Abstract:
A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, which includes at least one fluid bladder and a recess, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the recess. The fluid delivery system includes a pump having a fluid output and a fluid input. The apparatus further includes a chamber wall that defines a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid input or output of the pump, with the chamber wall absorbing vibration from the pump when the pump is operated to output fluid at its fluid output.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of provisional application, entitled A PATIENT LYING SURFACE WITH TURN-ASSIST, Ser. No. 60/866,206, filed Nov. 16, 2006. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a mattress assembly for use on a hospital bed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a replacement mattress assembly that can be used on various types of bed frames to provide improved patient support and therapies. 
     Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one form of the present invention, a support apparatus includes a support surface, which includes at least one fluid bladder and a recess, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. The fluid delivery system includes a chamber wall, which defines a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid input of the pump and in fluid communication with the bladder. The chamber wall is configured to absorb vibration from the pump when the pump is operated. At least a portion of the fluid delivery system is located in the recess. 
     In one aspect, the apparatus includes a second chamber wall, which defines a second chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid output of the pump. The second chamber may also absorb vibration from the pump when the pump is operated. 
     In another aspect, the apparatus includes an enclosure, with the pump and the chamber walls housed in the enclosure. For example, the enclosure may be located in the recess. 
     In yet another aspect, the support surface includes a cradle formed from a compressible material, with the bladder supported in the cradle. 
     According to another aspect, the base wall includes the recess wherein the at least a portion of the fluid delivery system is located in the base wall. For example, the recess may be located at the foot end of the base wall. 
     In other aspects, the apparatus includes a frame, which supports the support surface, with the base wall including a slippery surface over at least a portion of the base wall facing the frame adjacent the head end and a non-skid surface over at least a portion of the base wall facing the frame adjacent the foot end. For example, the slippery surface may comprise nylon. 
     Further, the cradle may include at least one gatch point to allow the cradle to fold at the gatch point, and optionally a plurality of gatch points to allow the cradle to fold at multiple points. 
     In another aspect, the support surface has a head end and a foot end, and the cradle includes regions of increased thickness at the head end of the support surface. 
     In another form of the invention, a patient support apparatus includes a base surface, a compressible surface having a head end and a foot end, a base wall supporting the compressible surface, and the base wall having a slippery surface over at least a portion of the base wall between the base wall and the base surface adjacent the head end of the compressible surface and a non-skid surface over at least a portion of the base wall facing the base surface adjacent the foot end of the compressible surface wherein the base wall can slide relative to the base surface at the head end of the compressible surface. 
     In one aspect, the compressible surface includes a compressible cradle and a bladder with the cradle supporting the bladder. 
     In a further aspect, the apparatus includes a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. For example, at least a portion of the fluid delivery system may be located in a recess of the base wall. 
     In other aspects, the cradle includes regions of increased thickness at the head end of the compressible surface to thereby support a patient&#39;s neck. 
     Other features include the bladder and the cradle has a folding section to permit access to beneath the bladder and the cradle. 
     In yet another form of the invention, a patient support apparatus includes a flexible support surface with at least one fluid bladder and a compressible cradle supporting the bladder, a base wall supporting the cradle, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. The cradle has a bottom wall and two opposed side walls, the bottom wall having regions of increased thickness at the head end of the support surface wherein the regions of increased thickness facilitate positioning of a patient&#39;s head in a supine position. 
     For example, the cradle may comprise a foam cradle. Further, the regions of increased thickness may comprise foam pads supported on the foam cradle. 
     According to yet another form of the invention, a patient support apparatus is provided that includes a support surface with at least one fluid bladder and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. The patient support apparatus further includes a base wall and a cradle, with the cradle formed from a compressible material and supported by the base wall. The bladder is anchored to the base wall to thereby stabilize the bladder. 
     In one aspect, the bladder is anchored to the base wall by at least one strap. For example, the strap may extend through the cradle. 
     In a further aspect, the support surface includes a plurality of bladders, with a first group of the bladders arranged longitudinally along the cradle and a second group of the bladders arranged transversely along the cradle. In addition, each of the groups of bladders may be anchored to the base wall. For example, the first group of bladders and the second group of bladders may be anchored to the base wall by the same strap or by different straps. 
     In yet further aspects, a third group of the bladders is arranged longitudinally along the cradle beneath the second group of bladders, which may comprise turning bladders. Further, the turning bladders may also be anchored to the base wall and optionally also anchored to the base wall through the cradle. For example, the turning bladders may be anchored to the base wall by at least one strap, including for example the same strap that anchors the first and second groups of bladders. 
     In another form of the invention, a patient support apparatus includes a support surface with a plurality of fluid bladders and a base wall. The bladders are in a stacked arrangement on the base wall, with the bladders being anchored to the base all. The apparatus further includes a fluid delivery system with a pump configured to deliver fluid to the bladders, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the support surface. 
     In one aspect, the support surface further includes a cradle formed from a compressible material, with the bladders supported on the base wall in the cradle. For example, the cradle may comprise a foam cradle. 
     In a further aspect, the bladders are anchored to the base by at least one strap, for example by a strap that extends through the cradle to the base wall and is coupled to the base wall. 
     In other aspects, a first group of the bladders is arranged longitudinally along the base wall, with a second group of the bladders being arranged generally orthogonal to the first group of bladders transversely along the base wall. Further, each group of bladders is anchored to the base wall. 
     In another aspect, the base wall includes a recess, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the recess. 
     According to yet a further aspect, at least a portion of the fluid delivery system is secured in the recess by a strap. 
