Foldable patient support surface

Abstract

A support surface for a patient support apparatus. The support surface comprises a core having a first layer and a second layer and a cover enclosing the core. The cover includes a recessed region defining a notch extending at least partially along the transverse axis of the support surface. The cover is configured to allow an expansion and a contraction of the notch to facilitate an articulation of the support surface. A method for maintenance of a support surface comprises folding the support surface by pivoting a first portion of the support surface relative to a second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis.

Description

FOLDABLE PATIENT SUPPORT SURFACECROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 693,934 filed September 12, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to patient support surfaces, particularly to patient support surfaces which can be folded, for use with patient support apparatuses such as hospital beds.BACKGROUND

[0003] Recent advancements in patient support apparatuses have led to the development of beds that can be reconfigured in different configurations to allow various patient positions, including flat, cardiovascular, and chair configurations. These versatile configurations are designed to meet the diverse medical needs of patients and to provide enhanced comfort. However, these innovations also introduce new challenges for the mattresses provided on these beds. Specifically, the mattresses should allow for movement and alignment with the deck of the bed across different configurations to contribute to patient support and comfort.

[0004] To address this, some prior art mattresses are provided with an excess of material (for example, in the form of material folds) to impart a certain amount of flexibility to the mattress. However, this also results in an excess of fabric in a flat configuration of the mattress, leading to a material management issue with a possibility of material tearing and to patient discomfort.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a patient support surface that addresses at least some of these drawbacks.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a support surface for a patient support apparatus. The support surface has a head end, a foot end, and two longitudinal sides. The support surface comprises a core and a cover. The core includes a comfort layer and a support layer. In some embodiments, the comfort layer has inflatable comfort bladders, and the support layer, located below the comfort layer, has inflatable support bladders. The cover includes a top cover and a base cover joined to enclose the core. The top cover defines a top surface of the support surface, and the base cover defines a bottom surface. The base cover includes a lower head section and a lower foot section. The lower head section has a bottom head portion and four peripheral lower head portions extending upward toward the top cover. The peripheral lower head portions include two side lower head walls, a lower head end wall, and a head coupling wall. The lower foot section has a bottom foot portion and four peripheral lower foot portions extending upward toward the top cover. The peripheral lower foot portions include two side lower foot walls, a lower foot end wall, and a foot coupling wall. The head coupling wall and the foot coupling wall are partly joined to form a transverse junction extending along a transverse axis transverse to the length of the support surface. A notch is defined between the head and foot coupling walls beneath the transverse junction, the notch being configured to undergo angular expansion and contraction to facilitate articulation of the support surface about the transverse junction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the comfort layer extends continuously above the transverse junction, while the support layer is divided into two segments separated by the notch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the core further comprises a foam layer located below the support layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the articulation about the transverse junction includes a pivoting movement, which may be a 180-degree pivoting movement, allowing the supportsurface to fold onto itself. The inflatable comfort bladders may be deflated before folding to reduce thickness.

[0011] In some embodiments, the material of the cover has at least one of a resiliency and a thickness configured to allow articulation about the transverse junction, including displacement of the transverse junction and longitudinal movement of the head end relative to the foot end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transverse junction has a recessed central region located between two side regions, the side regions having a greater height than the central region.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support surface further comprises a pneumatic control assembly and at least one air tube fluidly connecting the pneumatic control assembly to one or more of the inflatable comfort bladders and inflatable support bladders, enabling selective inflation and deflation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pneumatic control assembly is provided within the core, while in other embodiments it is external to the support surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the transverse junction defines at least one opening through which an air tube passes. The air tube may follow a curved path near the opening to maintain sufficient bending radius during articulation.

[0016] In some embodiments, the head coupling wall and the foot coupling wall are welded to each other to form the transverse junction. In other embodiments, they are joined by sewing, a combination of welding and sewing, or releasably connected, for example by a zip fastener.

[0017] In some embodiments, the top cover and the base cover are releasably connected, for example by a zip fastener.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for storing a support surface. The method comprises: at least partly deflating a pneumatic layer of the support surface disposed above the notch; and, after deflating, folding the support surface onto itself by pivoting a head section of the support surface relative to afoot section about the transverse junction. In some embodiments, straps are used to lock the folded support surface during storage.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for maintaining a support surface. The method comprises: lifting the support surface when no patient is present; repositioning the support surface onto one of its longitudinal sides; and pivoting the head section relative to the foot section about the transverse junction to increase a width of the notch, thereby placing the support surface in a side-standing configuration suitable for maintenance. In some embodiments, the side-standing configuration is an L-shaped or V-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, side handles affixed to the cover are used for lifting and repositioning.

[0020] In some embodiments, the articulation of the support surface about the transverse junction allows the support surface to follow complex articulations of a hospital bed deck. This configuration reduces patient migration (sliding of the patient toward the foot end during bed elevation), thereby decreasing the risk of skin shear, pressure ulcers, and patient discomfort, while also reducing caregiver strain associated with frequent repositioning.

[0021] According to another broad aspect, there is provided a support surface for a patient support apparatus. The support surface has a head end, a foot end opposed to the head end in a longitudinal axis, and two longitudinal sides transversally opposed along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The support surface comprises a core having a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being disposed above the second layer; and a cover enclosing the core, the cover including a recessed region defining a notch extending at least partially along the transverse axis of the support surface, the cover being configured to allow an expansion and a contraction of the notch to facilitate an articulation of a first portion of the support surface relative to a second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first layer extends above the recessed region.

[0023] In one embodiment, the core further comprises a structural layer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cover comprises a top cover and a base cover, the top cover defining a top surface of the support surface and the base cover defining a bottomsurface of the support surface, the bottom surface including the recessed region, the base cover including: a first lower section having first peripheral lower walls including a first coupling wall, the first peripheral lower walls being connected to the bottom surface, the first coupling wall including a first transverse portion and a first free portion; and a second lower section having second peripheral lower walls including a second coupling wall, the second peripheral lower walls being connected to the bottom surface, the second coupling wall including a second transverse portion and a second free portion; the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion being joined at a transverse junction, the recessed region being formed by the first free portion and the second free portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first portion of the support surface is a head portion, the second portion of the support surface is a foot portion.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second layer includes a head segment and a foot segment, the head segment extending at least partly between the first coupling wall and the head end and the foot segment extending at least partly between the second coupling wall and the foot end.

[0027] In one embodiment, the articulation is at least one of a rotation and a translation and wherein the transverse junction is configured to allow rotating the first portion relative to the second portion up to 180 degrees, whereby the support surface is foldable onto itself.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first layer includes inflatable bladders provided with valves operable to selectively inflate and deflate the inflatable bladders.

[0029] In one embodiment, the transverse junction includes a central region and two side regions located on opposite sides of the central region, each side region having a height greater than a height of the central region, the height being measured in a thickness direction of the support surface.

[0030] In one embodiment, the support surface further comprises at least one handle provided on the cover.

[0031] In one embodiment, the support surface further comprises at least one securing element provided on the cover and operable to secure the support surface in a folded configuration.

[0032] According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method for maintenance of a support surface. The method comprises accessing a support surface and folding the support surface by pivoting the first portion of the support surface relative to the second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first layer is a pneumatic layer and extends above the recessed region, the method further comprising at least partly deflating the first layer of the support surface prior to folding the support surface.

[0034] In one embodiment, the second layer is a pneumatic layer, the method further comprising at least partly deflating the second layer prior to folding the support surface.

[0035] In one embodiment, folding includes fully folding the support surface onto itself in a folded configuration and further comprising securing the support surface in the folded configuration using at least one strap.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method further comprises prior to the folding, placing the support surface onto one of its longitudinal sides thereby placing the support surface in a side-standing configuration.

[0037] In one embodiment, the side-standing configuration is one of an L-shaped configuration and a V-shaped configuration.

[0038] In one embodiment, maintenance includes cleaning and wherein the method further comprises cleaning a bottom surface of the support surface that is normally inaccessible when the support surface is in an unfolded configuration.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method further comprises accessing a bed deck underlying the support surface while the support surface is in the side-standing configuration.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method further comprises using side handles attached to the cover of the support surface to perform the placing and wherein the placing includes lifting the support surface and repositioning the support surface onto one of its longitudinal sides.

[0041] In summary, a support surface for a patient support apparatus is described. The support surface comprises a core having a first layer and a second layer and a cover enclosing the core. The cover includes a recessed region defining a notch extending at least partially along the transverse axis of the support surface. The cover is configured to allow an expansion and a contraction of the notch to facilitate an articulation of the support surface. A method for maintenance of the support surface is also described, it comprises folding the support surface by pivoting a first portion of the support surface relative to a second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis.

