US20140026325A1 - Adjustable Width Mattress - Google Patents
Adjustable Width Mattress Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140026325A1 US20140026325A1 US13/951,151 US201313951151A US2014026325A1 US 20140026325 A1 US20140026325 A1 US 20140026325A1 US 201313951151 A US201313951151 A US 201313951151A US 2014026325 A1 US2014026325 A1 US 2014026325A1
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- Prior art keywords
- width
- adjustable
- expansion
- mattress
- central portion
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/002—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
- A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
- A47C27/088—Fluid mattresses or cushions incorporating elastic bodies, e.g. foam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/0507—Side-rails
- A61G7/0512—Side-rails characterised by customised length
- A61G7/0515—Side-rails characterised by customised length covering the full bed length, e.g. from head board to foot board
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/05769—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers
- A61G7/05776—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers with at least two groups of alternately inflated chambers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
- A61G2200/10—Type of patient
- A61G2200/16—Type of patient bariatric, e.g. heavy or obese
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/104—Devices carried or supported by
- A61G7/1044—Stationary fixed means, e.g. fixed to a surface or bed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/1049—Attachment, suspending or supporting means for patients
- A61G7/1055—Suspended platforms, frames or sheets for patient in lying position
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to a mattress with an adjustable, variable width. More particularly, this invention relates to a mattress that provides a support surface suitable for use by an occupant wherein the width of the support surface may be changed.
- Mattresses are used to provide a cushioned support for an occupant of a bed.
- Beds are typically provided in one of several standard widths to accommodate different sizes and different numbers of occupants. Beds are commonly used in the healthcare industry to support patients.
- Healthcare beds are typically provided in one of different standard widths. A standard width bed is used for most applications while a bariatric bed may be used for obese patients requiring a larger support surface. Beds of different sizes require corresponding mattresses of different sizes. It would be advantageous to have a single mattress that could be used on different size beds.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension.
- the width dimension of the support surface may be varied.
- This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress with a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes a central portion that provides a portion of the support surface.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes an expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. An inward force applied to the expansion portion of the support surface in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes a first central portion that provides a portion of the support surface.
- the first central portion comprises an air cell containing a foam inflation structure.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes a second central portion that provides a portion of the support surface.
- the second central portion comprises an air cell containing a second foam inflation structure.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes first expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface.
- the first expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a first expansion foam inflation structure.
- the adjustable-width mattress includes a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface.
- the second expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a second expansion foam inflation structure.
- the first central portion is located between the second expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the first expansion portion.
- the second central portion is located between the first expansion portion and the first central portion, and is in fluid communication with the second expansion portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an expandable width mattress.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an schematic, cross-sectional view taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an overhead, schematic view of the mattress shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mattress shown in FIG. 1 , showing an optional top sheet.
- FIG. 6 is an end view of a first embodiment of an adjustable side rail.
- FIG. 7 is an end view of a second embodiment of an adjustable side rail.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a width expanding mattress.
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 8 , when the mattress is in a narrow configuration.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an expandable width mattress.
- FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the mattress of FIG. 10 in a narrow configuration.
- FIG. 12 is an overhead view of the mattress of FIG. 10 in an expanded configuration.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an expandable width mattress.
- FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress.
- FIG. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 10 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 has a length dimension 12 along a longitudinal axis 14 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 has a width dimension 16 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 .
- the length dimension 12 is greater than the width dimension 16 .
- the length dimension 12 and the width dimension 16 define the size of a support surface 18 of the adjustable width mattress 10 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 includes a central portion 20 .
- the central portion 20 provides at least a portion of the support surface 18 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 also includes a first expansion portion 22 and a second expansion portion 24 .
- the first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 each provide a portion of the support surface 18 .
- the first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 allow the width dimension 16 of the support surface 18 to be varied, as will be described in detail below.
- the first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 are located on opposed sides of the central portion 20 , but this is not necessary, and the adjustable width mattress may have fewer or more expansion portions that the two illustrated, if desired.
- the central portion 20 includes a central relatively air-impermeable envelope 26 that defines a central space 28 .
- a central foam support 30 is located in the central space 28 .
- the central foam support 30 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return the central portion 20 to an unloaded state, illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the central portion 20 may include air cells, springs, or other desired support mechanisms suitable to support an occupant.
- the first expansion portion 22 includes a first relatively air-impermeable envelope 32 that defines a first expansion space 34 .
- the first expansion space includes a first expansion foam 36 .
- the first expansion foam 36 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return the first expansion portion 22 to an unloaded state, illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the second expansion portion 24 includes a second relatively air-impermeable envelope 38 that defines a second expansion space 40 .
- the second expansion space 40 includes a second expansion foam 42 .
- the second expansion foam 42 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return the second expansion portion 24 to an unloaded state, illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 may be placed on a bed surface 44 for use.
- the bed includes side rails 46 and 48 that are attached to outer ends of the bed surface 44 and extend perpendicular to the bed surface 44 .
- the illustrated bed surface 44 is capable of being adjusted in the width dimension 16 to provide the bed surface 44 with different widths.
- the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in an outward direction 50 or an inward direction 52 .
- the illustrated bed surface 44 is configured so that the side rails 46 and 48 move simultaneously in either the outward direction 50 or the inward direction 52 .
- the central portion 20 is more resistant to being compressed than the first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 . Therefore, the first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 collapse, eventually reaching the disposition shown in FIG. 3 .
- the central portion 20 is more resistant to being compressed due to having a higher air to foam ratio within the central space 28 .
- the central portion 20 may be made more resistant to being compressed by other desired means, such as by making the central foam support 30 from a more rigid foam than the first expansion foam 36 and the second expansion foam 42 , or by providing structural reinforcement to the central portion 20 that resists force in the inward direction 52 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the adjustable width mattress 10 taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 , illustrating the adjustable width mattress 10 when the first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 are fully collapsed.
- the foam elements are not shown in FIG. 3 , for clarity.
- the support surface 18 has a second width dimension 16 that is smaller than a first width dimension (shown in FIG. 4 ). It should be appreciated that the width dimension 16 of the support surface 18 can vary while the length dimension 12 does not change.
- the adjustable width mattress 10 includes air channels 54 that allow fluid communication between the central space 28 and the first expansion space 34 , as well as between the central space 28 and the second expansion space 40 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 includes an air outlet 56 that allows fluid communication between the central space 28 and an external fluid reservoir 58 .
- the illustrated external fluid reservoir 58 is the ambient air surrounding the adjustable width mattress 10 .
- the air outlet 56 allows air to escape from the adjustable width mattress 10 when the compressive force is applied to the adjustable width mattress 10 so that the first expansion space 34 and the second expansion space 40 collapse.
- the air outlet 56 includes a relief valve 60 that may be used to set a target air pressure within the adjustable width mattress 10 .
- the relief valve 60 allows air to travel from the central space 28 to the external fluid reservoir 58 when the pressure in the central space 28 exceeds the target air pressure.
- FIG. 4 a view similar to that of FIG. 3 is shown when the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in the outward direction 50 .
- the compressive force is no longer applied to the adjustable width mattress 10 and the first expansion foam 36 and the second expansion foam 42 (shown in FIG. 2 ) have expanded to return the first expansion space 34 and the second expansion space 40 to their respective unloaded states.
- Air is drawn from the central space 28 into the first expansion space 34 and the second expansion space 40 through the air channels 54 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 includes an air inlet 62 that allows fluid communication between the central space 28 and the external fluid reservoir 58 . It should be appreciated that the air inlet 62 may provide fluid communication with a second external fluid reservoir (not shown) rather than the external fluid reservoir 58 , if desired.
- the air inlet 62 includes a check valve 64 that prevents air from escaping from the central space 28 through the air inlet 62 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 may include different air paths from those illustrated.
- the air inlet 62 and the air outlet 56 may be connected to a manifold (not shown) with air channels (not shown) such as tubing connected to the central space 28 , the first expansion space 34 , and the second expansion space 40 , if desired.
- the adjustable width mattress 10 includes an optional top sheet 66 .
- the top sheet 66 is attached to the side rails 46 and 48 by hook-and-loop fasteners at the location indicated at 68 (only the connection to side rail 48 is visible in FIG. 5 ).
- the top sheet 66 may be attached to the side rails 46 and 48 by other desired fasteners such as, for example, snaps, hooks, zippers, or clamps.
- the top sheet 66 may alternatively be attached to the side rails 46 and 48 using a relatively permanent attachment such as stitching or adhesives, if desired.
- the top sheet 66 is able to support the weight of the occupant 70 so that the weight of the occupant 70 may be temporarily removed from the support surface 18 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 may be better able to equalize pressure between the central space 28 , the first expansion space 34 , and the second expansion space 40 (shown in FIG. 2 ), for example, when the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in the outward direction 50 and in the inward direction 52 .
- FIG. 6 an end view of the adjustable air mattress 10 and side rails 46 and 48 is shown.
- the side rails 46 and 48 are shown in a raised position relative to the support surface 18 , as compared to a lowered position shown in FIG. 2 .
- the top sheet 66 creates a hammock-like support for the occupant 70 .
- the side rails 46 and 48 may be raised using an electric motor (not shown), a hydraulic system, a mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms. It should be appreciated that by providing the side rails 46 and 48 this mechanism allows an attendant to raise the side rails 46 and 48 even when a relatively large occupant 70 such as an obese person or bariatric patient is supported on the top sheet 66 .
- the adjustable width mattress 10 is shown with a second embodiment of an adjustable side rails.
- the second embodiment includes side rails 72 and 74 , which are shown in extended positions.
- the side rails 72 and 74 include wings 76 and 78 , respectively and the top sheet 66 is attached (as previously described) to the wings 76 and 78 .
- the wings 76 and 78 are rotated relative to the side rails 72 and 74 , respectively, to the illustrated extended positions and the top sheet 66 is pulled taut. This creates a hammock-like support for the occupant 70 and removes the weight of the occupant 70 from the support surface 18 .
- the wings 76 and 78 may be moved relative to the side rails 72 and 74 using an electric motor (not shown), a hydraulic system, a mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms.
- FIG. 7 illustrates one way in which the top sheet 66 may be drawn taut while the adjustable width mattress 10 is occupied by an occupant 70 .
- Other mechanisms to draw the top sheet 66 taut may be used, such as using a roller on one end of the top sheet 66 .
- the roller may be attached to a winch to facilitate use by a single attendant.
- the adjustable width mattress 80 includes a central portion, indicated generally at 82 , that includes pneumatically-separated first center air cells 84 and second center air cells 86 .
- the first center air cells 84 are in fluid communication with an external fluid reservoir 88 through a first air inlet 90 and a first air outlet 92 .
- the first center air cells 84 are pneumatically connected to a first expansion portion, indicated generally at 94 , by first air channels 96 .
- the second center air cells 86 are in fluid communication with the external fluid reservoir 88 through a second air inlet 98 and a second air outlet 100 .
- the second center air cells 86 are pneumatically connected to a second expansion portion, indicated generally at 102 , by second air channels 104 .
- the first expansion portion 94 includes a first outer cell 106 and a first inner cell 108 .
- the first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 each encapsulate a foam element 110 and 112 , respectively.
- the foam element 110 and the foam element 112 extend longitudinally along the length of the adjustable width mattress 80 , and occupy no more than half the cross-sectional space of the first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 , respectively.
- the first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 are attached to each other at a hinge line 114 .
- the first center air cells 84 are located between the second expansion portion 102 and the second center air cells 86 and the second center air cells 86 are located between the first expansion portion 94 and the first center air cells 84 .
