Patent Description:
The present invention is defined by the appended independent claim.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress state indicator includes a housing. The mattress state indicator also includes a display supported by the housing. The display is configured to provide visual indicia of a mattress operation state of a mattress. The display includes a light source disposed proximate the display. A connection feature is engaged with the housing. The connection feature is configured to couple the housing with a bed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress state indicator includes a housing. A display is supported by the housing and is configured to provide visual indicia of a mattress operation state of a mattress. The display includes a light source disposed proximate the display. A bracket is engaged with the housing and includes a clamp that applies a compressive force against a portion of a bed.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress state indicator assembly includes a housing and a display that provides visual indicia of an operation state of a mattress. The display communicates wirelessly with a controller of a bed that controls the operation state of the mattress. A connector is disposed within the housing and engages a complementary connector disposed within the bed.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in <FIG>. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to a surface of the device closest to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to a surface of the device furthest from the intended viewer. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a. " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> generally designates a medical equipment status indicator in the form of a mattress state indicator including a housing <NUM>. The mattress state indicator <NUM> also includes a display <NUM> supported by the housing <NUM>. The display <NUM> is configured to provide visual indicia <NUM> of a mattress operation state of a mattress. The display <NUM> includes a light source <NUM> disposed proximate the display <NUM>. A connection feature <NUM> is engaged with the housing <NUM>. The connection feature <NUM> is configured to couple the housing <NUM> with a bed <NUM>, such as a hospital bed.

With reference again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the mattress state indicator <NUM> is configured for use with the hospital bed <NUM> to provide a quick and efficient visual indication to a caregiver of an operation status of the mattress of the hospital bed <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the mattress state indicator <NUM> will provide visual confirmation of an operation state that may include client management features, such as micro-climate management. Visual indication of the operation state of the hospital bed <NUM> is provided, without the need for interactive interfaces such as buttons or switches. With the mattress state indicator <NUM> attached to the hospital bed <NUM>, caregivers can confirm the proper operation of the mattress frequently in order to maximize effective use of the mattress and reduce the likelihood of skin breakdown, which could lead to lesions or sores. Additionally, caregivers should be able to view the operation state of the mattress from an easily viewable location such as a footboard <NUM>. To that end, the mattress state indicator <NUM> should be positioned in a location that is visually non-obstructive and that does not interfere with other forms of patient care. The mattress state indicator <NUM> may be operably coupled with any portion of the hospital bed <NUM>, however, in <FIG>, the mattress state indicator <NUM> is illustrated as being operably coupled with the footboard <NUM> above a frame <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM>. The mattress state indicator <NUM> may be coupled with the hospital bed <NUM> via various attachment methods. For example, the mattress state indicator <NUM> may be magnetically coupled with the footboard <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM> by a magnetic member (another magnet or a metal that attracts a magnet). The mattress state indicator <NUM> in conjunction with a complementary connection feature on a hospital bed <NUM> defines a mattress state indicator assembly.

With reference now to <FIG>, the mattress state indicator <NUM> may also be attached to a cord <NUM> that allows the mattress state indicator <NUM> to be placed on either side of the footboard <NUM> without dragging the cord <NUM> on the floor. The cord <NUM> provides electrical communication (power and/or data) between the display <NUM> and a controller of the bed <NUM>. However, it is also contemplated that the display <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with the controller that is configured to adjust the mattress operation state. A magnet <NUM> is disposed inside the housing <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> and has a first side <NUM> that is attached to a magnetic feature in the form of a metal disk or complementary magnet <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the first side <NUM> of the magnet <NUM> may include a polarity that is opposite that of the complementary magnet <NUM>. The magnetic feature may be adhesively attached to the footboard <NUM> or mounted with a mechanical fastener to the footboard <NUM> of the bed <NUM>. Alternatively, the magnetic feature may be embedded in the footboard <NUM> during manufacturing of the footboard <NUM>. In this instance, an indicia or symbol may be disposed on an external surface of the footboard <NUM> to indicate where the magnetized feature is embedded within the footboard <NUM>. Other methods for connection are set forth herein.

The mattress state indicator <NUM> includes the display <NUM> that may be illuminated to provide the visual indicia <NUM> associated with the operation state of the mattress. The display <NUM> may include a variety of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be designed to operate with multiple circuits such that the LEDs may provide the appearance of motion, flashing, color, etc. In addition, the LEDs may be side-lit so as to reduce the overall thickness of the mattress state indicator <NUM> thereby providing a lean, aesthetically pleasing profile. It will be understood that the mattress state indicator <NUM> may be easily removed from the footboard <NUM> of the bed <NUM> to allow repositioning, cleaning, etc..