[0042] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above- mentioned objects and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned objects may not satisfy these objects and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0043] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0045] FIG. 1 includes FIG. 1A, FIG. IB and FIG. 1C, in which FIG. 1A is a side view of a hospital bed equipped with an example mattress according to an embodiment of the present technology in a fully flat configuration, FIG. IB shows the hospital bed and example mattress of FIG. 1A in a raised back configuration and FIG. 1C shows the hospital bed and example mattress of FIG. 1 A in a chair configuration, with a raised back and lowered foot rest;

[0046] FIG. 2 includes FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in which FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary mattress and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the mattress of FIG. 2A;

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 2A with part of the top cover removed to show different layers of a core of the mattress;

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the mattress of FIG. 2A showing a base cover and a transverse junction;

[0049] FIG. 5 includes FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, in which FIG. 5A is a side elevation view of the mattress of FIG. 2A in a flat configuration, vertically aligned with FIG. 5B which is a side elevation view of the mattress of FIG. 2A with a raised head end;

[0050] FIG. 6 includes FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in which FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of the mattress of FIG. 2A in a flat configuration, vertically aligned with FIG. 6B which is a side elevation view of the mattress of FIG. 2A being completely folded onto itself;

[0051] FIG. 7 includes FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, in which FIG. 7A is a side view of the mattress of FIG. 2A in a flat configuration, vertically aligned with FIG. 7B which is a side view of the mattress of FIG. 2A with a raised and translated head section;

[0052] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the mattress of FIG. 2B with a raised head section;

[0053] FIG. 9 (prior art) is a side view of a conventional mattress having a single layered core with a raised head section;

[0054] FIG. 10 is aperspective view ofthe mattress ofFIG. 2A in a side-standing partly folded configuration;

[0055] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating main steps of an example method for storing the mattress; and

[0056] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating main steps of an example method for performing maintenance on the mattress.

[0057] It should be noted that FIGs 5A, 6A and 7A are duplicate drawings of the mattress in a flat configuration. Each of these figures is aligned with a different configuration of the mattress shown in FIGs 5B, 6B and 7B.

[0058] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. To not unduly encumber the figures, some elements may not be indicated in some figures if they were already identified in a preceding figure. It should be understood herein that elements of the drawings are not necessarily depicted to scale. Some mechanical or other physical components may also be omitted in order to not encumber the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, a mattress 100 in accordance with example embodiments of the present technology will be described herein. The present description will describe the mattress in use in the medical environment. Indeed, the mattress 100 may be used in a medical setting for supporting a patient. The mattress 100 may alternatively be referred to as a “support surface”. In the medical context, the mattress 100 is usable in combination with a hospital bed 200, also referred as “patient support apparatus”. Hospital bed 200 may be an intensive care unit (ICU) bed, a medical-surgical (medsurge) bed, a therapeutic bed or other bed used in a medical environment. As will be readily understood, the mattress may also be used in other non-medical environments for supporting a person and the mattress may be provided on an articulated bed for personal use.

[0060] Hospital bed 200 includes a base 202, a frame 204 connected to the base 202, and a deck 206 supported by and connected to the frame 204. The deck 206 defines a top face 208 on which the mattress 100 is supported. The deck 206 includes a plurality of deck sections 210 that are connected to the frame 204. The deck sections 210 comprise an upper body deck section 212, a seat deck section 214, a thigh deck section 216 and a foot deck section 218. Each one of the deck sections 210 includes a respective deck section panel that defines its own top surface, and collectively, the deck section panels form the continuous top face 208 of the deck 206. The deck sections 210 are movably connected to one another to allow different hospital bed configurations. As will be explained in more detail below, the mattress 100 has a structure adapted to allow different articulations depending on the hospital bed 200 configurations.

[0061] The mattress 100 has a head end 101 and a foot end 102 opposite the head end 101 and defining a length of the mattress therebetween. As will be appreciated, in use, when the patient is lying on the mattress 100 along a longitudinal direction, the patient’shead is closer to the head end 101 while the patient’s feet are closerto the foot end 102. The mattress 100 also has opposite longitudinal sides 103, 104 extending from the head end 101 to the foot end 102.

[0062] As shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, the mattress 100 has a mattress core 110 and a mattress cover 120 enclosing the mattress core 110. The mattress core 110 provides support for the patient and may include pneumatic layers, foam or latex layers, spring or coil layers, material or fiber layers or any combination thereof. The cover includes a recessed region defining a notch extending at least partially along the transverse axis of the support surface. The transverse axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the mattress. The cover is configured to allow an expansion and a contraction of the notch to facilitate an articulation of a first portion of the support surface relative to a second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis.

