Patent Grant
11083653
The present invention relates to hospital beds, and more particularly to mattresses that have a means for temporarily receiving a bed pan for use by a patient.
Bed pans are widely used to service patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. While bed pans provide many benefits, they can be difficult to use. With conventional hospital beds, the bed pan must be inserted on top of the mattress surface and under the patient, which requires lifting a portion of the patient above the mattress surface. It can be difficult for health care personnel, such as certified nursing assistants, to assist weak or invalid patients in using bed pans. When patients are confined to beds permanently or for long periods of time, the problem is exacerbated. Additionally, in some cases, such as hip or spinal injuries, it is desirable to move patients as little as possible.
An alternative to bed pans is diapers. However, diapers also lead to problems, such as diaper rash and other sores and infections. In addition, the use of diapers can be quite costly, particularly for long-term care patients. Diapers also contribute to environmental waste.
Mattresses that incorporate insertable and removable bed pans are known in the art. One of the problems with conventional hospital beds that have removable sections is that construction is complex. Another problem with conventional hospital beds with removable sections is that it is not easy to remove the bed pan without lifting the patient. Numerous embodiments have been tried over the years, but apparently without commercial success.
It is an object of the invention to provide a mattress that accommodates a bed pan insert that is simple to use and economically viable in a contemporary hospital or other patient care setting.
One object of the invention is to provide a medical mattress having removable sections that can be used with conventional hospital bed frames having various sizes and features.
Another object of the invention is to provide a medical mattress having a bed pan recess that is economical to manufacture and easy to use.
The foregoing objectives are achieved by providing a mattress having the features described herein.
A medical mattress for temporarily receiving a bed pan for use by a patient is provided comprising a mattress body formed from a unibody hospital grade mattress foam. The mattress body has a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface for supporting a patient on either side thereof. The mattress body has a mattress cavity formed therein, the mattress cavity having a back wall, and opposing side walls extending toward a front opening. The mattress cavity includes an interior portion adjacent the back wall and an exterior portion adjacent the front opening. The mattress cavity extends between the first and second planar surfaces to thereby allow the mattress to be flipped for use on either side.
A removable interior mattress insert is formed from a unibody hospital grade mattress foam. The interior mattress insert has substantially planar first and second opposing surfaces, a back face and a front face. The interior mattress insert is configured to slide into the mattress cavity and to closely fill the interior portion of the mattress cavity. The interior mattress insert sized to accommodate a bed pan upon removal of the interior mattress insert from the mattress cavity.
A removable exterior mattress insert is formed from a unibody hospital grade mattress foam. The exterior mattress insert has substantially planar first and second opposing surfaces, a back face and a front face. The exterior mattress insert is configured to slide into the mattress cavity and to closely fill the exterior portion of the mattress cavity such that together the interior and exterior mattress inserts substantially fill the mattress cavity to thereby support a patient.
An interior hand grip is fixed on the front face of the interior mattress insert for use in extracting the interior mattress insert from the mattress cavity. An exterior hand grip is fixed on the front face of the exterior mattress insert for use in extracting the exterior mattress insert from the mattress cavity. The exterior hand grip is substantially centered on the front face of the exterior mattress insert. The interior hand grip can be adjacent a first lateral side of the front face of the interior mattress insert. A first interlock fastener can be fixed on the front face of the interior mattress insert between the interior hand grip and a second opposing lateral side of the front face. A second interlock fastener can be fixed on the back face of the exterior mattress insert, the first and second interlock fasteners configured to attach to one another to thereby selectively lock the interior and exterior mattress inserts together in a substantially planar relationship for supporting a patient. A first interlock fastener can be fixed on the back wall of the mattress cavity. A second interlock fastener can be fixed on the back face of the interior mattress insert, the first and second interlock fasteners configured to attach to one another to thereby selectively lock the interior mattress insert to the mattress in a substantially planar relationship for supporting a patient. The interlock fasteners may be hook-and-loop fasteners.