With reference again to <FIG>, a peripheral portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may include a molded-in strain relief member <NUM> to minimize excessive strain where electrical and data wiring enters the housing <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>. Although the housing <NUM> is shown with a circular construction, it will also be understood that the housing <NUM> may take on a variety of other constructions, including square, rectangular, etc..

With reference again to <FIG>, the mattress state indicator <NUM> is illustrated with the housing <NUM> removed. The cord <NUM> is shown with wiring <NUM> that provides electrical communication to a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> by way of an electrical plug <NUM>. In the construction of <FIG>, the wiring <NUM> extends past the magnet <NUM> such that the electrical plug <NUM> is disposed on an opposite side of the mattress state indicator <NUM> than where the wiring <NUM> enters the mattress state indicator <NUM>. The electrical plug <NUM> may provide power or data to the PCB <NUM> or both power and data to the PCB <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> is operably coupled with the display <NUM>, which as previously noted, may include a variety of light sources. In addition, a back side of the PCB <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> is operably coupled with the magnet <NUM> which is disposed within the housing <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may support the magnet <NUM> and also act as a radio frequency (RF) shield for the PCB <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is configured for magnetically securing the mattress state indicator <NUM> to a complementary magnetized feature of the hospital bed <NUM>. As previously noted, the magnetized feature may be a metal plate, or may be another magnet <NUM> with a pole opposite to that of the first side <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>, such that the magnet <NUM> and the first side <NUM> are attracted to one another. Further, the magnetized feature may be disposed interior to or exterior to a portion of the hospital bed <NUM>.

With reference again to <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> is clearly disposed adjacent to a rear surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The rear surface <NUM> may be surrounded by a peripheral rim <NUM> configured to receive a metal plate (<FIG>) that is magnetically attached to the magnet <NUM> adjacent the rear surface <NUM>. In this case, the peripheral rim <NUM> serves as a locating feature that properly locates the housing <NUM> against a metal plate or metal plate location on the hospital bed <NUM>. In addition, it can be seen that the display <NUM> includes an outer edge <NUM> that is over-molded by the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the housing <NUM> protects the outer edge <NUM> of the display <NUM> from damage.

With reference now to <FIG>, in another aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress state indicator <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a clamshell type configuration. The clamshell configuration includes a first housing portion <NUM> that is operably coupled to a second housing portion <NUM> by mechanical fasteners <NUM>. The mechanical fasteners <NUM> extend through receiving apertures <NUM> and are securely received into bosses <NUM>. In this instance, the wiring <NUM> does not extend past the magnet <NUM>, but instead is proximate an opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A magnet <NUM> is disposed in the second housing portion <NUM> and is located within an internal ring <NUM> that properly locates the magnet <NUM> relative to the second housing portion <NUM>. After the first housing portion <NUM> and the second housing portion <NUM> are mechanically connected, and the magnet <NUM> is secured within the internal ring <NUM>, the electrical plug <NUM>, which is in electrical communication with the wiring <NUM>, can be inserted into the housing <NUM> and coupled with circuitry <NUM> that is operably coupled with a display <NUM>. The display <NUM> is secured to the first housing portion <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be secured by adhesive, for example. It will be understood that the display <NUM> includes the same or similar features as the display <NUM> as set forth herein.

