Abstract:
A mattress apparatus that combines the functionality of a hospital bed with that of a bedpan is herein disclosed. A bedpan assembly is provided to temporarily replace a slidable mattress section in the middle of the mattress area. In use, a person confined to a bed can use the bedpan without exiting the bed, thereby avoiding undue physical stress. The bedpan is inserted under a buttock area for normal use using an integrated track system, and slid out being coincidentally replaced by the slidable mattress section, to return the bed to its original condition. The bedpan can be removed, emptied, and cleaned by the care-giver without disturbing the patient.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/196,992, filed Oct. 23, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to hospital beds, and in particular, to an adjustable non-ambulatory patient bed with an integral bed pan assembly for allowing simple use of a toilet for non-ambulatory patients. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An ongoing issue in the medical field is providing non-ambulatory or bedridden hospital patients with basic amenities and conveniences in a simple and comfortable manner. Among the most difficult of these tasks is providing a non-ambulatory patient with access to lavatory facilities and a simple method for the sanitary disposal of waste products. Traditional solutions such as bed pans are unsanitary, uncomfortable, and unsavory by modern standards. Many such approaches lead to both mental and physical discomfort for both the patients and those attending to them. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide bathroom capabilities to non-ambulatory and bedridden patients. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 972,100, issued in the name of Crandall, describes a bed for invalids. The Crandall bed includes an aperture in the proximity of the patient&#39;s behind to allow for bathroom capabilities. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,632, issued in the name of Meyer, describes a mattress for accommodating a bedpan or therapeutic device. The Meyer apparatus allows temporary insertion of various devices in the proximity of the patient. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,941, issued in the name of Fuller, describes a sling system for assisting a non-ambulatory patient. The Fuller apparatus includes a bath water and waste water cart. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a hospital bed exist, particularly U.S. Pat. No. D 375,849. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses such as beside commodes can be difficult or impossible for non-ambulatory patients to use. Also, many such apparatuses are uncomfortable and complicated for a patient to use. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are time consuming, complex, and unwieldy for those assisting patients to set up or clean. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which non-ambulatory patients can enjoy restroom capabilities and a means by which those assisting patients can assist and clean up for such patients without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means by which non-ambulatory patients can enjoy restroom capabilities and a means by which those assisting patients can assist and clean up for such patients in a simple and respectful manner. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a split mattress apparatus, which further comprises an upper mattress section, a lower mattress section, a center mattress insert, and a bedpan insert. The apparatus enables temporary attachment of the bedpan insert to the mattress insert to quickly slide the bedpan insert beneath a bed occupant for the purpose of relieving themselves with minimal intrusion. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise upper and lower mattress sections similar in material, construction, and function to common commercially available adjustable bed mattresses. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a variety of existing common adjustable bed frames. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to join the mattress sections with a connecting panel, which is constructed of a smooth flexible extruded plastic material and permanently attached to the underside surface of each mattress section. The connecting panel extends along a horizontal plane between the sections and provides a surface upon which the mattress insert and bedpan insert are to slide across and rest upon during normal use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the upper mattress section of a first cushion layer, a first support structure, and a hinge. The first cushion layer is made of common cushioning materials such as fabric, batting, foam rubber padding, or the like and covered in an expected manner using vinyl, fabric, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the first support structure of an open top, five-sided structure which provides planar and edge support to the first cushion layer contained and seated within. The structure further comprises an integral channel-shaped outside track section along a proximal vertical surface which provides interlocking lateral guidance to the mattress and bedpan inserts via inside track sections. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the hinge of a single axis angulation of the upper mattress at an approximate waist location of an occupant. This allows the user to obtain an elevated seated posture if desired. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the lower mattress section of a second cushion layer and a second support structure of similar material, construction, and function as the upper mattress section. In like manner as the upper mattress section, the lower mattress section provides interlocking lateral guidance to the mattress and bedpan inserts, thereby slidingly entrapping the insert between the two (2) sections. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an open intermediate region spanned by the connection panel which is suitable to slidingly receive the mattress and bedpan inserts, having a width equivalent to the mattress sections, and approximately eighteen (18) to twenty four (24) inches long. The connection panel is positioned between the mattress sections so as to align with a buttock region of a bed occupant when lying on the apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise first and second interconnecting features to allow the mattress and bedpan inserts to be temporarily joined together. This allows a caregiver to motion both inserts coincidentally between the mattress sections, using a single “U”-shaped handle which is provided on the bedpan insert. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a pair of outside track sections to provide guided lateral motion of the mattress and bedpan inserts via corresponding inside track sections. The outside track sections are located on facing end portions of the mattress sections and are integrally formed into vertical portions of the first and second support structures. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise each outside track section of a linear rectangular-shaped protruding channel member sized so as to be slidingly received within the corresponding slot-shaped first and second inside track sections. The track sections may utilize other interlocking mechanisms or designs common in the industry which provide smooth lateral motioning of the mattress and bedpan inserts. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to construct the mattress insert in a similar manner to the mattress sections, comprising a mattress insert cushion layer and a mattress insert support layer. The mattress insert further comprises a pair of first inside track sections on opposite outer surfaces, arranged in a parallel manner so as to align and slidingly interconnect with the outside track sections of the mattress sections. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the bedpan insert of a rectangle-shaped inner cavity which provides stable positioning of a bedpan lid assembly via a lid support feature and which receives the bodily waste from the occupant. The bed insert is constructed of a lightweight rigid plastic material. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the lid support feature of a step or ledge-shaped feature positioned slightly below a top edge of the bedpan insert. The lid support feature extends along three side portions to allow sliding removal of the bedpan lid assembly in a lateral direction. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the bedpan insert of a pair of second inside track sections on lower opposing outside vertical side walls which are aligned with and slidably attaching to the outside track sections. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the bedpan insert of a handle on an outside vertical wall surface and positioned opposite the second interconnecting fixture. The handle provides a means to grip the bedpan insert. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the bedpan lid assembly of a seat, a base, and a center opening which are preferably constructed of antimicrobial plastic materials capable of being easily washed and disinfected. The seat is similar to common bedpans providing a raised ergonomic seating surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for the seat to frame the center opening of the bedpan lid assembly, thereby providing passage of bodily waste from the occupant to the internal cavity. The seat is integrally molded into the base. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the base of a shallow flat rectangular cover extending outwardly and having downturned edge portions. The base further comprises perimeter dimensions which allow sliding vertical insertion into the open top portion of the bedpan insert being seated upon the lid support feature. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the internal cavity portion of the bedpan insert of sufficient internal volume for containing an amount of bodily waste from a non-ambulatory bed occupant. The inner cavity portion may also be used as temporary storage for various care giving materials such as gloves, cleansers, and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise interconnecting fixtures of integrally molded round-headed posts and receiving keyhole-type apertures, or other common coupling devices, which act to maintain the mattress insert and the bedpan insert in a coupled parallel orientation with respect to one (1) another. The interconnecting fixtures are located on mating parallel faces of the inserts which when coupled allow any linear movement of the bedpan insert to manipulate the position of the mattress insert. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of providing a non-ambulatory patient with ergonomic and simple toilet capabilities, and caregivers with a simple, quick, and easy method of providing, interchanging, and cleaning bedpan facilities for a patient. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a hospital bed with an integral bedpan  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed view of a hospital bed with an integral bedpan  10  depicting a slidable mattress insert  30 , a bedpan insert  40 , and a bedpan lid assembly  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of interconnecting portions  74 ,  76  of the mattress  30  and bedpan  40  insert portions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 hospital bed with an integral bedpan 
               
