Abstract:
An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to air mattresses, and more particularly to air mattresses that allow for toileting or clinical examination of a person reclining on the mattress without substantial change in their position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Immobility and prolonged confinement present both psychological and physically evident pathological problems to patients, ranging from malaise, depression, feelings of helplessness and loss of motivation on the one hand to decubitus ulcers, loss of local circulation and unsanitary dermatologic insult from waste products, or edema of extremities and gangrene on the other. Not only are patients affected by these conditions but so too are the caregivers and clinicians who must lift, turn, wash, change bedding and clothes, arrange for food, treat, and dispose of waste. Such operations often require that attendants have a high level of strength and skill to move and reposition the patient, regardless of the patient&#39;s size or weight. 
         [0003]    Patient handling mattresses are known in the art which include at least two flexible material sheets, that together define a plenum chamber, with at least one sheet being perforated with small pinholes over at least a central surface area, and which open up directly to the interior of the plenum chamber. Such prior art mattresses are used by arranging the perforated sheet so that it faces an underlying fixed, generally planar support surface, such as a floor or table. When the mattress is charged with pressurized air, the escape of air under pressure through the pinholes acts initially to jack a load placed upon the mattress above the perforated flexible sheet, and thereby creates an air bearing of relatively small height between the underlying fixed, generally planar support surface and the perforated flexible sheet. Examples of prior art transfer mattresses may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,054,960; 4,272,856; 4,517,690; 4,627,426; 5,065,464; 5,483,709; RE35,299; 5,561,873; 5,594,962; 5,598,593; 5,742,958; 6,073,291; 6,374,435; 6,415,583; 6,418,579; 6,677,026; 6,684,434; 6,687,935; 6,760,939; 6,857,143; 6,898,809, and published patent application No. 2002/0166168, which patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0004]    There is a need in the art for an inflatable mattress that allows for easy toileting and treating the alimentary regions of patients without substantial need for moving the patient after completion for cleaning and the like. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides an inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for clinical treatment, toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, an inflatable toileting mattress is provided including an inflated torso support pad having a torso inflation port, a first leg extending out from a portion of the inflated torso support pad and having a leg inflation port, and a second leg spaced from the first appendage and extending out from the portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them and are arranged in flow communication with one another. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, an inflatable mattress is provided that includes an inflated torso support section having an end, a deflated first leg support section extending out from a portion of the end, and a deflated second leg support section spaced from the deflated first leg support section and extending out from the portion of the end. The deflated first leg support section and the deflated second leg support section define a gap between them so that each may be rolled upon itself toward the inflated torso support pad. 
         [0008]    A method of positioning a patient for treatment is provided that includes the steps of positioning the patient upon an inflatable mattress that includes a deflated torso support section having an end, a deflated first leg support section extending out from a portion of the end, and a deflated second leg support section spaced from the deflated first leg support section and extending out from the portion of the end, wherein the deflated first leg support section and the deflated second leg support section define a gap between them. The torso support section is inflated along with the first leg support section and the second leg support section so as to fully support the patient on the mattress. The mattress and patient are then repositioned to a place where treatment may be provided to the patient. The first leg support and the second leg support are deflated, and each is rolled upon itself and toward the torso support section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an inflatable mattress formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top elevational view of the inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 3 , showing an embodiment including a plurality of perforations defined through a bottom panel; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , showing a transversely aligned baffle panel formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an end-on perspective view of the inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an end-on perspective view, similar to  FIG. 6 , showing a patient positioned on an inflatable mattress; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an end-on perspective view, similar to  FIG. 7 , showing a first leg and a second leg spread apart in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating an alternative crotch and toileting