Abstract:
A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system includes a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad, and a torso assembly with a pair of covers each enclosing a pair of pads. The system also includes a leg assembly with a cover enclosing pads and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads. The system further includes multiple sets of coupling members that couple the covers together.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/957,619, filed Aug. 23, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Typical medical support surfaces such as hospital beds comprise a frame, mattress, head board, foot board, and side rails. In certain examples, gaps may exist between the mattress and adjacent components such as the side rails, head board or foot board. In addition, gaps may exist between the side rails, or within the supports that couple the side rails to the frame. The Federal Drug Administration has identified specific zones between components of beds that pose specific risks to patients. See “Hospital Bed System Dimensional and Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment—Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff” issued on Mar. 10, 2006, incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0003]    These gaps can pose a risk to a patient supported by the bed because the patient can become entrapped in the gaps. It is therefore desirable to provide a method and system of occluding the gaps from the patient to reduce the likelihood that the patient will become entrapped. However, it is also desirable to provide access for the caregiver to the patient, in case the caregiver needs to assist the patient. Furthermore, it is desirable to allow the patient to enter or exit the bed when desired. Therefore, it is desirable that a method and system of occluding the gaps not restrict access to the patient. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Certain exemplary embodiments may comprise a pad system comprising: a head-end assembly comprising a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad; a torso assembly comprising a first cover enclosing a first pair of pads and comprising a second cover enclosing a second pair of pads; a leg assembly comprising a third cover enclosing a third pad and comprising a fourth cover enclosing a fourth pad; a foot-end assembly comprising a foot-end cover enclosing a foot-end pad; a first set of coupling members coupling the head-end cover to the first and second covers; a second set of coupling members coupling the first cover to the third cover; a third set of coupling members coupling the second cover to the fourth cover; and a fifth set of coupling members coupling the foot-end cover to the third and fourth covers. Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a first base sheet coupling the first cover to the second cover and a second base sheet coupling the third cover to the fourth cover. In certain exemplary embodiments, the base sheet may comprise a plurality of apertures. Exemplary embodiments may also comprise a first seam between the base sheet and the first cover and a second seam between the base sheet and the second cover, where the first seam allows the first cover to be pivoted with respect to the base sheet when the first set of coupling members is de-coupled and the second seam allows the second cover to be pivoted with respect to the base sheet when the first set of coupling members is decoupled. 
         [0005]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the first and second pairs of pads may be configured to allow articulation of the torso assembly with respect to the leg assembly. In certain exemplary embodiments, the first cover and the second cover comprise an elastic portion configured to expand and contract as the torso assembly is articulated during use. In certain embodiments, the coupling members are buckles. 
         [0006]    Certain exemplary embodiments may also comprise method of occluding potential entrapment zones in a hospital bed having a frame, a mattress, side rails, a head board, and a footboard. In certain exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise providing a pad system comprising: a head-end assembly comprising a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad; a torso assembly comprising a first cover enclosing a first pair of pads and comprising a second cover enclosing a second pair of pads; a leg assembly comprising a third cover enclosing a third pad and comprising a fourth cover enclosing a fourth pad; a foot-end assembly comprising a foot-end cover enclosing a foot-end pad; a first set of coupling members coupling the head-end cover to the first and second covers; a second set of coupling members coupling the first cover to the third cover; a third set of coupling members coupling the second cover to the fourth cover; and a fifth set of coupling members coupling the foot-end cover to the third and fourth covers. The method may also comprise fitting the pad system to the hospital bed, where the head-end pad is placed between the mattress and the head board, the first and second covers are placed between the mattress and the side rails, and the foot-end pad is placed between the mattress and the foot board. 
         [0007]    Certain exemplary embodiments may also comprise a bed comprising: a frame; a head board; a foot board; a mattress comprising a head end, a foot end, a first side and a second side; a plurality of side rails coupled to the frame and proximal to the first side and the second side of the mattress; and a pad system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the pad system comprises a plurality of covers enclosing pads and reinforcing members, and the pad system is disposed: between the mattress and the side rails; between the mattress and head board; and between the mattress and the foot board. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cover comprises a coupling member that may be coupled to hold the cover proximal to the mattress or de-coupled to allow the cover to pivot away from the mattress. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0008]    While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail below, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, that which is set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the following claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
           [0009]    In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading and understanding this disclosure that other variations for the invention described herein can be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, different materials of construction may be used for the pads and covers employed in the pad system. Furthermore, the shape of individual pads may also be altered. 
           [0010]    In the following Detailed Description of Disclosed Embodiments, various features are grouped together in several embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that exemplary embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an assembly view of one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a pad system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bed to which the embodiment of  FIG. 1  may be fitted. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Referring now to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , a pad system  100  comprises a head-end assembly  115 , a torso assembly  125 , a leg assembly  135 , and a foot-end assembly  145 . Head-end assembly  115  further comprises a pair of end members  112 , a pad  114 , and a cover  110 . Foot-end assembly  145  similarly comprises a pair of end members  142 , a pad  144 , and a cover  140 . Torso assembly  125  comprises a pair of covers  120 ,  160  that are coupled by a base sheet  180  comprising a plurality of openings  182 . 
         [0018]    In certain exemplary embodiments, a cover  120  encloses an upper pad  124  and a reinforcing member  122  in the portion of cover  120  that is proximal to head assembly  115 . Similarly, cover  160  encloses an upper pad  164  and a reinforcing member  162  in the portion of cover  160  that is proximal to head assembly  115 . Cover  120  also encloses a pad  128  and a reinforcing member  126  in the portion of cover  120  that is proximal to leg assembly  135 . Similarly, cover  160  encloses a pad  168  and a reinforcing member  166  in the portion of cover  160  that is proximal to leg assembly  135 . Cover  130  of leg assembly  135  encloses a pad  134  and a reinforcing member  132 , while cover  150  of leg assembly  135  encloses a pad  154  and a reinforcing member  152 . Cover  140  of foot assembly  145  encloses a pair of end members  142  and a pad  144 , which are equivalent to end members  112  and pad  114 , respectively. Pads  154 ,  164 , and  168  are equivalent to pads  134 ,  124  and  128  respectively. Similarly, reinforcing members  152 ,  162 , and  166  are equivalent to reinforcing members  132 ,  122  and  126 . 
         [0019]    In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the pads comprised in pad system  100  is made from an antimicrobial foam and reinforcing members are made from a rigid plastic. In certain exemplary embodiments, covers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 , and  160  are comprised of flame resistant, polyester reinforced, anti-bacterial vinyl fabric (such as a material sold under the trade name Staph-Check). In certain exemplary embodiments, covers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 , and  160  may also comprise a coating of 0.030 inch polypropylene. 
         [0020]    Referring now to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a bed  200  comprises a left side upper side rail  205 , a left side lower side rail  210 , a right side upper side rail  215  and a right side lower side rail  220 . Bed  200  also comprises a head board  225  and a foot board  230  at each end of a frame  235  that supports a mattress  237 . Rail supports  240  extend between each rail  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  and frame  235 . 
         [0021]    As noted in FDA guidelines “Hospital Bed System Dimensional and Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment—Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff”, a bed such as bed  200  comprises several potential entrapment zones in which a person supported by bed  200  could potentially become entrapped. A zone  1  exists within each of rails  205 ,  210 ,  215  and  220 , while a zone  2  exists under rails  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  (and between rail supports  240 ). A zone  3  exists between rails  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  and mattress  237 . A zone  4  exists at each end of rail  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220 , while a zone  5  exists between rails  205  and  210 , as well as between rails  215  and  220 . A zone  6  exists between the ends of rails  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  and the ends of head board  225  and foot board  230 . A zone  7  exists between mattress  237  and both head board  225  and foot board  230 . 
         [0022]    In certain exemplary embodiments, pad system  100  is configured to be fitted to bed  200  in a manner that reduces the likelihood that a person could be entrapped in one of the seven zones identified by the FDA. Specifically, pad system  100  is configured to place pads in the zones and restrict access to the area or zone identified by the FDA as a potential location of entrapment. For example, pads  124 ,  128  and  134  are configured to be placed in zones  1 - 6  on the right side of bed  200 , while pads  164 ,  168  and  154  are located in zones  1 - 6  on the left side of bed  200 . In addition, pads  114  and  144  are configured to be placed in zone  7  between mattress  237  and head board  225  and foot board  230 . 
         [0023]    As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4 , pads  124 ,  128 ,  164  and  168  are configured so that bed  200  can be articulated to raise the portion of bed  200  proximal to head board  225 . This allows bed  200  to be positioned as desired with minimal interference from pad system  100 . In addition, covers  120 ,  160 ,  130 , and  150  are configured to allow articulation of bed  200 . For example, covers  120  and  160  may provide extra material with integral elastic between the pads  124  and  128  as well as pads  164  and  168 . This allows covers  120  and  160  to expand or contract as needed depending on the articulation of bed  200 . Similarly, covers  130  and  150  may comprise extra material with integral elastic proximal to the portion that is coupled to covers  120  and  160 , thereby allowing covers  130  and  150  to expand or contract as needed. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , a series of coupling mechanisms are shown to couple covers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150  and  160 . For example, coupling mechanisms  121  and  191  are used to couple covers  120  and  160 , respectively, to cover  110 . Coupling mechanisms  123  and  193  are used to couple cover  120  to cover  130  and coupling mechanisms  195  and  196  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) are used to couple cover  160  to cover  150 . It is understood that covers  120  and  160  are generally equivalent (as are covers  130  and  150 ), and that not all coupling mechanisms are visible in the views shown. Coupling mechanisms  127  and  197  are used to couple covers  130  and  150 , respectively, to cover  140 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the coupling mechanisms can be buckle arrangements. In other exemplary embodiments, the coupling mechanisms can be snap mechanisms or a hook and loop arrangements. 
         [0025]    In certain exemplary embodiments, coupling mechanisms  121 - 128  allow covers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150  and  160  to be de-coupled from each other if needed. This allows a cover (and the associated pads and reinforcing members) to be lowered to provide a caregiver better access to a patient. Such access can be needed, for example, when performing functions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other critical care functions. In certain exemplary embodiments, pad system  100  is configured to fit between mattress  237  and side rails  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  to allow any of side rails  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  to be lowered while pad system  100  is in place. The ability to lower or articulate the side rails with pad system  100  in place can further provide the caregiver with access to the patient. The ability to lower covers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150  and  160  while pad system  100  is in place also allows a person to more easily enter or exit bed  200  when necessary. 
         [0026]    Referring now to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , head-end assembly  115  and foot-end assembly  145  comprise a recessed area  116  and  146 , respectively. Recessed areas  116  and  146  also provide a caregiver access to a patient being supported by bed  200 . 
         [0027]    Referring now to the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , a base sheet  170  extends between covers  130  and  150 , while a base sheet  180  extends between covers  120  and  160 . A seam  139  couples base sheet  170  to cover  130 , while a seam  159  couples base sheet  170  to cover  150 . Seam  139  allows cover  130  to pivot downward so that cover  130  can be lowered, while seam  159  allows cover  150  to pivot downward so that cover  150  can be lowered. The flexible nature of seams  139  and  159  allows covers  130  and  150  to be lowered while pad system  100  is installed on bed  200 . Similarly, a seam  129  couples base sheet  180  to cover  120 , while a seam  169  couples base sheet  180  to cover  160 . Seams  129  and  169  allow covers  120  and  160 , respectively, to pivot downward so that they can be lowered while pad system  100  is in place on bed  200 . Cover  140  comprises a base sheet  175  extending between end members  142 , while cover  110  comprises a base sheet  185  extending between end members  112 . In certain exemplary embodiments, base sheets  170 ,  175 ,  180  and  185  comprise a series of apertures  171 ,  176 ,  181  and  186 , respectively, which allow various connections (for example, air cushion connections) to pass through the base sheets.