Patent Publication Number: US-11382806-B2

Title: Inflatable mattress with lateral extensions

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     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 increased volume of air acts initially to jack a load placed upon the mattress above the perforated flexible sheet, and the escape of air under pressure through the pinholes creates an air bearing of relatively small height between the underlying fixed, generally planar support surface and the perforated flexible sheet. In applications in which the mattress allows for lifting of the mattress and patient, the width of the plenum chamber is often increased to allow easier handling of the mattress. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an inflatable patient handling mattress includes a mattress body, a first lateral extension, a second lateral extension, and one or more lift handles. The mattress body includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plenum chamber between the top panel and the bottom panel and configured to be filled with air. The first lateral extension extends from a first side of the mattress body. The second lateral extension extends from a second side of the mattress body, the second side opposite the first side. Each lift handle of the one or more lift handles is attached to one of the first lateral extension and the second lateral extension. The one or more lift handles are configured to be used to lift a patient disposed on the mattress body. 
     In another aspect, an inflatable patient handling mattress includes a mattress body, a lateral extension, and one or more lift handles attached to the lateral extension. The mattress body includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plenum chamber between the top panel and the bottom panel and configured to be filled with air. The lateral extension extends from a first side of the mattress body. The one or more lift handles are configured to be used to lift a patient disposed on the mattress body. 
     In another aspect, a method includes positioning a patient on an inflatable patient handling mattress. The inflatable patient handling mattress includes a mattress body, a lateral extension, and one or more lift handles attached to the lateral extension. The mattress body includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plenum chamber between the top panel and the bottom panel and configured to be filled with air. The lateral extension extends from a first side of the mattress body. The method further includes lifting upward on at least one of the one or more lift handles to lift the patient. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an inflatable mattress having lateral extensions, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cut-away view of the inflatable mattress of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the inflatable mattress of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an end perspective view of the inflatable mattress of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the inflatable mattress of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the inflatable mattress of  FIG. 1  in a lift configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the inflatable mattress of  FIG. 1  with a patient disposed thereon. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description of the 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 this description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “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 moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively coupled” 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 structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structure equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
     The present description is related to inflatable mattresses that include a mattress body defining a plenum and a lateral extension extending from at least one side of the mattress body. The lateral extension makes it easier to move and/or lift a patient disposed on the mattress body, as will be described herein. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show an embodiment of an inflatable mattress  102 . Inflatable mattress  102  includes a mattress body  103  including a top panel  104 , a bottom panel  106 , and a plurality of stringers  108  interior to a plenum chamber  110  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) formed by the top panel  104  and the bottom panel  106  and extending from the top panel  104  to the bottom panel  106 . More particularly, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the inflatable mattress  102  comprises a proximal end  112 , a distal end  114 , a first side  116  and an opposite second side  118  extending between the proximal end  112  and the distal end  114 . An inlet opening (not shown) is formed in the inflatable mattress  102 , and may be a closable opening that sealingly accepts an air supply hose. The inlet opening is sized and shaped so that the air supply hose may be inserted, with the inlet being thereafter snapped shut or otherwise closed to hold the air supply hose in place while the inflatable mattress is being inflated. The inlet opening 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 an air supply hose is inserted into the inlet opening. Other arrangements known to those skilled in the art may be used to inflate inflatable mattress  102 . The inflatable mattress  102  can also include a plurality of handles  115  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to allow for easy handling and movement of the inflatable mattress. 
     The top panel  104  and the bottom panel  106  are engaged along their peripheral edges. The top panel  104  and bottom panel  106  can be directly engaged, for example by radiofrequency welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, sewing, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or the like. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a perimeter band (not shown) is coupled between the top panel  104  and the bottom panel  106 . 
     Bottom panel  106  also includes a plurality of apertures  120  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) that are defined through its thickness to allow air, that is supplied by a low-pressure air supply to inflatable mattress  102 , via the air supply hose, to escape in a controlled manner. The air supplied to inflatable mattress  102  escapes through the plurality of apertures, providing a weight-bearing cushion of air that facilitates the sliding of inflatable mattress  102  along a surface, as well as from one surface to another. 
     It should be understood that some or all of the top panel  104 , the bottom panel  106 , the perimeter band, and the stringers are most often, but not always, formed from a sheet of fabric, e.g., nylon scrim or the like, and may be coated on at least the outer surface with an air impermeable coating. One or more surfaces can also be coated with a water proof coating. 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 the inflatable mattress  102  retains a better appearance for longer periods of time during use. A double coated inflatable mattress  102  can be easily wiped down, and can be put back into use more quickly. 