- FIG. 9 a schematic, cross-sectional view of the adjustable width mattress 80 is shown when the adjustable width mattress 80 is in a narrow configuration.
- the hinge line 144 allows relative rotational movement between the first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 .
- the first outer cell 106 is folded along the hinge line 114 into a position closer to the central portion 82 . This partially collapses both the first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 , and causes air contained in the first inner cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 to travel to the first center air cell 84 through the first air channel 96 .
- both the first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 may occupy the space of a single cell when the air is displaced from both cells, as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the second expansion portion 102 includes components similar to the first expansion portion 94 , and will not be described separately.
- the first expansion portion 94 and the second expansion portion 102 may be inflated by rotating the occupant (not shown) from side to side. This alternates between apply a load to the first center air cells 84 forcing air into the first expansion portion 94 through the first air channel 96 , and the second center air cells 86 forcing air into the second expansion portion 102 through the second air channel 104 .
- the first center air cells 84 and the second center air cells 86 include foam inflation structures (not shown), and when the occupant's weight is removed from the first center air cells 84 , the foam inflation structure will cause air to be drawn into the first center air cells 84 through the first air inlet 90 .
- the second center air cells will inflate when the occupant's weight is removed.
- the first expansion portion 94 and the second expansion portion 102 will be pumped full of air.
- the first expansion portion 94 may include an air inlet (not shown) to allow an operator to inflate the first expansion portion 94 directly using an accessory pump or other pressurized air source.
- the second expansion portion 102 may share an air inlet with the first expansion portion 94 , if desired.
- the first expansion portion 94 may be moved to the narrow configuration (shown in FIG. 9 ) by the operator manually folding the first outer cell 106 against the first inner cell 108 .
- the first expansion portion 94 may include an air outlet (not shown) that allows the operator to use a vacuum to withdraw air from the first expansion portion 94 .
- the first outer cell 106 may be biased to fold so that the adjustable width mattress 80 is in the narrowed configuration shown in FIG. 9 .
- the first expansion portion 94 may then include an air outlet (not shown) that the operator may open in order to allow air to escape so that the first expansion portion 94 will move to the narrowed configuration.
- the biasing may be accomplished by any desired mechanism, such as a spring attached to a push plate, or by using a resilient material in the hinge line 114 .
- the adjustable width mattress 116 includes a longitudinally-alternating arrangement of lateral full-width air cells 118 and pairs of lateral half-width air cells 120 and 122 .
- the full-width air cells 118 are cylinders 8 inches in diameter.
- the half-width air cells 120 and 122 are cylinders 10 inches in diameter.
- the lateral full-width air cells 118 and the lateral half-width air cells 120 and 122 may be other desired sizes.
- the air pressure in the adjustable width mattress 116 is maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells 120 and 122 is approximately 80% of the air pressure in the full-width air cells 118 when the adjustable width mattress 116 is in a narrowed configuration shown in FIG. 10 .
- the difference in pressure between the full-width air cells 118 and the half-width air cells 120 and 122 may be some other desired value.
- FIG. 11 an overhead view of the adjustable width mattress 116 in the narrowed configuration is shown.
- the adjustable width mattress 116 has a length dimension 124 along a longitudinal axis 126 .
- the adjustable width mattress 116 has a width dimension 128 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126 .
- the length dimension 124 is greater than the width dimension 128 .
- FIG. 12 an overhead view of the adjustable width mattress 116 is shown in an expanded configuration. As shown, the pairs of half-width air cells 120 and 122 have been moved laterally outward relative to each other. When the adjustable width mattress 116 is in the expanded configuration, there is a central gap 130 between each of the pairs of half-width air cells 120 and 122 . The air pressure in the adjustable width mattress 116 is maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells 120 and 122 is approximately equal to the air pressure in the full-width air cells 118 when the adjustable width mattress 116 is in the expanded configuration.
- the adjustable width mattress 116 may include a stretchable or reconfigurable top sheet (not shown) to help distribute the weight of an occupant onto the air cells 118 , 120 , and 122 and across the relatively open areas including the gaps 130 . It should be appreciated that the dimensions detailed above are only one embodiment, and the air cells 118 , 120 , and 122 may have other desired sizes.
- the adjustable width mattress 132 includes a central portion, indicated generally at 134 .
- the central portion 134 includes pneumatically-separated first center air cells 136 and second center air cells 138 .
- the first center air cells 136 and second center air cells 138 include foam inflation elements (not shown) to allow the air cells to self-inflate when they are not loaded.
- the first center air cells 136 are pneumatically connected to a first expansion portion 140 by first air channels 142 .
- the second center air cells 136 are pneumatically connected to a second expansion portion 144 by second air channels 146 .
- the first expansion portion 140 and the second expansion portion 144 may be inflated by rotating an occupant of the adjustable width mattress 132 from side to side, alternatingly applying a load to the first center air cells 136 in order to inflate the first expansion portion 140 , and applying a load to the second center air cells 136 in order to inflate the second expansion portion 144 .
- the expansion portions may include air inlets and outlets (not shown) to allow an attendant to manually inflate or deflate the expansion portions.
- the adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a central portion indicated generally at 150 that includes a longitudinally-arranged series of laterally-extending air cells 152 .
- the adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a foam perimeter consisting of foam surround pieces 154 .
- the adjustable-width mattress 148 also includes a first expansion bladder 156 and a second expansion bladder 158 , which are located between the central portion 150 and the foam surround pieces 154 .
- the adjustable-width mattress 148 is supported by a bed (not shown).
- the bed includes a first side rail 160 and a second side rail 162 which are able to be moved in an inward direction 164 and an outward direction 166 .
- the adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a mattress controller (not shown).
- the mattress controller may be connected to a position sensor (not shown). Limit switches may be used to sense the relative positions of the side rails 160 and 162 and provide that information to the mattress controller.
- the mattress controller is able to regulate the air pressure in the first expansion bladder 156 and the second expansion bladder 158 . This allows the mattress controller to adjust the size of adjustable-width mattress 148 to correspond to the space between the side rails 160 and 162 .
- the mattress controller may include a manual interface to allow the attendant to direct the mattress controller to pressurize or vent the first expansion bladder 156 and the second expansion bladder 158 . This would be useful when the adjustable-width mattress 148 is installed on a bed frame that allows the width of the frame to be manually adjusted.
- FIG. 15 there is shown an exploded, perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at 168 .
- the adjustable-width mattress 168 is operates similarly to the previously-described adjustable-width mattress 148 (shown in FIG. 14 ).
- the adjustable-width mattress 168 includes a central expansion bladder 170 located between a first central portion 172 and a second central portion 174 .
- the mattresses described above are 36 inches wide in their most narrowed configuration, and 42 inches wide in their most expanded configuration. It should be appreciated that the sizes and relative pressures described above refer only to the embodiments shown, and other sizes and relative dimensions may be used if desired. Also, it should be appreciated that side rails described in connection with the adjustable-width mattress 10 may be used with any of the other described mattresses in order to assist an attendant with adjusting the width of the mattress.
- the mattresses described above may be paired with an adjustable-width bed so that the bed and mattress may both have their size adjusted. It is advantageous to be able to change the width of a bed. For example, a large bed may be narrowed to fit into a small space. Or a bed may be widened in order to accommodate a larger occupant.
- the mattresses described above allow the bed to be fitted with a single mattress that is usable with multiple different bed widths such as, for example, two or more bed widths, or any desired bed width between the maximum and the minimum mattress width.
- Some of the embodiments described above allow the width of the mattress to be changed without the need for external power. Additionally, some of the embodiments allow the width of the mattress to be changed without removing the occupant from the support surface. Also, these mattresses allow a single attendant to change the width of the mattress when this may otherwise be problematic for an attendant who is attempting to change the width of a bed occupied by an obese occupant.
Abstract
An adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,639, filed Jul. 25, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates in general to a mattress with an adjustable, variable width. More particularly, this invention relates to a mattress that provides a support surface suitable for use by an occupant wherein the width of the support surface may be changed.
- Mattresses are used to provide a cushioned support for an occupant of a bed. Beds are typically provided in one of several standard widths to accommodate different sizes and different numbers of occupants. Beds are commonly used in the healthcare industry to support patients. Healthcare beds are typically provided in one of different standard widths. A standard width bed is used for most applications while a bariatric bed may be used for obese patients requiring a larger support surface. Beds of different sizes require corresponding mattresses of different sizes. It would be advantageous to have a single mattress that could be used on different size beds.
- This invention relates to an adjustable-width mattress. The adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.
- This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress with a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The adjustable-width mattress includes a central portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The adjustable-width mattress includes an expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. An inward force applied to the expansion portion of the support surface in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.
- This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress with a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The adjustable-width mattress includes a first central portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The first central portion comprises an air cell containing a foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes a second central portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The second central portion comprises an air cell containing a second foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes first expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The first expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a first expansion foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The second expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a second expansion foam inflation structure. The first central portion is located between the second expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the first expansion portion. The second central portion is located between the first expansion portion and the first central portion, and is in fluid communication with the second expansion portion.
- Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an expandable width mattress. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an schematic, cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an overhead, schematic view of the mattress shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mattress shown inFIG. 1 , showing an optional top sheet. -
FIG. 6 is an end view of a first embodiment of an adjustable side rail. -
FIG. 7 is an end view of a second embodiment of an adjustable side rail. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a width expanding mattress. -
FIG. 9 is a view similar to that shown inFIG. 8 , when the mattress is in a narrow configuration. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an expandable width mattress. -
FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the mattress ofFIG. 10 in a narrow configuration. -
FIG. 12 is an overhead view of the mattress ofFIG. 10 in an expanded configuration. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an expandable width mattress. -
FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress. - Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 10. Theadjustable width mattress 10 has alength dimension 12 along alongitudinal axis 14. Theadjustable width mattress 10 has awidth dimension 16 that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 14. Thelength dimension 12 is greater than thewidth dimension 16. Thelength dimension 12 and thewidth dimension 16 define the size of asupport surface 18 of theadjustable width mattress 10. - The
adjustable width mattress 10 includes acentral portion 20. Thecentral portion 20 provides at least a portion of thesupport surface 18. Theadjustable width mattress 10 also includes afirst expansion portion 22 and asecond expansion portion 24. Thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24 each provide a portion of thesupport surface 18. Thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24 allow thewidth dimension 16 of thesupport surface 18 to be varied, as will be described in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24 are located on opposed sides of thecentral portion 20, but this is not necessary, and the adjustable width mattress may have fewer or more expansion portions that the two illustrated, if desired. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . Thecentral portion 20 includes a central relatively air-impermeable envelope 26 that defines acentral space 28. Acentral foam support 30 is located in thecentral space 28. Thecentral foam support 30 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return thecentral portion 20 to an unloaded state, illustrated inFIG. 2 . Alternatively, thecentral portion 20 may include air cells, springs, or other desired support mechanisms suitable to support an occupant. - The