It is generally contemplated, regardless of the construction of the mattress state indicator, that the mattress state indicator will be operably coupled with the hospital bed <NUM>. In one instance, as shown in <FIG>, a connection feature <NUM> includes an adhesive ring <NUM> that acts as an interface between a metal plate <NUM> (which, alternatively, could be a complementary magnet) and the footboard <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM>. A mechanical fastener <NUM> extends through a fastener aperture <NUM> in the metal plate <NUM> and a label or decal <NUM> is positioned over the metal plate <NUM>. This construction is configured to interface with the magnet <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> or the magnet <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>. The mechanical fastener <NUM> secures the metal plate <NUM> to the footboard <NUM> and the adhesive ring <NUM> prevents rotation of the metal plate <NUM> relative to the footboard <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the mattress state indicator <NUM> may also be secured to the footboard <NUM> by less permanent coupling assemblies. The coupling assemblies may include clamps that are secured to a portion of the footboard <NUM> or other areas of the hospital bed <NUM>. In these instances, the clamps may be removed from the hospital bed <NUM> quickly and easily, without permanently marking or damaging the hospital bed <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, an instance of a connection feature <NUM> in the form of a bracket is illustrated. The connection feature <NUM> illustrates a spring steel clamp <NUM> including first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> that are operably coupled by an intermediate portion <NUM>. An outside surface of the first arm <NUM> includes a metal plate <NUM>, or any other known magnetic member, configured to interface with the magnet <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> or the magnet <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>. An inside surface of the first arm <NUM> includes a pliable engagement member <NUM> made of a highly frictional polymer, for example, that assists in frictionally securing the connection feature <NUM> to a portion of the hospital bed <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> is turned slightly inward and includes a spring biased arrangement configured to frictionally engage a portion of the hospital bed <NUM>, such as the footboard <NUM>. Thus, the spring steel claim is configured to apply a compressive force against a portion of the hospital bed <NUM>. A bottom end <NUM> of the second arm <NUM> defines an outwardly extending tab configured to allow a caregiver to pull the second arm <NUM> away from the first arm <NUM>, thereby releasing the spring steel clamp <NUM> from the hospital bed <NUM>. The spring steel clamp <NUM> can then be relocated or moved to a different hospital bed <NUM>. The space between the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> is generally smaller than engagement areas (such as the footboard <NUM>, for example) of the hospital bed <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, another connection feature <NUM> in the form of a bracket is illustrated, which includes an adjustable clamp <NUM>, which may be constructed from a polymeric material such as plastic. The adjustable clamp <NUM> includes first and second downwardly extending arms <NUM>, <NUM> that are operably coupled by a pivot pin <NUM>. The pivot pin <NUM> allows for the first and second downwardly extending arms <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate relative to one another. A threaded engagement member in the form of a threaded bolt <NUM> extends through first and second threaded dowels <NUM> disposed inside each of the first and second downwardly extending arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second threaded dowels <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials such as, for example, metal. The threaded bolt <NUM> may be tightened, by a tool or by hand, such that the adjustable clamp <NUM> tightly engages the hospital bed <NUM>. An inside surface of each of the first and second downwardly extending arms <NUM>, <NUM> may include a pliable material <NUM> configured to engage the hospital bed <NUM> without placing undue stress on either the adjustable clamp <NUM> or the hospital bed <NUM>. In addition, a metal plate <NUM>, or other magnetic member, is disposed on an outside surface of the first downwardly extending arm <NUM> and is configured for interface with the magnet <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> or the magnet <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, in another construction, a connection feature <NUM> includes a flexible hook <NUM>. The flexible hook <NUM> includes mechanical fasteners <NUM> that are secured to a back side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> or to the housing <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>. The flexible hook <NUM> includes a rounded body that works in a similar fashion to the spring steel clamp <NUM> set forth in <FIG>. When removal of the mattress state indicator <NUM> (or the mattress state indicator <NUM>) from the hospital bed <NUM> is desired, a caregiver simply pulls a lower end <NUM> of the flexible hook <NUM> away from the mattress state indicator <NUM> (or the mattress state indicator <NUM>) and repositions the mattress state indicator <NUM> (or the mattress state indicator <NUM>) on a different location of the hospital bed <NUM> or removes the mattress state indicator from the hospital bed <NUM> altogether. <FIG> clearly illustrates the mattress state indicator <NUM> utilizing the flexible hook <NUM> and connecting the mattress state indicator <NUM> to a lower portion of the footboard <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, connection feature <NUM> is illustrated which includes a lower bracket <NUM> that may also be secured on the mattress state indicator <NUM>, as shown, or the mattress state indicator <NUM> to the lower frame <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM>. In this instance, the lower bracket <NUM> may be mechanically fastened to the mattress state indicator <NUM>, adhered to the mattress state indicator <NUM> (or the mattress state indicator <NUM>), or magnetically coupled to mattress state indicator <NUM> (or the mattress state indicator <NUM>), for example. It will generally be contemplated that the lower bracket <NUM> will be mechanically fastened to the lower frame <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, another connection feature <NUM> is illustrated which includes a bracket <NUM>, which is disposed above the lower frame <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> works in a similar fashion to that set forth in <FIG>, and includes a base <NUM> operably coupled with the frame <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may interface with the mattress state indicator <NUM> (or the mattress state indicator <NUM>) via magnet, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc..