     Alternatively, in those instances where a single use, single patient mattress is provided, i.e., where patient use lasting less than twenty-four hours is desired, some or all of the top panel  104 , the bottom panel  106 , the perimeter band, and the stringers may be formed from fibers for forming fabrics suitable for single use. For example, the top panel  104  may be made of materials, such as, acetate, acrylic, anidex, aramid, azlon, cotton, elastoester, fluorocarbon, fur, glass, lyocell, melamine, metallic, modacrylic, modal, mosacrylic, novoloid, nylon, nytril, olefin, PAN, PBI, PEEK, Pelco, PEN, PLA, PTT, polyester, polyester-polyarylate, rayon, saran, spandex, sulfar, triacetate, vinal, vinyon, and wool. A common characteristic of the foregoing and like materials is their propensity to stain or discolor as a result of contact with blood, urine, feces, hospital strength disinfecting compounds, alcohol, or the like. Additionally, a variety of films may be used to form a single patient, single use inflatable mattress  102 , for example, copolyester, copolyether, ethylene vinyl acetate, fluorocarbon, polyamide, olefins, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polyester, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl, alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, and polyvinylidene chloride. A practical benefit associated with the use of the foregoing preferred materials is that such an inflatable mattress  102  retains a stained and discolored appearance for longer periods of time after use, thereby alerting hospital staff or other care givers that a particular inflatable mattress  102  has completed its useful life, and must be discarded. 
     In one embodiment, some or all of the top panel  104 , the bottom panel  106 , the perimeter band and the stringers may comprise a cold water soluble partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, cold water insoluble hot water disintegrable aliphatic polyester, and minor proportions of processing and performance aids. The aliphatic polyester has a melt temperature above the normal body temperature of a human (approximately 37 degrees C. or 98.6 degrees F.) and is present in the resin blend at a concentration sufficient to constitute the continuous phase of the blend, with the polyvinyl alcohol constituting a discontinuous phase of the blend. The aliphatic polyester renders the resin blend, and the partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol in the blend is, cold water insoluble and determines the temperature at which articles formed from the blend will be subject to dissolution in an aqueous bath and subsequent disposal. A practical benefit associated with the use of the foregoing material is that such an inflatable mattress  102  not only retains a stained and discolored appearance for longer periods of time after use, thereby alerting hospital staff or other care givers that a particular inflatable mattress  102  has completed its useful life, and must be discarded, but also if an attempt is made to launder the mattress after a single use it disintegrates during the washing process. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the inflatable mattress  102  further includes a first lateral extension  140  extending from the first side  116  and a second lateral extension  144  extending from the second side  118 . The lateral extensions  140 ,  144  can be formed of any appropriate material. For example, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  can be formed from the same material as the top panel  104 . In one embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  include a non-woven polyester. The lateral extensions  140 ,  144  can be attached to the mattress body  103  in any appropriate manner. For example, in one embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are sewn between the top panel  104  and the bottom panel  106 . In another embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are attached to a perimeter band extending between the top panel  104  and the bottom panel  106 , for example by RF welding, ultrasonic welding, or bonding. In one embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are attached to the stringers. In another embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are integrally formed with the top panel  104  or the bottom panel  106 . For example, the top panel  104  may be wider than the bottom panel  106  such that when the top panel  104  and bottom panel  106  are joined, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  extend past the perimeter of the mattress body  103 . 
     In one embodiment, the first lateral extension  140  and the second lateral extension  144  are portions of a single sheet of material. The sheet can be positioned between the top panel  104  and the bottom panel  106  prior to joining the top panel to the bottom panel, thereby forming a sandwich structure. The single sheet of material can have a window corresponding to the plenum chamber, thereby allowing stringers to extend from the top panel  104  to the bottom panel  106  as well as allowing the flow of air throughout the plenum formed by the top panel  104  and bottom panel  106 . By configuring the extensions in this way, positioning and affixing the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  to the top panel  104  and/or bottom panel  106  may be simpler and more efficient. 
     In addition, a plurality of lift handles  150  are attached to the lateral extensions  140 ,  144 . The lift handles allow for lifting of the patient positioned on the mattress body  103 . The lift handles  150  can include a plurality of grip positions, as shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . As such, the handles  150  have multiple locations for the user to grasp to provide a more comfortable and ergonomic grasp of the mattress. Alternatively, an overhead lift or crane, such as a motorized lift, can be attached to the lift handles  150  at a variety of positions. Any number of lift handles  150  can be attached to each lateral extension. For example, in one embodiment, four lift handles  150  are attached to each lateral extension. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , when it is desired to lift a patient, the caregivers or a mechanical lift can lift upward on the lift handles  150 . In response, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  fold upward. This provides a cradling effect that helps to ensure that the patient remains securely positioned. 
     After the inflatable mattress  102  is in the desired position, and lifting is no longer necessary, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  can be allowed to drape on the side of a hospital bed, operating table, stretcher or other platform supporting the inflatable mattress  102 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . This can be done in a more easily controlled manner than deflating a significantly wider mattress. Hence, the excess material does not bunch beneath the patient. 
     Because the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  provide extra width and material for lifting the patient, without increasing the size of the mattress body  103  or the plenum chamber  110 , a number of advantages are provided. For example, the volume of air required to inflate the mattress is decreased, thereby reducing the time for inflation. In addition, when positioning a patient on a relatively narrow stretcher or other support, it easier for the caregiver to center the patient on the stretcher or support than it would be if the width of the mattress body were increased. In one embodiment, the deflated width of the mattress body  103  is about 34 inches and the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are each about 4 inches to 5 inches wide. In another embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are each at least 4 inches wide. In another embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are each at least 3 inches wide. In another embodiment, the lateral extensions  140 ,  144  are each between about 3 inches and about 6 inches wide. 
     While the foregoing description and drawings represent preferred or exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. All patents and published patent applications identified herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.