Patient support surfaces

• US 6,848,138 B1
• Filed: 12/29/1999
• Issued: 02/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Edmund K. Maier, Mark D. Chastain, Richard W. Raburn
• Original Assignee: Edmund K. Maier, Mark D. Chastain, Richard W. Raburn
• Inventors: Raburn, Richard W., Maier, Edmund K., Chastain, Mark D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Browne, Lynne H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hewitt, James M.
• Application Number:
  US09/474,235
• Time in Patent Office: 1,861 Days
• Field of Search: 572/7, 573/0, 573/1, 573/4, 573/6, 563/2, 564/8, 569/1, D 6/596
• US Class Current: 5/730
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05707 with integral, body-bearing projections or protuberances
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05769 with inflatable chambers

Abstract

Multiple varieties of patient support surfaces are presented with a common modular assembly primarily including a perimeter chassis and integrated upper support element. Perimeter bolsters provide relatively firmer support for gently prompting a patient towards the center of the bed, without obstructing regular entry and egress. The added stability facilitates safer transfers and better sitting at the edge of the bed. Pressure redistribution air cylinders (turned either longitudinally or laterally) are captured by shaped, slotted inner bolsters and underside arches of an integral foam topper. Each foam topper integrally incorporated may include a sloping heel pressure relief section for redistributing load to relatively more pressure-tolerant lower legs and calves.

Claims

1. A patient support surface, comprising:

a body of resilient foam material having a base of predetermined minimum thickness and an upper region above said base having respective support elements formed therein for defining a patient receiving surface;

wherein

said patient receiving surface includes a lower leg and foot supporting area characterized by decreasing angled support relative to the remainder of said patient receiving surface; and

wherein

said body of resilient foam material has a 25% ILD characteristic of between about 30 and about 60 pounds.

2. A patient support surface as in claim 1, wherein said upper region in said lower leg and foot supporting area includes respective support elements which are relatively reduced in size and shape for forming said decreasing angled support.

3. A patient support surface as in claim 2, wherein said upper region includes air circulation channels defined between said respective support elements and wherein said air circulation channels are relatively increased in size within said lower leg and foot supporting area, for greater independence of said respective support elements and for greater air circulation, in said lower leg and foot supporting area.

4. A patient support surface as in claim 1, wherein said decreasing angled support is at an angle in a range of from about 4 degrees to about 10 degrees relative to the remainder of said patient receiving surface.

5. A patient support surface as in claim 1, wherein said body of resilient foam is formed as a foam topper for being received on the top of another mattress or further support surface, for use therewith and also comprises a perimeter base of support for said foam topper formed by a set of end rails and side bolsters with inner bolsters therein.

6. A patient support surface as in claim 1, wherein said body of resilient foam is formed in combination with additional support elements for collectively defining therewith a mattress supplement.

7. A patient support surface as in claim 1, wherein said body of resilient foam is formed in combination with additional support elements for collectively defining therewith a mattress.