     In yet another form of the invention, a patient support apparatus includes an enclosure, at least one inflatable bladder supported in the enclosure, an inflation device for inflating the bladder, and a chamber in fluid communication with the bladder. The chamber is also enclosed in the enclosure and has a valve. A pull tab is located in an opening in the side of the enclosure, which includes a portion that extends into the valve for selectively opening the valve to release fluid from the chamber wherein the fluid in the inflatable bladder is released through the chamber and through the cradle to thereby quickly deflate the bladder. 
     In one aspect, the apparatus includes a plurality of bladders, with the chamber comprising a manifold having a plurality of conduits coupled to the bladders. 
     According to yet another form of the invention, a patient support apparatus includes at least one inflatable bladder, an inflation device for inflating the inflatable bladder, a controller for controlling the inflation device, and a chamber in fluid communication with the bladder. The chamber has a valve, with the controller selectively opening the valve to release fluid from the chamber wherein the fluid in the inflatable bladder is released through the chamber to thereby quickly deflate the bladder. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support apparatus that can be used on a wide variety of bed frames and, further, which can provide improved support and comfort. 
     These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support apparatus that can be used on various types of bed frames to provide improved patient support and therapies. 
     These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figure in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric exploded view of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a top cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a bottom isometric view of a first group of upper cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a transverse side view of a deflated first group of upper cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a top view of a first group of upper cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of a lower group of cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of the lower group of cushion bladders according to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a turning bladder according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a partial isometric view of a foam crib according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a transverse view of side foam pieces of a foam crib according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is an isometric view of a bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view of the CPR manifold pull valve handle; 
         FIG. 7C  is a bottom plan view of the bottom cover; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an inflating/deflating system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a tubing system, a foam crib and a bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a tubing system and CPR manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a foam crib and a bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the control box assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the control box assembly according to the present invention without a control box top cover; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an embodiment of a control box bottom cover according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a side view of a control box and a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15B  is a side view of a patient lying surface and an embedded control box and according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board and various valves of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board and other components of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of a control pendent that may be used to control the inflation/deflation system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the control pendent of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Definitions 
     The term “longitudinal” as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used to define a length-wise orientation, for example from one end to the other end of the patient lying surface along the length thereof. 
     The term “transverse” as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used to define an orientation generally perpendicular to a length-wise orientation, for example from side to side of the patient lying surface along the width thereof. 
     The term “head end” as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used in relative positioning to mean the end in proximity of the head of a patient lying on the lying surface. 
     The term “foot end” as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used in relative positioning to mean the end in proximity of the feet of a patient lying on the lying surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the numeral  10  designates a patient support surface of a patient support apparatus, typically a bed or other patient handling devices, such as a cot, a stretcher, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, patient support surface  10  includes a top cover  15 , a plurality of bladders ( 30 ,  40 , and  50 ), a crib  60 , and a bottom cover  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, three groups of bladders are provided, namely, an upper group of cushion bladders  30 , a lower group of cushion bladders  40 , and a group of turning bladders  50 . The upper group of cushion bladders  30  includes a plurality of transverse bladders  32 . Similarly, the lower group of cushion bladders  40  is made of a plurality of longitudinal bladders  42 . Further, the group of turning bladders  50  is made up of at least two turning bladders  52 ,  54 . To inflate the various bladders, patient support surface  10  includes an inflating/deflating system  100 , which is at least partially embedded in the patient support surface. 
     Top Cover 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top cover  15  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The top cover  15  of the instant invention may fulfill several functional requirements. It is optionally easy to clean, it may help eliminate cross infections, it may be impermeable, it is flexible and stretchable to accommodate various positions of the patient support surface  10 , and it is soft and optionally fire retardant. Top cover  15  of the patient support surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises side portions  16 , a head portion  17 , a foot portion  18  and a top portion  19 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 7A , the lower peripheral contour  22  of top cover  15  includes an attachment device or fastener designed to complementarily mate with an attachment device or fastener of upper peripheral contour  82  of bottom cover  80 . When mated, the top cover  15  and bottom cover  80  completely encompass the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , the lower group of cushion bladders  40 , the turning bladder  50 , the inflating/deflating system  100  (except the control box assembly  300  described more fully below), and the foam crib  60 . Furthermore, the attachment devices are hidden and not visible when properly mated to one another. In one embodiment of the present invention, this can be achieved through the use of an overlay (not shown), in the form of a large material flap, concealing mated attachment devices and stitches of top cover  15  and bottom cover  80 . This latter feature may limit contamination, maintain fire retardant properties of the patient support surface  10  and minimize, if not eliminate, liquids from seeping into the patient support surface  10 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the attachment devices comprise a zipper. In alternative embodiments, and without limiting the scope of the invention, attachment devices may be configured as Velcro™ attachment, snaps, straps, and other know attachment means. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, an overlay is made of the same material as top cover  15  and is permanently affixed thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overlay is permanently affixed to bottom cover  80 . 
     The top cover  15 , according to one embodiment of the present invention, may be made of premium polyurethanes material such as Dartex™ material, commercially available from Dartex Coatings Inc., Slatersville, R.I., under the name Dartex™ or any other suitable material that exhibits good hydrolysis properties, thus reducing, if not eliminating, potential risks from cross contamination. Further, the top cover  15  may meet International Flame Retardant Standard BS EN 531 and equivalents. In another embodiment of the present invention, the top cover  15  may be made of material that is air and moisture vapor impermeable as well as being fluid impermeable. In yet another embodiment, top cover  15  may be made of material which is biostatic (anti-mycotic) providing a barrier to virus and bacteria. 
