Support system for reducing formation of decubitus ulcers
First Claim
1. A support system comprising:
- a plurality of separate cells of selected size of shape in a monolayer, said cells being formed from flexible material;
said material being sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in said cells so that each cell may be alternately (with respect to the adjacent cell) and repeatedly inflated and deflated;
said cells being of such size and shape and having such intercellular spacing so that, in at least one of the width and length of said support system, the distance between centres of adjacent inflated cells (including the distance across a deflated cell) is less than approximately 25 millimeters; and
said support system is capable of supporting a human body without bottoming out either of or between said inflated cells.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A support system that reduces the likelihood of breakdown of human skin, and hence formation of decubitus ulcers, is disclosed. The system comprises two sheets of flexible material bonded together to provide a plurality of separate cells that are capable of being alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated by means of a fluid contained in the cells. The flexible material is impermeable to the fluid. The cells are of a size and shape and with an intercellular spacing such that in at least one of the width and length of the system, the distance between centers of adjacent inflated cells is less than the human two-point discrimination threshold and the support system is capable of supporting a human body with bottoming out either of or between the inflated cells. In particular embodiments, the support system is in the form of a mattress. The support system may be used with persons who are confined to bed, wheelchairs or the like for periods of time or who are otherwise fully or partially immobilized, including for therapeutic reasons.
108 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A support system comprising:
- a plurality of separate cells of selected size of shape in a monolayer, said cells being formed from flexible material;
said material being sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in said cells so that each cell may be alternately (with respect to the adjacent cell) and repeatedly inflated and deflated;
said cells being of such size and shape and having such intercellular spacing so that, in at least one of the width and length of said support system, the distance between centres of adjacent inflated cells (including the distance across a deflated cell) is less than approximately 25 millimeters; and
said support system is capable of supporting a human body without bottoming out either of or between said inflated cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- a plurality of separate cells of selected size of shape in a monolayer, said cells being formed from flexible material;
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7. A support system comprising:
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(a) a system comprising;
a plurality of separate cells of selected size and shape in a monolayer, said cells being formed from flexible material;
said material being sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in said cells so that each cell may be alternately (with respect to the adjacent cell) and repeatedly inflated and deflated;
said cells being of such size and shape and having such intercellular spacing so that, in at least one of the width and length of said system, the distance between centres of adjacent inflated cells (including the distance across a deflated cell) is less than approximately 25 millimeters; and
said system is capable of supporting a human body without bottoming out either of or between said inflated cells; and(b) means to inflate and deflate the cells, said means having a cycle time that promotes restoration of normal microcirculation of human skin while the cells are deflated. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A support system comprising, in sequence,
(a) a system comprising a plurality of separate cells of selected size and shape in a monolayer, said cells being formed from flexible material; - said material being sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in said cells so that each cell may be alternately (with respect to the adjacent cell) and repeatedly inflated and deflated;
said cells being of such size and shape and having such intercullular spacing so that, in at least one of the width and length of said system, the distance between centres of adjacent inflated cells (including the distance across a deflated cell) is less than approximately 25 millimeters and said system is capable of supporting a human body without bottoming out either of or between said inflated cells;(b) means to inflate and deflate the cells, said means having a cycle time that promotes restoration of normal microcirculation of human skin while the cells are deflated, (c) a layer of cushioning material; and (d) a layer of material having a high coefficient of friction. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
- said material being sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in said cells so that each cell may be alternately (with respect to the adjacent cell) and repeatedly inflated and deflated;
Specification