WO2001087220A1

WO2001087220A1 - A support device

Info

Publication number: WO2001087220A1
Application number: PCT/SE2001/001119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jyrki Anslin
Original assignee: Jyrki Anslin
Priority date: 2000-05-18
Filing date: 2001-05-18
Publication date: 2001-11-22
Also published as: SE0001845D0; SE0001845L; SE516985C2

Abstract

The invention refers to a support device intended to be arranged on a base member (1), such as a mattress, a bunk or a bed. The support device comprises an inflatable portion (2) arranged to take an inflated state in order to lift a person resting upon the inflatable portion (2). The inflatable portion (2) comprises at least one opening for the supply and evacuation respectively of an inflation medium, and a recess (7) and a support surfaces (8) provided around the recess for supporting the person. The recess (7) is, in the inflated state of the inflatable portion (2), defined by a wall portion (9) and arranged to permit the introduction therein of a bowl-shaped element (10) below the person. The support device comprises a support element (20) extending along the wall portion (8) of the recess and is arranged to support the introduceable, bowl-shaped element (10) when it is introduced into the recess.

Description

A support device

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to a support device according to the preamble of claim 1 . Such a support device is disclosed in SE-C- 512 063.

According to prior art, a plurality of such support devices are known, these particularly being arranged to permit the insertion of a bowl or the like below a person resting on the support device in order to permit said person to relieve himself or herself by means of said bowl and with support of the inflatable portion on which the person may lie or sit. In particular, such devices are provided to be used in the medical service where the persons being treated often have substantial difficulties in moving themselves in order to relieve themselves, and where, accordingly, it is up to the personnel to move and position such patients, which are often bound to their beds, in order to make them able to relieve themselves in a bowl, a so called basin, which in its turn is positioned on the bed. Known support devices, for instance the ones disclosed in US-A-1 343 357 and US-A-4 207 633, comprise a recess in the inflatable portion, into which recess the bowl, that is the basin, may be brought into a position below a person resting on the inflatable portion and lifted by the latter as it is in its inflated state. Thereby, an important advantage is obtained, as the personnel is relieved from heavy lift operations that would otherwise be necessary in order to position persons or patients correctly on the basin. Moreover, the inflatable portion gives a comfortable support to the patient as the latter is lying or sitting on the basin and is to relieve himself or herself. This aspect is also important in order to provide for the physical and psychological health of the patient. When the inflatable portion is in its evacuated state, it is desired that the support device is positioned as plane and even as possible along the surface of the base member, in order to avoid the person or the patient from experiencing any discomfort due to the presence of the support device. Support devices according to prior art take this into consideration by being formed by relatively thin layers of a material that enables them to better follow the outer shape presented by the base member as the patient takes different positions thereon, see for instance the above mentioned SE-C-512 063.

One problem with such known inflatable support devices is that the introduceable bowl does not receive a sufficiently stable and reliable support in the recess, especially if the patient is moving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to remedy the problems mentioned above and to provide a support device which, in an inflated state, permits a easy and convenient introduction of the bowl-shaped element, and offers a sufficient support for the bowl- shaped element when it is introduced into the recess.

This object is obtained by a support device of the type initially defined, which is characterised in that it comprises a support element, which extends along the wall portion of the recess and is arranged support the introduceable, bowl-shaped element when it is introduced into the recess. By such a support element, the bowl- shaped element may be guided in an advantageous manner when it is introduced into the recess. Furthermore, such a support element offers a support for the introduced bowl-shaped element even if the patient is moving. By the support device according to the invention, the bowl-shaped element, or a so called basin, may be positioned beneath the patient by a single assisting person. Also after the bowl-shaped element has been removed from it position of use, the embodiment is advantageous since cleaning of the patient may take place via the recess and the patient does not need to be moved further for the cleaning proper.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the support element has an inner space and is inflatable by the supply of an inflation medium to the inner space. Such a support element has a plurality of advantages. It offers a very rigid support for the bowl-shaped element. It may be manufactured in an easy manner, and the size of the support element may in an easy manner be adapted to the existing need. When the support device is not used and thus is in a non-inflated or evacuated state, the support element will have the same low height as the inflatable portion, and will consequently not irritate the patient.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support element is connected to the inflatable portion via a connection portion. Thereby, the inner space of the support element may communicate with the inner space of the inflatable portion via at least one passage, which is arranged to permit transport of said inflation medium. In such a way, the support element will be inflated in the same inflation operation as the inflatable portion. Advantageously, said passage extends through the connection portion.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support element is arranged to support the bowl-shaped element in a substantially vertical direction. Thereby, the bowl-shaped element may advantageously comprise a flange extending outwardly, wherein the support element is arranged to support the bowl- shaped element via said flange in such a way that the flange rests against the support element. Preferably, the support element projects from the wall portion of the recess. As an alternative or a complement thereto, the support element may also be arranged to support the bowl-shaped element laterally, that is in a substantially horizontal direction. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support element extends along a curved path along substantially the whole recess.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises an upper layer and a lower layer, which are connected to each other substantially along their respective periphery and along a substantial part of said connection portion for forming the inflatable portion and the support element. In such a way, the support device may be manufactured in an easy manner, wherein the support element is obtained by means of a few further measures. Thereby, the upper layer and the lower layer are, along said connection portion, connected to each other by melting.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises a cover layer, which is arranged to extend between the inflatable portion and the base member and to which the inflatable portion is connected. Advantageously, the inflatable portion may be connected to the cover layer only along certain parts of its periphery. The cover layer may also be arranged to extend in such a manner that it forms a support surface for the bowl-shaped element when it is introduced into the recess.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the inflatable portion comprises a lateral projection, which is arranged to project beyond a lateral edge of the base member and onto which said opening is provided.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises means for attaching the inflatable portion to the base member. Thereby, it is ensured that the patient resting on the support device is given a relatively rigid support while he or she is lifted by the support device when the latter is in its inflated state. This aspect is important for the person concerned as well as for the assisting personnel in order to permit them to take the measures required in an easy manner and with a high precision when the patient is to relieve himself by the use of the device according to the invention. Advantageously, the cover layer and the attachment means form a continuous layer onto which the inflatable portion is attached. The attachment means may that connection be provided to extend around the base member. A very simple construction is then obtained, which principally merely consists of the inflatable portion and a band or a surface, onto which said portion is attached.

Further features and advantages of the support device according to the invention will be evident from the following description and from the rest of the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The support device according to the invention is now to be described more closely in an exemplifying but not limiting manner with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

Fig 1 is a perspective view of the support device arranged on a bed,

Fig 2 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig 1 , but with the inflatable portion of the device in an inflated state, Fig 3 is a view from above of the support device according to the invention, Fig 4 is a view of from above of the support device according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support device,

Fig 6 is a view according to Fig 5, but with the inflatable portion in an inflated state, and Fig 7 is a cross-sectional view through the support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the figures, an embodiment of the support device according to the invention is shown, said device being provided to be arranged on a base member 1 , which might be a mattress, a bunk or, as in this case, a bed. The support device comprises an inflatable portion 2, provided to be in an inflated state in order to lift a person resting on the inflatable portion 2.

The inflatable portion 2 is provided to extend to at least one lateral edge 3 of the base member 1. At this end of the inflatable portion, it comprises a lateral projection 4 provided to project beyond the lateral edge 3 of the base member 1 and at which an inlet opening 5 and an outlet opening 6 are arranged. The lateral projection 4 extends, amongst other, from considerations of space, only along a part of the side of the inflatable portion 2 from which it projects. However, it could as well be arranged along a greater part or along all of this side. In the embodiment disclosed, the lateral projection 4 is provided at the upper end along the side of the inflatable portion. However, the lateral projection 4 may advantageously be provided along the side between the two ends, preferably substantially in the centre between the ends, see Fig 4.

In practice, the lateral projection 4 forms a part of the inflatable portion 2 and is, likewise the latter, inflatable. In the evacuated state the lateral projection 4 will, as can be seen in Fig 2, hang down over the lateral edge 3 of the base member 1 . It is thus efficiently avoided that a person resting on the support device will run the risk of lying on the irregularities formed in the region of the inlet opening 5 and the outlet opening 6. In its inflated state, the lateral projection 4 will project out from the lateral edge 3 of the base member 1 more than in its evacuated state, and especially extend substantially straight outwardly from the inflatable portion 2.