     A worker skilled in the art would readily understand that, without limitations, urethane based materials, such as nylon-based fabric with a polyurethane transfer coating, or vinyl based or vinyl coated materials, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyolefin laminated or coated fabrics or other heat sealable covering materials with antibacterial, antifungal and fluid penetration resistant characteristics may be used to make the top cover  15  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, there is a fire barrier layer adjoining the top cover  15 , which may consist of a cloth. The fire barrier layer can be made of fire retardant or fire resistant materials. Examples of suitable materials for a fire barrier layer, without limitations, are Nomex™ (a meta-aramid material) and Keylar™ commercially available from DuPont &amp; Company, Wilmington, Del., M5 fiber commercially available from Magellan Systems International, LLC, Bethesda, Md., coated nylon, carbon foam, Proban™ and Indura™ FR cotton fabrics commercially available from Westex Inc., Chicago, Ill., Pyrovatex™ FR cotton commercially available from CIBA Specialty Chemicals Corporation, Tarrytown, N.Y., Dale Antiflame™ cotton fabric commercially available from Daletec AS, Dalekvam, Norway, Technora™ fabric commercially available from Teijin Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation, Japan, Lenzing FR™ commercially available from Lenzing Fibers Inc., North Axis, Ala., modacrylic fiber, poluamide-imide fibers and polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the fire barrier layer is contiguous with top cover  15  to form a coverlet. The coverlet performs the same functions as the top cover  15  described above but further comprises a fire barrier layer for added fire retardant or fire resistant characteristics. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fire barrier layer and top cover  15  are fused together. Alternately, the fire barrier layer and top cover  15  may be operatively connected together, for example by stitches, snaps, eyelets, hooks, laces, Velcro™ attachments. 
     The Upper Group of Cushion Bladders 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C, the upper group of cushion bladders  30  may be made of a plurality of substantially parallel transverse (running across the width) bladders  32  to provide transverse cushioning and support for the patient&#39;s body. The upper group of cushion bladders  30  may adjoin and be interposed between top cover  15  (or coverlet) and lower group of cushion bladders  40  ( FIG. 1B ). Bladders  32  are inflatable and deflatable to adjust the cushioning effect and firmness of the upper group of cushion bladders  30  to a desired or required level. Alternately, each bladder  32  is individually inflatable and deflatable. Generally, when patient support surface  10  is in use, upper group of cushion bladders  30  is inflated and can be adjusted to desired firmness depending on the needs of the patient. The relatively narrow width or diameter of bladders  32  may be designed to provide for better body pressure redistribution and to provide full body pressure relief to the patient lying on the patient support surface  10 . 
     Upper group of cushion bladders  30  may be slightly wider than the lower group of cushion bladders  40  and the turning bladder  50 . The upper group of cushion bladders  30  covers the control box assembly enclosure  150  and CPR manifold enclosure  109  located at the foot end  12  and head end  11  of the patient support surface respectively. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, parallel bladders  32  are substantially parallel and longitudinally running across the length of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , providing longitudinal cushioning and support for the patient&#39;s body. Further, upper group of cushion bladders  30  is held in place by a bladder anchoring system  130 , fully described further in this specification. 
     Optionally, all bladders  32  may be independent of each other and can be replaced separately if damaged. 
     Alternately, the upper group of cushion bladders  30  may be held in place by a bladder anchoring system  130  and a bladder securing means  140 . 
     In another embodiment, in addition to a bladder anchoring system  140 , a bladder securing means  140  may include a plurality of bladder securing straps  142  attached, and optionally permanently attached, to the sides of the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , which are configured to be fastened to a plurality of bladder securing straps  143  and  144  (see  FIGS. 4A and 5  respectively) that are attached, for example permanently attached, to the sides of lower group of cushion bladder  40  ( FIG. 4A ) and the sides of turning bladders  50  ( FIG. 5 ), respectively. 
     In one embodiment, bladders  32  may be grouped into different sections of the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , with each particular section being individually inflatable and deflatable and with all the bladders  32  from a particular group being inflatable or deflatable simultaneously. In this latter embodiment, the different sections may be designed to support a different part of the patient&#39;s body. Examples of such sections are, without limitations, a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section, etc. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, upper group of cushion bladders  30  is coupled to top cover  15  (or a coverlet where applicable) and to bottom cover  80  via a bladder anchoring system  130  as will be more fully described below. Alternately, upper group of cushion bladders  30  may be not affixed to top cover  15  (or to a coverlet). 
     Without departing from the intended scope of the present invention, a worker skilled in the art would understand that the number and shape of bladders  32 , and of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , can be varied in order to adapt patient support surface  10  to a variety of patient support apparatuses or to provide different care and treatments to patients having particular needs. 
     The Lower Group of Cushion Bladders 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , lower group of cushion bladders  40 , which may be formed from a plurality of parallel longitudinal bladders  42 , provides longitudinal cushioning and support for the patient&#39;s body. Lower group of cushion bladders  40  may adjoin and be interposed between the upper group of cushion bladders  30  and the turning bladders  50 . Each bladder  42  is inflatable and deflatable to adjust the cushioning effect and firmness of the lower group of cushion bladders  40  to a desired level, thus optionally providing full body pressure relief to the patient support on the patient support surface  10 . 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, parallel bladders  42  are substantially parallel and transverse, running across the width of lower group of cushion bladders  40  and providing transverse cushioning and support for the patient&#39;s body. 