[0063] In this embodiment, the mattress core 110 includes two layers. The first layer can be referred to as a comfort layer 111. The second layer can be referred to as a support layer 112. Comfort layer 111 is disposed above support layer 112. The support layer 112 provides a base for the mattress core 110 while the comfort layer 111 is in more direct contact with a patient lying on the mattress 100 when in use as it is closer to a top surface of the cover 120. The comfort layer 111, supported by the support layer 112, contributes to the comfort of the patient and helps prevent them from developing bed sores. Together, both layers 111, 112 support the patient on the mattress 100 and contribute to providing comfort. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, a single one or multiple ones of the layers 111, 112 may be provided.

[0064] In this embodiment, the comfort layer 111 includes a plurality of inflatable comfort bladders 113 that can be selectively inflated and deflated. In this example, the comfort bladders 113 are transversely oriented (i.e., they extend in a transverse direction across the width of the mattress 100). It is contemplated that the inflatable comfort bladders 113 could be oriented differently in other embodiments. The inflatable comfort bladders 113 may have a cylindrical shape, but other shapes may be used. In this embodiment, the inflatable comfort bladders 113 are mounted side by side and extend transversely across the width of the mattress 100. The bladders can be grouped in sections orprovided independently. The whole series of inflatable comfort bladders 113 is considered to form the first layer.

[0065] The support layer 112 includes a plurality of inflatable support bladders 114. In this embodiment, the inflatable support bladders 114 are longitudinally oriented (i.e., they extend in a longitudinal direction of the mattress 100). The inflatable support bladders 114 could be oriented differently in other embodiments. The support bladders have a length which is not necessarily the full length of the mattress. Indeed, the support bladders can be provided in portions which cover a partial length of the mattress. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, there are at least two support bladders portions, a head-back portion and a leg portion. The head-back portion generally supports the patient’s head and back while the leg portion generally supports the thighs, legs and feet of the patient. In other embodiments, the support layer 112 includes more portions, for example splitting the head-back portion into distinct head and back portions, adding a seat portion and splitting the leg portion into a feet portion, a lower leg portion and a thigh portion. The bladders can be grouped in sections or provided independently. The whole series of inflatable comfort bladders 114 is considered to form the second layer.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mattress core 110 may also include a foam layer 115 below the support layer 112. The foam layer 115 may impart additional rigidity or structure to the mattress 100. In some embodiments, the mattress core 110 may also include a longitudinal side layer located on sides of the first and / or second layer to impart additional rigidity or structure to the mattress 100. The foam layer 115 and the longitudinal side layer may be considered as “structural layers”.

[0067] The mattress 100 includes various controlled inflatable components in fluid communication with a pneumatic control assembly 116 which controls air flow to the various air-powered components of the mattress 100. The pneumatic control assembly 116 may include blowers, compressors, pumps or any combination of these components. This may enable the mattress 100 to provide a range of therapeutic functionalities. As can be seen, in this example, the pneumatic control assembly 116 is enclosed within the mattress cover 120 and is disposed underneath the support layer 112 at the foot end 102. The pneumatic control assembly 116 could be disposed elsewhere along the mattress 100. In other embodiments, the pneumatic control assembly 116 could be disposed externally of the mattress 100, for example in a separate control unit that can be disposed next to the mattress 100 (e.g., at a foot end of the bed on which the mattress 100 is disposed). The pneumatic control assembly 116 can be partly integrated into the bed to operate and controlthe mattress 100 as desired via communication with a control unit and associated user interface 400.

[0068] The pneumatic control assembly 116 may include one or more controller units, one or more processors, one or more memories, one or more input / output interfaces and communication interfaces (not shown). It will be appreciated that the pneumatic control assembly 116 is an implementation of a computing device. The mattress 100 or the hospital bed on which it is typically provided may further include a control interface (not shown) operatively connected to the pneumatic control assembly 116 and configured for receiving user inputs for controlling features of the bed or mattress and outputting information relating to the features of the bed, the mattress and / or the patient. The control interface could be integrated into the footboard, into the headboard or into one or more of the siderails of the bed. Alternatively, the control interface could be integrated into the mattress. Alternatively, it could be provided as a separate unit located near the bed or mattress or even at a location remote from the bed or mattress.