Methods of use are provided, such as a method of providing a bed pan under a patient lying on a mattress for use by the patient in going to the bath room in the bed pan, including providing a mattress having the characteristics described herein, covering the mattress with a sheet while the interior and exterior mattress inserts are in the mattress cavity, and placing the patient on the mattress. When the patient is ready to use the bath room, using the exterior hand grip to slide the exterior mattress insert out of the mattress cavity from below the sheet and the patient to thereby remove the exterior mattress insert from the mattress, using the interior hand grip to slide the interior mattress insert out of the mattress cavity from below the sheet and the patient to thereby remove the exterior mattress insert from the mattress, inserting a bed pan into the interior region of the mattress cavity, the bed pan resting over the sheet and below the patient, and inserting the exterior mattress insert under the sheet and into the exterior region of the cavity such that the exterior mattress insert assists in the supporting the patient and in securing the bed pan is in the interior region of the mattress cavity. After the patient has gone to the bathroom (defecated or urinated) in the bed pan, removing the exterior insert and the bed pan from the mattress cavity, inserting the interior mattress insert under the sheet and into the interior region of the mattress cavity, and inserting the exterior mattress insert under the sheet and into the exterior region of the mattress cavity.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As shown in
The mattress cavity 2 is formed in or through mattress 1. As shown in
The mattress cavity 2 may be provided with a floor 8 that spans the entire cavity 2. Alternatively, the floor 8 may extend over most but not all of the cavity 2; for example, an exterior cutout can be provided along front opening 4 to facilitate removal and insertion of the removable sections 20, 50. The floor 8 is preferably formed from the exterior cover of the mattress 1. The floor 8 provides stability to the mattress 1. The floor 8 also catches debris, such as patient waste or spillage from the bed pan 100, which protects the underlying bed frame and facilitates clean-up of mess.
Alternatively, the floor 8 can be eliminated, as shown in
In some embodiments, the opposite sides of the mattress 1 can be provided with different levels of firmness (e.g. soft on one side, firm on the other). This feature reduces inventory and storage requirements, since the needs of different patients can be accommodated by flipping the mattress.
It should be noted that the embodiment having a floor 8 can be used on one side to provide the functionality of the invention, or flipped over for use as a conventional hospital bed mattress 1. The fastening features described herein enable this functionality, since the removable inserts 20, 50 remain locked in place during flipping and during use. If different levels of firmness are used on the opposing sides of the mattress 1, as described above, a plurality of mattresses 1 can be provided in which some mattresses 1 have the floor 8 on the firm side, and other mattresses 1 have the floor on the softer side.
One important advantage of the foregoing features is that they reduce inventory for the health care facility. These features also enhance the marketability of the invention. For example, a hospital that is reluctant to invest in mattresses having removable bed pan sections may nonetheless buy the mattresses 1 of the invention knowing that they can be used as conventional mattresses for short-term care patients or as removable bed pan mattresses for less self-sufficient or immobile patients.
Features of the removable mattress inserts 20, 50 will now be described.
As shown, for example, in
The exterior mattress insert 20 has a mattress surface 21. The height of the exterior mattress insert 20 is selected such that the mattress surface 21 substantially matches the height of the surface of the main mattress 1. This is important because indentations or bumps in a mattress can contribute to the development of bed sores, particularly in bedridden patients.
An exterior hand grip or handle 62 is provided on the front wall 24 of the exterior mattress insert 20 for use in extracting the exterior mattress insert 20 from the mattress cavity 20. The hand grip 62 feature is particularly useful when a patient is lying on the mattress 1, since some degree of force will be required in order to pull the exterior mattress insert from the cavity 2. The exterior handle 62 may be affixed to an exterior cover of the exterior insert 20, or may be affixed directly to the front wall 24 of the exterior mattress insert 20. The hand grip 62 is preferably flexible so that it does not protrude significantly from the mattress 1. For example, the handle is preferably made of a flexible material, such as cloth or leather. The hand grip 62 can also be used for holding the exterior mattress insert 20 during non-use, such as during insertion of the bed pan 100 into the cavity 2. The hand grip 62 can also be used for holding the exterior mattress insert 20 while reinserting the exterior mattress insert 20 back into the mattress cavity 2.