opening; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a top elevational view of the alternative inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 10 , as taken along lines  11 - 11 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 10  as taken along lines  12 - 12  in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is yet a further alternative embodiment of inflatable mattress having an alternative frustoconically shaped crotch; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an inflatable mattress formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention having deflatable legs; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a top elevational view of the deflated leg embodiment of inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 14 , showing an airflow pattern through a lower portion of the inflatable mattress; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a top elevational view of the deflated leg embodiment of inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 14 , showing an alternative airflow pattern through the inflatable mattress; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is an end-on perspective view of the deflating leg inflatable mattress, in an inflated state, with a patient resting upon the mattress; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is an end-on perspective view of the deflating leg inflatable mattress shown in  FIG. 17 , with the legs of the inflatable mattress deflated and rolled up under the buttocks of the individual in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention provides an inflatable mattress  2  including a top panel  4 , a bottom panel  6 , a perimeter band  7 , and a plurality of baffle-panels  8 . Although often described in the context of providing a toileting or clinical capability, inflatable mattress  2  may be used for a wide variety of patient handling and transfer tasks without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , top panel  4  comprises a head portion  12 , a pair of top appendage panels  14 ,  15 , and a peripheral edge  16 , and is formed from a sheet of fabric, e.g., nylon scrim or the like. Top panel  4  is often coated on at least its outer surface  18  with a water proof coating. Inner surface  19  of top panel  4  may also be coated with a water proof coating as well. The water proof coating may be any of the well known polymeric or elastomeric compounds that are known to be impervious to semi-solids and liquids, such as, blood, urine, feces, hospital strength disinfecting compounds, alcohol, or the like. For example, a nylon twill fabric that is coated on one side with a heat sealable, polyurethane coating (e.g., an inner side) and the outer side coated with a Durable Water Repellant (Patient side). A practical benefit associated with the use of the foregoing preferred materials is that inflatable mattress  2  retains a better appearance for longer periods of time during use. Double coated inflatable mattresses  2  can be easily wiped down, and can be put back into use more quickly. 
         [0031]    Head portion  12  is sized and shaped so as to extend across a patient&#39;s upper torso at least from shoulder to shoulder and from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Peripheral edge  16  defines the perimeter of head portion  12  and each appendage panel  14 ,  15 . Each appendage panel  14 ,  15  is sized and shaped so as to extend longitudinally outwardly from peripheral edge  16  along the lower portion of head portion  12 , i.e., adjacent the base of the patient&#39;s spine to beyond the sole of the foot. A crotch  20  is partially defined at a central lower portion of head portion  12 , where peripheral edge  16  transitions from a first appendage panel  14  to a second appendage panel  15 . A gap  21  is also partially defined between those portions of peripheral edge  16  that confront one another adjacent to appendage panels  14 ,  15  ( FIG. 3 ). Crotch  20  may define a variety of openings, having a variety of shapes, e.g. oval ( FIG. 1 ), circular ( FIGS. 9-12 ), frustoconical or trapezoidal ( FIG. 13 ), etc., so as to allow for a variety of patient sizes and needs. 
         [0032]    Bottom panel  6  is substantially similar in peripheral profile to top panel  4 , and comprises a head portion  22 , a pair of bottom appendage panels  24 , 25 , and a peripheral edge  26 . Bottom panel  6  is also formed from a sheet of nylon scrim or the like, and may be coated on at least its outer surface  28  with a water proof coating. Inner surface  29  of bottom panel  6  may also be coated with a water proof coating as well. Perimeter band  7  often comprises an elongate substantially rectangular strip of nylon scrim or the like, having a top edge  30  and a bottom edge  31  ( FIG. 3 ). Head portion  22  is also sized and shaped so as to extend across a patient&#39;s upper torso at least from shoulder to shoulder and from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each appendage panel  24 , 25  is sized and shaped so as to extend from the base of the patient&#39;s spine to beyond the sole of the foot. Peripheral edge  26  defines the perimeter of head portion  22 , and each appendage panel  24 , 25 . Crotch  20  is also partially defined at a central lower portion of head portion  22 , where peripheral edge  26  transitions from a first appendage panel  24  to a second appendage panel  25 . Gap  21  is also partially defined between those portions of peripheral edge  26  that confront one another adjacent to appendage panels  24 , 25 . 