With reference now to <FIG>, another connection feature <NUM> includes magnets <NUM> that are disposed on a top portion of the mattress state indicator. In this instance, the mattress state indicator is secured to the lower frame <NUM> of the hospital bed <NUM> by magnetically coupling the top portion of the mattress state indicator proximate the magnets <NUM> rather than, for example, by the back side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM>. Consequently, the mattress state indicator will frequently be placed underneath the lower frame <NUM> or other metallic structure of the hospital bed <NUM> so as to provide a line of sight to the front side of the housing <NUM> which includes the display <NUM> of the mattress state indicator.

With reference now to <FIG>, in another aspect of the present disclosure, a connection feature <NUM> for use with a mattress state indicator includes first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> that are connected by a rotary friction joint <NUM>. The rotary friction joint <NUM> may be spring loaded to urge the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> together. A magnet <NUM> is disposed on both sides of the second arm <NUM> and is configured to secure the mattress state indicator to the hospital bed <NUM> via a magnetic coupling. The first arm <NUM> is integral with the mattress state indicator and shows the display <NUM> which is configured to provide information to a caregiver regarding the status of the mattress state indicator.

The present disclosure sets forth various constructions for a mattress state indicator. The mattress state indicator is generally configured to provide visual information to a caregiver. However, it is also contemplated that the mattress state indicator may also provide audible information (a sound or alert) that may provide information to a caregiver related to the operation state of the mattress of the hospital bed <NUM>. The display <NUM> may also include an interface configured to receive input from a user. The display <NUM> may also include a graphical user interface with a dynamic icon that may blink at a predetermined rate. For example, the display <NUM> may include a multitude of visual indicia <NUM> that can be lit in sequence thereby giving the appearance of a rotating fan to a caregiver. In this instance, the rotating fan would indicate that the mattress operation state is active. It is also contemplated that the dynamic icon may be lit in a predetermined sequence of long and short blinks to identify to a caregiver failure of the mattress to operate effectively. For example, the blink rate may indicate the existence of a product failure or an otherwise compromised state of the mattress to function as intended. Another known construction includes International Publication No. <CIT>, which describes an indicator device for a patient care apparatus that includes a sensor disposed at the patient care apparatus, an indicator device mountable to the patient care apparatus, and an input device that inputs a patient type to the indicator device.

In addition, the visual indicia <NUM> may also be operable to provide different color light outputs depending on the mattress operation state. For example, if there is an error or if attention needs to be brought to the operation state of the mattress, the visual indicia <NUM> may illuminate in an amber color. The display <NUM> or the display <NUM> may include an icon that illuminates in a first color to indicate that the mattress is in a first operation state. Similarly, the icon of the display <NUM> or the display <NUM> may illuminate in a second color to indicate that the mattress is in a second operation state. If the display <NUM> or the display <NUM> is not illuminated at all, then it will be understood that the mattress is not currently operating. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of different visual indicators may be available and provided on the display <NUM>.

In addition, the mattress state indicator <NUM> or the mattress state indicator <NUM> may be backlit and have a varying output depending on whether the display <NUM> is in a standby mode condition or in an active condition. Stated differently, the display <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> or the display <NUM> of the mattress state indicator <NUM> may be backlit by the light source <NUM> operable between a standby condition and an active condition brightness. Moreover, the display <NUM> may include various input capabilities. For example, it is generally contemplated that activation or deactivation of a mattress fan may be set at the mattress state indicator. In this instance, the display <NUM> may include a capacitive touch or push-push button assembly, for example, that allows a caregiver to activate or deactivate the mattress fan. Other interface options are also possible.

Claim 1:
A mattress state indicator assembly comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a display (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to provide visual indicia (<NUM>) of an operation state of a mattress without the need for interactive interfaces, wherein the display includes an outer edge (<NUM>) that is over-molded by the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) to protect the display (<NUM>, <NUM>) from damage and wherein the display (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to communicate wirelessly with a controller of a bed (<NUM>) for controlling the operation state of the mattress, the display (<NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to illuminate in a first color to indicate that the mattress is in a first operation state and illuminate in a second color to indicate that the mattress is in a second operation state; and
a connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to engage a complementary connector of the bed (<NUM>).