Abstract:
A mattress cover and related system for removing and replacing same is disclosed herein. The cover is specifically designed for special cushions required for bedridden hospital patients or those confined to a wheelchair in preventing pressure ulcers (or bed scores). A rigid application guide is also provided to assist hospital staff in replacing the cover as well as novel means for fastening. It is further contemplated that the cover be disposable and comprised of two-ply material with a first being a plastic material and a second being paper based material.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/587,605 filed on Oct. 8, 2009 entitled, TEMPERATURE MODULATED INFLATED AND DEFLATED SUPPORT CUSHION, accordingly, the entire contents of this utility patent application are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. Additionally, the application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/046,358 filed on Jan. 28, 2005 entitled, INFLATING AND DEFLATING CELLULAR SUPPORT CUSHION AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF, and this patent application is additionally incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to devices and methods for preventing pressure ulcers for the bed ridden or confined to a wheelchair. More specifically, the present invention pertains to the field of inflatable and deflatable support cushions and disposable covers for same. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, occur when body tissue of a person remains under pressure for extended periods of time, such as when one is confined to a bed or wheelchair without much movement. In hospital and retirement-home settings, significant time and energy is utilized in an effort to move patients so as to avoid bedsores. Typically, patients need to be moved every one to two hours in an effort to avoid or reduce potential for bed sores. However, hospitals typically have staff burdens making it costly to meticulously move patients susceptible to forming pressure ulcers. 
         [0006]    Similarly, those confined to wheelchairs often must shift positions or be shifted to avoid pressure sores. Initially, pressure sores occur when the body weight of a person, coupled with the forces of gravity, places pressure on the body tissue against the surface supporting the person. When this pressure occurs over extended periods without frequent movement, the blood flow to the tissue under such pressure can decrease or terminate, leading to tissue ischemia. Within hours, this shortage of blood supply may lead to tissue damage and cell death. The sore will initially start as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple, and if left untreated, the skin may break open and become infected. Moist skin is more sensitive to tissue ischemia and cell death, and is also more likely to get infected. Somewhat surprisingly, pressure ulcers still contribute to approximately 60,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. 
         [0007]    Systems and methods have been developed to essentially alternate support and therefore blood flow to tissues by providing a bed of numerous individual deflatable cushions. One such system was proposed by Schulman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,195 entitled “Fluid Pressurized Cushion.” Another was proposed by present inventor Dr. Glass, M.D., entitled “Inflating and Deflating Cellular Support Cushion and Methods of Use Thereof,” U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2006/0186734. Naturally, a mattress cover or bed sheet will be needed to complement any deflatable cushion design as maintaining sanitary conditions is particularly important in hospital environments. Unfortunately, a standard bed sheet will impede functionality of the deflatable cushions since, as an individual cushion (referred to as a cell herein) is deflated, it creates a hammock effect with respect to surrounding cells. This hammock effect will block pressure relief from the corresponding tissue, and therefore block needed blood flow. Hence, a new cover design and system for replacement and removal is required to complement various different solutions for support cushions. 
         [0008]    In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mattress cover or sheet with several parameters that effectively and conveniently assist removal and replacement by hospital staff. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a rigid application guide to assist in replacing a bed cover. It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide a disposable bed cover design. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention comprises a cover for a mattress, the mattress having a plurality of cells, the cells being inflatable and deflatable cells, the cover comprising: a plurality of rows and columns corresponding to the plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells, the plurality of rows and columns further each comprising a plurality of summits and valleys, each of the summits and valleys surrounding each of the plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of summits and valleys prevent a hammock effect between two or more inflated cells with a deflated cell therebetween. 
         [0010]    The cover for a mattress is additionally characterized in that it comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth corner having a first midpoint between the first corner and the second corner; a second midpoint between the first corner and the third corner; a third midpoint between the second corner and the fourth corner; and a fourth midpoint between the third corner and fourth corner, wherein each of the first, second third and fourth corners, and each of the first, second, third and fourth midpoints each comprise a means for fastening. More specifically, the means for fastening comprises a snap and there are provided a plurality of flaps provided to contain the snaps, the flaps extending outwardly from the rectangular shape of the mattress cover. 
         [0011]    The cover is additionally characterized wherein the plurality of cells have a cell height and wherein the plurality of valleys has a valley height and wherein the valley height is less than the cell height. More particularly in a preferred embodiment, the valley height is approximately 1¾ inches and wherein the cell height is 2 inches. Also, the invention may be characterized wherein the valley height is approximately 87.5% of the cell height. Furthermore, the cover is comprised of two-ply material including a first layer comprising paper material; and a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising plastic material. Yet further it is contemplated that the cover be disposable and biodegradable. The deflatable cells may take a variety of shapes such as a rectangular shape, a cylindrical shape, or a hexagonal shape. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the invention may be characterized as a cover system for a mattress, the mattress having a plurality of cells, the cells being inflatable and deflatable cells, the cover comprising: a mattress cover; and a rigid application guide, the rigid application guide having a checkerboard frame for guiding the cover around the plurality of inflatable cells. The invention is additionally characterized wherein the checkerboard frame comprises a plurality of checkerboard squares each corresponding to one of the plurality of cells. Also, the checkerboard frame comprises structural lengths (elongated members) having a diameter approximately between 1/16 inches and 1/4 inches. 
         [0013]    The cover system for a mattress of the present invention is additionally characterized wherein the cover further comprises a plurality of rows and columns corresponding to the plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells, the plurality of rows and columns further each comprising a plurality of summits and valleys, each of the summits and valleys surrounding each of the plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of summits and valleys prevent a hammock effect between two or more inflated cells with a deflated cell therebetween. 