         [0033]    In preferred embodiments of the invention, top panel  4  and bottom panel  6  are substantially the same in size and peripheral outline so that top edge  30  and bottom edge  31  of perimeter band  7  may be sealingly fastened to peripheral edges  16  and  26  of top and bottom panels  4 ,  6 , respectively. That portion of perimeter band  7  that extends between peripheral edges  16  and  26  where those edges transition from a first appendage panel  14  and  24  to a second appendage panel  15  and  25  completes the definition of crotch  20  and gap  21 . In this way, a preferred inflatable mattress  2  comprises a torso support pad  32  formed from the joining of head portions  12  and  22 , a first leg  33  formed from the joining of top appendage panel  14  and bottom appendage panel  24  and a second leg  35  formed from the joining of top appendage panel  15  and bottom appendage panel  25 . 
         [0034]    An inlet opening  37  is formed in a portion of perimeter band  7 , and may be a closable opening that sealingly accepts an air supply hose  38 . Inlet opening  37  is sized and shaped so that air supply hose  38  may be inserted, with the inlet being thereafter snapped shut or otherwise closed to hold air supply hose  38  in place while inflatable mattress  2  is being inflated. Inlet opening  37  may also include a valve (not shown) that is biased to be normally closed to prevent air from exiting through the inlet, and opened when air supply hose  38  is inserted into inlet opening  37 . Other arrangements known to those skilled in the art may be used to inflate inflatable mattress  2 . 
         [0035]    In one alternative embodiment of the invention, bottom panel  6  includes a plurality of tiny holes  39  ( FIG. 4 ) that are defined through its thickness to allow air, that is supplied by a high-pressure air supply to inflatable mattress  2 , via air supply hose  38 , to escape in a controlled manner so as to allow inflatable mattress  2  to be used as a transfer mattress. The air supplied to a transfer-capable embodiment of inflatable mattress  2  escapes through plurality of holes  39 , providing a weight-bearing cushion of air that facilitates the sliding of inflatable mattress  2  along a surface, as well as, from one surface to another. 
         [0036]    Plurality of baffle-panels  8  each comprise substantially rectangular sheets of nylon scrim or the like, and include a top edge  40  and a bottom edge  42 . Baffle-panels  8  may have differing or varying widths, depending upon their position within inflatable mattress  2 . Each top edge  40  may be fastened longitudinally ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or transversely ( FIG. 5 ) to a portion of inner surface  19  of top panel  4 , and each bottom edge  42  may be fastened longitudinally ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or transversely ( FIG. 5 ) to a portion of inner surface  29  of bottom panel  6 . When baffle panels  8  are assembled in a transverse manner, they often have a narrow center section  43  that causes at least top panel  4  to form a longitudinally oriented concave recess  44  which helps to cradle a patients legs when inflatable mattress  2  is inflated with air. A similar concave recess  44  is formed when baffle panels  8  are assembled in a longitudinal manner. 
         [0037]    An inflatable mattress  2  is assembled according to the present invention in the following manner. Bottom panel  6  is laid out on a suitable support surface so that baffle-panels  8  may be longitudinally or transversely arranged in the center section of inner surface  29  both in head portion  22  and along each appendage panel  24 , 25 . Once in this position, bottom edge  42  of each baffle-panel  8  is fixedly fastened to inner surface  29  of bottom panel  6 . Baffle-panels  8  may be heat sealed along the interface between bottom edge  42  and inner surface  29  of bottom panel  6  or sewn in a conventional manner. Heat sealing may be done with the application of heat or ultra sonic energy at the edge interface. In this way, a re-solidified interface structure is formed between bottom edge  42  and inner surface  29  so as to improve the bond and its resistance to rupture under normal loading. 
         [0038]    Once plurality of baffle-panels  8  are fastened to inner surface  29  of bottom panel  6 , top panel  4  is arranged in overlying confronting relation with bottom panel  6  so that head portion  12  of top panel  4  is confronting head portion  22  of bottom panel  6  and appendage panels  14 ,  15  of top panel  4  are in confronting relation to appendage panels  24 , 25  of bottom panel  6 . Once in this position, each top edge  40  of each baffle-panel  8  is fixedly fastened to inner surface  19  of top panel  4 . One or more perimeter bands  7  are then positioned between peripheral edge  16  of top panel  4  and peripheral edge  26  of bottom panel  6 , and then heat sealed along their interface or sewn in a conventional manner. Here again, heat sealing may be done with the application of heat or ultra sonic energy at the interface between peripheral edges  16 , 26 . In this way, a re-solidified interface structure is formed so as to improve the bond and its resistance to rupture under normal loading. 
         [0039]    Inflatable mattress  2  may be used to allow for easy toileting of patients as follows. With air supply hose  38  positioned within opening  37 , high-pressure air is forced into inflatable mattress  2  so as to inflate torso support pad  32 , first leg  33  and second leg  35 . Inflation of inflatable mattress  2  may be accomplished with or without a patient  75  positioned on outer surface  18  of top panel  4  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). It is often preferred to have a minimum sized gap  21  defined between first leg  33  and second leg  35 . With patient  75  in position upon inflatable mattress  2 , and prior to inflation, leg straps  80  may be fastened across outer surface  18  of first leg  33  and second leg  35  of inflatable mattress  2 . In this way, patient  75  retains a sense of security while lying upon inflatable mattress  2  during inflation/deflation. A retaining strap  85  also extends across the end surfaces of first leg  33  and second leg  35  so as to limit spreading of legs  33 , 35 . With patient  75  firmly secured to inflatable mattress  2 , the patient&#39;s legs may be spread so as to provide access to a basin or other toileting apparatus at or below crotch  20 , or so as to provide for easy access during clinical procedures. Once the patient has completed their bodily functions, and have been cleaned by an attendant, first leg  33  and second leg  35  are merely moved towards one another so that gap  21  reduces in size until they are adjacent one another. Strap  85  can then be re-secured to maintain inflatable mattress  2  in an arrangement in which the patient&#39;s legs are comfortably held together. 
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment of the invention, an inflatable mattress  89  includes a first leg  33  and second leg  35  that are formed so as to be a separately inflatable portion  90  from torso support pad  32  ( FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  17 , and  18 ). In this way, first leg  33  and second leg  35  are in air flow communication with one another via a connecting passageway  92 . A second inlet opening  97  is formed in a portion of perimeter band  7  in either leg  33  or leg  35 , and may be a closable opening that sealingly accepts a second air supply hose  98 . Inlet opening  97  is sized and shaped so that air supply hose  98  may be inserted, with the inlet being thereafter snapped shut or otherwise closed to hold air supply hose  98  in place while separately inflatable portion  90  is being inflated. Inlet opening  97  may also include a valve (not shown) that is biased to be normally closed to prevent air from exiting through the inlet, and opened when air supply hose  98  is inserted into inlet opening  97 . In another embodiment, an inflatable mattress  89  includes a first leg  33  and second leg  35  that are formed so as to be a substantially simultaneously inflatable with torso support pad  32  ( FIG. 16 ). Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , inflatable mattress  89  is inflated by inserting air supply hose  38  into inlet opening  37  so as to inflate torso support pad  32 . Similarly, air supply hose  98  is inserted into inlet opening  97  so as to inflate legs  33 , 35 . The inflation of torso support pad  32  and legs  33 , 35  may be done in sequence or simultaneously, as desired. Patient  75  may be placed on inflatable mattress  89  before or after inflating has begun or is completed. 
         [0041]    Once patient  75  is in this position on a fully inflated inflatable mattress  89 , legs  33 , 35  may be deflated and rolled up away from the patient&#39;s legs so that medical or clinical procedures may be performed, e.g., gynecological examination, lower extremity surgery, etc. without having to remove the patient from inflatable mattress  89 . Significantly, torso pad  32  may remain inflated during the foregoing process. Once the medical or clinical procedure has been completed, first leg  33  and second leg  35  may be re-inflated, via second inlet opening  97 , so as to once again support the patient&#39;s legs. 
         [0042]    It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.