a non-fluidized module that includes an air permeable, flexible outer wall having an inner region and a third coupling portion coupled to the outer wall and communication for fluids with the inner region of the non-fluidized module. The fluidized module and the non-fluidized module are interchangeable in the module receiving section with the first coupling portion which is configured to alternately engage with a second coupling portion of the fluidized module and the third coupling portion of the non-fluidized module. Also in the illustrated embodiment, a manifold tube is located between the air supply and the first coupling portion of the module receiving section. A control valve is configured to control the rate of air supply to the first coupling portion. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a support module for a mattress is provided. The support module includes a base formed from an air impermeable material. The base includes a bottom surface of a side wall configured to define an interior region. The support module also includes a permeable air diffuser located within the interior region of the base. The diffuser is coupled to the side wall of the base to define an upper air fluidized chamber, configured to receive a fluidizable material therein and a bottom thrust chamber. The support module further includes an air-impermeable inner surface coupled to the base, and a plurality of baffles coupled to the base. The deflectors are located in the thrust chamber. The support module also includes an air connector coupled to the base in communication with the thrust chamber to supply air to the thrust chamber to fluidize the fluidizable material within the fluidized chamber with air above the thrust chamber. In an illustrated embodiment, the air-fluidized chamber includes an access hole that provides for the removal and insertion of fluidizable material. In another illustrated embodiment, a top cover including the air permeable top and a side wall extending from the top surface, the side wall of the top cover that engages the side wall of the base. The top cover can be removed from the base to provide access to the fluidizable material. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one ground strap is coupled to the side wall of the base. A conductive cable is coupled to at least one grounding strip to provide grounding for the support module. In an illustrated embodiment, the base includes a bottom surface, a frame, and a separate side wall coupled together to form the base. The frame is attached to the side wall of the base is configured to support the diffuser. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame includes a plurality of frames extending between opposite sides of the frame. The deflectors are coupled between the frames and the bottom surface of the base. The deflectors are each formed to include a plurality of openings to allow air flow through the thrust chamber. A plurality of fasteners are coupled to the side wall of the base with the fasteners that are configured to secure the support module within the mattress. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a mattress having one end of the head and one end of the feet includes a first support section configured to support a foot, legs and buttocks of the occupant and a support section of the head located adjacent to the end of the mattress head. The head support section has a base portion and a shear reducing bearing surface, pivotally coupled to the base portion. The mattress also includes a coupler connected between the first support section and the head support section so that the head support section moves toward the end of the mattress head as the support section in the head is moved. moves to an elevated position relative to a first support section. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mattress section includes an air fluidized module containing a fluidizable material. The fluidized module is connected to an air supply. The first support section also includes a non-fluidized, inflatable zone connected to the air supply. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the head support includes a set of air cushions pivotally coupled to the base. A second set of air cushions is located illustratively above the air cushions pivoted to the base. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a mattress includes an outer cover formed from an air impermeable material. The outer cover is configured to define an interior region and having a superior support surface. The mattress also includes at least one fluidized support module with air located within the interior region of the mattress cover. The fluidized air module includes a thrust chamber, a chamber located on the thrust chamber, and a fluidizable material located within the chamber. The chamber includes an air permeable upper surface. The mattress also includes a connector coupled to the thrust chamber, the connector being configured to be coupled to an air supply to supply air to the thrust chamber and to fluidize the fluidizable material located within the chamber. The mattress also includes a vent connector coupled to the outer cover of communication with the interior region of the cover. The exhaust connector is configured to vent air from the interior region of the cover. In the illustrated embodiment, a fan is coupled to the vent connector to assist in the removal of air from the interior region of the cover. A second connector is attached to the outer cover. The second connector is configured to be coupled to an air supply. A tube is coupled between the second connector in the outer cover and the thrust chamber connector to supply air to the thrust chamber through the outer cover. In the illustrated embodiment, a heat exchanger is coupled between the air supply and the second connector of the outer cover. An air bladder is located adjacent to the air-fluidized support module. An air supply line extends through the air bladder and the connector is engaged to supply air to the thrust chamber. The air bladder is also formed to include a vent slot in communication with the vent connector. A tube having a plurality of holes is coupled to the air bladder in communication with the vent slot. The additional features and advantages of the invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art in consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention as it is currently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A detailed description refers in a particular way to the appended figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, with separation of replacement parts of the mattress of the present invention with a plurality of modular zones, which include air-fluidized zones and air cushions, located within an outer envelope, and illustrating the replacement mattress controls illustrated schematically; Figure 2 is a perspective view with part separation of an air-fluidized seat region of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view with separation of parts of another embodiment of the air-fluidized seat region; Figure 4 is a perspective view with part separation of an air-fluidized foot portion of the mattress replacement; Figure 5 is a perspective view with part separation of another embodiment of the air-fluidized foot region; Figures 6-8 illustrate details of an air wall bladder configured to be located within the mattress that surrounds the foot area and the air-fluidized seat zone; Figure 9 is a sectional view illustrating the details of another embodiment of the present invention that includes a head support section with reduced shear stress; Figure 10 is a sectional view similar to Figure 9 illustrating the movement of the air bladders within the section of the mattress head towards a head in the mattress as the head section is pivotally mounted upward to a position at an angle; Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a head support section with reduced shear for use with the mattress replacement of the present invention; and Figures 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of a reduced shear head section of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a mattress replacement apparatus 10 designed for use in any bed frame or other supporting surface. The mattress 10 includes a cover or base 12 of the bottom having a bottom surface 14 and a side wall 16. The base 12 is made illustratively from a plastic material, cleanable and aseable, impermeable to air. The base includes one end of the head 23 and one end of the feet 25. The mattress 10 also includes an upper air impermeable cover 18 having an upper surface 20 and a side wall 22 extending downwardly. The top cover 18 is secured to the base 12 with suitable fasteners such as a zipper, snaps or other coupling mechanism. An interior region 24 of the mattress 10 is defined at the base 12 and the cover 18. A plurality of modular mattress components are located within the region 24 of the mattress 10. An air support bladder 26 is located within the region interior 24 of the cover 12 adjacent the end of the head 23. The air support bladder 26 includes an inflatable, central portion 28 and a pair of separate inflatable tubes 30. An air cushion 32 of the head region and an air cushion 34 of the shoulder area are located above the surface 28 of the air support 26. A lumbar cushion 36 is located within the interior region 24 of the base 12 adjacent to the cushion 34 of the shoulder area. An U-shaped air wall bladder 38 having side sections 40 and 42 and the end section 44 of the feet is also located within the interior region 24 of the mattress 10 adjacent to the lumbar cushion 36. A section or zone 48 of the buttocks, fluidized with air is located within the central space 46 defined by the bladder 38 of the air wall. A cover 50 of the section of the grooves is coupled on the area 48 of the seatings fluidized with air. An air cushion 52 in the area of the knees is located within the central space 46 adjacent to the air-fluidized zone 48 of the seat. An area 54 of the feet, fluidized with air is located within the central space 46 of the air wall bladder 38 between the cushion 52 of the knee area and the end wall 44. A cover 56 of the foot area is engaged over the area 54 of the feet fluidized with air. An air bellows 58 is configured to blow air through a heat exchanger 60 and into a manifold 62. The manifold 62 is coupled to a plurality of control valves 64 which controls the air pressure supplied to various zones of the air. air inside the mattress 10 in a conventional manner. The air from one of the control valves passes through the tube 66 to the connector 68 which passes through an opening 70 formed in the upper cover 18 in an opening 74 formed in the air wall bladder 38. The tube 76 is coupled to the connector 78. The tube 76 extends through the lateral portion 40 of the air wall bladder 38. The tube 76 is coupled to an L-shaped connector 78 as shown in Figure 8 to supply air to an inlet 80 of the air-fluidized seat region 48 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The connector 74 passes to through an opening 82 formed in the lateral section 40 of the bladder 38 of the air wall. Another supply tube 84 extends through an opening 86 formed in the bottom surface 14 of the cover 12 and is coupled to a multiple tube connector 88. The manifold connector 88 includes a plurality of outlet lines 90 for supplying the various bladders 26, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 52 of the air-air zone through suitable connectors. Each zone includes clips or other suitable fasteners to seal the deck area 12 and adjacent areas. Another air inlet tube 92 is coupled to the L-shaped connector 94 which extends through an opening 96 formed in the bottom surface of the cover 12. The connector 94 is coupled to an air inlet 98 of the region. 