[0069] A plurality of air tubes 117 (two of which are shown in FIG. 3) fluidly connects the pneumatic control assembly 116 to the inflatable comfort bladders 113 and the inflatable support bladders 114. It is contemplated that the air tubes could also connect the pneumatic control assembly 116 to any other pneumatic element of the mattress 100, such as microclimate management bladders, percussion vibration bladders, turn bladders, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the inflatable bladders of the mattress 100, whether located in the comfort layer 111 or the support layer 112, are provided with valves (not shown) configured to regulate inflation and deflation. Such valves may be manually or automatically operated and may be in fluid communication with the pneumatic control assembly 116. By permitting controlled release or intake of air, the valves facilitate adjustment of bladder pressure, reduction and increase of mattress thickness and density, and adaptation of the mattress to different therapeutic or support requirements.

[0071] The mattress cover 120 (also called ticking) includes a top cover 130 and a base cover 140 that are attached to one another. In this embodiment, the top cover 130 and the base cover 140 are selectively detachable, for example via a zip fastener 121. It is contemplated that other types of attachment elements could be used in other embodiments. It is also contemplated that the base cover and the top cover may be permanently connectedthus constituting a continuous cover, with or without a visible or physical delimitation between the top and bottom covers.

[0072] The top cover 130 defines an upper surface of the mattress 100 and includes a patient support portion 131 and four peripheral upper portions 132 extending downwardly from the edges of the patient support portion 131. The patient support portion 131 is the closest to the patient (e.g., directly contacts the patient if no bedding sheets are used on the mattress). The peripheral upper portions 132 include two side upper walls 133 extending longitudinally, an upper head end wall 134 and an upper foot end wall 135 that extend transversely. Each of the side upper walls 133 has a head end part 133H and a foot end part 133F. The head end part 133H is closer to the upper head end wall 134, while the foot end part 133F is closer to the upper foot end wall 135.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the base cover 140 defines a lower surface of the mattress 100 and consists of a lower head section 150 and a lower foot section 160. The lower head section 150 has a bottom head portion 151 and four peripheral lower head portions 152 connected to the bottom head portion 151 and extending upwardly towards the top cover 130. The peripheral lower head portions 152 consist of two side lower head walls 153, a lower head end wall 154, and a head coupling wall 155. The head coupling wall 155 consists of a connected head area 155C and a free head area 155F. The two side lower head walls 153 are connected to the head end part 133H of the two side upper walls 133 and the lower head end wall 154 is connected to the upper head end wall 134.

[0074] The lower foot section 160 has a bottom foot portion 161 and four peripheral lower foot portions 162 connected to the bottom foot portion 161 and extending upwardly towards the top cover 130. The peripheral lower foot portions 162 consist of two side lower foot walls 163, a lower foot end wall 164, and a foot coupling wall 165. The foot coupling wall 165 consists of a connected foot area 165C and the free foot area 165F. The two side lower foot walls 163 are connected to the foot end part 133F of the two side upper walls 133 and the lower foot end wall 164 is connected to the upper foot end wall 135.

[0075] The connected head area 155C of the head coupling wall 155 and the connected foot area 165C of the foot coupling wall 165 are partly joined to form a transverse junction 320 extending along a transverse axis 300 that is transverse with respect to a length of the mattress 100. A notch 330 extending below the transverse junction 320 is definedbetween the non-connected areas of the head coupling wall 155 and the foot coupling wall 165, namely between free head area 155F and the free foot area 165F respectively. Notch 330 is defined below the transverse junction 320 and is formed by the connection of the head coupling wall 155 and the foot coupling wall 165.

[0076] More generally, if the recessed area is formed in the bottom of the mattress, the first lower section has first peripheral lower walls including a first coupling wall. The first peripheral lower walls are connected to the bottom surface. The first coupling wall includes a first transverse portion and a first free portion. The second lower section has second peripheral lower walls including a second coupling wall. The second peripheral lower walls are connected to the bottom surface. The second coupling wall includes a second transverse portion and a second free portion. The first transverse portion and the second transverse portion are joined at a transverse junction, the recessed region or area being formed by the first free portion and the second free portion.

[0077] In other embodiments, a notch may be formed directly in a cover portion without a corresponding connected head area and connected foot area.

[0078] In other embodiments, the connected foot area 165C and the connected head area 155C have a negligible height. They are joined at the transverse junction 320 but do not generally extend beyond the transverse junction towards the opposite cover.