first expansion portion 22 includes a first relatively air-impermeable envelope 32 that defines afirst expansion space 34. The first expansion space includes afirst expansion foam 36. Thefirst expansion foam 36 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return thefirst expansion portion 22 to an unloaded state, illustrated inFIG. 2 . Similarly, thesecond expansion portion 24 includes a second relatively air-impermeable envelope 38 that defines asecond expansion space 40. Thesecond expansion space 40 includes asecond expansion foam 42. Thesecond expansion foam 42 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return thesecond expansion portion 24 to an unloaded state, illustrated inFIG. 2 . - The
adjustable width mattress 10 may be placed on abed surface 44 for use. The bed includes side rails 46 and 48 that are attached to outer ends of thebed surface 44 and extend perpendicular to thebed surface 44. The illustratedbed surface 44 is capable of being adjusted in thewidth dimension 16 to provide thebed surface 44 with different widths. When the width of thebed surface 44 is changed, the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in anoutward direction 50 or aninward direction 52. The illustratedbed surface 44 is configured so that the side rails 46 and 48 move simultaneously in either theoutward direction 50 or theinward direction 52. When the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in theinward direction 52, the movement is resisted by theadjustable width mattress 10 and the side rails 46 and 48 apply a compressive force on theadjustable width mattress 10. Thecentral portion 20 is more resistant to being compressed than thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24. Therefore, thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24 collapse, eventually reaching the disposition shown inFIG. 3 . Thecentral portion 20 is more resistant to being compressed due to having a higher air to foam ratio within thecentral space 28. However, thecentral portion 20 may be made more resistant to being compressed by other desired means, such as by making thecentral foam support 30 from a more rigid foam than thefirst expansion foam 36 and thesecond expansion foam 42, or by providing structural reinforcement to thecentral portion 20 that resists force in theinward direction 52. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of theadjustable width mattress 10 taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 1 , illustrating theadjustable width mattress 10 when thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24 are fully collapsed. The foam elements are not shown inFIG. 3 , for clarity. As shown, when thefirst expansion portion 22 and thesecond expansion portion 24 are collapsed, thesupport surface 18 has asecond width dimension 16 that is smaller than a first width dimension (shown inFIG. 4 ). It should be appreciated that thewidth dimension 16 of thesupport surface 18 can vary while thelength dimension 12 does not change. Theadjustable width mattress 10 includesair channels 54 that allow fluid communication between thecentral space 28 and thefirst expansion space 34, as well as between thecentral space 28 and thesecond expansion space 40. When the compressive force is applied to theadjustable width mattress 10 so that thefirst expansion space 34 and thesecond expansion space 40 collapse, air is displaced from thefirst expansion space 34 and thesecond expansion space 40 into thecentral space 28 through theair channels 54. Theadjustable width mattress 10 includes anair outlet 56 that allows fluid communication between thecentral space 28 and anexternal fluid reservoir 58. The illustratedexternal fluid reservoir 58 is the ambient air surrounding theadjustable width mattress 10. Theair outlet 56 allows air to escape from theadjustable width mattress 10 when the compressive force is applied to theadjustable width mattress 10 so that thefirst expansion space 34 and thesecond expansion space 40 collapse. Theair outlet 56 includes arelief valve 60 that may be used to set a target air pressure within theadjustable width mattress 10. Therelief valve 60 allows air to travel from thecentral space 28 to theexternal fluid reservoir 58 when the pressure in thecentral space 28 exceeds the target air pressure. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , a view similar to that ofFIG. 3 is shown when the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in theoutward direction 50. The compressive force is no longer applied to theadjustable width mattress 10 and thefirst expansion foam 36 and the second expansion foam 42 (shown inFIG. 2 ) have expanded to return thefirst expansion space 34 and thesecond expansion space 40 to their respective unloaded states. Air is drawn from thecentral space 28 into thefirst expansion space 34 and thesecond expansion space 40 through theair channels 54. Theadjustable width mattress 10 includes anair inlet 62 that allows fluid communication between thecentral space 28 and theexternal fluid reservoir 58. It should be appreciated that theair inlet 62 may provide fluid communication with a second external fluid reservoir (not shown) rather than theexternal fluid reservoir 58, if desired. Theair inlet 62 includes acheck valve 64 that prevents air from escaping from thecentral space 28 through theair inlet 62. - Only one embodiment of fluid paths has been illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 . It should be appreciated that theadjustable width mattress 10 may include different air paths from those illustrated. For example, theair inlet 62 and theair outlet 56 may be connected to a manifold (not shown) with air channels (not shown) such as tubing connected to thecentral space 28, thefirst expansion space 34, and thesecond expansion space 40, if desired. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a perspective view of theadjustable width mattress 10 is shown. Theadjustable width mattress 10 includes anoptional top sheet 66. Thetop sheet 66 is attached to the side rails 46 and 48 by hook-and-loop fasteners at the location indicated at 68 (only the connection toside rail 48 is visible inFIG. 5 ). Alternatively, thetop sheet 66 may be attached to the side rails 46 and 48 by other desired fasteners such as, for example, snaps, hooks, zippers, or clamps. It should be appreciated that thetop sheet 66 may alternatively be attached to the side rails 46 and 48 using a relatively permanent attachment such as stitching or adhesives, if desired. Thetop sheet 66 is able to support the weight of theoccupant 70 so that the weight of theoccupant 70 may be temporarily removed from thesupport surface 18. By removing the weight of theoccupant 70 from thesupport surface 18 theadjustable width mattress 10 may be better able to equalize pressure between thecentral space 28, thefirst expansion space 34, and the second expansion space 40 (shown inFIG. 2 ), for example, when the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in theoutward direction 50 and in theinward direction 52. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , an end view of theadjustable air mattress 10 andside rails support surface 18, as compared to a lowered position shown inFIG. 2 . When the side rails 46 and 48 are in the raised position, thetop sheet 66 creates a hammock-like support for theoccupant 70. The side rails 46 and 48 may be raised using an electric motor (not shown), a hydraulic system, a mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms. It should be appreciated that by providing the side rails 46 and 48 this mechanism allows an attendant to raise the side rails 46 and 48 even when a relativelylarge occupant 70 such as an obese person or bariatric patient is supported on thetop sheet 66. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , theadjustable width mattress 10 is shown with a second embodiment of an adjustable side rails. The second embodiment includes side rails 72 and 74, which are shown in extended positions. The side rails 72 and 74 includewings top sheet 66 is attached (as previously described) to thewings wings top sheet 66 is pulled taut. This creates a hammock-like support for theoccupant 70 and removes the weight of theoccupant 70 from thesupport surface 18. Thewings - It should be appreciated that