     In one embodiment, each bladder  42  is individually inflatable and deflatable. In another embodiment, bladders  42  are grouped into different sections of the lower group of cushion bladders  40 , and each particular section is individually inflatable and deflatable, all the bladders from that particular group being inflated or deflated simultaneously. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower group of cushion bladders  40  is held in place by a bladder anchoring system  130 . Alternately, the lower group of cushion bladders  40  is held in place by both a bladder anchoring system  130  and bladder securing means  140 . Lower group of cushion bladders  40  may be affixed to top cover  15  (or a coverlet) and to bottom cover  80  through bladder anchoring system  130  (see below). 
     In another embodiment of the present invention encompassing a bladder securing means  140  and depicted in  FIG. 3A , the bladder securing means  140  may be comprised of a plurality of bladder securing straps  143  permanently attached to the sides of lower group of cushion bladders  40  designed to be fastened to a plurality of bladder securing straps  142  and  144  (see  FIGS. 3A and 5  respectively) permanently attached to the sides of upper group of cushion bladders  30  and the sides of turning bladders  50  respectively. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, lower group of cushion bladders  40  may be affixed to top cover  15  (or a coverlet where applicable) and to bottom cover  80  through a bladder anchoring system  130  (see below). 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, lower group of cushion bladders  40  is not affixed to top cover  15  (or to a coverlet where applicable). 
     Without departing from the intended scope of the present invention, a worker skilled in the art would understand that the number and shape of bladders  42  and of lower group of cushion bladders  40  can be varied in order to accommodate the adaptation of patient support surface  10  to a variety of patient support apparatuses or to provide different care and treatments to a class of patients. 
     The Turning Bladder 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a group of turning bladders  50  may be formed by two bladders  52 ,  54  that run longitudinally (elongated longitudinally). As depicted in  FIG. 5 , group of turning bladders  50 , according to one embodiment of the present invention, is bottle-shaped with an enhanced width part  55  proximal to the head end  11  of the patient support surface  10  (corresponding to the head and upper torso of the patient) and a reduced width part  56  in proximity of the foot end  12  of the patient support surface  10 . One function of the group of turning bladders  50  is to provide assistance in turning the patient in order to facilitate the administration of care or treatment to the patient. Each of the two sections  52 ,  54  that run longitudinally is independently and operatively connected to the inflating/deflating system  100  via the tubing system  102 . Primary hoses  53  ( FIG. 9 ) run from sections  52 ,  54  ( FIG. 5 ) to valve manifold assembly  304  ( FIGS. 12-14 ) of control box assembly  300  ( FIGS. 8 and 12 ). Secondary hoses  51  ( FIGS. 8-10 ) run from sections  52 ,  54  ( FIG. 5 ) to CPR manifold  108  (FIGS.  1 B and  8 - 10 ). 
     Alternately, the turning bladders  52 ,  54  may be in fluid communication with the opposite section of the lower cushion formed by lower group of cushion bladders  40 . For example, bladder  52  may be in fluid communication with bladders  40   a , while bladder  54  may be in fluid communication with bladders  40   b . In this manner, air flow between the respective bladders will allow one set of bladders in the lower group of bladders to deflate while the opposite turning bladder is inflating. For example, if you want to turn a patient to the right, the left turning bladder will be inflated and the right section of the lower group of bladders will deflate. This will allow repositioning of the patient over a full range of motion while still retaining the patient on the foam crib. As would be understood, some level of air cushioned support may still be provided under the patient when in a turned position. 
     The above described shape of the group of turning bladders  50  may be designed to provide alignment of the back, hip and legs of the patient when operating the turn-assist function of the patient support surface  10 . For proper care and treatment, it is usually important to be able to rotate the patient along the longitudinal axis of his body. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, group of turning bladders  50  is affixed to top cover  15  (or a coverlet) and to bottom cover  80  through bladder anchoring system  130  (see below). 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, upper group of cushion bladders  30  is not affixed to top cover  15  (or to a coverlet where applicable). 
     A worker skilled in the art would readily understand that variations of the shape of the group of turning bladders  50  could be made without departing from the scope of the instant invention. 
     The Bladder Anchoring System 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of flexible bladder securing means  140  are provided that connect to the various bladders to hold them into place, thus forming a bladder anchoring system. In addition, bladder anchoring system  130  may include a plurality of bands  132 , such as flexible bands, that run throughout the various bladders of the patient support surface  10  and through anchoring slits  134  found in upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50  (see  FIGS. 3C ,  4 B, and  5  respectively) and bottom foam piece  64  of foam crib  60 . Anchoring points  135  may be positioned to correspond to the vertical flexible bands  132  and anchoring slits  134 , located on the bottom cover  80  ( FIG. 9 ). The vertical flexible bands  132  can, after running throughout the various bladders of the patient support surface  10  through anchoring slits  134  as described above, be firmly attached to the anchoring points  135  of bottom cover  80  at a distal end. In this embodiment, the proximal end of vertical flexible bands  132  is attached to top cover  15  or a coverlet where applicable. In an alternative embodiment, the proximal end of vertical flexible bands  132  is attached to upper group of cushion bladders (see  FIG. 3B ). 
     A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that various means of anchoring the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40 , and group of turning bladders  50  to the patient support surface  10  could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The Inflating/Deflating System 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , inflating/deflating system  100  may comprise a tubing system  102 , a CPR manifold  108 , a CPR manual pull valve  106  and a control box assembly  300 . The inflating/deflating system  100  may operate several features of the patient support surface  10 , such as full body pressure redistribution, adjustable firmness, low air loss, maximum inflate, turn-assist and emergency deflation for CPR administration. 