54 of the feet fluidized with air as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 1 illustrates an air blanket or blanket 100 designed to conform to the upper surface 20 of the waterproof cover 18. Illustratively, the air blanket 100 is made of a disposable or washable material. The mantle 100 includes an impermeable layer 102 and an air permeable layer 104 that is supplied with air through a suitable connector 106. The layer 104 of the air blanket 100 dries any drain of a patient that is in the mattress 10 and also it supplies air flow through the air layer 104. It is understood that the air flow layer 104 may extend through the complete air blanket 100, if desired. The air blanket 100 allows continuous air flow to the patient while maintaining the waterproof cover 18 to seal the interior region 24 of the mattress 10. Therefore, the mattress components and the air fluidizable medium within the area 48 of the air-fluidized buttocks and air-fluidized foot zone 54 are not contaminated by patient fluids or other contaminants entering the mattress 10. Additional detail of zone 48 of the airspace is illustrated in Figures 2 and X. fluidized seat with air and cover 50. A base 108 generally has a rectangular shape. A plurality of clasps 110 or other fasteners are provided to secure the area of the seat 48 fluidized with air to the adjacent bladders. A frame 112 is configured to secure a diffusion sheet 114 of the base 108 as shown in Figure 3. The base 108 and the frame 112 are preferably made from a nylon cross-coated with urethane and are air impermeable. The base 108 includes a bottom surface 109 and a side wall 111. The frame 112 is secured around its outer perimeter to an outer perimeter of the base 108 by its RF ultrasonic welding and by stitching to provide both strength as sealed. A plurality of baffles 116 are engaged between the diffuser sheet 114 and the bottom surface 109 to the base 108. The baffles 116 are illustratively welded and sewn to the bottom surface 109 and the frames 118 of the frame 112 and to the diffuser sheet 114. The deflectors 116 maintain the height and shape of the thrust chamber during operation. The deflectors 116 include a plurality of openings 120 to allow air flow through the inlet 80 to pass through the diffuser sheet 114 from the full thrust chamber 113 that is formed between the base 108 and the sheet 114 The diffusion sheet 114 is formed illustratively from a suitable woven fabric such as a twill that allows controlled flow of air through the sheet 114. The sheet 114 provides sufficient air flow and pressure drop for movement of the medium pluralized 115 as discussed later. Illustratively, diffuser sheet 114 is a woven material model number S-1500-SK11 available from Tetko. The diffusion sheet 114 can also be formed from a microporous film made of for example polyurethane or other suitable material, which provides sufficient air flow and pressure drop by the movement of the fluidizable medium 115. Metal strips 122 are attached to the side walls 124 of the frame 112 by suitable fasteners 126. The metal strips provide a ground connection of the air-fluidized zone 48 of the seat. As illustrated in Figure 2, one of the fasteners 126 on each side engages a first end of a lead wire 128 to provide a ground connection. An opposite end of each cable 128 is coupled to an exterior mattress controller 10. A side wall 130 formed from an impermeable material is welded and sewn to the perimeter of the frame 112. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the slot 130 includes an upper zipper 132 configured to be coupled to a rack 134 in the cover 50. The side wall 130 in Figure 2 also includes anchor portions 136 and grippers 138 for holding a tab 140 of the top cover 50. less an upper surface 135 of the cover 50 is formed from an air-permeable material. The fluidizable medium 115 is loaded in the inner region upon opening the zipper of the cover 50 of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the side wall 130 is formed to include an aperture 144 configured to receive a lid 146. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the cover 50 is sewn and welded to the side wall 130. The fluidizable medium is charged and drained through the inlet opening 144. Illustratively, the fluidizable medium 115 of the present invention includes both light weight accounts and heavy weight accounts to provide an average, total, reduced weight for the accounts. The reduced weight is important because the fluidized zones 48 and 54 are used in replacement mattress. Illustratively, two types of fluidizable media 115 are combined together and placed within the interior region 142 of the fluidized section 48 of the buttocks. The first size fluidized medium 115 is illustratively sized miniature beads or beads formed of glass, ceramic, or silicone having an average size of between about 50 and about 150 microns, with a specific gravity of about 2.5. These accounts of conventional size are mixed with elaborated accounts of Styrofoam or another suitable material that has a size of approximately 15/1000 to approximately 20/1000 of an inch (0.385-0.508 mm), with a specific weight of approximately 1. It is also You can use hollow beads to reduce the size. .The ratios of the mixture for the different sizes of the fluidizable medium can be adjusted depending on the particular application. By mixing the beads in this manner, the average weight of the fluidizable medium 115 is less than the average weight of the conventional sized beads. The lighter average weight of the fluidizable medium 115 of the present invention facilitates the transfer of the mattress from one bed frame to another. Mattress 10 can be used in conventional bed frames. The modular components within the mattress 10 are replaceable sections. In other words, the fluidized air zones 48 and 54 can be replaced with normal air cushions, if desired. If air-fluidized sections such as 48 and 54 are required due to a particular therapy situation, then these modules or sections may be added to the mattress 10 as needed. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the details of the air-fluidized zone 54 of the feet of the present invention. Figures 4 and 5 include structural components that function in the same or similar manner as the components in zone 48 of the buttocks, fluidized with air of Figures 2 and 3. Those elements in Figures 4 and 5 identified by the reference numbers, are the same as in Figures 2 and 3, perform the same or similar function. The dimensions of the fluidized, rectangular zone 54 are different from the dimensions of the zone of the buttocks 48 in Figures 2 and 3. Furthermore, air is supplied to a lower thrust chamber defined between the base 108 and the diffuser sheet 112 a through an inlet 98 formed in the bottom surface 109 of the base 108. In the embodiment in Figure 4, the cover 56 is coupled to the side wall 130 by a rack 132, 134. In the embodiment in Figure 5, the upper cover 56 is sewn and welded to the side wall 130. The filling inlet opening 150 is formed in the frame 112. A cover or closure 146 is provided to allow drainage and filling of the fluidizable medium 115 in an interior region 142. of the foot area 54. A notch portion 152 is formed within the wall 130 to adjust the opening 150. In operation, air is supplied to the lower thrust chamber defined between the base 108 and the diffuser sheet 114 through and either the inlet 80 in Figures 2 and 3 or the inlet 98 in Figures 4 and 5. The deflectors 116 held at the level of the push chamber and rectangular in shape. The air diffuses through the diffuser sheet 114 with sufficient air flow rate and pressure drop to fluidize the fluidizable medium 115 located within the interior region 142. Air can pass through the zone 48 of the buttocks, fluidized and the foot area 54, fluidized through the upper covers 50 and 56, respectively. The upper covers 50 and 56 are formed from an air-permeable filter material (at least on the upper surface 135) that allows air to flow through the cover 50 or 56, but does not allow the fluidized medium 115 escape through covers 50 and 56. The zone 48 of the buttocks and the area 54 of the fluidized feet provide excellent support for a patient in the mattress 10 and reduces the likelihood of bed sore formation due to the equitable distribution of the pressure. The fluidized sections 48 and 54 are also suitable for the treatment of patients with skin grafts because they do not produce high cutting forces, which are friction forces generated when the patient moves in bed. The modular mattress operates at a colder temperature than conventional fluidized beds. Additional details of the air wall bladder 38 are illustrated in Figures 6-8. Because the waterproof cover 18 engages the base 12, there is no way for the air flowing through the zone 48 of the buttocks, fluidized in the area of the feet 54, fluidized escape from the mattress 10. Therefore, both, the lateral portions 40 and 42 of the air wall bladder 38 are formed to include venting slots 160. The tubes 164 are located within the lateral portions 40 and 42 aligned with the slots 160. The tubes 164 are tubes of fabric having holes to allow air flow in the tubes 164. The tubes 164 are illustratively welded with RF around the boundary of the slots 160. The tubes 164 include connectors 162 that extend through the terminal wall 4 4 of the Bladder 38 of the air wall. The connectors 162 are configured to be attached to the tubes 165 as illustrated in Figure 1. The tubes 165 extend through the slots 167 through the top cover 18. The opposite ends of the tubes 165 are attached to a exhaust vent fan 166 configured to draw air from the interior region of mattress 10 through ventlets 160, tubes 164, tubes 165 and fan 166. This provides an exhaust for air entering mattress 10 to through zone 48 of the buttocks, fluidized and the area of the feet 54, fluidized. It is understood that other fluidized zones with air may be included within the mattress 10, if desired. It is understood that the air-impermeable cover 18 can be replaced with a section of low air loss, upper, if desired. The section of low loss of air, upper will allow the air that passes through the zone 48 of the seat, fluidized and the area 54 of the feet, fluidized is distributed through the cover of low loss of air without requiring an escape mechanism. In Figures 9 and 10 another embodiment of the head section of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the replacement mattress is located in the joint cover 170 of a bed. The cover includes a section of the head 172, a section of the buttocks 174, a section of the thighs 176 and a section of the feet 178. Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the area of the knees 52 which includes a camera upper and lower 180 and 182. Preferably, divided bladder sections 180 and 182 are maintained at different pressures. The mattress 10 of Figures 9 and 10 includes a section 184 the reduced shear head support. In the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, a first air bladder array 186 is coupled together by a web of material 188 coupled to the end of each air bladder 186. Illustratively, a screen 188 is located at each end of the air bladder 186. arrangement of the tubes 186. The tubes 186 are also attached to the bottom surface 14 of the base 12 by straps or by air bladders 190 which engage the base 14 and the air bladders 186. The web of material 188 and the bladder arrangement 186 is coupled to the air wall bladder 38 by the belt 192. The belt 192 includes a first end 194 coupled to the air wall bladder 38 and a second end 196 coupled to the frame 188. The belt it is attached by suitable fasteners such as snaps. Illustratively, a belt 192 is located on both sides of the mattress 10. A second bladder array 198 is located on top of the bladders 186. The bladders 198 are attached to the bladders 186. Conforming the head section 172 and cover 170 moves upwardly to an elevated position as illustrated in Figure 10, bladder 186 adjacent lumbar cushion 136 engages lumbar cushion 36 and causes bladder arrangement 186 to rotate in bladder 190 bonding with relationship to the bottom surface 14 of the base 12. This causes the bladder arrangement 186 to move in the direction of the arrow 200 towards the end of the head 23 of the mattress 10. The upper arrangement of the bladders 198 moves with the bottom arrangement of the bladders 186. Illustratively, the bladder 186 and 198 move approximately 4-5 inches (10.16-12.7 cm) toward the end of the head 23 of the mattress 10 according to the section of the head of the mattress 10. reticle This causes reduced cutting forces against a patient who is on the mattress. If desired, a shear anti-stress material may be placed between the bladder array 198 and the top cover 18 to facilitate sliding movement therebetween. The upper arrangement of the bladders 198 can have any desired shape. For example, the bladders may be generally rectangular as shown in Figures 9 and 10, or the bladders 198 may be round such as the bladders 186. Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the reduced shear head section of the bladder. the present invention. The head section 202 includes an array of tubes 204 which are attached to an inflated, central section 206 by straps 208. The opposite ends of the tubes 204 are coupled together by a weft 210 of material secured to the end 204 by a technique suitable such as RF welding. A pair of inflated side crosspieces 212 are located on opposite sides of the inflated, center section 206. The pipe arrangement 204 is located adjacent to the lumbar cushion 36. As the pivot is turned upward the head section 202 in the arrow direction 214, the first bladder 204 engages the lumbar section 36 and causes movement of the arrangement of the bladders 204 in the direction of the arrow 216 to reduce the shear or shear forces in a body that is in the mattress 10. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of the reduced shear head section that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11. In this embodiment, however, a strap 192 is used to attach the head section 202 to the bladder 38 of air wall as discussed earlier. The first end 194 of the strap 192 is coupled to the air wall bladder 38 by suitable connectors such as a snap or other suitable connector. The second end 196 of the strap 192 engages the bladder arrangement 204.

As the pivot is turned up the head section 202, the bladder 204 engages the air wall bladder 38 or a lumbar cushion if installed, to cause the bladder arrangement 204 to rotate the pivot relative to the surface of the bladder. bottom 14 of the base 12. This causes the bladders 204 to move in the direction of the arrow 200 toward the end of the mattress head 23. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the following claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (40)

1. CLAIMS 1. A mattress, characterized in that it comprises: an outer covering having an inner region and a supporting surface, upper; a reception section. of module located in the interior region of the cover, the module receiving section having the first coupling portion in fluid communication with an air supply; and an air fluidized module having a first chamber containing a fluidizable material, a second chamber, a second coupling portion coupled to the module in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a permeable air sheet located between the first and second chamber , and air fluidized module that is configured to be located in the module receiving section, and the first and second coupling portions that are configured to be coupled together to provide communication for fluids between the air supply and the second chamber, so that the air from the air supply passes into the second chamber and through the air-permeable sheet to fluidize the fluidizable material in the first chamber.
