A pad-type support device, primarily for use in medical beds.

Abstract

The present invention provides a support device for use with fixed or movable medical beds. [Solution] The support device 1 comprises a mattress element 2, a means 31 for fixing the mattress element to a support structure, and first and second adjustment elements 10, 10'. The mattress element has a flat structure with a longitudinal dimension that is larger than its lateral dimension. The first and second adjustment elements are each constrained by a continuous joining region to the respective longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the mattress element during use, allowing the fixing means to be connected to the mattress element at a position that is continuously adjustable along the longitudinal edge of the mattress element. Each of the first and second adjustment elements is configured in the form of a strip, or a longitudinal band, or a sliding element, rail, or longitudinal guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device, particularly in the form of a substantially mattress, for use mainly on a support structure in the form of a medical bed, for example. This device is of the type having elements for connecting and fixing to the support structure, for example in the form of straps, strips, or bands.

Background Art

[0002] Many support devices in the form of mattresses are known in the art, and these are usually placed, for example, on an operating table or different support structures during surgery.

[0003] Such devices typically provide a deformable body accurately in the form of a mattress and are fixed to the operating table by straps or strips or bands with straps or Velcro® couplings at both ends. These fasteners are necessary to avoid relative displacement between the mattress and the operating table during the preparation of the operating environment and during the associated surgical procedures in order to ensure the accuracy of the operating table. Also, in the case of an intervention involving tilting of the bed for better access to the area of interest of the body, these fixing elements help to ensure no slippage between the mattress / patient and the operating bed, thus ensuring patient safety.

[0004] Despite being widely used, known support devices may still not be perfect, especially with regard to versatility in use on various operating tables or various application conditions.

[0005] Another important requirement for providing an improved solution is that the connection to the operating table or general support structure is simple.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a support device in the form of a pad that includes a continuous transverse band extending from side to side of the pad itself. The ends of these bands incorporate elements for attachment to an operating table. The transverse bands can be connected to the body of the mat by ring and hook coupling means. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,285,890 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, the technical problem raised and solved by the present invention is to provide a support device that enables overcoming one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks by referring to known technologies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by the apparatus described in claim 1.

[0010] Preferred configurations of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support device comprises the following two main components, which may be provided structurally separately or integrated or connected to one another. A mattress element or pad configured to support the body of an individual (typically a patient) in a fully or partially stretched (prone or supine) position. For this purpose, the element generally has a long-sided, elongated shape with a large lengthwise dimension compared to its lateral dimension, both of which are significantly larger than the thickness of the element itself. • A means of fastening a mattress element to a support structure beneath it, typically an operating table or transport stretcher, wherein the fastening means generally comprises a band, a strip, or any oval element. The fastening means is generally provided on both sides, corresponding to each of the longitudinally opposing edges of the mattress, and is connected to or connectable to the portion thereof.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fixing means has a longitudinal position that is continuously or discretely adjustable along one or both of the longitudinal edges of the mattress element.

[0013] Thus, the device has a very wide range of applications in terms of various uses and support structures.

[0014] Advantageously, the mattress element can be configured to prevent the subject from slipping, even in the longitudinal and / or lateral inclined positions typical of some surgical procedures (e.g., gynecological types).

[0015] Furthermore, the mattress elements exhibit viscoelastic behavior, resulting in a more uniform distribution of load on the user and avoiding concentrated stress caused by prolonged contact with the support structure, which could potentially damage the skin.

[0016] Advantageously, mattress elements can be made from open-cell foam polymer, at least partially, which allows the skin of the person lying on it to breathe and helps avoid localized inflammation.

[0017] Preferably, the mattress elements are made entirely or partially of polyurethane (PU), particularly foamed polyurethane, or a material having similar physical and mechanical properties.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the mattress element is biocompatible and / or fire-resistant.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support device comprises one or a pair of elements for adjusting the longitudinal position of the fixing means. Each adjustment element is in the form of an oval longitudinal element that can be connected to the mattress element corresponding to each portion of the longitudinal edge of the mattress element. In a preferred embodiment, each adjustment element is in the form of a strip or band, or even a thread, rail, or guide element that is fixed or can be fixed to the mattress element at each portion of its longitudinal edge.

[0020] One or each adjustment element can be coupled to its respective fastening means, for example, by a Velcro® element, engagement of one or more pins or brackets in a slot, sliding coupling of one or more pins in a guide or rail, or similar means.

[0021] Advantageously, by providing adjustment elements, the longitudinal positions of the fixing means positioned at both lateral ends of the mattress element can be controlled independently.