     Pressurized air is provided to the various bladders by means of an air pump  325  located within control box assembly  300 . Control box assembly  300  is embedded into the patient support surface  10 , in proximity to the foot end  12 . 
     Control Box Assembly 
     As best seen in  FIG. 12 , control box assembly  300  includes a control box top cover  301  and a control box bottom cover  302  (see also  FIGS. 13 and 14 ), which form, when mated, a substantially rectangular control box assembly casing  303  ( FIG. 8 ). As depicted in  FIG. 12 , several components of the control box assembly  300  are located within the control box assembly casing  303  or connected thereto. A power cord  312  may be connected to a side control box bottom cover  302 , with an electrical circuit running from power cord  312  to an AC switch  314 , to a toroid  310  for converting the voltage from an outlet voltage (e.g. 120V) to an appropriate lower voltage for the operation of the control box assembly  300 , and to an air main control board (AMCB)  305 . The air main control board (AMCB)  305  is electrically connected to air pump  325  and valve manifold assembly  304 . The air intake and exit to and from the air pump  325  is through canister assembly  320 . In the illustrated embodiment, canister assembly includes two chambers, namely an intake chamber  321  and an exit chamber  322 . The air enters the canister assembly  320  by intake chamber  321 , and then proceeds to the intake of the air pump  325  where it is compressed and pumped out of the air pump  325  through the exit chamber  322  of the canister assembly  320 . The chambers of the canister assembly  320  absorb vibration and minimize noise generated by air pump  325 . The air then goes through the valve manifold assembly  304  and proceeds to the tubing system  102 . Alternately or in addition, manifold  304  may have enlarged chambers, which may provide vibration and noise reduction. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, control box assembly  300  further comprises a fan  330  set in a fan enclosure  332  one of side foam pieces  61  and  62  of foam crib  60  to exit air out of the control box assembly  300 . In one embodiment of the present invention, control box assembly  300  further comprises various sensors or sensor reading electronics. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the control box assembly  300  is powered by means of a battery pack. In a further embodiment (not shown), control box assembly  300  is powered through the power source of the patient support apparatus or bed. 
     To inflate and maintain pressure in the patient support surface  10 , electrically powered air pump  325  supplies air under pressure through tubing system  102 , with upper group of cushion bladders  30  connected to the inflating/deflating system  100  via the tubing system  102  through connectors  35  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ), lower group of cushion bladders  40  operatively connected to the inflating/deflating system  100  via the tubing system  102  through connectors  45 , and group of turning bladders  50  operatively connected to the inflating/deflating system  100  via the tubing system  102  through connectors  155 . 
     Primary hoses  103  run from air pump  325  (within the control box assembly  300 ) to each of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and turning bladder  50  (or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and turning bladder  50 ) via valve manifold assembly  304 . Valve manifold assembly  304  distributes the airflow from air pump  325  to the various bladders of the patient support surface  10  according to the required need. Secondary hoses  31 ,  41  and  51  run from CPR manifold  108  to primary hoses  103  connected to upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and turning bladder  50  respectively, or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and turning bladder  50 . 
       FIG. 17  diagrammatically shows a configuration of the integration of the control box assembly  300  in the patient support surface  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. At the foot section of the patient support surface  10  there is a control box assembly enclosure  150  in the bottom of bottom cover  80  facing downward from patient support surface  10 . The control box assembly  300  (comprising air pump  325 ) fits into control box assembly enclosure  150  and is secured in place by two or more control box assembly securing straps  355 . The control box assembly securing straps  355  are affixed, optionally permanently affixed, along both sides (running transverse across the patient support surface  10 ) of the control box assembly enclosure  150 . Each control box assembly securing strap  355  can be coupled to a complementary control box assembly securing strap  355  on opposite side of the control box assembly enclosure  150  via a strap coupling means (See  FIG. 7C ). When the two or more control box assembly securing straps  355  are coupled to their respective complementary control box assembly securing straps  355 , the control box assembly  300  is secured to the patient support surface  10  and embedded therein. As such, the patient support surface  10  is easily adaptable to a variety of patient support apparatuses or beds. 
     The patient support surface  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a feature which assists the care provider in efficiently providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a patient lying thereon. The CPR manifold  108  is embedded within the patient support surface  10  proximal to the head end  11  thereof. The relative positioning of the CPR manifold  108  is above the foam crib  60  and bottom cover  80  (see  FIGS. 1 and 9 ) and underneath the top cover  15  (or a coverlet where applicable), the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , the lower group of cushion bladders  40  and the group of turning bladders  50  (see  FIG. 1  for example). 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board (AMCB)  305  and various valves of a patient support surface  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board (AMCB)  305  and other components of a patient support surface  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     The Tubing System 
       FIGS. 8-10  depict a tubing system  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Tubing system  102  comprises primary hoses  103  ( FIG. 8 ) running from valve manifold assembly  304  (not shown) to each bladder of the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50  (see  FIG. 12 ), and secondary hoses  31 ,  41  and  51  run from CPR manifold  108  to primary hoses  103  connected to upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50  (not shown) respectively, or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubing of the tubing system  102  which runs longitudinally are positioned in proximity of side foam pieces  61  and  62 . This configuration helps avoiding the tubing from interfering with other components of the patient support surface and from inadvertently being disconnected from their respective bladder. 