               
                 15 
                 upper mattress section 
               
               
                 16 
                 first cushion layer 
               
               
                 17 
                 first support structure 
               
               
                 18 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 20 
                 lower mattress section 
               
               
                 22 
                 connecting panel 
               
               
                 24 
                 outside track section 
               
               
                 28 
                 second cushion layer 
               
               
                 29 
                 second support structure 
               
               
                 30 
                 mattress insert 
               
               
                 32  
                 first inside track section 
               
               
                 36 
                 mattress insert cushion layer 
               
               
                 38 
                 mattress insert support layer 
               
               
                 40 
                 bedpan insert 
               
               
                 41 
                 internal cavity 
               
               
                 42 
                 second inside track section 
               
               
                 46 
                 handle 
               
               
                 48 
                 lid support feature 
               
               
                 50 
                 bedpan lid assembly 
               
               
                 52 
                 seat 
               
               
                 54 
                 base 
               
               
                 56 
                 center opening 
               
               
                 74 
                 first interconnecting fixture 
               
               
                 76 
                 second interconnecting fixture 
               
               
                 100 
                 bed frame 
               
               
                 110 
                 bed occupant 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a hospital bed with an integral bedpan (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a non-ambulatory bed occupant  110  to relieve theirself with a minimal amount of physical stress and overall movement. The apparatus  10  comprises a split mattress design comprising an upper mattress section  15  and a lower mattress section  20  for adjustable hospital bed frames  100 . Said mattress sections  15 ,  20  further provide a means to slidingly install a center mattress insert  30  therebetween, which may be conveniently replaced by a bedpan insert  40  as needed. The apparatus  10  enables temporary attachment of the bedpan insert  40  thereto the mattress insert  30 , thereby allowing the joined insert portions  30 ,  40  to slide laterally to quickly position the bedpan insert  40  beneath the bed occupant  110  for the purpose of relieving theirself with minimal intrusion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections being similar in materials, construction, and function to other common commercially available adjustable bed mattresses with particular enhancements, including laterally slidable and removable intermediate mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts. The apparatus  10  may be used in conjunction therewith a variety of existing common adjustable bed frames  100 . Said mattress sections  15 ,  20  are joined by a connecting panel  22 . The connecting panel  22  is preferably made of a smooth flexible extruded plastic material which is permanently attached thereto the underside surface of each mattress section  15 ,  20  and extending therebetween along a horizontal plane. The connecting panel  22  further provides a surface upon which the mattress insert  30  and bedpan insert  40  are to slide across and rest thereupon during normal use. 
     The upper mattress section  15  further comprises a first cushion layer  16 , a first support structure  17 , and a hinge  18 . The first cushion layer  16  is envisioned to be made of common cushioning materials such as fabric, natural or synthetic batting, foam rubber padding, and the like, being covered in an expected manner using vinyl, fabric, leather, or equivalent materials and being introduced in a variety of colors and patterns. The first support structure  17  provides an open-topped, five (5) sided structure made preferably of a semi-rigid plastic material, thereby providing planar and edge support thereto the first cushion layer  16  contained and seated therewithin. The first support structure  17  further comprises an integral channel-shaped outside track section  24  located therealong a proximal vertical surface thereof which provides interlocking lateral guidance thereto the mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts via a first inside track section  32  and a second inside track section  42 , respectively (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     The hinge  18  comprises single axis angulation of the upper mattress section  15  thereat an approximate waist location of the occupant  110 , thereby obtaining an elevated seated posture of the occupant  110  if desired. 
     The lower mattress section  20  comprises a second cushion layer  28  and a second support structure  29  which comprise similar materials, construction, and function as the aforementioned first cushion layer  16  and first support structure  17  portions of the upper mattress section  15 . In like manner as the upper mattress section  15 , the lower mattress section  20  provides interlocking lateral guidance thereto the mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts, thereby slidingly entrapping said inserts  30 ,  40  therebetween. 
     The mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts may be temporarily joined theretogether via a first interconnecting feature  74  and a second interconnecting feature  76  (see  FIG. 3 ), thereby allowing a caregiver to motion both inserts  30 ,  40  coincidentally horizontally between said mattress sections  15 ,  20  using a single “U”-shaped handle  46 . 
     The upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections provide an open intermediate region being spanned thereby the connection panel  22  being suitable to slidingly receive the mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts having a width equivalent to said mattress sections  15 ,  20  and approximately eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches long. The connection panel  22  is to be positioned therebetween said mattress sections  15 ,  20  so as to align therewith a buttock region of a bed occupant  110  when laying thereon the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a detailed view of the apparatus  10  depicting the mattress insert  30 , the bedpan insert  40 , and the bedpan lid assembly  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  further comprises a pair of outside track sections  24  which provide guided lateral motioning of the aforementioned mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts via corresponding respective first  32  and second  42  inside track sections. Said outside track sections  24  are located thereon facing end portions of the upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections being integrally formed thereinto vertical portions of the first  17  and second  29  support structures, respectively. Each outside track section  24  comprises a linear rectangular-shaped protruding channel member specifically sized so as to be slidingly received therewithin the corresponding slot-shaped first  32  and second  42  inside track sections, thereby providing smooth lateral motioning thereof said mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts. However, it is understood that said outside track sections  24  and corresponding first  32  and second  42  inside track sections may also utilize various other interlocking mechanisms and designs such as interlocking “T”-shaped profiles, angular “dove-tail” designs, rotating wheels and tracks, or other means common in the industry, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The mattress  30  and bedpan  40  inserts are envisioned to traverse the connecting panel  22  and may be positioned in any location along the linear outside track sections  24 . 