Moreover, the inflatable portion 2 comprises a recess 7 and support surfaces 8 provided around the recess 7 for the person resting thereupon. The recess 7 extends from one side of the inflatable portion 2 and forms a lateral recess. The recess 7 is defined by a wall portion 9 of the inflatable portion 2. The support surfaces 8 continue in the embodiment disclosed substantially continuously into the wall portion 8. The recess 7 is arranged to permit an insertion therein of a bowl-shaped element 10 beneath the person by the inflated state of the inflatable portion 2. The bowl-shaped element 10 may be a bowl or a so called basin of the type used in the medical service. In the following this element is mentioned the bowl 10. Moreover, in the medical service, a so called pull sheet is normally used, said sheet extending over the support device and being stretched around the base member 1. In connection to the inflation of the inflatable portion 2, the pull sheet is loosened in order to permit the inflation of the portion 2, and it is pressed down into the recess 7 in order to permit the positioning therein of the bowl-shaped element 10. As appears from Fig 6, the bowl 10 includes an upper edge portion, which forms a flange 1 1 extending outwardly from the bowl 10.

The inflatable portion 2 is via a conduit 12 connected to a source for an inflation medium (not disclosed). The conduit 12 is connected to the inlet opening 5 and permits the inflation medium to flow from the source into an inner space 13 of the inflatable portion 2. Furthermore, the conduit 12 comprises connection member 14 for the detachment from the source for the inflation medium. In addition, the device comprises a valve member 15, in the form of a one-way valve, which is provided in the conduit 12 anywhere along the distance of the conduit 12 extending from the area of the inlet opening 5 to the connection member 14. Moreover, the device comprises a evacuation valve, which is not more closely disclosed and which is provided in connection to the outlet opening 6. The evacuation valve comprises an over pressure regulator arranged to open the valve when the pressure in the inner space 13 of the inflatable portion 2 reaches a predetermined value. The evacuation valve also comprises means, not disclosed, for manually opening the outlet opening 6.

In the embodiments disclosed, the support element 20 has a relatively small width in relation to the support surfaces 8 of the inflatable portion 2 seen in a view from above. However, it is possible, within the scope of the invention, to let the width of the support element 20 be substantially larger in relation to the width of the support surfaces 8. For instance, the support element 20 may have a width which is approximately equal to the width of the support portion 8 of the inflatable portion 2 outside the support element 20. Advantageously but not necessarily, the support element 20 has substantially the same width along the whole extension along the recess 7.

Furthermore, the support device comprises a support element 20, which extends along the wall portion 9 of the recess 7. The support element 20 extends along a curved path along substantially the whole recess 7 and projects from the wall portion 9 of the recess 7. The support element 20 has an inner space 21 and is inflatable by the supply of an inflation medium to the inner space 21. In the inflated state, the support element 20 has a substantially circular cross-section, see Fig 7, and in the evacuated state, a substantially flat cross-section, see Fig 5. In the embodiment disclosed, the support element 20 is connected to the inflatable portion 2 via a connection portion 22. The inner space 21 of the support element 20 communicates with the inner space 13 of the inflatable portion 2 via four passages 23, which are arranged to permit transport of said inflation medium into the inner space 21 from the inner space 13, and out of the inner space 21 into the inner space 13. The passages 23 extend, in the embodiment disclosed, through the connection portion 22. Of course, it is also possible to provide separate passages outside the connection portion 22 between the two inner spaces 13 and 21 , or directly between the inner space 21 and the source mentioned above. It is to be noted that the support device may comprise less or more such passages 23, for instance 1 , 2, 3, 5, 6, etc. such passages 23. One or both passages 23 provided in the proximity of the outer ends of the support element 20 may be positioned in such a way that they extend to a respective outer end, see Fig 4.

The support element 20 is arranged to support the bowl 10 when it is introduced in the recess 7 and also guide the introduction of the bowl 10 in the recess 7. More particularly, the support element 20 is arranged to support the bowl 10 in a substantially vertical direction. The support element 20 then supports the bowl 10 via said flange 1 1 in such a way that the flange 1 1 rests against the support element 20. The support element 20 also supports the bowl 10 laterally, that is in a substantially horizontal direction.

The inflatable portion 2 is, along two opposite, parallel ends 26, 27 thereof, connected to a cover layer 28, which is arranged to extend between the base member 1 and the inflatable portion 2. The ends 26, 27 along which the joint between the cover layer 28 and the inflatable portion 2 extends run in a direction, which is arranged to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base member 1 . From the region of these ends 26, 27, attachment means 29, 30 extend, which are intended to be stretched around the base member 1 in order to fix the support device in relation to the base member 1. The attachment means 29, 30 are provided with attachment members 31 , 32 in order to be connected to each other while at the same time forming a loop running around the base member 1 . The attachment members 31 , 32 suitably comprise a Velcro connection.

In the embodiment shown, the cover layer 28 and the attachment means 29, 30 are formed by a single band or a single carpet onto which, accordingly, the inflatable portion 2 is attached by means of joints extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the carpet, that is along the ends 26, 27. Along each end there is, preferably, a number of joints, which extend along a small part of the length of the ends 26, 27. Here, the inflatable portion 2 is positioned at the middle of the length of the carpet, but it could as well be arranged in the region of any of the ends thereof. The inflatable portion 2 extends substantially over the total width of the carpet. This construction has the particular advantage of being very simple while at the same time guaranteeing a very stable support for a person resting thereon during the inflated state, and not being found inconvenient or irritating to lie upon when being in its evacuated state. The inflatable portion 2, the lateral projection 4, the support element 20, the cover layer 28 and the attachment means 29, 20 are made of a flexible material, here a polymer material. The inflatable portion 2, the lateral projection 4 and the support element 20 comprise a common upper layer 34 of said material and a common lower layer 35 of said material. The two layers 34, 35 have a substantially identical shape and are overlapping each other. The two layers 34, 35 are connected to each other through a joint, e.g. a glue joint, melting etc., running along the respective outer periphery of the layers 34, 35 and along the said connection portion 22.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. For example, the support device may be dimensioned so as to extend over a larger or smaller part of the length of the base member 1. When the base member 1 is formed by a bed divided into three portions in its longitudinal direction, as is often the case in the medical service, the support device preferably has such an extension that it only extends over one of these portions, suitably the intermediate portion.

Claims

1. A support device intended to be arranged on a base member (1 ), such as a mattress, bunk or bed, and comprising an inflatable portion (2) arranged to be in an inflated state for lifting a person resting on said inflatable portion, wherein the inflatable portion comprises at least one opening (5, 6) for the supply and evacuation of an inflation medium, wherein the inflatable portion (2) comprises a recess (7) and support surfaces (8) arranged around the recess and for supporting the person, wherein the recess (7) in the inflated state of the inflatable portion (2) is defined by a wall portion (9) and arranged to permit the introduction therein of a bowl-shaped element (10) below the person, characterised in that the support device comprises a support element (20), which extends along the wall portion (9) of the recess (7) and is arranged support the introduceable, bowl-shaped element (10) when it is introduced into the recess.

2. A support device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the support element (20) has an inner space (21 ) and is inflatable by the supply of an inflation medium to the inner space.

3. A support device according any one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the support element (20) is connected to the inflatable portion (2) via a connection portion (22).

4. A support device according to claim 3, characterised in that the inner space (21 ) of the support element (20) communicates with an inner space (13) of the inflatable portion (2) via at least one passage (23), which is arranged to permit transport of said inflation medium.

5. A support device according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that said passage (23) extends through the connection portion (22).

6. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (20) is arranged to support the bowl-shaped element (10) in a substantially vertical direction.

7. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bowl-shaped element (10) comprises a flange (1 1 ) extending outwardly, characterised in that the support element (20) is arranged to support the bowl-shaped element (10) via said flange (1 1 ) in such a way that the flange rests against the support element (20).

8. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (20) projects from the wall portion (8) of the recess (7).

9. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (20) is arranged to support the bowl-shaped element (10) laterally, that is in a substantially horizontal direction.

10. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (20) extends along a curved path along substantially the whole recess (7).

11. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device comprises an upper layer (34) and a lower layer (35), which are connected to each other substantially along their respective periphery and along a substantial part of said connection portion (22) for forming of the inflatable portion (2) and the support element (20).

12. A support device according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that the upper layer (34) and the lower layer (35) along said connection portion (22) are connected to each other by melting.

13. A support device according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device comprises a cover layer (28), which is arranged to extend between the inflatable portion (2) and the base member (1 ) and to which the inflatable portion (2) is connected.

14. A support device according to claim 13, characterised in that the inflatable portion (2) is connected to the cover layer (28) only along certain parts of its periphery.

15. A support device according to any one of claims 13 and 14, characterised in that the cover layer (28) is arranged to extend in such a manner that it forms a support surface for the bowl-shaped element (10) when it is introduced into the recess.

16. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inflatable portion (2) comprises a lateral projection (4), which is arranged to project beyond a lateral edge (3) of the base member (1 ) and onto which said opening (5, 6) is provided.

17. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means (29 - 32) for attaching the inflatable portion (2) to the base member (1 ).

18. A support device according to claims 13 and 17, characterised in that the cover layer (28) and the attachment means (29, 30) form a continuous layer onto which the inflatable portion (2) is attached.

19. A support device according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that the attachment means (29, 30) are provided to extend around the base member.