     CPR Manifold Assembly 
     At the head section  11  of patient support surface  10 , there is a CPR manifold assembly, which allows the bladders to be quickly deflated so that the patient is supported by the relatively rigid support surface under the inflatable bladders. In this manner, CPR can be administered quickly to the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, CPR manifold assembly includes a CPR manifold  108  and a CPR manifold pull valve  106 , which when pulled releases air from the manifold. Manifold  108  is coupled to every bladder of the patient support surface  10  through secondary hoses  31 ,  41 , and  51 , which are connected to manifold  108  through check valves  108   a . Secondary hoses  41  run from CPR manifold  108  to primary hoses  103  connected to upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50  respectively, or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50 , where applicable. Check valves  108   a  prevent air from flowing into the manifold when the pressure in the manifold exceeds the pressure in the support surface but open to allow air to flow into the manifold when the pressure in the manifold drops, for example, when the manifold pull valve is opened. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, manifold  108  is supported in base  80  by a CPR support  111 , which is mounted to side walls  84  and  85  by fasteners (e.g. see  FIG. 7B ). CPR manifold  108  may be located within a CPR manifold enclosure  109  ( FIG. 11 ) formed between the end of cradle  60  and base  80 . As best understood from  FIG. 7A , CPR manual pull valve  106  is operatively connected to a CPR plate  110  with a plug  110   a  and manual pull valve handle  107 . Plate  110  is mounted to the exterior side of base  80 , with plug  110   a  of CPR plate  110  extending through an opening  84   a  of sidewall  84  of bottom cover  80  and further into valve  106 . As noted above, plate  110  includes a manual pull handle  107 , which when pulled dislodges plug  110   a  from valve  106  to thereby open the valve and hence empty manifold  108 . For further details of CPR manifold  108 , reference is made to copending application entitled, filed Dec. 13, 2006, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPIDLY DEFLATING AIR CELLS WITH CHECK VALVES FOR CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION, owned by Sentech Medical Systems, Inc., which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the patient support surface  10  has two CPR manual pull valves  106 , positioned on each side of the patient support surface  10  and operatively connected to the CPR manifold  108 . As best understood from  FIGS. 7A and 11 , bottom cover  80 , manifold  108  is supported between the side walls of bottom cover  80  and adjacent the end of crib  60 . Further, each side wall of bottom cover  80  includes an opening, which allows the pull valve handle  107  to couple to the respective pull valve  106  through the wall of the bottom cover  80 . 
     As noted, the primary function of the CPR manifold assembly is to rapidly deflate and level the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50  of patient support surface  10  for enabling the administration of CPR procedures. As such procedures are often life preserving in nature, the time in which they can be administered to a patient is crucially important. To the CPR manifold assembly, the health care provider simply has to pull the CPR manual pull valve handle  107 , which then disconnects from and unplugs CPR manual pull valve  106 , causing all running functions of the patient support surface  10  to stop and all bladders thereof to instantly deflate. 
     The Foam Crib 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 11 , the patient support surface  10  comprises a foam crib  60 , which lies against the periphery of the inside of the bottom cover  80  to contain the patient substantially in the center of the bed or patient support apparatus. There are two side foam pieces  61 ,  62  that run longitudinal along the sides of the patient support surface  10 . Side foam pieces  61 ,  62  are joined to a bottom foam piece  64 , described below. The side foam pieces  61 ,  62  are glued to the bottom foam piece  64  and sealed with a thin cloth  65  to form an integral component. Further, foam crib  60  may incorporate areas  60   a  and  60   b  of increased thickness in bottom foam piece  64  at the head end of the crib to facilitate head positioning. For example, the increased thickness may be formed by the bottom foam piece  64  or by separate foam pads or pieces secured to the bottom foam piece, for example by glue. 
     A transverse section view of side foam pieces  61 ,  62  according to one embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 6B . In this embodiment, side foam pieces  61 ,  62  each have a substantially trapezoidal shape with two angles θ 1  and θ 2  being substantially right angles while angle θ 3  is acute and angle θ 4  is obtuse. The respective top surfaces  61   a  and  62   a  are narrower than the respective bottom surfaces  61   c  and  62   c . Respective inside lateral surface  61   b  and  62   b  of side foam pieces  61 ,  62  are oriented towards the center of the patient support surface  10 . Respective outside lateral surfaces  61   d  and  62   d  are facing the outside of the patient support surface  10  and are substantially vertical. The shape of side foam pieces  61 ,  62  according to this embodiment of the present invention assist in maintaining the bladders ( 30 ,  40  and  50 ) and the patient in a proper position, in the center of the patient support surface  10 . 
     The bottom foam piece  64  is made from a material that is strong, but of lower Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) than side foam pieces  61 ,  62 . For example, side foam pieces  61 ,  62  may have an ILD in a range of 60 to 85, or in a range of 41-60, or in a range of 33 to 40. Suitable ILD&#39;s for side foam pieces include an ILD of 85, an ILD of 80, an ILD of 75, or an ILD of 70. Bottom foam piece  64  is cushy and comfortable and of minimal height. According to an embodiment of the present invention (see for example  FIG. 11 ), bottom foam piece  64  is substantially rectangular in shape, extending laterally to the inner sides of bottom cover  80  under the side foam pieces  61 ,  62  and extending longitudinally to the respective enclosures  109  ( FIG. 11 ),  150  for the CPR manifold  108  and control box assembly  300 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, side foam pieces  61 ,  62  have an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) of 85. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, there are compression gashes  63  may be provided in side foam piece  61 ,  62  in areas that are tailored to allow the patient support surface  10  to bend easily with the patient support apparatus or bed as various sections thereof are articulated. For example, in the embodiment depicted at  FIG. 11 , compression gashes  63  in side foam pieces  61 ,  62  are positioned for the patient support surface  10  to accommodate a patient support apparatus or a bed which has a movable foot section. Compression gashes  63  are always in corresponding positions on both side foam pieces  61  and  62 . Bottom cover  80  is designed so that the base portion  88  thereof contours the compression gashes  63  and thereby avoids hindering the bending of the patient support surface  10 . The number of compression gashes in side foam pieces  61  and  62  may vary and may include, for example, two compression gashes  63 , four compression gashes  63 , six compression gashes  63 , eight compression gashes, or ten compression gashes. 
