Beds – Mattress – With disparate article or article retention means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-03
2001-06-12
Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)
Beds
Mattress
With disparate article or article retention means
C005S609000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243898
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mattress. In particular, the present invention relates to a mattress having a cut-out portion so that a bed pan may be positioned therein.
2. Discussion of Background
It is estimated that there may be nearly 5 million people in the United States with limited mobility. Combined with this number are the people who undergo surgery or extended hospital stays and who may have temporary limited mobility. These people typically spend a large majority of the day in the bed, or they may be completely bed ridden. Although they may have limited mobility, their body does not stop functioning; consequently, these people must either get out of bed and go to the restroom or use a bed pan in order to perform normal bodily excretory functions.
For those who are completely bed ridden, the bed pan is the only option. Using a bed pan can be a very awkward procedure, not to mention demeaning and embarrassing. In addition, lying over the bed pan and raising the mid-section of the body can be very painful. Consequently, there is a need for a device that facilities the use of a bed pan with dignity for those people who are bed ridden.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a mattress having a cut-out portion dimensioned to hold and support a bed pan so that it is recessed within the boundaries of the mattress. The mattress also has an insert that fits within the cut-out portion to provide a flat comfortable surface for a person to lie on when the bed pan is removed from the cut-out portion and not in use. In the preferred embodiment, the mattress is constructed from a foam-type material as opposed to bed springs.
In addition, a first fitted sheet is designed to fit about the mattress and within the cut-out portion. A second fitted sheet is provided that fits around the insert, so that when the insert is positioned within the cut-out portion, the mattress not only provides a flat surface, but is also completely covered by the first and second fitted sheets.
The mattress is normally positioned with the insert within the cut-out portion, so that when a person is lying on the bed, there are no apparent discontinuities with the bed; that is, the surface of the bed is at essentially at the same level including at the insert and has the same resilience throughout so that the insert supports the body of the user to the same extent as the balance of the mattress. However, when it is necessary for that person to perform their excretory functions, the insert is removed from the mattress and a bed pan inserted within the cut-out portion. After the necessary functions have been performed, the bed pan is removed and the insert is replaced within the cut-out portion.
A major feature of the present invention is the cut-out portion dimensioned specifically for receiving a bed pan. When the bed pan is positioned within the cut-out portion, the bed pan is recessed within the boundaries of mattress. The cut-out portion also will hold the bed pan stable, so that the bedridden person will not need assistance steadying the bed pan. Therefore, it is easier for a bed ridden person to perform these excretory functions when the bed pan is lower, in the cut-out portion, rather than lying on top of and over the bed pan. In addition, once the excretory functions have been performed, the insert may be repositioned to again provide a flat mattress.
Another feature of the present invention are the fitted sheets. The first fitted sheet surrounds the mattress and matches the contour of the cut-out portion, while the second fitted sheet surrounds the insert. The combination of the two fitted sheets provides a sanitary covering for the mattress and insert.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment presented below and accompanied by the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1054452 (1913-02-01), Sayen
patent: 1381751 (1921-06-01), Scanlan
patent: 2615175 (1952-10-01), Corakas
patent: 3146469 (1964-09-01), Slade
patent: 3419920 (1969-01-01), Maddux, Jr. et al.
patent: 4011610 (1977-03-01), Parker, III
patent: 4122565 (1978-10-01), Hoben
Mann Michael A
Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard LLC
Trettel Michael F.
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