The interior mattress insert 50 of the mattress 1 shares characteristics of the exterior mattress insert 20. Views of one embodiment of an interior mattress insert 50 can be seen in
The interior mattress insert 50 has a mattress surface 51. As with the exterior mattress insert 20, the height of the interior mattress insert 50 is selected such that the mattress surface 51 of the interior mattress insert 50 substantially matches the height of the surface of the main mattress 1. Thus, together, the mattress 1 and mattress inserts 20, 50 form a substantially uniform surface. This is important because indentations or bumps in a mattress can contribute to the development of bed sores, particularly in bedridden patients.
A hand grip or handle 65 is preferably provide on the front wall 54 of interior mattress insert 50. The hand grip may be positioned on one side or the other of the front wall 54. The hand grip 65 is preferably collapsible, so that a buldge is not created by the hand grip 65 when the exterior and interior mattress inserts 20, 50 are joined together. The hand grip 65 can be formed of the same materials and configurations as the hand grip 62 of the exterior mattress insert 20. As noted in
Various releasable fastening or retaining means will now be described. As noted above, the fastening or retaining means are critical to the functionality and advantages of the invention.
As shown, for example, in
It will be appreciated that each buckle fastener 75, 77 consists of two parts (75A/75B, 77A/77B), one of which is affixed to the exterior mattress insert 20 and the other of which is affixed to the mattress 1 at or adjacent the front opening 4. As shown in
Readily releasable interlock fastening means are used to releasably secure the mattress inserts 20, 50 in the mattress cavity 2. Interlock fasteners interlock when pressed together and disengage to open when a sufficient counter vialing force is applied. Hook-and-loop fasteners (sold, for example, under the trademark VELCRO®) are ideal for this application, particularly when joining curved or arcuate mattress sections. However, other interlock means, such as snaps or magnets, could be used.
In the embodiment shown most clearly in
In
While the hook-and-loop fasteners are shown in pairs and horizontally oriented in the drawings, it will be appreciated that different configurations and placements could be used. For example, variations might include a single long strip, one or more wide strips, three short strips, four short strips, multiple vertical strips, etc. The objective is to provide sufficient force to retain the removable sections 20, 50 in the mattress cavity 2 during normal use by a patient, but not so much force that the mattress inserts 20, 50 are difficult to remove from the mattress 1. Additionally, using a minimally appropriate amount of hook-and-look fasteners will improve the economics of mattress manufacture.
The placement of the hook-and-loop fasteners is important to the function of the invention. As will be noted from the drawings, the hook-and-loop fasteners are not provided along the sidewalls of the cavity 2 and removable sections 20, 50, because such an arrangement would make it difficult to remove and reinsert the removable sections 20, 50. However, placement of hook-and-loop fasteners on or along the rear wall 6 of the cavity/rear wall 56 of interior insert 50 and on or along the front wall 54 of interior insert 50/rear wall 26 of exterior insert 20 helps anchor the removable sections 20, 50, preventing them from inadvertently slipping from the mattress cavity 2.
The bed pan 100 is configured to closely fit the rear portion 15 of the mattress cavity 2. A customized bed pan 100 can be configured for the rear portion 15, but since an objective of the invention is to minimize costs, the bed pan 100 is preferably an off-the-shelf bed pan 100. However, the construction of the mattress allows it to be readily customized to closely fit a particular bed pan configuration.