     A worker skilled in the art would understand that the foam crib  60  according to embodiments of the present invention does not necessarily need to be made of foam and that any relatively soft material with an appropriate Indentation Load Deflection, as described above. 
     The Bottom Cover 
     In reference to  FIG. 7A , the bottom cover  80  of the patient support surface according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises side walls or portions  85 , a head wall or portion  86 , a foot wall or portion  87  and a base wall or portion  88 . 
     The bottom cover  80  is designed to cover the bottom but also covers the outside walls of the patient support surface  10 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the underside surface of base portion  88  of bottom cover  80  is made of or has a layer of non-skid material on the section proximal to the foot portion  87 . The underside surface section of base portion  88  of bottom cover  80  proximal to the head portion  86  is made of or has a layer of a slippery material such as, without limitations, nylon. The side portions  85  of bottom cover  80  are fabricated from (or covered with) a thick non-skid material, which is of high-resistance. In this manner, when surface  10  is resting on a frame, such as a deck assembly of a bed, the head end of surface  10  can slide relative to the frame, for example, when surface  10  is being lifted or folded. 
     Bottom cover  80  also comprises anchoring points  135  of the bladder anchoring system  130 . 
     The Patient Support Surface Attachment Means 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  7 A,  9  and  11 , attachment straps  160  are provided on the surface  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. There is a plurality of attachment straps  160  affixed to the bottom cover  80  at many locations of the sides thereof. Attachment straps  160  allow the patient support surface  10  to be adapted and secured to many types of patient support apparatuses or beds in different ways. For example, without limitations, attachment straps  160  can be attached to a deck support or an intermediate frame of a patient support apparatus or bed. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, attachment straps  160  are also provided on the head end  11  and foot end  12  of patient support surface  10 . 
     Control Pendant 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , inflation/deflation system  100  may be controlled by a control pendant  350 . Control pendent  350  is operatively connected to the control box assembly  300  to communicate therewith. In these embodiments, the connection is through a communication wire. Control pendant  350  provides an interface for a health care provider to control the operation of several features of the patient support surface  10  such as full body pressure redistribution, adjustable firmness, low air loss, maximum inflate, turn-assist and emergency deflation for CPR administration. 
     Alternately, control pendant  350  may communicates with the control box assembly  300  via wireless communication means. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the control box assembly  300  is operatively connected to the patient support apparatus&#39; or bed&#39;s communication network, such as a CAN network, which is coupled to one or more bed control panels, including a touch screen, to allow a user to control various functions on the bed or review the status of various functions on the bed. In this manner, the control of the control box assembly  300  and the functions of the patient support surface may therefore be effected through the support apparatus&#39; or bed&#39;s control panel. 
     Control pendant  350 , as depicted in the exemplarily embodiment of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , includes a plurality of control buttons  350   a  and an interface control board  350   b , which is in communication with buttons  350   a  and control board  305  of control box  300 . Buttons  350   a  and board  350   b  are housed on a housing  350   c , which includes a back housing member  350   d  and a cover plate  350   e , which covers board  350   b , but provides openings through which buttons  350   a  and the indicator lights  350   f , such as LEDs, (all of which are mounted to board  350   b ) extend for viewing and access by a user. Further, buttons  350   a  and indicators  350   f  are sealed in housing  350   c  by a flexible cover  350   g , such as a membrane, which allow a user to activate the buttons through the flexible cover. 
     Control buttons  350   a  may include, for example, Turn-Assist Right  351 , Turn-Assist Left  352 , Max Inflate  353 , Stop  354 , Firmness Decrease  355 , Firmness Increase  356 , Default Firmness  357  (not shown), Lock  358 , Maintenance Call  359  (not shown), etc. As would be understood, when any one of these control buttons is actuated, typically by pressure, the control board will actuate the pump or deactivate the pump as appropriate for the selected function or generate the appropriate signal for the alarm or lock functions. 
     Sensors 
     The patient support surface  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises various sensors to perform specific functions. These sensors can be of all or some of the following categories: pressure sensor(s), angle or tilt sensor(s), temperature sensor(s) and humidity sensor(s). 
     The pressure sensor(s) are used to measure the pressure on a patient&#39;s body lying on the patient support surface  10  by measuring the applied pressure in various points of the patient support surface  10 . The pressure sensor(s) can be placed in several locations, for example, without limitations, on either face of the top cover  15 , on the coverlet, on upper group of cushion bladders  30 , on lower group of cushion bladders  40 , on group of turning bladders  50 , etc. 
     The angle or tilt sensor(s) may be used to measure the inclination angle(s) of various sections of a patient support surface  10  used with a patient support apparatus or bed which has moveable sections. The angle or tilt sensor(s) can be located in several locations, for example, without limitations, on either face of the top cover  15 , on the coverlet, on upper group of cushion bladders  30 , on lower group of cushion bladders  40 , on group of turning bladders  50 , on either face of the bottom cover, etc. 
