WO2006135360A1

WO2006135360A1 - Portable bed support system

Info

Publication number: WO2006135360A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/020294
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Thom
Original assignee: Scott Thom
Priority date: 2005-06-09
Filing date: 2005-06-09
Publication date: 2006-12-21

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable bed support system that has the capability of inclining and declining the head and feet and operating in a manner that is similar to hospital bed type support systems. An adjustable air mattress (20) operates in conjunction with an individual's current sleeping bed (10). The portable bed support system allows patients to recover in their own home without the required space for an extra hospital bed. Its portable design allows for easy transportation and setup.

Description

PORTABLE BED SUPPORT SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable bed support system that has the capability of inclining and declining the head and feet and operating in a manner that is similar to hospital type bed support system.

BACKGROUND

As medical costs continue to escalate, more and more people are being sent home from hospitals quickly. Research further indicates that people recover more quickly at home. However, there are little provisions for some of the equipment that would help in the recovery cycle. It is well known that some injuries are best treated by elevating the particular body part, particularly legs, knees and feet. The most common means of elevating such body parts is by placing pillows under the particular body part to be elevated. This is not always the best means because it can cause lack of support in other areas. For example, if you place a pillow under your foot to elevate it, it leaves the leg unsupported. Additionally, extended periods of being bed ridden cause the body to become sore and tired as well as place pressure on the lower back. Being able to elevate the head and back is something that has been easily achieved in by the use of hospital bed. However, not everyone is capable to renting a hospital bed, either because of financial burdens or space restraints. While the use of incline air mattresses is well known in the prior art. The current invention would allow for the elevation of the head, feet and legs and would be capable of being used in conjunction with one's current bed, as well as being able to easily inflate and deflate certain chambers without affecting the other chambers. SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjustable air mattress would be capable of operating as a regular air mattress which would be used in conjunction with ones regular bed at home. In another embodiment, the adjustable air mattress would have a cover over the top portion of the main cushion.

In another embodiment, the adjustable air mattress would be capable of inflating either a single chamber or a plurality of inflatable air chambers thereby offering support for the head. hi another embodiment of the invention, a single inflation chamber or a plurality of inflation chambers of the foot end cushion would be capable of being inflated such that the feet could be adjusted from a declined position upward to an inclined position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable air mattress would have a mechanical inflation device attachable to each of the cushions allowing for the inflation or deflation of each of the inflatable air chambers.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the degree of incline for both the head and the feet would be based upon the comfort level of the patient and would be easily adjustable by the ability to inflate or deflate each individual inflatable air chamber separately. hi yet another embodiment, the adjustable air mattress would have a remote that would allow the patient the ability to inflate or deflate the inflatable air chambers. In still another embodiment, the adjustable air mattress would have the ability to fold up and have straps for carrying making it easily portable. Still other advantages of various embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described preferred embodiments of this invention simply for the purposes of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different aspects and embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the advantages, drawings, and descriptions are illustrative in nature and not restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a sleeping bed.

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the sleeping bed further comprising the adjustable air mattress in an inflated position.

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the head end cushion air chambers that further details the valves, hoses and mechanical inflation device connections as well as the remote.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of the adjustable air mattress in it closed position and further showing the carrying straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2, depict a sleeping bed 10 is illustrated wherein an adjustable air mattress 20 is positioned on top of the sleeping bed 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, and is designated generally as adjustable air mattress 20. Adjustable air mattress 20 includes a main cushion 30, an overlay 40, a head end cushion 50, a knee cushion 65, a foot end cushion 60, a hand strap 70, a shoulder strap 80, a valve 90, a mechanical inflation device 100, hose 110 and a remote 120.

Adjustable air mattress 20 is used in this invention to serve as a portable hospital bed allowing patients the ability to have the functions of a hospital bed without having to utilize the space required for a hospital bed. For example, the adjustable air mattress 20 can be placed on a normal sleeping bed 10 and can be moved from one bed to another or may be placed on the floor or couch, if desired.

Further, the adjustable air mattress 20 comprises an overlay 40 which can be made of a variety of materials, including foam, down or cloth. This overlay 40 provides and extra layer of support and/or padding between the patient and the adjustable air mattress 20. Adjustable air mattress 20 can have a single chamber on the head end cushion 50 or can have a plurality of chambers that can be inflated to achieve the most desirable support and angle for the patient when laying on the adjustable air mattress 20. Head end cushion 50 offers support for the head, neck and shoulder region. Additionally, adjustable air mattress 20 would have either a single chamber or a plurality of chambers that would inflate the knee cushion 65 or the foot end cushion 60 allowing the patient to elevate their knees and/or feet and achieve the most comfortable angle for their lower body.

Adjustable air mattress 20 has a head end cushion 50 comprising a single inflatable air chamber or a plurality of chambers that allows the patient the ability to adjust the angle at which they positioned. For example, the head end cushion 50 can be fully inflated allowing the patient to have their upper body elevated up to a position of approximately 45°. By adjusting the pressure in the head end cushion 50 the patient can adjust the angle of their head to achieve maximum comfort. Still referring to FIG. 2, adjustable air mattress 20 offers the ability to have your feet horizontal with the air mattress, declined at an approximate 15° angle, inclined to an approximate 15° angle or inclined to an approximate 30° angle. If knee cushion 65 and foot end cushion 60 are deflated it would allow for the feet to be declined at an angle of approximately 15°. This would allow the patient the ability to achieve more of a sitting position when the head end cushion 50 is fully inflated. By foot end cushion 60, this would allow the knees and feet to be inclined to a position that would horizontal and more comfortable for purposes of sleeping. If the patient had a need or a desire to have their feet inclined, they could inflate the knee cushion 65 and the foot end cushion 60, which would provide for the elevation. The patient could achieve the level of elevation based on the amount of pressure that is inserted into the knee cushion 65 and the foot end cushion 60.

Referring now to FIG. 3, head end cushion 50, a valve 90 which connects to a hose 110 which then connects into mechanical inflation device 100. Also, shown is aa foot end cushion 60 that contains a valve 90 which connects to a hose 110 which then connects to mechanical inflation device 100. From mechanical inflation device 100, extends a remote 120 operable to inflate or deflate the main cushion 30, head end cushion 50 and/or foot end cushion 60.

Mechanical inflation device 100 shown is a standard electrical motor capable of inflating/deflating ordinary objects including balls, swimming pools, etc. The motor shown would have the capability to connect to electricity or to operate off of battery power source. Alternatively, any type of inflation device such as a foot pump, compressor, or hand held pump could be used to purposes of inflating the various cushions.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the adjustable air mattress 20 is shown in a closed position that allows it to be easily mobile. When fully deflated, head end cushion 50, and foot end cushion 60 would fold over on top of the main cushion 30. Once both the head end cushion 50 and the foot end cushion 60 were folded onto the main cushion 30, they would clasp together by a closure device such as a hook and loop material. Also referring to FIG. 4, the adjustable air mattress 20 has to types of handles attached, a hand strap 70 and a shoulder strap 80. These straps 70, 80 allow the patient the ability to move the adjustable air mattress 20 from one place to another easily. For example, if the patient were on crutches or in a walking cast, they would be able to either carry the adjustable air mattress 20 by the hand strap 70 or by placing the should strap 80 over their should allowing their hands to be free. Alternatively, the ability to fold up the adjustable air mattress 20 makes storage easier. By disconnecting the mechanical inflation device 100 and inserting it on top of the main cushion 30 during the process of fold up process, the adjustable air mattress 20 becomes fully contained and easy to transport or store. Although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. An adjustable air mattress comprising: a main cushion having a head end and a foot end; and a head end cushion coupled to the main cushion at the head end of the main cushion, wherein the head end cushion operates to vary a head angle.

2. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1 further comprising: a foot end cushion coupled to the main cushion at the foot end of the main cushion, wherein the foot end cushion operates to vary a foot angle.

3. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1, wherein the main cushion comprises an inflatable air chamber.

4. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1 , wherein the head end cushion comprises a plurality of chambers each individually inflatable.

5. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1, wherein the head end cushion comprises a plurality of chambers each individually deflatable.

6. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1 , wherein the head end cushion comprises a single chamber operable to inflate individually to variable angles based on the pressure within the chamber.

7. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1, further comprising at least one strap coupled to the main cushion.

8. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1 , further comprising a valve operable to adjust the pressure of the head end cushion.

9. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 1 further comprising a mechanical inflation device operable to inflate the head end cushion.

10. The adjustable air mattress of Claim 9, further comprising a remote capable of operating the mechanical inflation deivce.

11. The adjustable air mattress of Claim I₅ further comprising an overlay covering at least a portion of the main cushion and head end cushion.

12. A sleeping bed comprising : a first mattress; and a second adjustable air mattress positioned on top of said first mattress; said adjustable air mattress having a first portion of air chambers capable of inclining a user's head; and a second portion of chambers capable of inclining a user's legs and fee; and wherein said first portion of air chambers include a first valve for inflating said first portion and said second portion of air chambers include a second valve for inflating said second portion independently from inflating of said first portion.

13. A sleeping bed of Claim 11 , further comprising an overlay positioned on top of said second adjustable air mattress.

14. A sleeping bed of Claim 11 , further comprising a mechanical inflation device operable to inflate the first and second portion of air chambers.

15. A sleeping bed of Claim 13 , further comprising a remote control capable of operating the mechanical inflation device.

16. A sleeping bed comprising: a first mattress; and a second adjustable air mattress positioned on top of said first mattress; said adjustable air mattress having a first portion of air chambers capable of inclining a user's head; and a second portion of chambers capable of inclining a user's legs and feet; and wherein said first portion of air chambers include a first valve for inflating said first portion and said second portion of air chambers include a second valve for inflating said second portion independently from inflating of said first portion; an overlay positioned on top of the second adjustable air mattress; a mechanical inflation device operable to inflate and/or deflate a first portion and a second portion; a remote control capable of operating the mechanical inflation device; and a strap attached to the second adjustable air mattress operable to easily transport the second portable air mattress.