While dimensions will vary, it is anticipated that for most applications of the invention, the exterior insertion section 20 and the interior insertion section 50 will each extend approximately ⅓rd of the width of the mattress 1, or, together, about ⅔rds of the width of the mattress 1. For most bed pans 100 currently on the market, an opening of about 14½″ long and 12 inches wide is needed in the center of the mattress in order to accommodate the bed pan 100.
As shown in
Each removable section 20, 50 preferably has its own fully covered surface, preferably covered with the same material as the main mattress 1.
A standard hospital mattress is currently about 80 inches long by 35 inches wide by 5 inches thick. However, the embodiments described herein can be used with various sizes of mattresses.
Methods of removing and reinserting the removable sections 20, 50 are indicated in
In one method, the exterior mattress insert 20 is removed, the interior mattress insert 50 is removed, and a bed pan 100 is inserted below the patient and into the interior region 15 of the cavity 2. Once the bed pan 100 is in place, the exterior mattress insert 20 is then reinserted into exterior region 12 of the cavity 2, such that the exterior mattress insert 20 provides support for the body of the patient and also secures the location of the bed pan 100. In these operations, the bed pan 100 may be placed over the bed sheet, such that the bed sheet is compressed into the cavity 2. The exterior mattress insert 20 is inserted under the bed sheet, such that the surface of the bed sheet is restored to the patient, with the exception of the area occupied by the bed pan 100. Once the process is complete, the exterior insert 20 and the bed pan 100 are removed, the interior mattress insert 50 is reinserted under the sheet, and the exterior mattress insert 20 is reinserted under the sheet, thus restoring the surface of the mattress 1. The use of interlock fasteners, as described above, in the interior of the cavity 2 facilitates the removal, reinsertion, and securing of the inserts 20, 50.
These methods are superior and better for the patient because they reduce or eliminate discomfort and pain. The patient does not have to roll over, get lifted up, or balance on or over the bed pan. The caregiver's work tasks are simplified and safer, since there is little or no lifting of the patient. The process greatly reduces costs in many ways while also reducing waste (eliminate diapers; fewer accidents with resulting reduction in laundry).
A method of making or manufacturing the mattress 1 is also provided. Most contemporary hospital beds are made of a unibody foam mattress body. Unlike many home mattresses, springs are not incorporated into the interior of the mattress. The foam mattress body is then enveloped or encased in a thin, flexible cover that is impermeable to fluids and is easy to clean. In one method of manufacturing the invention, the starting point is a conventional foam mattress body prior to applying the cover material. A jigsaw or other cutting means is used to cut the insert section 20/50 from the mattress body, thus forming the mattress cavity 2. A jigsaw is then used to cut the curved or arcuate junction between between the exterior and interior insert sections 20, 50. This forms three separate sections, which are then each encased in the conventional mattress coating described above. Further, if a floor 8 is to be provided for the mattress cavity 2, the floor 8 is preferably formed from the outer coating material during the encasing process. The upper surface casing is pressed down along the interior walls 5, 6, 7 and is adjoined to the floor 8 in order to form a junction that is impermeable to fluids. The various fasteners and handles are then affixed in the appropriate locations, as described above. Alternatively, the three sections can be formed from separate sections of foam, but this will result in waste foam. The above described process reduces waste and can be accomplished in an efficient manufacturing process.
Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a 35 USC 371 national stage application of PCT/2017/021379, filed Mar. 8, 2017, which is pending. PCT/2017/021379 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/305,635, filed Mar. 9, 2016. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2017/021379 | 3/8/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017/156140 | 9/14/2017 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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| 4122565 | Hoben | Oct 1978 | A |
| 4244066 | Rukawina | Jan 1981 | A |
| 6061854 | Crowley | May 2000 | A |
| 6516481 | Erickson | Feb 2003 | B1 |
| 6802093 | Pope-Brown | Oct 2004 | B1 |
| 7962980 | Stephens | Jun 2011 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2655857 | Nov 2004 | CN |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190091083 A1 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62305635 | Mar 2016 | US |