FIG. 7 illustrates one way in which thetop sheet 66 may be drawn taut while theadjustable width mattress 10 is occupied by anoccupant 70. Other mechanisms to draw thetop sheet 66 taut may be used, such as using a roller on one end of thetop sheet 66. The roller may be attached to a winch to facilitate use by a single attendant. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a schematic, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 80, is shown. Theadjustable width mattress 80 includes a central portion, indicated generally at 82, that includes pneumatically-separated firstcenter air cells 84 and secondcenter air cells 86. The firstcenter air cells 84 are in fluid communication with anexternal fluid reservoir 88 through afirst air inlet 90 and afirst air outlet 92. The firstcenter air cells 84 are pneumatically connected to a first expansion portion, indicated generally at 94, byfirst air channels 96. The secondcenter air cells 86 are in fluid communication with theexternal fluid reservoir 88 through asecond air inlet 98 and asecond air outlet 100. The secondcenter air cells 86 are pneumatically connected to a second expansion portion, indicated generally at 102, bysecond air channels 104. Thefirst expansion portion 94 includes a firstouter cell 106 and a firstinner cell 108. The firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108 each encapsulate afoam element foam element 110 and thefoam element 112 extend longitudinally along the length of theadjustable width mattress 80, and occupy no more than half the cross-sectional space of the firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108, respectively. The firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108 are attached to each other at ahinge line 114. As shown, the firstcenter air cells 84 are located between thesecond expansion portion 102 and the secondcenter air cells 86 and the secondcenter air cells 86 are located between thefirst expansion portion 94 and the firstcenter air cells 84. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , a schematic, cross-sectional view of theadjustable width mattress 80 is shown when theadjustable width mattress 80 is in a narrow configuration. Thehinge line 144 allows relative rotational movement between the firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108. As shown, the firstouter cell 106 is folded along thehinge line 114 into a position closer to thecentral portion 82. This partially collapses both the firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108, and causes air contained in the firstinner cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108 to travel to the firstcenter air cell 84 through thefirst air channel 96. It should be appreciated that since the firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108 each occupy no more than half the cross-sectional space of the cells, both the firstouter cell 106 and the firstinner cell 108 may occupy the space of a single cell when the air is displaced from both cells, as shown inFIG. 9 . Thesecond expansion portion 102 includes components similar to thefirst expansion portion 94, and will not be described separately. - When the
adjustable width mattress 80 is in the narrow configuration shown inFIG. 9 , thefirst expansion portion 94 and thesecond expansion portion 102 may be inflated by rotating the occupant (not shown) from side to side. This alternates between apply a load to the firstcenter air cells 84 forcing air into thefirst expansion portion 94 through thefirst air channel 96, and the secondcenter air cells 86 forcing air into thesecond expansion portion 102 through thesecond air channel 104. The firstcenter air cells 84 and the secondcenter air cells 86 include foam inflation structures (not shown), and when the occupant's weight is removed from the firstcenter air cells 84, the foam inflation structure will cause air to be drawn into the firstcenter air cells 84 through thefirst air inlet 90. Similarly, the second center air cells will inflate when the occupant's weight is removed. Thus, as the occupant is rocked back and forth on theadjustable width mattress 80, thefirst expansion portion 94 and thesecond expansion portion 102 will be pumped full of air. Alternatively, thefirst expansion portion 94 may include an air inlet (not shown) to allow an operator to inflate thefirst expansion portion 94 directly using an accessory pump or other pressurized air source. Thesecond expansion portion 102 may share an air inlet with thefirst expansion portion 94, if desired. - When the
adjustable width mattress 80 is in the configuration shown inFIG. 8 , thefirst expansion portion 94 may be moved to the narrow configuration (shown inFIG. 9 ) by the operator manually folding the firstouter cell 106 against the firstinner cell 108. Alternatively, thefirst expansion portion 94 may include an air outlet (not shown) that allows the operator to use a vacuum to withdraw air from thefirst expansion portion 94. Alternatively, the firstouter cell 106 may be biased to fold so that theadjustable width mattress 80 is in the narrowed configuration shown inFIG. 9 . Thefirst expansion portion 94 may then include an air outlet (not shown) that the operator may open in order to allow air to escape so that thefirst expansion portion 94 will move to the narrowed configuration. The biasing may be accomplished by any desired mechanism, such as a spring attached to a push plate, or by using a resilient material in thehinge line 114. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , a second alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 116, is shown. Theadjustable width mattress 116 includes a longitudinally-alternating arrangement of lateral full-width air cells 118 and pairs of lateral half-width air cells width air cells 118 are cylinders 8 inches in diameter. The half-width air cells cylinders 10 inches in diameter. Alternatively, the lateral full-width air cells 118 and the lateral half-width air cells adjustable width mattress 116 is maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells width air cells 118 when theadjustable width mattress 116 is in a narrowed configuration shown inFIG. 10 . Alternatively, the difference in pressure between the full-width air cells 118 and the half-width air cells FIG. 11 , an overhead view of theadjustable width mattress 116 in the narrowed configuration is shown. Theadjustable width mattress 116 has alength dimension 124 along alongitudinal axis 126. Theadjustable width mattress 116 has awidth dimension 128 that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 126. Thelength dimension 124 is greater than thewidth dimension 128. - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , an overhead view of theadjustable width mattress 116 is shown in an expanded configuration. As shown, the pairs of half-width air cells adjustable width mattress 116 is in the expanded configuration, there is acentral gap 130 between each of the pairs of half-width air cells adjustable width mattress 116 is maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells width air cells 118 when theadjustable width mattress 116 is in the expanded configuration. Theadjustable width mattress 116 may include a stretchable or reconfigurable top sheet (not shown) to help distribute the weight of an occupant onto theair cells gaps 130. It should be appreciated that the dimensions detailed above are only one embodiment, and theair cells - Referring to
FIG. 13 , a third alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 132, is shown. Theadjustable width mattress 132 includes a central portion, indicated generally at 134. Thecentral portion 134 includes pneumatically-separated firstcenter air cells 136 and secondcenter air cells 138. The firstcenter air cells 136 and secondcenter air cells 138 include foam inflation elements (not shown) to allow the air cells to self-inflate when they are not loaded. The firstcenter air cells 136 are pneumatically connected to afirst expansion portion 140 byfirst air channels 142. The secondcenter air cells 136 are pneumatically connected to asecond expansion portion 144 bysecond air channels 146. Thefirst expansion portion 140 and thesecond expansion portion 144 may be inflated by rotating an occupant of theadjustable width mattress 132 from side to side, alternatingly applying a load to the firstcenter air cells 136 in order to inflate thefirst expansion portion 140, and applying a load to the secondcenter air cells 136 in order to inflate thesecond expansion portion 144. Alternatively, the expansion portions may include air inlets and outlets (not shown) to allow an attendant to manually inflate or deflate the expansion portions. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , there is shown an exploded, perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at 148. The adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a central portion indicated generally at 150 that includes a longitudinally-arranged series of laterally-extendingair cells 152. The adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a foam perimeter consisting offoam surround pieces 154. The adjustable-width mattress 148 also includes afirst expansion bladder 156 and asecond expansion bladder 158, which are located between thecentral portion 150 and thefoam surround pieces 154. In normal use, the adjustable-width mattress 148 is supported by a bed (not shown). The bed includes afirst side rail 160 and asecond side rail 162 which are able to be moved in aninward direction 164 and anoutward direction 166. - The adjustable-
width mattress 148 includes a mattress controller (not shown). The mattress controller may be connected to a position sensor (not shown). Limit switches may be used to sense the relative positions of the side rails 160 and 162 and provide that information to the mattress controller. The mattress controller is able to regulate the air pressure in thefirst expansion bladder 156 and thesecond expansion bladder 158. This allows the mattress controller to adjust the size of adjustable-width mattress 148 to correspond to the space between the side rails 160 and 162. The mattress controller may include a manual interface to allow the attendant to direct the mattress controller to pressurize or vent thefirst expansion bladder 156 and thesecond expansion bladder 158. This would be useful when the adjustable-width mattress 148 is installed on a bed frame that allows the width of the frame to be manually adjusted. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , there is shown an exploded, perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at 168. The adjustable-width mattress 168 is operates similarly to the previously-described adjustable-width mattress 148 (shown inFIG. 14 ). However, the adjustable-width mattress 168 includes acentral expansion bladder 170 located between a firstcentral portion 172 and a secondcentral portion 174. - Generally, the mattresses described above are 36 inches wide in their most narrowed configuration, and 42 inches wide in their most expanded configuration. It should be appreciated that the sizes and relative pressures described above refer only to the embodiments shown, and other sizes and relative dimensions may be used if desired. Also, it should be appreciated that side rails described in connection with the adjustable-
width mattress 10 may be used with any of the other described mattresses in order to assist an attendant with adjusting the width of the mattress. - It should be appreciated that the mattresses described above may be paired with an adjustable-width bed so that the bed and mattress may both have their size adjusted. It is advantageous to be able to change the width of a bed. For example, a large bed may be narrowed to fit into a small space. Or a bed may be widened in order to accommodate a larger occupant. The mattresses described above allow the bed to be fitted with a single mattress that is usable with multiple different bed widths such as, for example, two or more bed widths, or any desired bed width between the maximum and the minimum mattress width.
- Some of the embodiments described above allow the width of the mattress to be changed without the need for external power. Additionally, some of the embodiments allow the width of the mattress to be changed without removing the occupant from the support surface. Also, these mattresses allow a single attendant to change the width of the mattress when this may otherwise be problematic for an attendant who is attempting to change the width of a bed occupied by an obese occupant.
- It should be appreciated that embodiments describe how to provide a variable width mattress, and that these embodiments may be modified to provide a variable length mattress, if desired.
- The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (20)
1. An adjustable-width mattress comprising:
a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension, wherein the width dimension of the support surface may be varied.
2. The adjustable width mattress of claim 1 , wherein the support surface has a first width dimension when in an unloaded state, and has a second width dimension when the mattress is subject to an inward force applied in a direction parallel to the width dimension, the first width dimension being greater than the second width dimension.
3. The adjustable width mattress of claim 2 , wherein the length dimension of the support surface when the support surface has the first width dimension is the same as the length dimension of the support surface when the support surface has the second width dimension.
4. The adjustable width mattress of claim 2 , wherein the first width is approximately 42 inches and the second width is approximately 36 inches.
5. An adjustable-width mattress comprising:
a support surface having a length dimension along a longitudinal axis and a width dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension;
a central portion that provides a portion of the support surface;
an expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface;
wherein an inward force applied to the expansion portion in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.
6. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 5 , wherein when the inward force is removed the expansion portion expands to an unloaded state.
7. The adjustable width mattress of claim 5 , the expansion portion comprising an air cell containing an expansion foam, wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion portion when the expansion portion collapses.
8. The adjustable width mattress of claim 7 , the central portion comprising an air cell that is in fluid communication with the expansion portion, wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion portion into the central portion when the expansion portion collapses.
9. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 7 , further comprising a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the second expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a second expansion foam, wherein an inward force applied to the second expansion portion in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the second expansion to collapse and air is displaced from the second expansion portion so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.
10. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 9 , wherein the expansion portion and the second expansion portion are located on opposed sides of the central portion.
11. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 10 , the central portion comprising an air cell that is in fluid communication with the expansion portion and in fluid communication with the second expansion portion;
wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion portion into the central portion when the expansion portion collapses, and fluid is displaced from the second expansion portion into the central portion when the second expansion portion collapses
12. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 11 , further comprising an air inlet that allows fluid from an external fluid reservoir into the central portion;
an air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure in the central portion exceeds a target pressure.
