WO2010132931A1

WO2010132931A1 - An inflatable cell system

Info

Publication number: WO2010132931A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000589
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Ben Yaffe
Original assignee: Russidan Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-20
Publication date: 2010-11-25
Also published as: AU2010251758B2; AU2010251758A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a cell system comprising at least two inflatable cells. A member connects the at least two inflatable cells, wherein on inflation of one of the at least two cells, the member causes assisted deflation of the other cell.

Description

AN INFLATABLE CELL SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an inflatable cell system. The present invention finds particular, but not exclusive, use in mattresses, seating or overlays that provide therapeutic benefit to human and animal patients.

Background of the Invention

It is well known in the medical field that many bed ridden patients are prone to "bed sores" , particularly if they are physically weak or unable (for medical reasons) to easily move or shift their weight in bed. Bed sores arise from the fact that a conventional mattress (or other surface) exerts a constant pressure at certain points of contact with a patient's body. Over time, continued pressure contact between a relatively hard surface and the patient's body in conjunction with sheer and friction leads to tissue damage and the development of an ulcer (i.e. a bed sore) .

A traditional method utilised to prevent bed sores is to physically turn the patient at regular intervals throughout the day, thereby changing the pressure points on the patient's body, which in turn encourages blood flow, prevents inflammation and reduces skin wear. While such a method works, it is labour intensive and can present health risks to the person or persons physically turning the patient (e.g. muscle strain, back problems and other physical ailments associated with heavy lifting) . Moreover, regular turning can impact on a patient's quality of life and can also cause skin tears. As such, the manual turning method can have significant drawbacks and disadvantages .

In more recent times, there has been developed a mattress comprising a plurality of inflatable "cells" . Each cell can be inflated and deflated individually, thereby providing a mattress with different "zones", where each zone may be held at a different pressure (relative to the other zones) . When such a mattress is connected to an appropriate pump (compressor) and pipe system, each cell can be inflated and deflated in a successive pattern, to thereby alternate the pressure exerted by each zone (and therefore the mattress as a whole) on the patient. Utilising such a mattress, the patient does not, in theory, need to be turned, as the pressure points on the patient shift as the zones alternate in pressure as the cells inflate and deflate.

However, such mattresses are not ideal, as it has been difficult to construct a mattress where the zones inflate and deflate in a manner that correctly mimics the way in which pressure is applied or released as the human body shifts on a surface. When pressure is initially released from a cell in a mattress, the initial deflation of the cell is relatively fast. However, as the pressure inside the cell approaches atmospheric pressure, the speed at which the cell deflates decreases sharply as the air pressure inside the cell equalises with atmospheric pressure. The tendency to deflate at a fairly slow speed (and thereby maintain a certain level of pressure at particular points on a patient's body) does not mimic the manner in which pressure points change when a healthy person naturally shifts their weight.

In addition to the above, current mattresses often suffer from cell instability issues. Inflated cells often collapse and deform on top of deflated cells as patient weight is applied from above. Such, alternating mattresses do not effectively apply or properly release pressure.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a cell system comprising at least two inflatable cells and a member connecting the at least two inflatable cells, wherein on inflation of one of the at least two cells, the member causes assisted deflation of the other cell .

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein the member has elastic properties. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein the member is a strap.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein each inflatable cell further comprises at least two sub portions. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein each inflatable base sub portion is designed to remain inflated at maximum set pressure to provide a static base layer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein the inflatable cell further comprises an inflatable sub portion located above the base sub portion and arranged to inflate or deflate relative to the base surface .

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein the two sub portions are independently inflatable.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cell system, wherein there is provided a flange intermediate to the two inflatable cells, wherein the member is connected to the flange.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a device incorporating a plurality of cell systems in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The device may further include a pump system in fluid connection with the plurality of cells, a valve system intermediate the plurality of cells and the pump system and a pipe system to provide the fluid connection.

In turn, the pipe system may include at least two sub-pipe systems, each one of the at least two sub-pipe system being arranged to connect to respective alternating cells in the plurality of cells. The device may also include a base layer, which may further comprise at least one cavity arranged to receive the member.

The device may also include a static head portion which may be inflatable and connected to the static sub portions of the other cells.

The device may be one of a mattress and an overlay. It is understood that this cell system is housed within a base section and covered on top with a flexible top cover which is attached to the base usually by means of a zip. The system can be designed either as a mattress on top of a bed frame or an overlay on top of a pre-existing mattress amongst other embodiments.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of, filling at least one of the alternating cells utilising the pump and releasing the valve for at least one other alternating cell, wherein the member of the alternating cell being filled exerts a force on the other alternating cell, thereby assisting in the evacuation of the other alternating cell.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a removable integrated coverlet and strap device that both stabilizes and supports the alternating cells from above. The coverlet section can also be fitted with a flexible foam insert. The coverlet is positioned between the top cover and the alternating cells. It is designed to be more stretchable and flexible than the top cover thereby- preventing hummocking between inflated cells which normally prevents the removal of pressure over a deflated cell.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures IA and IB are diagrams depicting side and front views of a cell pair in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2A and 2B are graphs which depict, respectively, the deflation characteristics of a conventional cell and a cell in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram depicting a mattress which incorporates a plurality of cell pairs, base foam and cell support system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a diagram depicting an example of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Description of Specific Embodiments

Overview

The present invention, in at least one embodiment, provides a cell system arranged to be incorporated into a mattress or overlay for a seat, bed or bedding system. The cell system comprises at least two linked cells, each cell being tillable with an appropriate fluid (normally air) to cause the cell to expand. Correspondingly, the fluid may also be evacuated from each cell, to allow the cell to contract.

In one embodiment, the two cells are connected or linked by at least one member. The member links the two cells in a manner such that when one cell is filled with fluid, the filled cell moves the member to create a tensioning force which assists in the deflation of the other cell .

Specific Example

A specific embodiment of a cell system which utilises this principle of operation is shown in Figures IA and IB. Each cell system comprises two cell sub-pairs 12a and 12b. The cell sub-pairs 12a and 12b include static base cells 18a and 18b. The base cell sub-pairs are connected to and support the two alternating cell sub pairs 16a and 16b which are both inflatable and deflatable . In the embodiment, the static base cells 18a and 18b are maintained in an inflated state (by means of a one way valve) . It is utilised to provide a stable base for the two alternating cells. Of course, it will be understood that other suitable inflatable or non-inflatable structures may be used in place of the static base cells 18a and 18b or that a separated cell system may be used. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art .

Each cell-pair 12a and 12b also include at least one flange 20 each which extends down and between the two alternating cell sections 16a and 16b. Attached to the at least one flange is a member 22, which in the embodiment described herein is an elastic strap. The member 22 connects the two cell-pairs 12a and 12b by passing under their adjoining base cells 18a and 18b, such that the two cell-pairs form one alternating cell group 24. The base cells rest on a foam base layer 14 with sections cut out corresponding to where the elastic strap 22 passes under the base cells 18a and 18b. These gaps in the foam ensure that the elastic strap can move and stretch freely without any pinching or enclosure from below or to the sides of the strap . When the first cell-pairs 12a are inflated (or, to be more precise, when the two alternating cell sections 16a are inflated) with an appropriate fluid, such as air, the elastic strap 22 stretches as the cell-pair 12a inflates upwards from their static base cell sections 18a. In turn, the stretching of the elastic strap 22 tensions the strap and causes a "pulling" force on the corresponding flange 20 of cell-pair 12b. This tension assists in the deflation of the two alternating cell sections 16b of the cell-pair 12b. In other words, as fluid is introduced into one cell section-pair and released from the other cell-section pair, the compression of the elastic strap enhances the initial deflation of the other cell-pair, and the enhanced deflation continues as the one cell-pair is inflated and correspondingly continues to keep the elastic strap under tension.

The difference between the enhanced deflation and conventional deflation (i.e. where no mechanism is utilised to assist in the deflation of a cell system) is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. As seen in Figure 2A, after an initial drop in pressure (which represents the pressure drop after an initial release of pressure from the cell) there is a steady and prolonged decrease in pressure, such that the pressure does not drop to 0 mm Hg until some time after the initial release. However, in Figure 2B, the initial drop of pressure is sustained and the pressure drop to 0 mm Hg is much faster and much more marked.

Specific Example - Mattress

Referring now to Figure 3 , there is shown a plurality of cell pairs 24 which are connected via a strap 22 and appropriate hoses 3, 4 and 5 to an appropriate air compressor 30 (also referred to colloquially as a pump or control unit) with an internal rotary or actuated valve system. The air compressor 30 is of a design that allows for the adequate filling of the air cells within a reasonable time period. In particular, the air compressor would require an ideal output of approximately 14-20 litres per minute to adequately fill and maintain appropriate pressures in the mattress.

The valve system within the control unit may comprise one or more valves arranged to allow air to enter or leave each of the cells in the system.

In the embodiment disclosed by Figure 1 and 3, all cell sections are supported by a thin layer of firm grade foam 14. The foam has sections cut out to coincide with the location and positioning of the elastic straps. This ensures that no pinching occurs between the base 14 and the elastic straps 22. Such pinching would prevent unrestricted movement, tensioning and release of the elastic straps and therefore the correct movement of the cell pairs 26.

As denoted in the diagram, the hose system comprises at least three sub-pipe systems . Hoses 4 and 5 are arranged to provide air to the alternating sections within the cell pairs (denoted as 16a and 16b in Figure 1) . When air is introduced to sub-pipe system 5, alternating cell pairs 12a are inflated, and alternating cell pairs 12b are deflated with the assistance of the elastic straps 22 (as shown in Figure 1) . Correspondingly, when air is introduced to sub-pipe system 4, alternating cell pairs 16b are inflated, and alternating cell pairs 16a are deflated with the assistance of the elastic straps 22 (as shown in Figure 1) . The third hose system 3 provides air to the static base section of each cell pair 18a and 18b (as shown in Figure 1) as well as the head cells 40. This maintains the pressure to these cell sections at the maximum setting by means of a one way valve inside the control unit 30, providing a leveraged roller system for the elastics 22 as well as an inflated safety layer in case of system deflation.

In one embodiment, as one alternating cell pair is inflated, the one way valve for the other alternating cell pair is opened, such that the other alternating cell pair may vent air as tension is applied using elastic straps 22. In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the elastic straps 22, there may be provided a vacuum pump, which co-operates with the valve system and the elastic straps 22, to assist in the evacuation of air from cells that are in the process of deflating.

It is also noted that a small grouping of cell pairs 40 near the patient's head may be kept inflated at all times, to provide a stable head rest and thereby reduce the risk of dizziness and disorientation. In the alternative, conventional cells or a conventional mattress structure may be utilised in place of the cell pairs 40, as required.

The cell support system 23 includes straps which provide lateral support to all inflated cells undergoing alternation or whilst in static mode. These straps are attached underneath an integrated stretchable pocket 6 which in turn can house a stretchable and removable soft foam sheet 25.

Advantages

The cell system of the embodiment described herein provides a distinct advantage in the manner in which deflating cells can be evacuated of unwanted air. By evacuating air in a fast and efficient manner, a release of pressure points on a patient's body occurs in a manner which more accurately mimics the release of pressure from a healthy person's body as they shift naturally. As such, the system of the present invention provides a much more effective and healthier alternative to prior art inflatable cell based mattress systems. A second advantage of the embodiment described herein is the fact that the design also "comprises a cell stability system which can include a removable and flexible foam layer inserted inside the coverlet portion resting above the alternating cells. This foam layer can be easily changed for cleaning or swapping with other foams. The system also has the advantage of providing a more effective "top down" cell strapping system to hold the cells in place during alternation. As such, the embodiment described herein allows a patient to have a comfortable surface, while still effectively supporting the cells and changing the contact points . In prior art systems, the alternating cell pressures are directly related to the relative comfort of the patient, since higher inflation pressure makes treatment more effective but in turn also makes the interface contact points firmer and less comfortable.

Alterations and Modifications to the Embodiments

It will be understood that the system and method described herein has been implemented as a mattress arranged to sustain a person. However, it will be understood that the present invention may also be provided as an overlay for a mattress, a seat, or any other surface, or as individual cells arranged to be connected or otherwise linked into a mattress or overlay-like structure, or any combination thereof. The broader invention may also be adapted for use by animals other than humans, and it will be understood that the cell size and the materials used to construct the cells may be varied depending on the weight to be supported by the cells . The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. While the invention has been described with respect to particular illustrated embodiments, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive .

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A cell system comprising at least two inflatable cells and a member connecting the at least two inflatable cells, wherein on inflation of one of the at least two cells, the member causes assisted deflation of the other cell.

2. A cell system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the member has elastic properties.

3. A cell system in accordance with Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the member is a strap.

4. A cell system in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein each inflatable cell further comprises at least two sub portions.

5. A cell system in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein each inflatable base sub portion is designed to remain inflated at maximum set pressure to provide a static base layer.

6. A cell system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the inflatable cell further comprises an inflatable sub portion located above the base sub portion and arranged to inflate or deflate relative to the base surface.

7. A cell system in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the two sub portions are independently inflatable.

8. A cell system in accordance with Claims 1 to 7, wherein there is provided a flange intermediate to the two inflatable cells, wherein the member is connected to the flange .

9. A device incorporating a plurality of cell systems in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. A device in accordance with Claim 9, further including a pump system in fluid connection with the plurality of cells.

11. A device in accordance with Claim 10, further including a valve system intermediate the plurality of cells and the pump system.

12. A device in accordance with Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the fluid connection is provided by a pipe system.

13. A device in accordance with Claim 12, wherein the pipe system includes at least two sub-pipe systems, each one of the at least two sub-pipe system being arranged to connect to respective alternating cells in the plurality of cells.

14. A device in accordance with any one of Claims 9 to

13. further comprising a base layer.

15. A device in accordance with Claim 14, wherein the base further comprises at least one cavity arranged to receive the member.

16. A device in accordance with any one of Claims 10 to 15, further comprising a head portion.

17. A device in accordance with any one of Claims 9 to 16, wherein the device is one of a mattress and an overlay.

18. A method of operating a device in accordance with Claim 13, comprising the steps of, filling at least one of the alternating cells utilising the pump and releasing the valve for at least one other alternating cell, wherein the member of the alternating cell being filled exerts a force on the other alternating cell, thereby assisting in the evacuation of the other alternating cell.