Heated mattress and human transport device incorporating such a mattress

Abstract

The invention relates to a heated mattress for maintaining the temperature of a human being, particularly a newborn, comprising a thin-film heating element with electrically conductive means in a sheet and at least one layer made of an electrically insulating material, intended to be connected to a power supply, wherein said electrically conductive means are made of a conductive material whose resistance varies with temperature, at least one face of said heating element being at least partially covered with a layer of covering made of a textile material, as well as a device for transporting human beings, particularly newborns, using such a mattress. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Heating mattress and human transport device incorporating such a mattress

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of means for maintaining the temperature of human beings, used in particular during their transfer from one place to another in a medical setting.

[0002] These means can also be used in incubators intended for newborns and which must not only avoid any bacterial contamination but also ensure a constant temperature to avoid any stress on fragile organisms.

[0003] Many means have already been proposed for heating devices receiving human beings, whether or not they are intended to ensure their transport.

[0004] In particular, mention may be made of document EP3041450 which describes a transportable neonatal incubator in which heating is provided by a flow of air passing through perforations provided in the bottom of the device.

[0005] Document EP1374005 also describes an incubator comprising heating devices and fans for circulating hot air inside the incubator. This document describes means for regulating the volume of circulating air to limit evaporation losses and noise.

[0006] The fact remains that these heating devices based on air circulation have the disadvantage of being noisy, which contributes to the stress of newborns, cause losses through evaporation, require the presence of sensors which require regular maintenance, and consume a significant amount of energy. These devices are also bulky and heavy and therefore compromise the safety of the newborn in the event of an accident.

[0007] The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a heating mattress intended for a human being, the temperature of which can be maintained at a set value, by avoiding the presence of sensors in the mattress, which makes it possible to simplify its design, and above all by eliminating any external supply of hot air.

[0008] This heating mattress allows a human being to be kept at the correct temperature by providing heat as close as possible to them, without loss.

[0009] This design also makes it possible to make the mattress single-use, due to a consequently reduced manufacturing cost. However, the possibility of single use is often imperative in a medical setting.

[0010] Thus, the invention relates to a heating mattress for maintaining the temperature of a human being and in particular a newborn, comprising a heating element in a layer thin with electrically conductive means in a sheet and at least one layer made of an electrically insulating material, intended to be connected to a power supply, in which said electrically conductive means are made of a conductive material whose resistance varies according to the temperature, at least one face of said heating element being covered at least partially with a coating layer of a textile material.

[0011] In advantageous embodiments, one and / or the other of the following arrangements is further used: - the heating element of said mattress is a heating film, the electrically conductive means consisting of a metallic conductive track positioned at least on a central and main part of the mattress; - the heating mattress is sterilized; - the heating mattress comprises at least one fixing tab in said transport device, connected to the main part of the mattress and projecting relative to this main part, said tab comprising a face provided with a layer of adhesive; - the heating mattress is for single use only; - said at least one fixing lug is connected to said main part by a tear line; - the heating mat comprises a connection zone to a power supply, connected to said main part and projecting from this main part, the conductive track extending over this connection zone and ending in two ends; - the connection area includes means for positioning an electrical connector.

[0012] The invention also relates to a kit comprising a heating mat according to the invention and a box for regulating the electrical power supply, intended to be connected between the heating mat and an electrical power supply, said box comprising means for determining the resistance of the conductive means of the heating element, deducing therefrom the temperature of the tissue at a time t Tt, comparing it to a set value Te and regulating the power supply as a function of this comparison.

[0013] This kit may include an electrical connector between the heating mat and the box, this connector being removable.

[0014] The invention also relates to a device for transporting human beings and in particular newborn babies comprising a box delimiting an enclosure which forms a housing for a human being, the temperature of which is regulated by means of a heating mattress on which the human being can be placed, any circulation of hot air being avoided.

[0015] This simplifies the environment and maintenance of the transport device since any external supply of hot air is eliminated. The elimination of the means generating hot air makes it possible to considerably reduce the weight of the device. This constitutes a considerable advantage in risk management during transport, particularly of a newborn.

[0016] Thus, the invention relates to a device for transporting human beings and in particular newborns, comprising two parts delimiting an enclosure, one of them forming a housing for a human being and comprising a heating mattress according to the invention, arranged in said housing.

[0017] Finally, it relates to a device for transporting human beings and in particular newborns, comprising two parts delimiting an enclosure, one of them forming a housing for a human being and comprising a kit according to the invention, said heating mattress being arranged in said housing and said box outside said enclosure.

[0018] This design allows any dangerous and bulky object to be placed outside the enclosure.

[0019] The invention will be better understood and other aims, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows and which is made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective and exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a heating mattress according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig.2] is a bottom view of the mattress illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0022] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective and exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector between the mattress illustrated in figures 1 and 2 and a control box,

[0023] [Fig.4] is a sectional and side view illustrating the electrical connector in position closed on the connection area of ​​the mattress shown in figures 1 and 2,

[0024] [Fig.5] is a sectional and side view illustrating the electrical connector in position closed (in solid lines) and in open position (in dotted lines),

[0025] [Fig.6] is a general diagram showing the arrangement of a mattress and a box of control in use,

[0026] [Fig.7] is a perspective view illustrating a newborn transport device in which a mattress according to the invention is placed.

[0027] The elements common to the different figures will be designated by the same references.

[0028] The mattress 1 illustrated in [Fig.l] comprises a thin-layer heating element 10 which is covered with a layer 11 of a textile material. These two layers are fixed to each other by any means and in particular a layer of glue.

[0029] The textile material may be woven or non-woven, made from polyester or polypropylene fibers or any other material used in the medical field and in particular for making survival blankets.

[0030] In the context of the invention, this textile material will preferably be non-woven.

[0031] The weight of the material is preferably between 15 and 100 g / m2 and preferably between 20 and 50 g / m2.

[0032] The invention is not, however, limited to this embodiment and the mattress 1 could comprise a layer of textile material on either side of the heating element 10.

[0033] As also shown in [Fig.2], the mattress 1 essentially comprises four parts: a central and main part 12 of generally rectangular shape with two large sides 120 and 121 and two small sides 122 and 123, two lateral legs 13a and 13b and a connection zone 14 of elongated shape.

[0034] Each of the side tabs 13a and 13b projects from a large side 120, 121 of the central portion 12 and is preferably connected to the central portion 12 via a tear line 130a, 130b.

[0035] In the example illustrated, these two legs are centered on each of the large sides 120, 121.

[0036] On their face opposite the layer 11 of textile material, each of the tabs 13a, 13b comprises a layer 15a, 15b of adhesive protected by a film 16 which is removed when the mattress is placed and fixed in a transport device. This is preferably an adhesive which allows the mattress to tear at the lines 130a, 130b, without leaving any residue, after removal of the side tabs. By way of example, a solvent-based acrylic may be mentioned.

[0037] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, these two legs have a substantially rectangular shape.

[0038] The connection zone 14 projects relative to a small side 123 of the central part 12 and is in continuity with the latter. This zone 14 has an elongated shape.

[0039] As shown in [Fig.l], the heating element 10 and the covering layer 11 have the same shape. Thus, each part of the mattress 1 which has just been described comprises, in thickness, a part of the heating element 10 covered by a corresponding part of the covering layer 11.

[0040] The heating element 10 is in the form of a thin layer. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], it is a heating film comprising a metallic conductive track 100 placed flat on an insulating film 101. It has a general serpentine shape on the central part 12 and is extended by two straight portions 102, 103 in the connection zone 14. The track 100 may also comprise lateral portions in each of the legs 13a, 13b, like the lateral portion 106.

[0041] The portions 102, 103 of the connection zone 14 each comprise an end 104, 105 located at the free end 140 of the connection zone 14. These ends 104, 105 are therefore the two ends of the conductive track 100.

[0042] Near its free end 140, the connection zone 14 comprises means 141 for positioning an electrical connection means which will be described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3]. These means consist here of two perforations 141a, 141b which are made through the thickness of the mattress and therefore through the heating film 10 and the layer 11 of textile material. These perforations are located between the two portions 102, 103, aligned and parallel to these portions.

[0043] The film 101 can for example be made of polyester.

[0044] The thickness of such a film is typically of the order of a few tens of microns.

[0045] This heating element is preferably flexible. This notion of flexibility is understood as the ability to adapt to three-dimensional surfaces without deterioration or malfunction.

[0046] The conductive track 100 is made of a metallic material whose resistance varies depending on the temperature. This material may for example be aluminum, copper, inconel or constantan.

[0047] Thanks to this feature, it is possible to regulate the power supply to the heating element, without technical means, such as sensors, being necessary in the heating element itself.

[0048] For this purpose, the two straight parts 102, 103 of the conductive track are electrically connected to a control or regulation box 6 illustrated in [Fig. 6], by means of the electrical connector illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, this box itself being connected to an electrical power supply.

[0049] This box is designed to determine the temperature of the mattress 1 itself, at any time, and to regulate the electrical supply according to the comparison between the measured temperature and the desired set temperature.

[0050] Reference is now made to Figures 3 to 5 and in particular to [Fig.3] which illustrates the various constituent elements of the connector 3.

[0051] Thus, the connector 3 comprises a clamp 4 and an electric cable 5.

[0052] The clamp 4 comprises two elements 40, 41 connected to each other by means of an articulation 42. It comprises an axis 12a and a means 12b for returning the clamp to the closed position, both held in position by a nut 12c.

[0053] Each element 40, 41 comprises a first flat part 400, 410 extended by a second part 401, 411 inclined relative to the first part. The first parts are intended to form together a jaw when the clamp is closed, the second parts each forming a handle.

[0054] Figures 3 and 4 show that the first part 400 of the element 40 comprises two non-through openings 402a, 402b, while the first part 410 of the element 41 comprises two lugs 412a, 412b on its internal face opposite the openings 402a, 402b. [Fig. 4] shows that these lugs are placed so as to be able to penetrate into the non-through openings when the clamp 4 is in the closed position.

[0055] The cable 5 comprises two electrical wires 50, 51. At one end of the cable, these wires are inserted into two parts 52, 53, respectively forming a positive terminal and a negative terminal. These parts are fixed in one of the first parts, here the first part 4L. Their position is defined symmetrically with respect to those of the non-through openings 402a, 402b, so that their distance with respect to these openings corresponds to the distance between the portions 102, 103 of the conductive track and the perforations 141a, 141b of the zone 14.

[0056] At its other end, the cable 5 is connected to a control box (not shown).

[0057] In use, the connector is arranged in the open position (illustrated in dotted lines in [Fig.5]) on the connection zone 14, so that the zone 14 rests on the element 40 and the openings 402a, 402b coincide with the two perforations 141a, 141b of the zone 14.

[0058] The clamp 4 is then closed by the operator to take the position illustrated in [Fig.4] or the position illustrated in solid lines in [Fig.5]. In this position, the lugs 412a, 412b of the first part 410 of the element 41 pass through the perforations 141a, 141b of the zone 14 and penetrate into the openings 402a, 402b.

[0059] In this closed position, each of the two terminals 52, 53 comes into electrical contact with one of the straight portions 102, 103 at the ends 104 and 105 of the conductive track. The mattress 1 is thus electrically connected to the control box, as shown in [Fig.6].

[0060] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Thus, the connection area of ​​the heating mat could be longer so as to position the connector outside the device. It would also be possible not to use a connector and to equip the heating mat with electrical wires connected directly to the controller box. This latter solution would however be more expensive since the electrical wires would also be single-use.

[0061] This figure illustrates the heating mat 1 which is electrically connected to the control box 6, in particular thanks to the connector 3 which has just been described with reference to figures 3 to 5.

[0062] The box 6 is electrically powered by a battery 70, itself intended to be connected to an electrical power supply via a charger 71 of suitable voltage, for example 230 V or 12 V. The invention is not limited to this example and the heating mattress could be directly connected to a power supply via the control box.

[0063] Battery operation is nevertheless more suitable when the mattress 1 is used with a transport device.

[0064] The operation will now be described in more detail, when the mattress 1 is connected to the box, itself electrically powered by the battery 70.

[0065] Firstly, an initialization step is carried out, in which the box measures the intensity at the terminals of the heating element 10 of the mattress 1 and deduces the intensity (10) and the initial resistance (R0) of the mattress.

[0066] Furthermore, the box measures the ambient temperature (T0), which corresponds to the initial temperature of the mattress, the latter also being at ambient temperature.

[0067] Once this initialization step has been carried out, the heating element 10 is supplied with electricity by the housing, and after a determined time interval (t), the housing again measures the intensity (It) at the terminals of the heating element, to deduce the value of its resistance (Rt) and therefore its temperature (Tt) at time t.

[0068] The box then compares the temperature at time t (Tt) to the set temperature (Te), previously determined by the operator.

[0069] In this respect, the control box offers the operator the possibility of setting the set temperature to a value chosen within a determined range, generally between 30°C and 42°C and, preferably, between 30°C and 37°C.

[0070] If this comparison reveals that the temperature at time t Tt is lower than the set temperature Te, the box continues to supply the heating element.

[0071] Otherwise, the control box stops the power supply, so that the temperature of the heating mat can drop to approach the set temperature.

[0072] The temperature control is carried out at regular time intervals, generally every 0.01 to 0.55 seconds, the measurement time lasting a few milliseconds, so as to maintain a constant temperature.

[0073] Reference is now made to [Fig.7] which illustrates an example of a transport device for newborns.

[0074] This device 8 comprises a first 80 and a second part 81. This second part (not illustrated) is removable and can be fixed on the first part to delimit an enclosure. The first part 80 forms a housing for a newborn and the second part 81 is a cover, preferably transparent.

[0075] Inside this housing 80, there is provided a padding or inflatable mattress 800 to ensure the comfort of the newborn.

[0076] [Fig. 7] shows that, on this padding 800, a heating mattress 1 according to the invention is arranged. In order to maintain the mattress on this padding, the film 16 present on each of the legs 13a, 13b is removed to release the layers of adhesive 15a, 15b and apply them to the padding.

[0077] [Fig.7] also illustrates a connector 3 whose clamp 4 is positioned at the end of the connection zone 14 of the mattress and whose cable 5 is connected to a control box 6. The cable passes through one of the two openings 801, 802 provided in the wall of the housing 80. This figure also illustrates the battery 7, connected to the box 6 to ensure its electrical supply as well as that of the mattress 1.

[0078] This [Fig.7] shows that in use, the connection zone 14 makes it possible to move the connector 3 away from the newborn and therefore to avoid any risk of injury by contact with this part.

[0079] When the mattress 1 is removed from the padding, a break occurs at the tear lines 130a, 130b. The central part 12 and the connection zone 14 of the mattress become detached from the legs 13a, 13b which will be removed in a second step. This prevents any reuse of the mattress which is then necessarily for single use.

[0080] With the electrically powered heating mattress according to the invention, the heat is generated as close as possible to the patient being transported, without any loss occurring. This is not the case when the heat is generated outside the transport device, to then be brought close to the patient.

[0081] Unlike known devices, the transport device illustrated in [Fig.7] does not require forced ventilation of hot air to ensure heating of the enclosure and thus maintaining the temperature of the newborn. Thus, the heating mattress according to the invention also avoids any stirring of dust, due to air movements.

[0082] The invention is not limited to the application which has just been described and the heating mattress according to the invention could be used in static devices, such as incubators for newborns.

Claims

Claims

1. Kit comprising a heating mattress intended to be placed in a transport device for maintaining the temperature of a human being and in particular a newborn, comprising a thin-layer heating element (10) intended to be connected to an electrical power supply and a control box (6) for the electrical power supply, intended to be connected between the heating mattress and an electrical power supply, said heating element comprising electrically conductive means in a sheet and at least one layer (101) made of an electrically insulating material in which said electrically conductive means are made of a conductive material whose resistance varies according to the temperature, at least one face of said heating element being covered at least partially with a covering layer (11) made of a textile material, said box comprising means for determining the resistance of the conductive means of the heating element,deduce the temperature of the mattress at a time t (Tt), compare it to a set value (Te) and regulate the power supply according to this comparison.,

2. Kit according to claim 1 comprising an electrical connector (3) between said heating mat (1) and said housing (6), said connector being removable.

3. Heating mattress for a kit according to claim 1 or 2 in which the heating element is a heating film, the electrically conductive means consisting of a metallic conductive track (100) positioned at least on a central and main part (12) of the mattress.

4.

5. A heating mattress according to claim 3, which is sterilized. A heating mattress according to one of claims 3 or 4, comprising at least one fixing tab (13a, 13b) in said transport device, connected to the main part (12) of the mattress and projecting relative to this main part, said tab having a face provided with a layer of adhesive (15a, 15b).

6. Heating mattress according to any one of claims 3 to 5, for single use.

7. A heating mattress according to claims 5 and 6, wherein said at least one fixing tab (13a, 13b) is connected to said main part (12) by a tear line (130a, 130b).

8. A heating mattress according to any one of claims 3 to 7, comprising a connection zone (14) to a power supply, connected to said main part (12) and projecting relative to this main part, the conductive track (100) extending over this connection zone and ending in two ends (104, 105).

9. Heating mattress according to claim 8, the connection zone (14) of which comprises means (141) for positioning an electrical connector (3).

10. Device for transporting human beings and in particular newborns, comprising two parts (80, 81) delimiting an enclosure, one of them forming a housing for a human being, and comprising a kit according to claim 1 or 2, said heating mattress being arranged in said housing and said box outside said enclosure.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the mattress is in accordance with any one of claims 3 to 9.

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