Beds – Mattress – Having confined gas
Reexamination Certificate
2002-10-01
2004-12-14
Luu, Teri Pham (Department: 3673)
Beds
Mattress
Having confined gas
C005S710000, C005S706000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06829796
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a patient support apparatus and a related method for converting a patient support apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a patient support apparatus which includes a fluid filled patient support surface, such as an air mattress, and a fluid supply located in a barrier, such as a footboard, coupled to the patient support surface. Further, the present invention relates to a method of converting a patient support apparatus to include a fluid filled patient support surface.
In an illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a patient support apparatus comprises a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a fluid filled mattress supported by the frame. The mattress has a top surface configured to support a person thereon. The patient support apparatus also includes a barrier coupled to the frame and having a portion which extends above the top surface of the mattress, and a fluid supply located in an interior region of the barrier. The fluid supply is configured to supply fluid to the mattress.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid supply includes at least one valve located within the interior region of the barrier.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, a controller is coupled to the fluid supply and is located within the interior region of the barrier. A second controller is illustratively coupled to one of the base and the frame, wherein the second controller is electrically coupled to the controller in the interior region of the barrier.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the barrier is removable from the frame. A first connector is located on the barrier and a second connector is located on the frame, the first connector being configured to mate with the second connector to provide an electrical connection to the barrier when the barrier is installed on the frame.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid supply is one of a blower and a compressor.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid supply is a water pump.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the barrier includes a receptacle formed in the interior region and configured to receive an accessory item therein.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the barrier includes a fluid intake to supply fluid to the fluid supply through the barrier.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the barrier is one of a footboard, a headboard, and a siderail.
In another illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for converting a bed to include a fluid filled mattress. The method includes the steps of providing a bed having a frame for supporting a mattress and providing a first footboard coupled to the frame. The method further comprises the steps of supporting a fluid filled mattress by the frame, replacing the first footboard with a second footboard having a fluid supply located within an interior region of the second footboard, and connecting the fluid supply located in the interior region of the second footboard to the fluid filled mattress.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the bed includes an articulating deck and the first footboard includes controls for moving the articulating deck. The second footboard includes controls for moving the articulating deck and controls for the mattress.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid supply includes at least one valve located within the interior region of the second footboard, the valve being configured to direct fluid to the mattress.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, a controller is coupled to the fluid supply and is located within the interior region of the second footboard.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid supply is one of a blower and a compressor.
In yet another illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a barrier apparatus is configured to be coupled to a patient support including a mattress having a top surface configured to support a person thereon. The barrier apparatus includes a housing configured to define an interior region, a fluid supply located in the interior region of the housing, and a coupler configured to secure the housing to the patient support so that the housing is located adjacent the mattress with a portion of the housing extending above the top surface of the mattress to provide a barrier for the person on the top surface of the mattress. The fluid supply is coupled to a fluid filled device.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the housing is formed by one of a footboard, a headboard, and a siderail.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, at least one valve is located within the interior region of the housing. The at least one valve is configured to direct fluid to the fluid filled device.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, a controller is coupled to the fluid supply and is located within the interior region of the housing. A second controller is illustratively coupled to the patient support and is electrically coupled to the controller in the interior region of the housing.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the housing is removable from the patient support. A first connector is located on the housing and a second connector is located on the patient support, the first connector being configured to mate with the second connector to provide an electrical connection to the housing when the housing is installed on the patient support.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid supply is one of a blower, a compressor, and a water pump.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the housing includes a receptacle formed in the interior region and configured to receive an accessory item therein.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the housing includes a fluid intake to supply fluid to the fluid supply through the housing.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, a therapy control module is coupled to the housing to provide therapy on the person. The therapy control module is illustratively located in the interior region of the housing.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the fluid filled device is an air mattress or a therapy device.
In a further illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a barrier apparatus is configured to be coupled to a patient support including a mattress having a top surface configured to support a person thereon. The barrier apparatus includes a housing having a front wall, a rear wall, and a cavity formed intermediate the front wall and the rear wall. The barrier apparatus further includes a bumper extending outwardly from the front wall, the bumper including a support located in the cavity and extending toward the front wall of the housing, and a coupler configured to secure the housing to the patient support so that the housing is located adjacent the mattress with a portion of the housing extending above the top surface of the mattress to provide a barrier for the person on the top surface of the mattress.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the bumper includes a resilient engagement member aligned with the support and extending outwardly from the front wall of the housing.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, the support of the bumper includes a body portion coupled to a pair of support posts.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, a mounting bracket is supported within the cavity intermediate the front wall and the rear wall of the housing, wherein the support of the bumper is coupled to the mounting bracket.
Illustratively according to the embodiment, a fluid supply is located in the cavity of the housing and is coupled to a fluid filled device. At least one valve is illustratively located within the interior region of the housing and is configured to direct fluid to the fluid filled device.
Further illustratively according to the embodiment, the housing is formed by one of a footboard, a headboard, and a siderail.
Illustrativel
Caldwell Steven
Grosse Kevin H.
Hakamiun Reza
O'Neal Todd
Salvatini Benjamin
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
Hill-Rom Services Inc.
Luu Teri Pham
LandOfFree
Integrated barrier and fluid supply for a hospital bed does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Integrated barrier and fluid supply for a hospital bed, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Integrated barrier and fluid supply for a hospital bed will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3304846