     The mattress insert  30  comprises similar construction as the aforementioned upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections comprising a mattress insert cushion layer  36  and a mattress insert support layer  38  which provide similar construction, materials, and functions as corresponding portions of the previously described upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections. The mattress insert  30  comprises a pair of first inside track sections  32  located thereupon opposite outer surfaces, being arranged in a parallel manner so as to align and slidingly interconnect therewith the outside track sections  24  of the mattress sections  15 ,  20 . 
     The bedpan insert  40  is envisioned being made of a lightweight rigid plastic material and comprises a rectangle-shaped inner cavity  41 . The inner cavity  41  provides stable positioning of a bedpan lid assembly  50  therealong upper edge portions via an integrally-molded lid support feature  48  and also receives the bodily waste from the occupant  110 . The lid support feature  48  comprises a step or ledge-shaped feature positioned slightly below a top edge of said bedpan insert  40  which extends along three (3) side portions, thereby allowing sliding removal of said bedpan lid assembly  50  therein a lateral direction. The bedpan insert  40  further comprises a pair of second inside track sections  42  located on lower opposing outside vertical side walls of the bedpan insert  40  being aligned therewith and slidably attaching thereto the aforementioned outside track sections  24 . 
     The bedpan insert  40  also comprises a handle  46  located upon an outside vertical wall surface and positioned opposite the second interconnecting fixture  76  (see  FIG. 3 ), and is envisioned to provide a means to grip said bedpan insert  40 . 
     The bedpan lid assembly  50  further comprises a seat  52 , a base  54 , and a center opening  56 . Said bedpan lid assembly portions  52 ,  54  are preferably made of anti-microbial plastic materials capable of being easily washed and disinfected. The seat portion  52  is to be similar in form to other common bedpans providing a raised ergonomic seating surface providing comfort thereto a buttock area of a bed occupant  110 . The seat  52  frames the center opening  56 , thereby providing passage of bodily waste from said occupant  110  to the internal cavity  41 . The seat  52  is to be integrally-molded thereinto the base  54 . Said base  54  comprises a shallow flat rectangular cover extending outwardly and having down-turned edge portions. The base  54  comprises perimeter dimensions which allow sliding vertical insertion thereinto the open top portion of the bedpan insert  40  subsequently being seated thereupon the previously described lid support feature  48 . The internal cavity portion  41  of the bedpan insert  40  is to comprise sufficient internal volume for containing an amount of bodily waste therefrom said non-ambulatory bed occupant  110 . During normal use, the bedpan lid assembly  50  is placed thereon the lid support feature  48  of the bedpan insert  40  by removably resting the base  54  thereupon, being easily slid therefrom said lid support feature  48  in a side-ways direction, and removed for emptying and cleaning purposes. The inner compartment  41  is also envisioned to be utilized as a temporary storage means thereto various care-giving materials such as rubber gloves, toilet tissue, cleansers, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view of interconnecting portions  74 ,  76  of respective mattress  30  and bedpan  40  insert portions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The mattress section  30  further comprises a first interconnecting fixture  74  which provides a means of temporarily coupling said mattress section  30  thereto a complementing second interconnecting fixture portion  76  of the bedpan insert  40 . The first  74  and second  76  interconnecting fixtures are located thereupon mating parallel faces of the respective inserts  30 ,  40  which when coupled theretogether, any linear movement of the bedpan insert  40  will manipulate the position of the slidable mattress insert  30 . The interconnecting fixtures  74 ,  76  are illustrated here comprising integrally-molded round-headed posts  74  and receiving keyhole-type apertures  76  which act to maintain the mattress insert  30  and the bedpan insert  40  in a coupled parallel orientation with respect to one another. However, it is understood that the apparatus  10  may be introduced utilizing a variety of other common removably coupling devices, hardware, and fixtures of various designs, which provide equal benefit and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps; mounting the upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections, therewith the attached connecting panel  22 , thereto an existing hospital bed  100 ; installing the mattress insert  30  therebetween the upper  15  and lower  20  mattress sections by aligning and inserting the first inside track sections  32  thereonto the outside track sections  24 ; allowing an occupant  110  to enter, lay upon, and occupy the apparatus  10  in a normal manner; allowing said occupant  110  to relieve him or herself, with the assistance of a care-giver as necessary, by retrieving the bedpan insert  40  and the bedpan lid assembly  50 ; placing the bedpan lid assembly  50  thereupon the lid support features  48  of the bedpan insert  40 ; coupling the bedpan insert  40  thereto the mattress insert  30  by engaging and securing the first  74  and second  76  interconnecting fixtures thereto each other; slightly elevating the buttock portions of the occupant  110  off the mattress insert  30 ; grasping the handle  46  and pushing the bedpan insert  40  thereonto the connecting panel  22 , thereby positionally replacing the mattress insert  30  therewith the bedpan insert  40 ; resting the buttocks of the occupant  110  thereon the seat  52  portion of the bedpan lid assembly  50 ; allowing the bed occupant  110  to relieving him or herself as normal; slightly raising the buttocks of the occupant  10  off of the seat  52 ; grasping the handle  46  and pulling the bedpan insert  40  outwardly therefrom the connecting panel  22 , thereby being positionally replaced with the mattress insert  30 ; allowing the bed occupant  110  to relax and lay thereon the top surface of the mattress insert  30  and mattress sections  15 ,  20  in a normal manner; removing the bedpan insert  40  by uncoupling the interconnecting fixtures  74 ,  76 ; removing the bedpan lid assembly  50  therefrom the bedpan assembly  40  by lifting and/or sliding said bedpan lid assembly  50  laterally therefrom the lid support feature  48 ; emptying, cleaning, and disinfecting the bedpan lid assembly  50  and bedpan insert  40 , as desired; storing the bedpan insert  40  and the bedpan lid assembly  50  until needed; and, enabling an occupant  110  to relieve him or herself with a minimal amount of physical stress and overall movement using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.