[0022] In one embodiment, each adjustment element is made of an elastic material and preferably has a rigidity of about the same magnitude as the mattress element, with a difference of 20% or less.

[0023] Preferably, each adjustment element is made entirely or partially of a fabric (e.g., based on natural and / or synthetic fibers). In modified embodiments, each element has a coating made of, for example, a polymer material (e.g., polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, etc.). Other solutions may consist of, for example, bonded polyester / polyurethane foam / polyester, or a simple sheet of polymer material.

[0024] In one embodiment, each adjustment element is coupled to the mattress element by a continuous joining region that extends along the entire longitudinal extension of the long edge portion of the mattress element itself. In this way, positional adjustment can be made along the entire longitudinal portion in question.

[0025] This restraint, or mechanical connection, can be achieved by one or more of the following techniques: joining (in particular using adhesives), welding (such as by ultrasonic or heat sealing), melting using solvents, stitching.

[0026] In certain embodiments, each adjustment element is in the form of a strip or band, as described above, (advantageously having a substantially rectangular or square plane, for example 50 mm wide).

[0027] The adjustment element can also be made fire-resistant.

[0028] As described above, the fixing means typically comprises, on both longitudinal sides of the mattress element, preferably two or three strips or bands on each side.

[0029] Preferably, the fixing means is provided at the distal end from the mattress element and also includes hook elements in the form of, for example, Velcro®, buckles, clips, and / or buttons configured to lock to the support structure.

[0030] The fixing means can be made of the same material and structure as already described for the adjustment element.

[0031] For example, it is also possible to use a non-woven fabric (TNT) belt.

[0032] The fixing means can also be made fire-resistant.

[0033] In embodiments that can be used synergistically with, or independently of, other aspects of the present invention described above, the fixing means can also be made of a material having a modulus of elasticity of approximately the same magnitude as the mattress element, which helps to disperse the force between the mattress element and the adjustment element.

[0034] In the first preferred configuration, the main components described above (mattress, fixing elements, and adjustment elements) are supplied already mechanically connected to one another.

[0035] In other configurations, they can be supplied mechanically separated from each other or only partially connected. For example, the adjustment elements can be already connected in a reversible / adjustable manner to the fastening means rather than to the mattress elements. Advantageously, in this case, the adjustment elements can be prepared with a pre-applied adhesive layer protected by a removable cover or liner so that they are mechanically connected to the mattress when in use.

[0036] Therefore, in this configuration, the device is provided in the form of a kit.

[0037] In one embodiment, the device may include one or more pressure sensors or transducers capable of transmitting detected data to a local or remote acquisition and / or control unit based on the measured values. Transmission can be done wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth and / or WiFi). Appropriately processed data can provide the operator with signals regarding critical areas to act upon in response to patient (re)position.

[0038] In another variation, based on the processing of acquired data, a command (perhaps automatically placed) may be sent to a second device positioned below the first device, which selectively activates compensation measures. For example, the second device could be divided into areas that can be inflated, which could also be operated separately from each other to optimally redistribute the load and thus avoid physical intervention by the operator.

[0039] The aforementioned sensors or transducers can be integrated into one or more of the components of the device described above or attached to this / these surfaces (for example, printed on one side of a mattress element).

[0040] For example, detectors other than pressure sensors or transducers, or just those, that are suitable for measuring any biological parameter (e.g., ECG, pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, etc.) may also be provided.

[0041] Other advantages, features, and uses of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments, which are presented as examples rather than being limiting.

[0042] The following attached diagrams are referenced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] An exploded perspective view of the support device is shown with reference to the first embodiment of the support device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Referring to a support device according to another embodiment of the present invention, an exploded perspective view of the support device is shown (the enclosed area is an enlarged detail view). [Figure 3] Referring to a support device according to a further embodiment of the present invention, an exploded perspective view of the support device is shown (the enclosed area is an enlarged detail view of the first and second).

[0044] In the diagrams shown above, the dimensions are purely for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily indicate that the components are proportional. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] In the following, various embodiments and modifications of the present invention and its parts will be described with reference to the figures introduced above, based on various aspects of the present invention that can be used separately or in combination.

[0046] Similar components are shown in various figures with the same or corresponding reference numerals. In particular, the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 use reference numerals corresponding to those of the embodiments of Figure 1, with numbering beginning 100 and 200, respectively.

[0047] The following detailed description will show further embodiments and variations relating to embodiments and variations already covered in the same description, limited to differences from those already disclosed.

[0048] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the various embodiments and modifications described below can be used in combination if they are compatible.

[0049] Referring first to Figure 1, a support device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally shown as 1.

[0050] Support device 1 is primarily intended for use on support structures (particularly fixed or movable medical beds) that are exposed to the device itself.

[0051] The support device 1 comprises a mattress element or pad 2 and is configured to support the body of a person lying on it. For this purpose, the mattress element 2 generally has a rectangular or flat structure in which the longitudinal dimension in the L direction is larger than the lateral dimension in the T direction, and both are larger than the thickness in the s direction.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the mattress element 2 is configured to support the subject and prevent the subject from slipping even when placed in a longitudinal and / or lateral inclined position.

[0053] Mattress element 2 advantageously exhibits viscoelastic behavior, which more evenly distributes the load applied to the patient and avoids concentrated stress.

[0054] Preferably, the mattress element is made entirely of polyurethane (PU), particularly foamed polyurethane, or a material having similar elastic and / or deformable mechanical properties.

[0055] The support device 1 also includes means 3 for fastening the mattress element 2 to the support structure. In this embodiment, these fastening means 3 comprise a plurality of rectangular fastening elements, each preferably in the form of a strip, band, or strap, and are positioned on both sides of the first and second longitudinal edges of the mattress element 2, indicated by 20 and 21, respectively. For simplicity, Figure 1 shows only three fastening elements, indicated by 31, 32, and 33, which are connected to the first portion of the longitudinal edge 20 of the mattress element 2.

[0056] In some embodiments, each of the fixing elements 31, 32, and 33 has a rigidity of a similar magnitude (in particular, a percentage difference of 20% or less) to that of the mattress element 2 and / or the longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the mattress element 2.

[0057] Each of the fastening elements described above, for example, the element indicated by 31, has a first portion 34, the first portion 34 comprising a first fastening element (e.g., of the Velcro® type) also indicated by 34. This first portion 34 is positioned proximal to the mattress element 2 during use. A second portion 35 integral and / or integrated with the first portion 34 of the fastening element 31 is positioned distal to the mattress element 2 during use and comprises its own further first and second fastening means (e.g., of the Velcro® type) which can be folded back to form a ring or loop 30 for locking to a bar or other component of the support structure.

[0058] Next, the support device 1 comprises first and second elements for adjusting the longitudinal position of the fixing element 3 described above, denoted 10 and 10', respectively, each positioned corresponding to the respective portions of the longitudinal edges 20 and 21 of the mattress element 2. Each adjustment element 10, 10' is substantially configured in the form of a strip or longitudinal band.

[0059] Each adjustment element 10, 10' is positioned to be interposed between the mattress element 2 and the fixing means 3 during use, and to be connected to one another. For this purpose, each adjustment element 10, 10' has a second connecting means 11 (e.g., of the Velcro® type) that is complementary to those provided on parts 34 of the fixing elements 31, 32, and / or 33. In this way, it is possible to connect each of the fixing elements (e.g., the element indicated by 31) at any longitudinal position or coordinate P along the adjustment element 10. Thus, continuous step position adjustment of the aforementioned positions becomes possible.

[0060] Each adjustment element 10, 10' is preferably connected to the respective portions of the longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the mattress element 2, on the underside of the element 2 itself. In particular, each adjustment element can completely or partially overlap the mattress element 2 laterally, and in the second case, can project laterally outward relative to it.

[0061] In one embodiment, each adjustment element 10, 10' has a rigidity of a similar magnitude (in particular, a percentage difference of 20% or less) to the mattress element 2 and / or the longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the mattress element 2.

[0062] Each of the fixing elements 31, 32, and 33 may have a multilayer structure, particularly a sandwich structure, in cross-section, comprising an intermediate layer of polyurethane foam and two outer layers of polyester.

[0063] The same structure can also be provided for each of the adjustment elements 10 and 10'.

[0064] Figure 2 refers to a second embodiment of the support device of the present invention, which is generally denoted as 100. As described above, only components that differ from those of the first embodiment and related modifications shown above will be described. The components are indicated by reference numerals corresponding to those in Figure 1, in this case based on numbering starting from 100.

[0065] In this embodiment, the connection between the adjustment elements, shown here as 110 and 110', and the fixing elements, partly shown as 131, 132, and 133, is achieved at separate locations by a reversible connection between the proximal bracket 134 of each fixing element portion 134 and one of the slots 111, 111' of a plurality of slots formed within the adjustment elements 110, 110'. In Figure 2, all slots 111 of the adjustment element 110 are shown to be engaged by the corresponding fixing elements 131, 132, and 133, but it is understood that the location of the plurality of slots 111 along the element 110 allows the selection of separate locations P to be more suitable for fixing fewer elements than the same slot.

[0066] The distal portion 135 of each fixing element also has a slot configuration that allows it to be fixed to a support structure by a loop or ring 130.

[0067] Figure 3 refers to a third preferred embodiment of the support device of the present invention, which is generally denoted as 200. As described above, only components that differ from those of the first embodiment and related modifications shown above will be described. In this case as well, the components are indicated by reference numerals corresponding to the reference numerals in Figure 1, based on numbering starting from 200.

[0068] In this embodiment, the adjustment elements shown herein by 210 and 210' consist of or include slides, guides, or rails having substantially inverted "U" or "C" shaped cross-sections, or prismatic structures having open sides for slide engagement by one or more pins 236.

[0069] Each guide 210, 210' can be housed within a special longitudinal seat or cavity 240 of the mattress element 202.

[0070] Each pin 236 is connected to a fixing element, for example, indicated by 231, 232, or 233. Each pin 236 is housed in a removable or fixed manner within a seat obtained corresponding to the proximal portion 234 of each fixing element (for example, indicated by 231) (particularly through 237).

[0071] The described connection allows for continuous adjustment of the longitudinal position P of each fixed element.

[0072] The distal portion 235 of each fixing element also has a structure having a plurality of slots 238 in which a pin 239 can be housed in a pair of slots obtained by folding the portion 235 on itself to form a ring or loop 230. In this case, the pin 239 can be permanently locked in one of the slots or removablely housed in one of the slots. The width of the ring or loop 230 can be adjusted by arranging a plurality of slots (in particular, a number of slots greater than two) at the end 235 of each fixing element.

[0073] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments relating to the core of the invention may exist, as defined by the utility model claims described below.

Claims

1. A support structure below, in particular a support device for use on a fixed or movable medical bed (1; 100; 200), A mattress element (2;102;202) configured to support the body of a person lying down, and for this purpose exhibiting a flat structure having a longitudinal dimension (L) that is larger than the lateral dimension (T), means for fixing the mattress element to the support structure (31; 131; 231), During use, each portion of the longitudinal edge (20, 21; 120, 121; 220, 221) of the mattress element is constrained by a continuous joining region, and the first and second adjustment elements (10, 10'; 110, 110'; 210, 210') are configured to allow connection of the fixing means to the mattress element at a position (P) that is continuously adjustable along the longitudinal edge (P) of the mattress element. Equipped with, Each of the first and second adjustment elements is configured in the form of a strip, or a longitudinal band, or a sliding element, rail, or longitudinal guide (210), in a support device (1; 100; 200).

2. The support device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means comprises one or more oval fixing elements (31-33; 131-133; 231-233), each of which is, for example, in the form of a band or strip.

3. The support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or each of the first and second adjustment elements has a first Velcro® type fastening means (11), and the fastening means comprises a second Velcro® fastening means (34) complementary to the first Velcro® type fastening means.

4. The support device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or each of the first and second adjustment elements has a slot-type first connecting means (111), and the fixing means comprises a second bracket connecting means (134) configured to engage with the slot-type first connecting means.

5. The support device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or each of the first and second adjustment elements comprises a slide, rail, or longitudinal guide element (210), and the fixing means comprises a corresponding pin connection means (236) configured to slidably engage with the slide, rail, or guide element.

6. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 (1; 100; 200), wherein, when in use, each of the first and second adjustment elements is connected to the respective portions of the longitudinal edge of the mattress element by its first longitudinal portion, and by its second longitudinal portion, protrudes outward from the mattress element, to which the fixing means is connected or can be connected corresponding to its second longitudinal portion.

7. The support device (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the continuous joining region substantially corresponds to the entire longitudinal extension of each portion of the longitudinal edge of the mattress element (2) itself.

8. During use, each of the first and second adjustment elements is restrained to the mattress element by one or more of the following: bonding, welding by ultrasonic or heat sealing, melting using a solvent, or stitching, according to any one of claims 1 to 7 (1; 100; 200).

9. The support device (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fixing means comprises at least one fixing element configured to form a ring (30; 130; 230) or loop that connects the fixing means to the support structure when in use.

10. The support device (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one fastening element that supports a fastening means of type Velcro (35), slot (135), clip, and / or button (239), configured to be connected to the support structure.

11. The support device (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second adjustment elements (10, 10'; 110, 110'; 210, 210') enable independent control of longitudinal position fixing means (31; 210; 210') located at both lateral ends of the mattress element (2; 102; 202).

12. A support device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, supplied in the form of a kit (1; 100; 200).

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