     The temperature sensor(s) are used to measure the temperature of a patient&#39;s body lying on the patient support surface  10 , and are situated, without limitations, on either face of the top cover  15 , on the coverlet, etc. 
     The humidity sensor(s) are used to measure the relative humidity of a patient&#39;s body lying on the patient support surface  10 , and are situated, without limitations, on the top surface of top cover  15  or a coverlet, etc. The humidity sensor(s) may be useful to monitor or detect possible medical conditions, such as bed ulcers, which are affected by the humidity. 
     It should be understood that other possible types of sensors could be used within the present invention such as, without limitations, integrated circuit sensors, Piezo sensitive devices, angular sensors, potentiometers, contact switches, capacitors, Temposonic™ (linear position sensors and transducers . . . ), magneto resistive elements, optical sensors, camera sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic sensors, or any combination thereof. 
     As noted, the various functions of the patient support surface  10  may be controlled via the control pendant  350 , and examples thereof are described below. 
     Turn-Assist Operation 
     The turn-assist function of the patient support surface  10  assists a health care provider in turning bed-ridden patients. The patient should be positioned along the longitudinal centerline of the patient support surface  10  to facilitate turning. Failure to position the patient along the patient support surface centerline before starting the turn-assist function could result in patient injury. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to raise the patient support apparatus siderails. Then, the health care provider can initiate the turn-assist by selecting the corresponding function (turning the patient on the left or on the right) on the control pendant  350  (or on the patient support apparatus&#39; or bed&#39;s communication network control panel). 
     A function selection signal is then transmitted from the control pendant  350  to the air main control board  305  of control box assembly  300 . Air main control board  305  then operatively coordinates the for the air pump  325 , valve manifold assembly  304  to inflate one of the two bladders  52 ,  54  that run longitudinally in group of turning bladders  50  (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ). If the patient needs to be turned to the right, the left bladder  52  will be inflated and conversely, if the patient needs to be turned to the left, the right bladder  54  will be inflated. 
     Patient Support Surface Firmness Adjustment 
     Patient support surface firmness settings may be adjusted for patient comfort requirements. In one embodiment of the present invention, default firmness is pre-determined and pre-programmed. For example, the default firmness may be pre-programmed to be in a range of 20 to 25 mmHg, 25 to 30 mmHg, or 15 to 20 mmHg and may, for example, be pre-programmed to be about 22 mmHg. 
     The determination of the default firmness value will depend on the weight of the patients, with higher settings being typically preferable for heavier patients. 
     Using the control pendant  350  (or on the patient support apparatus&#39; or bed&#39;s communication network control panel), the “Max inflate” function of the patient support surface may be selected, which allows nurses to inflate the patient support surface  10  to a maximum predetermined pressure to facilitate patient manipulation and transfer to or from patient support surface  10 . For example, a maximum predetermined pressure may be in a range from 70 to 80 mmHg, in a range from 60 to 70 mmHg, or in the range from 50 to 60 mmHg. In various embodiments, maximum predetermined pressure may be 80 mmHg, 70 mmHg, 60 mmHg, or 50 mmHg. 
     CPR State 
     Another feature of the patient support surface  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention is the CPR state of the patient support surface  10  via the CPR manifold assembly. As described previously, a function of the CPR manifold assembly is to rapidly deflate and level the upper group of cushion bladders  30 , lower group of cushion bladders  40  and group of turning bladders  50  of patient support surface  10  for enabling the administration of CPR procedures and to stop every running features of the patient support surface  10 . Since CPR procedures can often be life preserving in nature, the time in which they can be administered to a patient is sensitive. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the CPR state feature of the patient support surface  10  is not controlled from the control pendant  350  but rather from the CPR manifold assembly. To initiate the CPR state feature, the health care provider simply has to pull on CPR manual pull valve handle  107  of a CPR manual pull valve  106 , which will cause all other running functions or features of the patient support surface  10  to stop and all inflated bladders thereof to rapidly deflate. The patient is then in a proper position for receiving CPR procedures, lying flatly on a firm surface. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the CPR manual pull valve  106  is replaced by a CPR electrically powered valve  106   a  (not shown) operatively connected to and controlled via the control pendant  350 . In such an embodiment, control pendant  350  comprises a CPR valve activation button to initiate the CPR state feature. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, an indicator or alarm signal is activated on the control pendant  350  whenever the CPR positioning feature is initiated. 
     While several embodiments have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the present invention has been described in reference to a pneumatic bladder system; however, while air may be preferable, any suitable fluid, such as other gases or liquids may be pumped into the various bladders without exceeding the scope of the invention. Thus, while the term “air: has been used throughout the specification, the term “air” should be understood to mean any suitable fluid, gaseous or liquid. 
     Further, the present invention has been described for use in association with a patient bed, which typically include a frame system comprising a base frame supported on the floor, for example by a plurality of caster wheels, an intermediate frame supported by an elevation system, a deck support connected to the intermediate frame and one or more side rails. A worker skilled in the art would readily understand that a bed can be configured in other ways. The patient support surface according to the present invention would be readily usable with alternate patient support apparatus, including for example, a stretcher, a cot, or the like. 
     In addition, the present invention makes reference to various components as being made of foam (for example foam crib and components thereof, IV tube management fastener and components thereof, etc.). It should be understood that the term “foam” is intended to mean any relatively soft material with an appropriate Indentation Load Deflection. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.