         [0014]    The cover system for a mattress is additionally characterized in that cover further comprises: a first, a second, a third and a fourth corner having a first midpoint between the first corner and the second corner; a second midpoint between the first corner and the third corner; a third midpoint between the second corner and the fourth corner; a fourth midpoint between the third corner and fourth corner, wherein each of the first, second third and fourth corners, and each of the first, second, third and fourth midpoints each comprise a flap, and wherein each flap further comprises a means for fastening. Further to the cover system, the plurality of cells additionally has a cell height; and the plurality of valleys has a valley height and wherein the valley height is less than the cell height. 
         [0015]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0016]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an isometric illustration of a first preferred mattress cover of the present invention coupled to a mattress; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the first preferred mattress cover; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an isometric illustration of a mattress cover separate from its corresponding mattress; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of the area bound by line  5 A- 5 A in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a hammock effect that the present invention seeks to correct; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a rigid application guide of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a first preferred mattress cover  10  is illustrated mated to a mattress  13  according to the present invention. Importantly, the cover  10  is intended to prevent a hammock effect  59  ( FIG. 5B ) as further detailed herein. The cells  19  may be cyclically inflated and deflated in any particular manner and the cover  10  is designed to assist in maintaining a sanitary environment while also ensuring the mattress&#39;s desired effect of relieving pressure to tissue so that essential blood flow to cells can be maintained. 
         [0026]    With regard to  FIG. 2  a top plan view of a cover  10  according to the present invention is illustrated. As shown (also with regard to  FIG. 3 ), the cells  19  are arranged in a plurality of columns  11  and rows  12 . The invention additionally contemplates a means for fastening the cover  10  to the mattress  13  that could be a snap  29 , or a plurality thereof. The arrangement of fasteners  29  could additionally be characterized in that the cover  10  comprises a first  21 , a second  22 , a third  23  and a fourth  24  corner having a first midpoint  31  between the first corner  21  and the second corner  22 ; a second midpoint  32  between the first corner  21  and the third corner  23 ; a third midpoint  31  between the second corner  22  and the fourth corner  24 ; and a fourth midpoint  34  between the third corner  23  and fourth corner  24 , wherein each of the first  21 , second  22  third  23  and fourth  24  corners, and each of the first  31 , second  32 , third  33  and fourth  34  midpoints each comprise a means for fastening  29 . Also in the preferred embodiment and as shown, each corner  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  has two snaps  29  in close proximity thereto. Further the snaps  29  may be color coded to their respective counterparts on the mattress ( FIG. 3 ). Additionally as shown, the plurality of snaps  29  are configured to a plurality of flaps that extend outwardly from the rectangular shape of the sheet  10 .  FIG. 3  further details how a cover  10  mates with a mattress  13  having inflatable and deflatable cells  19 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cover  10  taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 . As shown, cells  19  are covered with a sheet  10  having a plurality of summits  41  and valleys  42  to correspond to the cells  19  arranged in columns  11  and rows  12 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of an area bound by line  5 A- 5 A in  FIG. 4 . In a preferred embodiment, sheet  10  comprises two layers  51 ,  52 : a first layer  51  having a paper based material, and a second layer  52  having a plastic based material. Both layers  51 ,  52  are coupled together; and it is possible that the plastic layer  52  is sprayed onto the paper based layer  51  and therefore could be a coating  52 . 
         [0029]    Also with regard to  FIG. 5A , a preferred embodiment additionally contemplates the cells  19  have a cell height  53  and the cover  10  has a valley height  54 . Further, valley height  54  is less than cell height  53  to assist caregivers in changing sheets. It may be preferred to provide a cell height  53  of 2 inches and a valley height  54  of  1   3 / 4  inches. Or, the valley height  54  is characterized in that it is  87 . 5 % of the cell height  53 . Further, it should be understood that cells  19  can have varying dimensions and therefore a cover with varying dimensions would also be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, a cell  19  width is 1¾ inches and a space between adjacent cells is between 1/16 of an inches to ¼ inches. Also by way of example, 18×38 cells  19  make up a 70 inch×32 inch hospital bed. 
         [0030]    Surface tension holds cover  10  to mattress  13  when individual cells  19  are inflated and deflated. It is yet further contemplated that cells  19  comprise a cylindrical shape or a hexagonal shape, rather than a rectangular shape presently as shown.  FIG. 5B  is provided herein to illustrate a hammock effect  59  of the present invention caused by flat sheet  99 . The invention  10  is further characterized as being devoid of a hammock effect  59  that would prevent adequate blood flow from returning to tissue. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of a rigid application guide  60  of the present invention. As shown, the application guide has a checkerboard  61  design to easily fit over the cells  19  of the present invention to assist caregivers in replacing a cover  10  of the present invention. Removing the cover should be relatively easy, however, the rigid application guide  60  will reduce time required to affix a clean replacement sheet  10 . The checkerboard frame  61  could be comprised of rounded elongated members (structural lengths) or square elongated members. Further, the guide  60  is comprised of plastic material that has the required rigidity and is additionally light weight. According to the invention, a checkerboard frame  61  could have a one to one relationship with corresponding cells  19 , or the checkerboard frame  61  could correspond to a group of cells  19  and however still assist placement of a cover  10  to a mattress  13 . 
         [0032]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0033]    While the particular Cover for Deflatable Support Cushions as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0034]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.