13. An adjustable-width mattress comprising:
a support surface having a length dimension along a longitudinal axis and a width dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension;
a first central portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the first central portion comprising an air cell containing a foam inflation structure;
a second central portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the second central portion comprising an air cell containing a second foam inflation structure;
a first expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the first expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a first expansion foam inflation structure; and
a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the second expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a second expansion foam inflation structure;
wherein the first central portion is located between the second expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the first expansion portion; and
the second central portion is located between the first expansion portion and the first central portion, and is in fluid communication with the second expansion portion.
14. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 13 , wherein the first central portion is in fluid communication with an external fluid reservoir, the second central portion is in fluid communication with the external fluid reservoir, and the first central portion is not in fluid communication with the second central portion.
15. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 14 , further comprising:
a first air inlet that allows fluid from the external fluid reservoir into the first central portion;
a first air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the first central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure in the first central portion exceeds a target pressure;
a second air inlet that allows fluid from the external fluid reservoir into the second central portion;
a second air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the second central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure in the second central portion exceeds a second target pressure;
16. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 15 , wherein the target pressure has the same value as the second target pressure.
17. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 15 , wherein in the first expansion portion comprises a first outer cell that encapsulates a foam element that occupies no more than half the cross-sectional space of the first outer cell and a first inner cell that encapsulates a foam element that occupies no more than half the cross-sectional space of the first inner cell.
18. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 17 , wherein the first outer cell and the first inner cell are connected by a hinge that allows relative rotational movement between the first outer cell and the first inner cell.
19. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 18 , wherein when the first outer cell is rotated about the hinge relative to the first inner cell, both the first outer cell and the first inner cell are at least partially collapsed.
20. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 19 , wherein when the first outer cell and the first inner cell are at least partially collapsed air contained in the first inner cell and the first inner cell to travel to the first center air cell.
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2013
- 2013-07-25 DK DK13822231.0T patent/DK2877058T3/en active
- 2013-07-25 US US13/951,151 patent/US20140026325A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-07-25 PL PL13822231T patent/PL2877058T3/en unknown
- 2013-07-25 ES ES13822231T patent/ES2711955T3/en active Active
- 2013-07-25 EP EP13822231.0A patent/EP2877058B1/en active Active
- 2013-07-25 TR TR2019/02451T patent/TR201902451T4/en unknown
- 2013-07-25 WO PCT/US2013/052070 patent/WO2014018758A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-07-25 EP EP18210777.1A patent/EP3530250B1/en active Active
- 2013-07-25 ES ES18210777T patent/ES2900556T3/en active Active
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Cited By (30)
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US9381125B2 (en) | 2012-03-02 | 2016-07-05 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support |
US8997282B2 (en) * | 2012-05-10 | 2015-04-07 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed with a powered width expansion wing |
US20130298331A1 (en) * | 2012-05-10 | 2013-11-14 | Robert Bossingham | Bed with a Powered Width Expansion Wing |
US20220287895A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2022-09-15 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Belt driven width expansion of a bed |
US9763840B2 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2017-09-19 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed having rack and pinion powered width expansion |
US20160038360A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2016-02-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed having rack and pinion powered width expansion |
US11376177B2 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2022-07-05 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Powered width expansion of articulated bed deck |
US10799407B2 (en) * | 2013-06-15 | 2020-10-13 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Variable width person support system and control system therefor |
US10130536B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2018-11-20 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US10188569B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2019-01-29 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US11285061B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2022-03-29 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US11865056B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2024-01-09 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US11419776B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2022-08-23 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US10716722B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2020-07-21 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US10842694B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2020-11-24 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US10426680B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2019-10-01 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Air bladder control of mattress/frame width expansion |
US10660809B2 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2020-05-26 | Stryker Corporation | Telescoping assembly for use on a patient support apparatus |
US11554064B2 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2023-01-17 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus having a telescoping assembly |
US11540963B2 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2023-01-03 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus having an extension |
US10463554B2 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2019-11-05 | Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. | Adjustable width user support |
US10842701B2 (en) | 2016-10-14 | 2020-11-24 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus with stabilization |
US11013650B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2021-05-25 | Stryker Corporation | Patient transport apparatus with movable head section |
US11559449B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2023-01-24 | Stryker Corporation | Patient transport apparatus with movable head section |
US11801180B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2023-10-31 | Stryker Corporation | Patient transport apparatus with movable head section |
US11484450B2 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2022-11-01 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus having bearing arrangement for deck extension assembly |
US11806291B2 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2023-11-07 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus having bearing arrangement for deck extension assembly |
US11484449B2 (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2022-11-01 | Stryker Corporation | Support apparatus for bariatric person |
CN110859716A (en) * | 2019-12-16 | 2020-03-06 | 广东名派家具有限公司 | Multifunctional sickbed |
US20230338212A1 (en) * | 2021-06-03 | 2023-10-26 | Hhc Changzhou Corporation | Nursing bed with side rails movable between stowed and deployed positions |
CN115363376A (en) * | 2022-09-13 | 2022-11-22 | 慕思健康睡眠股份有限公司 | Adjustable mattress |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3530250B1 (en) | 2021-09-22 |
EP3530250A1 (en) | 2019-08-28 |
ES2711955T3 (en) | 2019-05-08 |
TR201902451T4 (en) | 2019-03-21 |
EP2877058A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 |
PL2877058T3 (en) | 2019-06-28 |
DK2877058T3 (en) | 2019-03-18 |
WO2014018758A1 (en) | 2014-01-30 |
ES2900556T3 (en) | 2022-03-17 |
EP2877058B1 (en) | 2018-12-12 |
EP2877058A4 (en) | 2016-04-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JOERNS HEALTHCARE, LLC, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GUTHRIE, BRIAN L.;REEL/FRAME:030881/0898 Effective date: 20130724 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |