WO2006061449A1

WO2006061449A1 - Customizable ergonomic bed

Info

Publication number: WO2006061449A1
Application number: PCT/ES2005/000666
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arturo Valero Pavia
Original assignee: Arturo Valero Pavia
Priority date: 2004-12-10
Filing date: 2005-12-07
Publication date: 2006-06-15
Also published as: ES1061269Y; ES1061269U; ES1059054Y; ES1059054U

Abstract

The invention relates to a customizable ergonomic bed. The inventive bed comprises a mattress (1) and a mattress support (2) which are equipped with a flange (6-8) that projects upwards at an inclined angle in order to support the soles of the feet of the user (10). Said flange also forms an additional support for the bedspread or duvet (11) at the feet, such that the bedspread is raised without exerting pressure on the user's big toes. The aforementioned mattress is equipped with ribs (3) and recesses (4), such as to define an upper anatomically-shaped support surface for the user's body. In addition, the mattress can be formed by a plurality of sheets (12) which are stacked on top of one another and which are complemented with additional modules (13-13') that define the ribs and recesses on the upper surface thereof. The invention can also comprise a complementary top mattress (14) which serves as a support surface for the user (10).

Description

CUSTOMIZED ERGONOMIC MILK

D E S C R I P C I Ó N

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bed that includes a mattress and a bed base forming an assembly in which each of the parts can be used independently, so that in any case the bed constitutes an ideal support base for the user's body during the dream of this, allowing functional procedures in the recovery of long-stay patients.

The object of the invention is to achieve a bed that has an ergonomic configuration for a correct body support, offering optimal benefits to people who require long stays in bed, avoiding the appearance of local ischemia with the consequent ulcers or sores and the loss of muscle mass and bone decalcification.

It is also the object of the invention to achieve a bed in which the mattress in addition to presenting its ergonomic upper part for the correct support of all parts of the body, is formed by a plurality of sheets of small thickness and superimposed on each other to form the block of the mattress, capable of being complemented with an over-mattress in which the reliefs and depressions are precisely formed to give the mattress or bed a customizable character, by virtue of the use of supplementary modules for this purpose, which together with the independent sheets can be used in greater or lesser number at the user's convenience. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, the conventional rectangular mattress has been in common use for many years. However, this type of mattress does not provide adequate anatomical support and alignment of the spine to the user during sleep.

In fact, the support that this mattress offers is irregular in general, causing unequal pressures in our body. This results in serious discomfort and the appearance of injuries when it is necessary to stay in bed for prolonged periods.

The harmful effects of the points of maximum pressure generated by the mattress in contact with the body, grow exponentially with the passage of time.

In immobile people who keep long periods of bed the blood circulation is inhibited at the points of maximum pressure and after a certain time the skin becomes red and swollen, causing ischemia at the points of bone prominence, suffering among other conditions of pulmonary congestion, atrophy and loss of muscle mass and bone decalcification among others.

To prevent this from happening, these people should be turned at regular intervals in order to prevent the consequences described at the points of maximum pressure and improve the drainage of the pulmonary fluid, as well as the mobility of limbs to minimize bone conditions and muscle This is normally done by family members or nurses at intervals of one or two hours, with the required over-efforts that could cause back injuries, especially when the patient is of considerable corpulence.

When the person is on the bed for a long time, a type of bed or related is required that allows a whole series of functions that serve to replace the lack of total or partial motor skills of the patient, so that he can perform certain functions of in the simplest way possible, with minimal help from third parties.

In recognition of these inadequacies, beds and mattresses have been designed that allow, within the same work plane, the lifting of the back or back area where the patient rests, as well as the area of the feet up at different heights, all this by means of the corresponding connecting rod or crank mechanism, or with the corresponding electrical or hydraulic elements.

Although there are motorized swivel beds, which allow flipping, these are designed primarily for patients with damage to the spine, so that the patient is confined tightly.

This situation of tight confinement is very unpleasant for many patients, causing nausea and facilitating the development of ischemia.

There are very sophisticated beds, with the consequent economic impact that this entails, such as low air loss, where the The patient is supported on a number of inflated bags whose pressure is adjusted to maximize the area on which the patient's weight rests, thus minimizing the contact pressure of the skin. Liquid silicone beds are also known, which constitute a very complex solution to achieve the patient's mobility. These well-known ergonomic mattresses have the disadvantage that they do not allow zero pressure points to be obtained in those areas that are required.

Another of the most frequent conditions suffered by people who require a prolonged stay in bed are ischemia in the thumbs of the feet, which result in sores or ulcers, caused by the overpressure of the quilt or quilt.

Currently this is solved by manual methods such as bandaging the toes, the use of chairs near the bed where the quilt or quilt rests or the use of baskets that prevent direct contact, all these solutions incorporate a series of drawbacks such as ease of circulation of cold air around the feet, a non-stable support of the comforter or quilt and the inconvenience of having an external element in the bed.

On the other hand the mattresses are materialized in a monobloc body that presents notable limitations in terms of ease of transport and handling, a problem that is extended to its subsequent maintenance, since its weight and volume make it almost impossible to wash even simple aeration, accumulating dirt in its use due to sweat and other fluids that access its breast over time, generating mite nests and other elements harmful to health. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes to alleviate the drawbacks referred to in the previous section, based on a bed that is ergonomic and customizable, so that the corresponding bed mattress has a profile that allows to achieve an isobaric contact surface for the user's body, and whose The profile can be materialized in the mattress body itself or based on supplementary modules provided under the mattress top sheet or on the mattress as a support surface for the user's body, so that in this second case the mattress will consist of several superimposed sheets, in variable number so that the use of one or another number of these sheets will be at the user's convenience, thus providing the bed with the customizable character.

Therefore, by means of the mattress corresponding to the bed of the invention, each area of the body in contact with said mattress withstands equal pressure, this being distributed evenly and eliminating the points of maximum pressure, thus facilitating the circulation of blood and eliminating the chances of causing local ischemia The invention allows solving the problem presented by known ergonomic mattresses by allowing zero pressure to be obtained at the bony prominence points, by supplementing adjacent areas with more modules.

Another feature of the fact of the invention is that both the bed base itself and the mattress present on the edge corresponding to the footrest, is extended on a flap inclined and ascending backwards, which on the one hand allows the user's feet to rest , supporting the weight of the latter so that in an inclined position the bed does not slide through it, and on the other hand to ensure that the quilt or sheet rests on the upper edge of said flap and thereby avoiding the pressing of said quilt or sheet on the thumbs of the feet.

As stated previously, the aforementioned mattress and bed base fin supports the weight of the user, once the bed base and the mattress are attached to a base with a conventional lifting and clamping mechanism, allowing the user to make a dynamic rest , that is, the fin will bear totally or partially, depending on the angle of inclination, the weight of the body on the soles of the feet, all in such a way that the inclined plane will facilitate a natural exercise of the lower limbs and of all the mechanisms related anatomical, preventing bone and muscle conditions. In a 45 ° inclined plane, the force / weight vectors are distributed: 50% on the mattress and slightly less than 50% on the fin, by quantifying the coefficient of friction.

It should also be noted that tetraplegic or coma patients, the inclined plane allows the weight to be distributed between the mattress or any conventional clamping mechanism used to guarantee the vertical support position on the feet, being the only area of the body, next to the hands, where ulcers or bedsores do not occur.

For its part, the bed base incorporates articulated rings on both sides at the height of the user's hands, in order to allow the exercise of the upper limbs, abdomen, pectorals, etc.

As for the inclined plane established in the bed, it also contributes to a more rewarding relationship, by significantly reducing the weight of one over the other, providing the rings a better grip

As for the embodiment in which the mattress is formed by several superimposed sheets, this facilitates the handling or handling of the assembly, being able to independently separate each of these sheets, thereby being able to transport it in a vehicle, as well as improve or facilitate the aeration of the mattress set and be able to carry out an individual wash of each sheet, in case the materials that integrate it allow it.

As for the supplements or modules that are arranged on the top of the mattress, to form the reliefs related to the support surface, they may be part of the mattress itself, that is, its surface, or be independent elements that are arranged on that upper part, and in which case they will be hidden by an over-mattress arranged superiorly and that will serve as a contact support for the user's body.

Logically, both the number and the configuration and arrangement of the different superimposed sheets will be eligible at will to adapt the mattress as a whole to the anatomical characteristics of the user, being presented for sale by separate sheets next to the corresponding cover.

The mattress formed by independent sheets will be complemented with a practicable cover that keeps all the mattress integral parts properly stabilized, however allowing them to be independent for their transport and maintenance manipulations. The mattress formed by the plurality of selected sheets joined by said cover offers better mechanical performance than gluing or assembly that have some known mattresses, in addition to eliminating this expensive and complex industrial phase and eliminating the disadvantages of the use of glue that reduces flexibility and increases the risk of possible fires.

Finally, say that the over-mattress can be used arranged on a conventional monobloc mattress and use among these the supplementary modules that configure the isobaric profile desired by the user, when interposed in the lumbar, hamstring and heel area.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. In an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the following has been represented:

Figure L- Shows a view according to a top perspective of the mattress that is part of the bed object of the present invention, mattress that is formed by a body where the edge corresponding to its footboard has an upwardly inclined flap.

Figure 2 ^a .- Shows a side view of the same ergonomic mattress represented in the previous figure, with a user, showing the uniform distribution in the support of this, as well as the reliefs and depressions of the upper surface of the mattress and the function of the fin of footman

Figure 3 ^a .- Shows a representation like the one in the previous figure, with the bed tilting, showing the use of both the flap and the mattress, the bed base and the rings of the latter.

Figure 4 ^a .- Shows a general perspective view of the bed base that is part of the bed of the invention, with the fin and corresponding side rings

Figure 5 ^a .- Shows a representation according to a side elevation of the mattress when it is formed by several sheets superimposed on each other, with a mattress envelope on which the user rests.

Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of different forms of the modules that have to shape the anatomical configuration in the upper part of the mattress represented in the previous figure.

Figure 7 shows, finally, a representation corresponding to the use of the over-mattress represented in Figure 5 and the modules represented in Figure 6, arranged on a conventional monobloc mattress.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the figures outlined, and in particular with figures 1 to 4, the bed of the invention formed by an ergonomic mattress (1) and a bed base (2) can be observed, the mattress (1) being in this case constituted by a body whose upper surface has a profile with projections (3) and depressions (4) that, in a transverse direction, affect the entire width of the upper surface, except for the previous part corresponding to the headboard (5) of the mattress itself (1), with the particularity that the first is extended on a flap (6) that projects inclined upwards, capable of being materialized by a pad attached by conventional joining mechanisms (7) such as a zipper, Sailboat ^® , etc.

For its part, the bed base (2) also presents as the footboard a fin (8), also projected inclined upwardly and on which the fin (6) of the mattress (1) will rest when it is placed on the bed base (2) to form the corresponding bed, box spring (2) that is also complemented on its sides, at the height of the hands, with rings (9) that allow the user (10) to grip and exercise different movements including physical exercises . When the user rests his body on the bed, specifically on the upper surface of the mattress (1), the upper part of the footboard that forms the fins (6) and (8) of the bed, serves as support for the comforter or quilt (11) preventing it from resting on the thumbs of the user's foot, since from said fin, the quilt will slide along the instep of the feet, avoiding overpressure points on them.

In this way, by virtue of these fins, it makes the user or person (10) resting on the bed, perform a dynamic rest as can be seen in the third figure. With the coupling to the bed of a conventional lifting mechanism that will lift said bed to the desired inclination, it is possible to achieve a decomposition of the force or pressure axes on the mattress (1) and on its corresponding fin (6) in detriment of the pressure vector of the user's body (10) on the mattress (1), as the angle of inclination of the bed approaches 90 °, allowing others to have the body weight more or less load on the mattress, which will facilitate that the person or user (10) can exercise a gradual dynamic rest and a natural exercise of the lower limbs and all related anatomical mechanisms, also preventing ischemia, as well as bone or muscle conditions and facilitating natural flow of blood circulation and pulmonary fluid drainage.

As it has already been said, for reasons of manufacture, storage and transport, the fin (6) of the mattress (1) is configured by a pad that can be attached by means of conventional joining mechanisms (12), all in such a way that said fin allows a greater comfort and cushioning of the body as the bed is tilted vertically, so that when using it in a horizontal position, the fin (6) of the mattress (1) prevents it from forming between the person's foot and the fin ( 6) from the bed a stream of air that in winter can be annoying and harmful.

As for the rings (9) of the bed base (2), they will preferably be articulated, in order to use or dismiss them, either perpendicular to the mattress (1) for the rehabilitation function, serving during sleep as a stop or guardrail against lateral displacements and falls.

In a variant embodiment, the mattress will consist of a plurality of sheets (12) superimposed on each other, of small thickness and independent, so that the user can have more or less number of said sheets (12) and give greater or lesser thickness to the mattress as shown in figures 5 and 7. That is, in this variant embodiment, both the thickness of the sheets (12) and their nature can be variable, so that together they will constitute a padded base capable of offering any mechanical characteristics required by the user (11 ), both in terms of elasticity, deformability, breathability, and the dimensions of the mattress set itself, whether its perimeter or thickness; it being provided that a plurality of modules (13) and / or (13 ') are disposed on the upper surface of the assembly formed by the sheets (12) which can be configured in half-round (13) or rectangular section (13') shown in Figure 6, or any other configuration that is deemed convenient and that together form or determine on the upper part of the mattress protrusions and recesses to provide the upper surface with an ergonomic character, transmitting the protuberances or projections that originate those pieces (13-13 ') to the user (10) through a mattress envelope (14) constituting the support surface for the user (10). Said over-mattress (14) will have a contour coinciding with that of the independent sheets (12).

The joining or bonding of the sheets (12) and with the over-mattress (14), can be carried out by means of elastic bands, by means of a practicable cover or any other appropriate means that allows easy accessibility to the different elements of the set of the mattress for aeration or washing, and also allow an initial structuring of the mattress at the user's discretion.

Finally, say that the mattress envelope (14), and the modules (13-13 ') as shown in Figure 7, can be used independently of the mattress block formed by the sheets (12), since in that figure 7 the mattress envelope (14) and the modules (13-13 ') are located on a mattress block (V) that is conventional, that is, full-length or single-piece.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S

^I-.- ergonomic bedding customizable, characterized in that the corresponding mattress (1) is constituted by a body whose upper surface has projections (3) and depressions (4) to determine an area of ergonomic support, having been provided that said mattress (1) is capable of being formed by a variable plurality of sheets (12) superimposed on each other, with corresponding projections and depressions caused by modules (13-13 ') arranged on the upper surface of the block forming the sheets (12); with the particularity that the rear edge corresponding to the footboard of the mattress (1), as well as the corresponding bed base (2), have fins (6) and (8), respectively, projected inclined upwards to form a support for the user feet (10).

2 .- customizable ergonomic bedding according to claim Ia, wherein the upper edge of the flap (6) of the mattress (1), serves to support the corresponding duvet or quilt (11), avoiding points of overpressure in the corresponding thumbs at the user's feet (10).

3 .- customizable ergonomic Bed, according to previous claims, characterized in that the bedspring (2) incorporates in its side, in correspondence with the area of the hands of the user (10), a ring articulated (9) capable of articulating conventional mechanisms vibration or movement that reinforces the rehabilitative function of the user (10).

4 .- customizable ergonomic bedding according ^to claim I, characterized in that on the top surface of the block forming sheets (12) of the mattress, an over-mattress (14) can be provided as a support surface for the user (11), whose over-mattress (14) conceals the modules (13-13 ') that determine the reliefs and depressions on the upper surface of the bed.

5 ^a .- Customizable ergonomic bed, characterized in that the sheets (12) that form the mattress, are variable in number, nature and disposition at the user's discretion, allowing to provide said mattress with customized mechanical characteristics for each user, said sheets being (12) independent for transportation, aeration or washing.

6 .- customizable ergonomic bedding according ^to claim 4, characterized in that the pieces (13-13 ') defining the protrusions on the upper surface of the mattress, have a profile half round, rectangular or other as deemed appropriate.