Patent Application
20100146706
(NOT APPLICABLE)
(NOT APPLICABLE)
The invention relates to a support surface suitable for use with a stretcher and, more particularly, to a support surface that provides patient pressure redistribution by incorporating multiple pads of independent zonal pressure support.
Conventionally, stretchers are used without pads or may include a single padded layer for increased patient comfort. Such a padded layer, however, provides only minimal support particularly in the patient's higher pressure areas such as the head or heels.
Additionally, due to the construction of the pad layer, pressure in one area of the pad necessarily causes tension in another area of the pad, for example, when a more pointed body part such as the patient's head or heels is supported by the pad, the pad beneath the patient's head or heels is deflected, thereby also deflecting adjacent areas. This pressure distribution renders the stretcher less comfortable and may actually unintentionally aggravate a wound or injury.
It would thus be desirable for a stretcher support surface or pad that is constructed to accommodate body areas that require less or more support. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide such a support surface that provides excellent patient pressure redistribution while preventing pressure on one area of the pad to be transferred to an adjacent area of the pad.
In an exemplary embodiment, a support surface suitable for use with a stretcher includes a base layer and a plurality of foam support zones supported by the base layer. The foam support zones include a head section, a body section, and a foot section separated by a plurality of lateral channels. Densities of the foam support zones vary by section. The lateral channels may extend through the plurality of support zones to the base layer. In one arrangement, the body section includes an upper body section, a middle body section, and a lower body section, where densities of the foam support zones in the upper, middle and lower body sections vary by section. In another arrangement, the foam support zones further include a longitudinal channel dividing the head, body and foot sections into left side and right side head, body and foot sections. Preferably, the longitudinal channel extends through the plurality of support zones to the base layer.
The density of the head section is preferably lower than the density of the body section, and the density of the foot section is preferably lower than the density of the body section. Moreover, the density of the foot section is preferably lower than the density of the head section.
The foot section slopes downward, preferably in an arc, from the body section.
The support surface may additionally include a top layer disposed over the plurality of foam support zones. In this context, the top layer is formed of a visco-elastic foam material.
In one arrangement, the head section includes a foam block having a lateral slot therein parallel to the lateral channels separating the head section, the body section, and the foot section. The body section may comprise a plurality of foam blocks separated by body lateral channels parallel to the lateral channels separating the head section, the body section, and the foot section. The foot section may comprise a foam block having at least one lateral slot therein parallel to the lateral channels separating the head section, the body section, and the foot section.
In another exemplary embodiment, a support surface suitable for use with a stretcher includes multiple foam pads of independent zonal pressure support such that a transfer of force by pressure on one foam pad to an adjacent foam pad is limited.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, a stretcher pad includes a foam base layer, a middle layer, and a foam top layer. The middle layer has a plurality of foam pads defining independent support zones of varying densities. The plurality of foam pads are separated by a plurality of channels such that a transfer of force by pressure on one foam pad to an adjacent foam pad is limited.
These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
With reference to
The middle layer 14 includes a plurality of foam pads that define independent support zones of varying densities. As shown, the plurality of pads define a head section 16, a body section 18, and a foot section 20 separated by a plurality of lateral channels 22. In a preferred arrangement, the lateral channels 22 extend through the respective sections or “foam support zones” 16, 18, 20 to the base layer 12. The foam support zones 16, 18, 20 may additionally include a longitudinal channel 24 dividing the head 16, body 18, and foot 20 sections into left and right side head, body and foot sections as shown. The longitudinal channel preferably also extends through the support zones 16, 18, 20 to the base layer 12.
In a preferred construction, densities of the foam support zones vary by section 16, 18, 20. That is, the density of the head section 16 is preferably lower than the density of the body section 18, and the density of the foot section 20 is also preferably lower than the density of the body section 18. Moreover, the density of the foot section 20 is preferably lower than the density of the head section 16. The head 16 and foot 20 sections are generally softer than the body section 18 since the head and heels exert a higher pressure on the support surface 10.
With continued reference to
As shown, the head section 16 is formed of a foam block 26 having a lateral slot 28 parallel to the lateral channels 22. The lateral slot 28 in the foam block 26 of the head section 16 preferably extends about halfway into the foam block 26. The foam block 26 is preferably formed of a soft foam treated with tighter shallower cuts to create initial very soft immersion. That is, when cuts are made into the top of a foam block, the surface between the cuts collapse easier than the same type of foam without the cuts. Additionally, the amount of space between the cuts contributes to the overall softness/firmness of that particular area. Deeper closer cuts are softer than shallow widely spaced cuts.
The body section 18 includes a plurality of foam blocks 30 (six shown in
The assembly may additionally include a top cover formed of a suitable material such as 4-way stretch polycarbonate and a bottom cover formed of a suitable material such as non-slip vinyl (not shown) surrounding the support surface.
In use, the lateral channels 22, 22′ and lateral slots 28, 34 along with the longitudinal channel 24 serve to break tension through the supportive layers and create independent/separate progressively supportive pressure displacement areas across the entire length and width of the support surface 10. The foam support zones address load requirements (firmness and support characteristics) to localized areas of the pad 10. The top layer 15 provides an excellent interface and relaxed continuity to the underlying support pads. The base layer 12 provides a firm foundation of support and continuity to the pad. The channels and slots additionally provide for better air circulation within the pad, resulting in a cooler and more comfortable surface.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