2. 2. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that the air-fluidized module has an upper surface which is permeable to air.
3. 3. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a non-fluidized module that includes an exterior, air-impermeable, flexible wall defining an interior region and a third coupling portion 'coupled to the exterior wall in communication for fluids with the inner region of the non-fluidized module, the fluidized module and the non-fluidized module which are interchangeable in the module receiving section with the first coupling portion which is configured to alternately engage with one of the second coupling portion of the fluidized module and the third coupling portion of the non-fluidized module.
4. 4. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a multiple tube located between the air supply and the first coupling portion of the module receiving section, and a control valve for controlling the air supply rate to the first coupling portion.
5. 5. The mattress according to claim 4, characterized in that it also comprises an inflatable air cushion located adjacent to the fluidized module with air in the inner region of the cover, the air cushion that is coupled to the supply of air through the manifold.
6. 6. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a head support section located adjacent to the module receiving section, the head support section having a supporting surface with shear reduction.
7. 7. The mattress according to claim 6, characterized in that the head support section engages for movement relative to the module receiving section in the hinge of a cover in which the mattress is located.
8. 8. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that the air-fluidized module includes a base formed from an air-impermeable material, the base including a bottom surface and a side wall configured to define an interior region, a diffuser permeable to air located inside the inner region of the base, the diffuser that is attached to the side wall of the base to define the first chamber and the. second chamber, an air-impermeable upper surface coupled to the base, and a plurality of deflectors coupled to the base, the deflectors located in the second chamber.
9. 9. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a head support section located adjacent to the module receiving section and an inner region of the cover, the head support section having a base portion and a shear reduction support surface pivotally coupled to the base portion, and a coupler connected between the module receiving section and the head support section of the head so that the head support section moves towards the end of the mattress head as the head support section moves to an elevated position relative to the module receiving section.
10. 10. The mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer cover is formed from an air-impermeable material, and further comprises a vent connector coupled to the outer cover in communication with the interior region of the cover, the connector of vent that is configured to let air escape from the interior region of the roof.
11. 11. A support module for a mattress, characterized in that it comprises: a base formed from an air impermeable material, the base including a bottom surface and a side wall configured to define an interior region; an air-permeable diffuser located within the inner region of the base, the diffuser that engages the side wall of the base to define an air-fluidized chamber, upper configured to receive a fluidizable material therein and a thrust chamber , From the bottom; an upper surface, impermeable to air coupled to the base; a plurality of deflectors coupled to the base, the deflectors located in the thrust chamber; and an air connector coupled to the base in communication with the camera. of thrust to supply air to the thrust chamber for fluidizing the fluidizable material within the fluidized chamber with air above the thrust chamber.
12. 12. The support module according to claim 11, characterized in that the air-fluidized chamber includes an access hole that provides for the removal and insertion of the fluidizable material.
13. 13. In addition, it comprises a top cover that includes the upper air-permeable surface and a side wall extending from the top surface, the side wall of the top cover that engages the top surface. lateral wall of the base.
14. 14. The support module according to claim 13, characterized in that the side wall of the top cover includes a first half zip and the side wall of the base includes a second half zip, and the first half zipper and the second half zipper which are attached to join the upper cover of the base.
15. 15. The support module according to claim 13, characterized in that the upper cover can be removed from the base to provide access to the fluidizable material.
16. 16. The support module according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises at least one ground connection strip coupled to the side wall of the base.
17. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a lead wire coupled to at least one ground connection strip to provide a ground connection for the support module.
18. 18. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the base includes a bottom surface, a frame, and a separate side wall coupled together to form the base.
19. 19. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a frame coupled to the side wall of the base, and a frame that is configured to support the diffuser
20. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the frame includes a plurality of frames extending between opposite sides of the frame, the deflectors that engage between the frames and the bottom surface of the base.
21. 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the baffles are ultrasonically welded and sewn to the bottom surface, the frames of the frame, and the diffuser sheet.
22. 22. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the deflectors are each formed to include a plurality of openings to allow the flow of air through the thrust chamber.
23. 23. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of fasteners coupled to the side wall of the base, the fasteners that are configured to secure the support module within the mattress.
24. 24. A mattress having one end of the head and one end of the feet, the mattress comprising: a first support section configured to support the feet, legs and buttocks of the occupant; a support section located adjacent the end of the mattress head, the head support section having a base portion and a cutting or cutting force reduction support surface, coupled the pivot to the base portion; and a coupler connected between the first support section and the head support section so that the head support section moves toward the end of the mattress head as the head support section moves to a high pressure in relation to the first support section.
25. 25. The mattress according to claim 24, characterized in that the first section of the mattress includes an air-fluidized module containing fluidizable material, the fluidized module which is connected to an air supply.
26. 26. The mattress according to claim 25, characterized in that the first support section also includes a non-fluidized, inflatable zone connected to the air supply.
27. 27. The mattress according to claim 24, characterized in that the head support includes at least one air cushion.
28. 28. The mattress according to claim 24, characterized in that the head support includes a set of air cushions pivoted to the base.
29. 29. The mattress according to claim 28, characterized in that it also comprises a second set of air cushions located above the air cushions pivoted to the base.
30. 30. A mattress, characterized in that it comprises: an outer cover formed from an air-permeable material, the outer cover which is configured to define an interior region and which has a support surface, upper; at least one fluidized support module with air located within the interior region of the mattress cover, the air fluidized module including a thrust chamber, a chamber located on the thrust chamber, and a fluidizable material located within the camera, the chamber that includes an upper surface, permeable to air; a connector coupled to the thrust chamber, the connector being configured to be coupled to an air supply to supply air to the thrust chamber and fluidize the fluidizable material located within the chamber; and a vent connector coupled to the outer cover in communication with the interior region of the cover, the vent connector which is configured to exhaust the air from the interior region of the cover.
31. 31. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises a fan coupled to the vent connector to assist in the removal of air from the interior region of the cover.
32. 32. The apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising a second connector coupled to the outer cover, the second connector which is configured to be coupled to an air supply, and a tube coupled between the second connector in the outer cover and the thrust chamber connector to supply air to the thrust chamber through the outer cover.
33. 33. The apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that it further comprises a heat exchanger coupled between the air supply and the second connector of the outer cover.
34. 34. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises a bladder of air located adjacent to the fluidized support module with air, and an air supply line extending through the air bladder, the supply line of air that is coupled to the connector to supply an air to the thrust chamber.
35. 35. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that a plurality of air cushions are also located within the interior region of the cover.
36. 36. The apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the plurality of air cushions are air-impermeable support cushions.
37. 37. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises an air quilt located on the upper surface of the cover.
38. 38. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that it also comprises a bladder of air located adjacent to the fluidized support module with air in the inner region of the cover, the air bladder that is formed to include a vent slot in communication with the vent connector
39. 39. The apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that it further comprises a tube having a plurality of holes coupled to the air bladder in communication with the vent slot, the tube that is coupled to the vent connector.
40. 40. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the fluidized module includes a base formed from an air-impermeable material, the base including a bottom surface and a side wall configured to define an interior region, a diffuser permeable to air located within the inner region of the base, the diffuser that engages the side wall of the base to define the chamber and the thrust chamber, and a plurality of deflectors coupled to the base, the deflectors located in the push camera. MATTRESS THAT HAS FLUIDIZED SECTIONS WITH AIR SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A mattress (10) includes an outer cover (12,18) formed from an air impermeable material. The outer cover (12,18) is configured to define an interior region and having an upper support surface (20). The mattress (10) also includes at least one air-fluidized support module (48,54), located between the interior region of the cover (12,18). The mattress (10) further includes a connector (68,94) coupled to the air fluidized support module (48,54), the connector (68,94) which is configured to be coupled to an air supply (58). The mattress (10) also includes a vent connector (165) coupled to the outer cover (12,18) in communication with the interior region of the cover (12,18). The exhaust connector (165) is configured to let air escape from the interior region of the cover (12,18).