Impact cushioning device to prevent fall related injuries
First Claim
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1. An impact cushioning device for protecting a bed occupant from fall-related injuries comprising the combination of:
- a bed housing a frame portion and a horizontal mattress portion;
at least one sensing means disposed in or on said mattress portion, said sensing means being operable to generate a signal when the weight of said occupant is removed therefrom;
an impact cushioning device stowed in relationship to said frame portion;
a bellows attached to said impact cushioning device;
inflating means for inflating said bellows, said inflating means being responsive to said signal generated by said sensing means; and
a switch for selectively activating and deactivating said sensing means;
said impact cushioning device being stowed by said frame portion in a manner wherein said impact cushioning device will displace outwardly from said bed so as to create a barrier between said bed occupant and the floor when said occupant falls from the mattress portion.
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Abstract
This invention relates to an impact cushioning device for protecting bed occupants from fall-related injuries. The cushioning device generally comprises an inflatable air cushion or a variety of other impact absorbing materials. The impact absorbing cushion is stowed adjacent to the bed and adapted to rapid displacement when weight of the occupant is removed from the bed. The impact cushioning device is oriented to the bed in a manner wherein the cushion creates a barrier between the bed occupant and the floor when displaced.
37 Citations
9 Claims
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1. An impact cushioning device for protecting a bed occupant from fall-related injuries comprising the combination of:
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a bed housing a frame portion and a horizontal mattress portion; at least one sensing means disposed in or on said mattress portion, said sensing means being operable to generate a signal when the weight of said occupant is removed therefrom; an impact cushioning device stowed in relationship to said frame portion; a bellows attached to said impact cushioning device; inflating means for inflating said bellows, said inflating means being responsive to said signal generated by said sensing means; and a switch for selectively activating and deactivating said sensing means;
said impact cushioning device being stowed by said frame portion in a manner wherein said impact cushioning device will displace outwardly from said bed so as to create a barrier between said bed occupant and the floor when said occupant falls from the mattress portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification