Alternating pressure mat and patient bed and method of operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alternating pressure mat (1), a patient bed (50) having such an alternating pressure mat (1), and a method for operating such an alternating pressure mat (1), in which a plurality of support members (2) are provided. The present invention further provides a guide structure having two guides (3a, 3b) arranged opposite each other in a transverse direction (Q) and extending in a longitudinal direction (L). In these guides (3a, 3b), the support members (2) are movably supported at their opposite ends (2a, 2b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alternating pressure mat, a patient bed having such an alternating pressure mat, and a method of operating such an alternating pressure mat.

Background Art

[0002] When caring for and / or professionally nursing bedridden patients at home, there is a possibility of the problem of patient bedsores (so-called pressure ulcers). In this case, due to prolonged pressure that impedes blood circulation in the skin, the skin and the tissue beneath it will be locally damaged.

[0003] To address this problem, so-called pressure ulcer mattresses (also called anti-pressure ulcer mattresses) are known. These mattresses, for example, attempt to reduce the maximum pressure when placed by making the area on which the patient lies larger or by assuming a supine position with a more uniform pressure distribution. Alternatively or in addition to this, these mattresses can also be equipped with an alternating pressure system, by which body parts can be alternately loaded and relieved to avoid continuous blood circulation disorders. These alternating pressure systems usually have a plurality of air chambers and can have air sent into them accurately or the air pressure in them can be adjusted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem of the present invention is to provide an alternative to known anti-pressure ulcer systems. In particular, the problem of the present invention is to further improve pressure ulcer prevention and / or treatment of symptoms, and in particular, to enhance their efficacy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This problem is solved by an alternating pressure mat according to the independent claims, a patient bed having such an alternating pressure mat, and a method of operating such an alternating pressure mat.

[0006] An alternating pressure mat according to a first aspect of the invention, in particular for preventing bedsores, comprises a plurality of support members arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction. According to the invention, the alternating pressure mat further comprises a guide structure having two guides arranged opposite each other in a transverse direction and extending in the longitudinal direction. In these guides, the support members are movably supported at both end portions (both ends) on both sides.

[0007] Movable support in the sense of the present invention may in particular be understood as being able to move the support member along the longitudinal direction, that is to say in the forward direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction, in particular being able to make a translational movement.

[0008] One aspect of the invention is based on the approach of providing an alternating pressure mat having support members, which preferably define the sleeping surface of the alternating pressure mat and can be moved along the longitudinal direction, for example, to pass under a patient lying on the alternating pressure mat, by means of a guide structure consisting of two guides. In other words, the support members, preferably extending in the transverse direction, can be provided so as to be able to roll or slide under the patient when moving relative to the patient. Thereby, it becomes possible to continuously or at least intermittently change the pressure when placed. In this way, bed displacement can be effectively suppressed, or if bedsores have already occurred, the worsening of the symptoms can be prevented or at least delayed.

[0009] The support member is preferably configured here to support the patient. In a preferred embodiment, each support member is movably supported within both guides arranged to face each other in a transverse direction intersecting the longitudinal direction at its two opposite ends facing each other. Thereby, the weight of the patient can be received by the guides. Here, the guides preferably extend in the longitudinal direction such that the support member can move in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction.

[0010] With this movement of the support member, the placement location changes substantially continuously or at least intermittently along the patient's body, so that not only can blood circulation disorders be avoided or at least reduced even if not, but also the blood circulation of the skin, especially the function of veins, can be promoted. In particular, it is even possible to stretch across blood vessels. This promotion of blood circulation can also have an effect on thrombosis. In other words, the alternating pressure mat can also further enable thrombosis prevention and improvement of lymphatic drainage.

[0011] Basically, the diameter of the support member and the spacing between individual support members, especially the spacing along the longitudinal direction, can be selected relative to each other according to the patient's height and / or the patient's weight. The diameter of these support members and the spacing between these support members are selected so that the weight is comfortably supported, but at the same time, it is preferably selected such that the load on the skin surface is sufficiently reduced so that blood can circulate. These effects can be obtained, for example, by using a support member diameter with a length of 2 cm to 20 cm, preferably 5 cm to 10 cm, especially 6 cm in the longitudinal direction, and the support member spacing can be 5 cm to 45 cm, preferably 10 cm to 25 cm, especially about 15 cm.

[0012] As already shown above, the alternating pressure mat can be used as a "su-no-ko" and a patient at risk of bedsores can be laid thereon. However, it is also conceivable to use an alternating pressure mat of appropriate dimensions as a seat pad or "seat cushion" on at least any one of, for example, a wheelchair, an armchair, a car seat, and the like. Instead of or in addition to this, such an alternating pressure mat can also be used as a leg mat or a full-body mat, for example, to ensure sufficient blood circulation in the legs and / or other parts of the body during a long operation.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and its developments will be described below, and they can be freely combined with each other and with the aspects of the present invention described below, unless explicitly excluded from each other.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, each support member is provided with a support roller, and the support roller is supported so as to be freely rotatable around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the lateral direction. The fact that the support roller rotates freely means here, in particular, that the support roller can rotate freely independently of other movements, such as translational movements, in particular longitudinal movements and / or movements in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction. The support roller supported so as to be freely rotatable can rotate when the support member moves so as to pass under the patient supported by the support roller. In other words, the support roller can roll, for example, while in contact with the patient or while in contact with the support member cover, when moving in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction. This rolling movement makes it possible to change the placement points substantially continuously or at least intermittently along the patient's body. At the same time, the support member can be moved by the rolling movement so as to pass under the patient with a slight force.

[0015] The diameter of the support roller is preferably selected here according to the patient's height and / or the patient's weight. The diameter of the support roller may be, for example, between 2 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm, and particularly about 6 cm. This enables the patient to be comfortably supported, and at the same time, the large body surface area between two adjacent support rollers is completely relieved of load, and as a result, blood circulation can be achieved.

[0016] Alternatively, the support member may each be provided with a slider configured to slide under and pass under the patient. The sliders preferably each have a sliding surface here. At least, the sliding surface can be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, and can be made of, for example, Teflon (registered trademark). Compared with the modified example using support rollers, the alternating pressure mat can be configured quite simply and robustly.

[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, each of the support members is provided with a roller (roll) at each of the two ends for movable support in each of the guides. Each roller is here, in a preferred embodiment, supported so as to be freely rotatable about a rotational axis oriented parallel to the lateral direction, particularly with respect to the support roller. In other words, the rollers can each be arranged coaxially with the support roller, but can rotate independently of the support roller. In particular, it is also conceivable that each support member comprises a shaft member, and the shaft member is formed as a seat for the support roller and / or as two rollers arranged particularly on the outside. The guide and the roller are here formed such that one roller is supported by one of the guides and can roll within the guide, for example on a running surface. Thereby, the friction generated when the support member moves can be significantly reduced. In particular, the support member within the guide can be supported with at least substantially no friction by using the rollers. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the power or force required to relatively move the support member with respect to the guide or with respect to the patient supported by the support roller.

[0018] Alternatively, the support member may be configured for sliding support in both guides arranged opposite to each other. For this purpose, the support member can be provided with sliding portions at two ends on both sides thereof. The sliding portions preferably comprise a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as Teflon (registered trademark). Compared with the above-described variant using rollers, the support member can be manufactured more easily and is more robust or less likely to fail.

[0019] To enable the guide to guide the support member particularly reliably within the guide, the guide can at least partially receive the roller or the sliding part therein. Each of the two guides may be formed, for example, at least partially by a longitudinally extending elongated bar-shaped guide element in a groove shape and / or by a recess, especially to at least reduce the risk of the support member protruding from the guide. Thereby, the operating reliability can be further enhanced.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment, any two adjacent support members, especially those arranged side by side, are movably connected to each other by connectors at both ends thereof, especially connected such that their operations are linked and / or connected in a chain-like manner. In other words, in order to connect two adjacent support members, connectors can be provided respectively at the portions at both ends of these support members facing each other. By means of the connectors, the support members can be connected especially like a chain or can form a chain. Thereby, a (driving) force, for example, a force for moving the support member along the guide, can be transmitted between the support members.

[0021] Here, the connectors are preferably arranged respectively between one support roller or slider and the other roller. The connectors may be, for example, inserted onto or into a shaft member. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the connectors preventing the longitudinal movement and / or the movement in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction of the support member by getting caught or engaged within the guide, for example.

[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment, any two adjacent support members are elastically connected to each other. For this purpose, the adjacent support members may be connected to each other by, for example, a spring connector. In particular, the connector described above may be formed elastically, that is, for example, as a spring connector. By elastically connecting the support members, for example, when raising the head portion and / or the leg portion, or when the support members sink for an elastically formed guide or at least an elastically supported guide, it becomes possible to compensate for a change in the length of the alternating pressure mat or at least a change in the length of the travel path of the support members.

[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure mat comprises a preloading device configured to apply a preload to the connection between the support members or at least to maintain a preload between the support members. For this purpose, the preloading device can support a first part of the guide structure, for example a driver wheel, movably relative to another second part of the guide structure, in particular in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the preloading device may be formed to preload the movably supported first part relative to the second part of the guide structure in the longitudinal direction or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction, that is, to push it away from the second part of the guide structure in the longitudinal direction or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to obtain a particularly uniform spacing of the support members in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The preloading device may here comprise a cylinder housing preloading means therein. This preloading means is preferably configured to push out a preloading rod supported movably relative to the cylinder from the cylinder. The preloading means may be formed, for example, as a preloading member under preloading, in particular as a compression spring, and preferably the spring is preloaded between an end of the preloading rod arranged in the cylinder and the bottom of the cylinder. Alternatively, the preloading means may be a gas under pressure, and it is also conceivable that this gas pushes a preloading rod preferably formed in a piston type in this example.

[0025] The preloading rod is preferably coupled to at least a part of the first part of the guide structure or the support member(s) at the head side end or the leg side end of the alternating pressure mat, in particular so that the preloading generated by the preloading means is transmitted to the connection between the support members.

[0026] In yet another preferred embodiment, each of both guides comprises a plurality of guide elements, at least some of which are arranged movably relative to each other, in particular along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of guide elements of one guide may be movably connected to each other, for example, and in particular may be movably connected to each other so that two adjacent guide elements can be inclined relative to each other about a tilt axis parallel in the lateral direction. In other words, at least a part or a section of both guides may be formed deformably or transformably, whereby the support members guided by both guides arranged facing each other can change their orientation not only along the longitudinal direction but also at least slightly perpendicular thereto, in particular perpendicular to the lying surface of the alternating pressure mat defined by the support members arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the comfort can be improved. In particular, a uniform pressure load can be applied to the patient's body, and as a result, the risk of bedsores can be further reduced.

[0027] In yet another preferred embodiment, at least a part of each of the guide elements of both guides is connected to each other by a single running track. Each of the two running tracks is preferably formed, for example, as a strip with a thickness of 5 mm and has a running surface on which the rollers of the support member can roll. This type of running track imparts a certain shape stability to the guide structure and at the same time enables the support member to move smoothly without joints at both of its ends, particularly at the rollers and at the transition between the two guide elements.

[0028] At this time, in order to further reduce the friction when the support member moves in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction, the running track can be formed of Teflon (registered trademark) or at least extend from the leg side end of the alternating pressure mat to the head side end of the alternating pressure mat.

[0029] In yet another preferred embodiment, at least a part of each of the guide elements of both guides is elastically supported. For example, at least a part of the guide elements may be supported such that the support member guided by the guide can change its orientation perpendicular to the lying surface. This can further improve the comfort for the patient. In particular, a uniform pressure load can be applied to the patient's body.

[0030] In yet another preferred embodiment, the guide structure includes a plurality of resilient members, and each of these resilient members supports one of the guide elements. For this purpose, the alternating pressure mat particularly preferably includes a rigid support base formed in a frame-like manner, and this support base carries at least a part of the guide structure, particularly the elastically supported part of each of the guide elements of both guides. The resilient members are preferably arranged here between the elastically supported part of the guide elements and the support base. This makes it possible to obtain the deformability or the ability to change the volume of both guides arranged facing each other in a simple manner.

[0031] At this time, it is conceivable that the support base is formed by other parts of the guide structure, particularly the rigidly formed guides in the return path section. In other words, the resilient member can elastically support the individual guide elements in the forward path section against the return path section.

[0032] In yet another preferred embodiment, the resilient members each comprise a first mounting structure, and at least some of the guide element(s) each comprise a second mounting structure. In a preferred embodiment, using the first and second mounting structures, the resilient members are mounted to at least some of the guide element(s) each having a second mounting structure so as to be removable without being damaged, particularly without using tools. Thereby, the resilient members can be replaced if necessary, for example, when they are broken or when there are at least signs of being worn out. It is also conceivable to select a resilient member customized in hardness according to the patient and use it to elastically support the guide element, thereby avoiding the guide element and, accordingly, the support member from being overly deflected or insufficiently deflected in a direction perpendicular to the sleeping surface.

[0033] Here, the first and second mounting structures are preferably formed such that the resilient member can be attached to the guide element by form fit. For this purpose, the first and second mounting structures may be formed to be complementary to each other in particular. The first mounting structure can comprise, for example, a recess or a bay, into which a convex part or a bulge or a protrusion of the second mounting structure can engage. Thereby, the individual or all of the resilient members can be easily replaced.

[0034] In still another preferred embodiment, the guide structure includes an outward path portion and a return path portion so that the support member can move in a circular motion. In other words, in this way, a part of the support member can move longitudinally by the outward path portion, for example, toward the head portion of the alternating pressure mat, while another part of the support member can move in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction by the return path portion, for example, toward the end portion on the leg side of the alternating pressure mat. The outward path portion and the return path portion enable the alternating pressure mat to be continuously moved without changing the moving direction of the support member midway. In particular, the roller member for supporting the patient can continue to move so as to pass under the patient in the longitudinal direction so that, for example, an effect of stretching the blood vessels in the legs toward the torso can be obtained. Thereby, the risk of thrombosis can be reduced.

[0035] In still another preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure mat is disposed on the support member and includes a flexible support member cover that is particularly spread out and stretched (stretched). Preferably, the support member cover is arranged such that at least a part of the support roller(s) can roll while hitting the support member cover when moving in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction. At least a part of the support member cover may be attached to, for example, the guide structure, particularly to individual guide elements, for this purpose. This attachment is preferably non-removable. However, it is also conceivable to make this attachment removable without using tools, for example, using snaps.

[0036] Instead of or in addition to attaching to the guide structure, it is also conceivable to attach the support member cover to the frame or support base of the patient bed configured to accommodate the alternating pressure mat, particularly the guide structure. The support member cover can improve the comfort of the patient supported by the support roller. Further, when using the support member cover, access to the movable support member is obstructed or at least made difficult, so the operational safety can also be enhanced.

[0037] Preferably, the support member cover is formed so as to have at least partially waterproof and / or stain-proof properties. The support member cover may include, for example, a waterproof sheet-like plastic layer. Thereby, dirt can be easily removed from the sleeping surface defined by the support member cover. Thus, such a support member cover also makes it possible to meet hygienic standards.

[0038] In yet another preferred embodiment, the support member cover is formed of a plurality of parts by a flexible covering and a protective sheet disposed between the flexible covering and the support member. Here, the protective sheet preferably lies on the support member, that is, the protective sheet is in contact with the support roller or the slider, and this protective sheet may be formed to have waterproof and / or stain-proof properties. The protective sheet is preferably attached to the guide structure, or to the frame of the patient bed, or to the support base, so as to efficiently and reliably prevent liquids, objects and / or body parts from entering the area of the support member or the guide structure, and may be attached in a non-removable manner or in a manner that can be removed without using tools.

[0039] On the other hand, the flexible covering may be attached to the frame of the patient bed, or to the support base, or to the guide structure, and if necessary, also to the protective sheet, so that it can be removed without being damaged, especially without using tools. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the covering is not attached at all and is simply placed on the protective sheet without being fixed. Thereby, the covering can be replaced relatively easily, for example, for hygienic reasons. The flexible covering can be formed, for example, as a thin mattress, and this mattress is formed so as not to cancel out the pressure distribution obtained by the support member, and on the one hand, serves as a cushion for the support roller or the slider and / or on the other hand absorbs moisture.

[0040] In still another preferred embodiment, the guide structure includes a hinge member disposed between a first section of the guide structure and a second section of the guide structure for pivotally supporting the guide of the first section relative to the guide of the second section. Thereby, the first section of the guide structure can be raised relative to the second section. The hinge member can, for example, demarcate a head portion or a leg portion that can be raised. By pivoting the guide of the first section relative to the guide of the second section, on the one hand, the burden on the patient's lungs can be reduced. On the other hand, this can also facilitate the care of the patient.

[0041] Here, it is preferable that the hinge member is configured to be able to pivot the guide of the first section relative to the guide of the second section up to 40°.

[0042] In still another preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure mat includes a motor-driven device configured to move the support member in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction. The motor-driven device may be formed, for example, as a prime mover, particularly as an electric motor. Thereby, it is possible to automatically, particularly continuously, move the support member.

[0043] In still another preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure mat includes a manually operable drive device configured to move the support member in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction. Here, the alternating pressure mat may particularly include a drive device that is operable by a motor and also manually operable. The drive device can use, for example, a manually operated drive device, such as in the form of a crank, or can be coupled to such a device. Thereby, it is possible to ensure the movement of the support member in order to continuously maintain a changing pressure distribution, for example, in the event of a technical failure or a power outage.

[0044] In yet another preferred embodiment, the guide structure comprises at least two driver wheels non-rotatably seated on the drive shaft, which are connected in particular in such a way that their operation is linked to the drive device, and these driver wheels are configured to intermittently carry along the support members by means of the rotation of the shaft. The driver wheels may, for example, be formed in a gear-like manner and / or be provided with recesses or teeth in which support members, in particular support rollers or sliders and / or rollers, can engage. When the driver wheels rotate, the support members arranged in the recesses or teeth can thereby be carried along. This movement can preferably be transmitted as a translational movement to all the support members via an elastic connection or connector between adjacent support members. Thus, by using such driver wheels, the movement of the support members can be easily achieved.

[0045] Such a driver wheel or drive shaft is here, in a preferred embodiment, arranged at the head-side end and / or the leg-side end of the alternating pressure mat. The driver wheel is in particular arranged between the forward and return runs of the guide structure and can be configured to transfer the support members from the guide of the forward run to the guide of the return run. This enables reliable circulation of the support members.

[0046] In still other preferred embodiments, the alternating pressure mat comprises a control device configured to move the support member in at least two different operating modes, for example, by appropriately controlling a motor-driven device. In one operating mode, the support member can be moved, for example, in a circular motion, while in a second operating mode, the support member can be moved back and forth. Alternatively or in addition to this, in one operating mode, the support member can be moved continuously, while in another operating mode, the support member can be moved intermittently. Thereby, the alternating pressure mat can be used flexibly, for example, for patients with different severities of bedsores or for patients with different degrees of disability. In addition, this also makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the operation of the alternating pressure mat. This is because, for example, in patients where the likelihood of bedsores is not so significant, energy can be saved.

[0047] Alternatively or in addition to this, the control device may be configured to receive a control command from an external terminal device linked to the control device. For example, an application, that is, a software module, which is made to be executable on a smartphone or a tablet and is provided to enable the control of the alternating pressure mat, particularly the control of the motor-driven device, can be considered.

[0048] The control device and / or this application may also be configured to document the operation of the alternating pressure mat, particularly the operating mode or its sequence. Thereby, an overview of the measures for preventing bedsores can be obtained at any time.

[0049] In still another preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure mat is provided with a control device configured to output an alarm signal without relying on a power supply, particularly when the support member cannot be driven and moved by a motor. Here, "without relying on a power supply" may be understood to mean that the control device is suitable for maintaining its function even when the energy supply through the power grid is insufficient. For this purpose, the alternating pressure mat, particularly the control device, is provided with an energy storage unit in the form of a battery, for example. Thereby, if necessary, for example, in the case of a power outage or a failure, it is possible to maintain the operation by using a manually operable drive device, etc., so that the operational reliability can be further enhanced.

[0050] A patient bed according to the second aspect of the present invention, particularly for preventing bedsores, includes a frame and an alternating pressure mat according to the first aspect of the present invention supported by this frame.

[0051] Here, the alternating pressure mat is configured to be removably connected to the frame without being damaged, particularly without using tools. For example, the alternating pressure mat is provided with a latch mechanism or a clip mechanism, and using it, the alternating pressure mat can be attached to or mounted on the frame, and particularly can be snap-fitted or clip-fastened. Thereby, the alternating pressure mat can be used for a conventional patient bed if necessary. In particular, a conventional patient bed can be equipped with or retrofitted with an alternating pressure mat for preventing bedsores. At the same time, the alternating pressure mat can be quickly removed again if necessary.

[0052] In the case of a method of operating an alternating pressure mat according to the third aspect of the present invention, particularly for preventing bedsores, within the guides of at least two guide structures arranged to face each other in the lateral direction and extending in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of support members arranged side by side particularly along the longitudinal direction are moved, and within the guides, the support members are supported at both end portions to be movable particularly in the longitudinal direction and / or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The support member can be moved here by using a drive device driven by a motor and / or manually, for example, by using a manually operable drive device. The control of the movement is preferably performed by a control device that can appropriately control the motor drive device. In particular, various operation modes are conceivable, such as, for example, the circular motion of the support member, the reciprocating motion of the support member, the continuous movement of the support member, and / or the intermittent movement of the support member.

[0054] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes many features, which are partially grouped together in several individual dependent claims. However, these features can be grasped individually or further grouped into other meaningful combinations. In particular, these features can be combined, individually and in any appropriate combination, with the alternating pressure mat according to the first aspect of the present invention, the patient bed according to the second aspect of the present invention, and the method according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0055] The characteristics, features, and advantages of the present invention described above, and how these are obtained, will be described in detail in the following description of the embodiments of the present invention in connection with the figures. In the figures, the same or corresponding elements of the present invention are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals. For clarity, when there are several components, only one of them is labeled. The embodiments serve to explain the present invention, but do not limit the present invention to the combinations of features described therein, nor do they limit it with respect to functional features. In addition, the appropriate features of the embodiments can clearly be grasped alone and can be combined with any one of the claims.

[0056] At least partially schematically shown below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0058] FIG. 1 shows an example of an alternating pressure mat 1 for preventing bedsores having a plurality of support members 2 arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction L. The alternating pressure mat 1 includes a guide structure having two guides 3a and 3b arranged to face each other, and the support members 2 are movably supported within both guides 3a and 3b at both opposite ends 2a and 2b thereof. In other words, the guides 3a and 3b and the support members 2 are formed such that the support members 2 can move in the longitudinal direction L or in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L by the guides 3a and 3b.

[0059] In the illustrated example, each of the support members 2 includes a support roller 4, and the support roller is supported so as to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis directed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction L, that is, extending parallel to the lateral direction Q. The rotation axis of the support roller 4 may be defined, for example, by the longitudinal axis of a shaft member not visible in FIG. 1, and the support roller 4 can be, for example, inserted or fitted onto the shaft member.

[0060] However, instead of the support roller 4, it is also conceivable to provide a slider (not shown) formed to slide under the patient. Such a slider can, for example, have a sliding surface and / or an elliptical cross section in order to facilitate sliding or at least reduce sliding friction.

[0061] The alternating pressure mat 1 forms a kind of bamboo mat as shown in Fig. 1, and a patient prone to bedsores, for example, a patient with at least partial paralysis or other immobile patients can lie on it. Since the support member 2 is movably supported, the "thin plates" of this grid are not arranged immovably or statically in place, but are arranged variably or dynamically in place. Due to the mobility of this support member 2, a pressure load with a changing location can be applied to the patient lying on it, whereby (persistent) local blood circulation disorders and, as a result, local tissue damage leading to necrosis can be efficiently and surely prevented.

[0062] Such an alternating pressure mat can also be used, for example, as a zabuton or a leg rest in addition to the one shown in Fig. 1.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the support rollers 4 of the support member 2 are configured to support the patient, and the support member 2 is also supported by a guide structure, for example, by seating both ends 2a, 2b of each support member 2 in the guides 3a, 3b. When the support member 2 moves in the longitudinal direction L, the support rollers 4 can roll under the patient by their free rotational support. In other words, the support rollers 4 enable the support member 2 to move relative to the patient supported by the support rollers 4. At this time, the patient needs to continue to stay in a fixed position relative to the alternating pressure mat 1 or the guide structure.

[0064] For this purpose, a flexible support member cover (not shown) may be provided, which can simultaneously enhance the operational safety of the alternating pressure mat 1 and / or the comfort of the patient. Here, the support member cover is preferably stretched over the support roller 4 and is attached to the guides 3a, 3b, for example, so that the support roller 4 can roll on the side in contact with the support roller 4, that is, the lower side of the support member cover. The support member cover, which is fixed in this way so as not to move its position, can thus prevent a patient lying on the support member cover supported by the support roller 2 from moving together when the support member 2 moves, except when an object or a part of the body enters the gap of the support member 2.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the guide structure includes an outward path portion 5a and a return path portion 5b, and the outward path portion 5a and the return path portion 5b are arranged vertically, that is, stacked on top of each other, so that the trough-like configuration of the alternating pressure mat 1 can be obtained. However, basically, other arrangements of the outward path portion and the return path portions 5a, 5b relative to each other are also conceivable.

[0066] Both the outward path portion 5a and the return path portion 5b are each provided with two guides 3a, 3b arranged to face each other. By using the outward path portion and the return path portions 5a, 5b, the support member 2 can move while orbiting, that is, move on a closed track. For example, the support member 2 can move in the longitudinal direction L by the outward path portion 5a, for example, from the leg portion 6b of the alternating pressure mat 1 to the head portion 6a of the alternating pressure mat 1, while the support member 2 can be conveyed in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L by the return path portion 5b, returning from the head portion 6a to the leg portion 6b. Thereby, for example, in order to reduce the risk of thrombosis, for example, it is possible to continuously stretch the blood vessels in the patient's legs toward the body.

[0067] The guides 3a, 3b preferably comprise a plurality of guide elements 10 supported elastically or in a stepwise manner here. For this purpose, the guide structure also comprises a plurality of resilient members 11 that support at least some of the guide elements 10. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, each resilient member 11 can elastically support one of the guide elements 10. By elastically supporting the guide elements 10, the adjacent guide elements 10 are supported so as to be movable relative to each other at least slightly.

[0068] By using the resilient members 11, at least some of the guide elements 10, particularly the guide elements 10 of the forward path portion 5a or the forward path portion 5a, can also be supported so as to be movable relative to other parts of the guide elements 10, particularly the guide elements 10 of the return path portion 5b or the return path portion 5b. Here, the resilient member 11 can particularly elastically connect or couple the forward path portion 5a, preferably formed hard, to the return path portion 5b forming a support base. By the connection between the forward path portion 5a and the return path portion 5b, the patient can be comfortably supported on the alternating pressure mat 1.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a part of FIG. 1 in the region of the leg portion of the alternating pressure mat without the return path portion. Thereby, in particular, the chain-like connection of the support members 2 by the connectors 7 arranged at the opposite ends can be seen (in FIG. 2, only one of the two ends on both sides, i.e., the end 2a, is visible respectively). Thereby, a chain of support members 2 that can move within the guide 3a is formed.

[0070] Here, each of the connectors 7 is arranged between the support roller 4 and the roller 8. If necessary, the connectors 7 and / or the rollers 8 may also be inserted or fitted onto one shaft member 9 by, for example, interference fit, respectively, and the support roller 4 may also be.

[0071] By using the roller 8, the support member 2 is supported so as to be movable within the guide 3a in a preferred manner. In order to be able to guide the support member 2 particularly reliably, the guide 3a may be provided with a groove-shaped recess or notch for accommodating the roller 8.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the support member 2 comprises, instead of the roller 8, a sliding part (not shown) configured to slide within the guide.

[0073] By means of the connector 7, the support members 2 are arranged to be movable relative to one another. Thereby, for example, the support member 2 moved in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L by a return path part (not shown) can be redirected towards the forward path part 5a at the leg part 6b of the alternating pressure mat.

[0074] As can clearly be seen in FIG. 2, at least some of the guides 10 each comprise a first mounting structure 12a, and at least some of the resilient members 11 comprise a second mounting structure 12b, by using which the resilient member 11 can be mounted to the guide 10 in such a way that it can be removed, in particular without being damaged and / or without using tools. For this purpose, the first mounting structure 12a each comprises at least one recess or indentation 13a, into which a projection or bulge 13b of the corresponding, in particular complementary, second mounting structure 12b can engage.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a view showing a part of FIG. 1 in the region of the head part 6a of the alternating pressure mat. The head part 6a is formed to be able to be raised. For this purpose, the guide structure comprises, for example, at least one hinge member 14 in each guide 3a. Each of the hinge members 14 is here preferably arranged between two adjacent guides 10 and is configured to be able to incline two adjacent guides 10 relative to one another. By using such a hinge member 14, the head part 6a can be raised, for example, up to 40°.

[0076] FIG. 4 shows an example of a part of the guide structure in cross section. The guide structure includes an outward path portion 5a and a return path portion 5b. Both the outward path portion 5a and the return path portion 5b have guides 3a respectively. By using these, the support member (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the alternating pressure mat can be guided during movement. Here, the outward path portion 5a is connected to the return path portion 5b using an elastic member 11. As a result, the guide 3a of the outward path portion 5a is elastically supported, and accordingly, the support member guided by the guide is also elastically supported.

[0077] The guide 3a is configured to at least partially accommodate and movably support one end portion of the support member, particularly the rollers. The guide is provided with a recess 15 or a notch for this purpose, and the end portion of the support member, particularly the rollers, can be engaged therein.

[0078] In the illustrated example, a running surface 16 is provided in the recess 15 of the guide 3a of the outward path portion 5a, and for example, the rollers of the support member can roll thereon. Here, the running surface 16 is formed by a belt-shaped running track 17 that can connect a plurality of guide elements (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the guide 3a. The band forming the running track 17 is preferably inserted into the guide 3a such that the running surface 16 is flush with the side surface of the recess 15. In order to reduce sliding friction or rolling friction when the support member moves, the running track 17 may be made of a low-friction material such as Teflon (registered trademark).

[0079] The illustrated guide structure is preferably configured to be used with a patient bed, in particular with the frame of a patient bed. For this purpose, the return section 5b comprises a latch mechanism or a clip mechanism 24, by means of which the guide structure and, along with it, also the alternating pressure mat can be attached or mounted to the patient bed or its frame. The alternating pressure mat can thus be removed again from the patient bed or its frame without being damaged and / or without using tools, for example by pressing down or bending the pin 24a of the clip mechanism 24 so as to release the reverse hook 24b of one or more pins 24a.

[0080] Figure 5 shows an example of a preloading device 18 for applying a preload to a connection (in particular an elastic connection) between support members 2 of an alternating pressure mat. The preloading device 18 comprises a driver wheel 19 seated on a driver shaft 20 and configured to entrain the support members 2 at least sectionally during rotation, and a preloading rod 21 movably supported within a cylinder 22. The preloading rod 21 is connected to the driver shaft 20 at the end of the preloading rod 21 opposite the cylinder 22.

[0081] The driver shaft 20 may, for example, be rotatably supported on or within the preloading rod 21, for example in an eye or an eyelet. In this case, the driver wheel 19 is non-rotatably seated on the driver shaft 20. Here, it is also conceivable that the driver shaft 20 is connected so as to be operatively associated with a drive device (not shown), as a result of which the driver wheel 19 can be driven, for example by a motor, and thereby the support members 2 can be moved. The driver shaft 20 can here also be referred to as a drive shaft.

[0082] Alternatively, the driver shaft 20 may be non-rotatably attached to the preloading rod 21. In this case, the driver wheel 19 is rotatably supported in contact with or on the driver shaft 20.

[0083] For the guide of the guide structure (see FIGS. 1 to 3), in particular for the support base of the alternating pressure mat, a preloading means 23 under a preload is provided in a cylinder 22 which is arranged so as not to move in position relative to the support base of the alternating pressure mat. This preloading means 23 applies a pressing force towards the end of a preloading rod 21 in the cylinder 22. In the illustrated example, the preloading means 23 is formed as an elastic member, in particular as a compression spring. However, the preloading means 23 may be a gas under pressure.

[0084] The driver wheel 19, in a preferred embodiment, forms a first part of the guide structure, and this first part is movably supported by a preloading device 18 relative to a second part of the guide structure. The second part of the guide structure may here be formed, for example, by the guide of the guide structure.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows an example of a patient bed 50 having a frame 51 and an alternating pressure mat 1. The alternating pressure mat 1 and the frame 51 are formed such that a guide structure having two guides 3a, 3b arranged opposite to each other, in particular the alternating pressure mat 1, is at least partially accommodated by the frame 51. The alternating pressure mat 1 here comprises a latching mechanism or a clip mechanism, and by using these mechanisms, the alternating pressure mat 1 can be attached to the frame 51 so as to be removable without breakage and / or without using tools (see FIG. 4).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 1 Alternating pressure mat 2 Support member 2a, 2b Ends 3a, 3b Guides 4 Support roller 5a, 5b Forward path part, return path part 6a, 6b Head part, leg part 7 Connector 8 Roller 9 Shaft member 10 Guide element 11 Elastic member 12a, 12b First and second attachment structures 13a Recessed portion 13b Bulging portion 14 Hinge member 15 Concave portion 16 Running surface 17 Running track 18 Preloading device 19 Driver wheel 20 Driver shaft 21 Preloading rod 22 Cylinder 23 Preloading means 24 Clip mechanism 24a Pin 24b Reverse hook 50 Patient bed 51 Frame L Longitudinal direction Q Lateral direction

Claims

1. In an alternating pressure mat (1) having a plurality of support members (2), at least two guides (3a, 3b) are arranged to face each other in the lateral direction (Q) and extend in the longitudinal direction (L), and a guide structure is provided in the guides, in which the support members (2) are movably supported at both end portions (2a, 2b) on both sides. Each of both the guides (3a, 3b) includes a plurality of guide elements (10), at least some of which are movably arranged relative to each other, and at least some of the guide elements (10) of each of both the guides (3a, 3b) are elastically supported. An alternating pressure mat (1) is characterized by this.

2. Each of the support members (2) includes a support roller (4), and the support roller is supported so as to be freely rotatable around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the lateral direction (Q). The alternating pressure mat (1) according to Claim 1 is characterized by this.

3. Each of the support members (2) includes a roller (8) at both end portions (2a, 2b) on both sides for movably supporting in each of the guides (3a, 3b), and the roller is supported so as to be freely rotatable around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the lateral direction (Q). The alternating pressure mat (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 is characterized by this.

4. Any two adjacent support members (2) are movably connected to each other by connectors (7) at both end portions (2a, 2b) on both sides of both of them. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 is characterized by this.

5. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to Claim 3 is characterized by including a preloading device (18) configured to apply a preload to the connection between the support members (2).

6. The guide structure includes a plurality of resilient members (11), each of these resilient members supports one of the guides (10), each of the resilient members (11) includes a first attachment structure (12a), at least a part of the guides (10) each includes a second attachment structure (12b), and using these, each of the resilient members (11) is attached to at least a part of the guides (10) that include the second attachment structure (12b) so as to be removable without being damaged. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to claim 1.

7. The guide structure includes an outward path portion (5a) and a return path portion (5b) such that the support member (2) can move in a circular motion. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A flexible support member cover disposed on the support member (2), which is formed of a flexible mat and a protective sheet disposed between the flexible mat and the support member (2) in a plurality of parts. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a motor drive device configured to be manually operable and move the support member (2) in the longitudinal direction (L).

10. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a control device configured to move the support member (2) in at least two different operation modes.

11. The alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a control device configured to output an alarm signal when the support member (2) cannot be driven and moved by a motor.

12. A patient bed (50) having a frame (51) and the alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 supported by the frame. A method of operating an alternating pressure mat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising moving a plurality of support members (2) within guides (3a, 3b) of at least two guide structures arranged to face each other in a transverse direction (Q) and extending in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the support members (2) are movably supported at both end portions (2a, 2b) within the guides.

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