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
  • A61G7/05—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
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
  • A61G7/0506—Head or foot boards
• • 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
  • A61G7/0513—Side-rails characterised by customised length covering particular sections of the bed, e.g. one or more partial side-rail sections along the 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
  • A61G7/05—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
  • A61G7/05784—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with ventilating means, e.g. mattress or cushion with ventilating holes or ventilators
• • 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
  • A61G7/012—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame raising or lowering of the whole mattress frame

Definitions

• pressure ulcers also commonly referred to as bedsores
• Ischemia to soft tissues is a major contributor to the formation of pressure ulcers.
• the compression of the various tissues between a boney prominence of an individual and the support surface they are sitting or lying upon can lead to cell death if the pressure is high over a very short period of time (e.g., sometimes in 1 -2 hours) or lower pressures are experienced over a more chronic, extended period of time.
• Excessive moisture vapor at the patient- support interface can also lead to pressure ulcers.
• a fluid supply system may be utilized to inflate or deflate portions of a patient support apparatus to change the support locations underneath a patient.
• a fluid supply system may also be used to assist in moisture vapor reduction at the interface between the patient and the patient support.
• Typical fluid supply systems often comprise components located underneath the patient support surface and/or include external hoses and connections to the patient support member (e.g., mattress or coverlet). Such systems can create ergonomic issues and make it more difficult for a nurse or health care provider to access the patient. In addition, access to the components of the fluid supply system can be difficult when they are incorporated underneath the patient support member. This can make maintenance of such systems and components more difficult. Systems and methods which address these issues would be of benefit to the medical community.
• Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for providing a fluid pressure supply system releasably coupled to a docking station of a patient support system.
• coupling members in the docking station and fluid supply system can provide fluid communication between a fluid pressure supply source and a patient support member.
• the coupling members are automatically coupled when the fluid supply system is docked in the docking station.
• a patient support system comprising: a patient support member; a frame; a fluid supply system comprising a housing, a fluid pressure supply source, and a first coupling member; and a docking station configured to releasably couple to the fluid supply system, wherein the docking station comprises a second coupling member configured to couple to the first coupling member and provide fluid communication between the fluid pressure supply source and the patient support member.
• the fluid pressure supply source comprises a fan.
• Particular embodiments may also comprise a footboard.
• the docking station is integrated into the footboard.
• the fluid supply system and docking station comprise electrical coupling members.
• the fluid supply system housing comprises a handle configured to allow a user to remove the fluid supply system from the docking station.
• the fluid supply system housing comprises a control panel.
• Particular embodiments may further comprise a first conduit between the fluid pressure supply source and the first coupling member. Certain embodiments may comprise a valve in the first conduit. Specific embodiments may comprise a second conduit between the second coupling member and the patient support member. In particular embodiments, the second conduit is integrated with the frame.
• the fluid supply system comprises an electrical power distribution system, a microcontroller and/or retention members. Particular embodiments may include a method of providing fluid to a patient support member, the method comprising: providing a patient support system as described herein; coupling the fluid supply system to the docking station; and operating the fluid supply system to provide fluid to the patient support member.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a patient support system comprising a docking station and a fluid supply system.
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the docking station and fluid supply system of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a first coupled position.
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the docking station and fluid supply system of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a second partially de-coupled position.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the docking station and fluid supply system of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a third completely de-coupled position
• Figure 5 is an orthographic view of the fluid supply system of Figure .
• a patient support system 100 comprises a patient support member 10, a frame 120, a fluid supply system 130, and a docking station 140 configured to releasably couple to fluid supply system 130.
• Figures 2-5 illustrate more detailed views of docking station 140 and/or fluid supply system 130 in order to provide a closer view of specific features.
• patient support member 110 may comprise any member configured to be placed under a patient.
• Non-limiting examples of patient support members include mattresses, as well as coverlets configured to be placed between a mattress and a patient.
• a patient support member may comprise a mattress with inflatable air cells.
• Exemplary embodiments may also comprise a patient support configured as a coverlet that provides for reduced moisture vapor levels at the patient-support interface.
• fluid supply system 130 is configured to be releasably coupled to docking station 140.
• docking station 140 is integrated into a footboard 141 of patient support system 100. It is understood that in other embodiments, docking station 140 may be incorporated into other components of patient support system, including, for example, the headboard, frame or side rails.
• fluid supply system 130 comprises a housing 138 with a handle 137 (or other member configured for gripping by a user) that allows fluid supply system 130 to be separated ⁇ e.g., de-coupled) from docking station 140.
• the illustrated exemplary embodiment of fluid supply system 130 may also comprise an electrical power distribution system 131 , a microcontroller 132, a fluid pressure supply source 133, and a plurality of coupling members 151.
• fluid pressure supply source 133 may comprise a fan or blower or other suitable air mover. While fluid pressure supply source 133 is shown within housing 138 in FIG. 5, in other embodiments fluid supply pressue source 133 may be external to housing 138.
• electrical power distribution system 131 may comprise a transformer or other components configured to distribute electrical power from electrical coupling members 150, 151 to microcontroller 132 and/or fluid pressure supply source 133.
• fluid supply system 130 may comprise an alternating current-to-direct current (AC-DC) converter 191 to provide direct current to other components, including for example, an air mover configured to provide air flow to a coverlet.
• AC-DC alternating current-to-direct current
• a current sensor 192 may be incorporated to detect the amount of current being drawn from the components coupled to AC-DC converter 191 .
• current sensor 192 may be used to detect if an air mover is functioning and providing a desired amount of air flow.
• fluid pressure supply source 133 is in fluid communication with coupling members 151 via a series of conduits 134.
• a plurality of valves 154 may be located within fluid supply system 130.
• Microcontroller 132 can be electrically coupled to valves 154 to control the fluid pressure and/or flow supplied to coupling members 151 . It is understood that this listing of components is merely exemplary, and that other exemplary fluid supply systems may comprise a different combination of components.
• microcontroller 132 and/or valves 154 may be located outside of housing 138 (e.g., within frame 120 or proximal to frame 120).
• housing 138 may comprise a control panel 135 configured to allow a user to control parameters of fluid supply system 130.
• fluid supply system 130 is configured to provide fluid (e.g., air) to patient support member 1 10.
• docking station 140 comprises a plurality of coupling members 150 configured to couple with coupling members 151 of fluid supply system 130.
• one or more coupling members 150 and 151 can be configured to provide fluid communication between fluid pressure supply source 133 and patient support member 1 10.
• a portion of coupling members 150 and 151 may also be configured to provide electrical power connections and control connections (e.g. electrical or pneumatic) to control parameters such as fluid pressure or flow.
• coupling members 150 and 151 are configured so that they may be automatically coupled when fluid supply system 130 is docked into docking station 140 (e.g., coupling members 150 and 151 are coupled when fluid supply system 130 is docked without additional action required by a user).
• a portion of coupling members 150 are in fluid communication with fluid pressure transfer members (e.g., conduits) that allow the fluid pressure to be distributed to patient support member 1 10.
• the fluid pressure transfer members are integrated into frame 120.
• microcontroller 132 can open and close valves 154, thereby controlling the fluid pressure supply to patient support member 1 10 or to specific regions of patient support member 1 10.
• the fluid pressure supply can be increased to a first portion of patient support member 1 10 while the fluid pressure supply is reduced to a second portion of patient support member 1 10.
• This can allow alternating pressures to be supplied to the patient support surface, which can supply alternating support pressure for the patient, percussion therapy, and /or turning of the patient. This can reduce the likelihood that a patient will develop complications, including for example, pressure sores, pulmonary complications, blood clots, and other complications of immobile patients.
• the fluid pressure and/or flow may be provided to a patient support member configured as a coverlet that is configured to reduce moisture vapor at the interface between the patient and the patient support.
• the fluid e.g., air
• the fluid supplied to the coverlet may be provided at either a positive or negative pressure.
• the amount of air flow needed for effective moisture vapor transfer in a coverlet is reduced when compared to traditional low air loss mattresses. This can allow fluid pressure supply source 133 to be smaller than fluid pressure supply sources associated with typical low air loss mattresses. Such a reduction in size can provide a smaller profile for housing 138 of fluid pressure supply system 130, and allow for easier docking of fluid pressure supply system 130.
• docking station 140 and fluid supply system 30 comprise retention members 149 and 139, respectively.
• Retention members 149, 139 are configured to retain fluid supply system 130 when fluid supply system 130 is docked in docking station 140.
• retention members 149, 139 are configured to retain fluid supply system 130 when fluid supply system 130 is docked in docking station 140.
• retention members 149, 139 are configured to retain fluid supply system 130 when fluid supply system 130 is docked in docking station 140.
• retention members 149, 139 may include a sliding engagement.
• retention members 149, 139 may comprise latching members configured to secure engagement of fluid pressure supply system 130 with docking station 140.
• fluid supply system 130 can be removed from docking station
• fluid supply system 130 can be compactly arranged and allow for a more ergonomic design. For example, by eliminating the need for external hoses or connections, a nurse or health care provider can have improved access to a patient supported by patient support member 1 10.
• the modular design of fluid supply system 130 allows for convenient replacement of components for maintenance or testing. It is understood that the described advantages are merely exemplary, and that other benefits may be provided by the disclosed design.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Nursing (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
• Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=44080525

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (8)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (4)

Family Cites Families (21)

• 2010
  • 2010-12-07 CN CN2010800549682A patent/CN102647970A/zh active Pending
  • 2010-12-07 WO PCT/US2010/059255 patent/WO2011071899A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-12-07 US US12/961,717 patent/US20110131725A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-12-07 JP JP2012543202A patent/JP2013513434A/ja active Pending
  • 2010-12-07 EP EP10836531.3A patent/EP2509557A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2010-12-07 CA CA2783240A patent/CA2783240A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-12-07 AU AU2010328278A patent/AU2010328278B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2010-12-09 TW TW99143095A patent/TW201143745A/zh unknown

Non-Patent Citations (2)

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