[0079] In other embodiments, a transverse junction 320 may be defined at any suitable location of the cover 120 and is not limited to the interface between the head and foot coupling walls 155, 165.

[0080] In yet other embodiments, the transverse junction 320 may be a line of connection and not a structural portion.

[0081] As best seen in FIG. 4, the transverse junction 320 is recessed at a central region 321 relative to its opposite side regions 322 and 322'. In other words, the central region 321 has a reduced height compared to the side regions 322, 322'. As a result, the central region 321 is located farther from the patient support portion 131 ofthe top cover 130 (i.e., from the top surface of the mattress 100) and therefore farther from the patient lying on the mattress 100 than the side regions 322, 322’. This recessed configuration allows the comfort layer 111 to extend continuously above the central region 321, which may bebeneficial for the patient’s comfort. An advantage of this arrangement is that it reduces the likelihood of a pinching sensation for the patient when the mattress is articulated.

[0082] It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the transverse junction 320 could have a generally flat or rectangular shape (i.e., without the recessed central region 321).

[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIGs. 2A and 4, the mattress has an overall thickness or height of between 7 and 10 inches, for example 8 inches. The base cover has a height of 6-8 inches, while the top cover has a height of 1-3 inches. The height of the recessed central region is about 5 inches while the height of the connected head area and the connected foot area is less than an inch, for example about % inch. The notch therefore has a height of about 3 to 5 inches. Other dimensions for the mattress and its components may be used.

[0084] In other embodiments, a notch may be defined in the top cover. For example, the transverse junction could be located closer to the foot end of the mattress, in the top cover, to facilitate the articulation of the mattress when the foot section articulates relative to the back section.

[0085] In other embodiments, the cover may define a plurality of notches in any or both of the top and bottom cover.

[0086] In other embodiments, the notch could be defined in the longitudinal direction, instead of the transversal direction.

[0087] In still other embodiments, the transverse junction may extend partially along the width of the mattress 100 without traversing the full width of the mattresslOO.

[0088] The connected head area 155C of the head coupling wall 155 and the connected foot area 165C of the foot coupling wall 165 can include materials that are suitable for radiofrequency (RF) welding. For instance, the connected head area 155C of the head coupling wall 155 and the connected foot area 165C of the foot coupling wall 165 include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. For additional strength, in this embodiment, the connected head area 155C of the head coupling wall 155 and the connected foot area 165C of the foot coupling wall 165 further include a nylon material, laminated with or coated tothe TPU material for additional strength. Other fabrics are contemplated in other embodiments.

[0089] In an example embodiment, the connected head area 155C and the connected foot area 165C are joined together by welding. In another embodiment, the connected head area 155C and the connected foot area 165C are joined by sewing. In yet another embodiment, the connected head area 155C and the connected foot area 165C are joined by a combination of welding and sewing. It is further contemplated that, in some embodiments, the connected head area 155C and the connected foot area 165C are releasably connected. One example of such a releasable connection is a zip fastener. In other embodiments, the height of the connected foot and head areas is not identical, and the asymmetrical areas are joined to form the transverse junction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the side regions 322 and 322’ of the transverse junction 320 are provided with an excess of material (for example, in the form of fabric folds) to impart a certain amount of flexibility to the transverse junction 320. Since the patient may sometimes require deeper immersion into the mattress 100, a substantial deflation of the inflatable comfort bladders 113 may occur, causing the patient’s back to approach the transverse junction 320. Due to this excess of material, the side regions 322 and 322’ would easily deform (for example by unfolding the fabric folds) allowing the central region 321 to move downwardly. In other embodiments, the side regions 322 and 322’ may also contain a flexible material to allow for the smooth downward movement of the central region 321.

[0091] In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the transverse junction 320 includes two openings 323 that extend through its structure. Each opening 323 is configured to allow passage of one or more air tubes 117. In this embodiment, each opening 323 is located at a side region 322, 322’, and located at a height equal to or greater than the height of the central region 321. In this embodiment, air tube 117 extends initially at a relatively low height near the base cover 140 as it exits the pneumatic control assembly 116 and rises to a greater height as it approaches the corresponding opening 323. The resulting path includes a significant upward slope near the opening 323, providing a sufficient curvature radius for when the mattress 100 is placed in the folded configuration which will be described below. This arrangement facilitates smooth airflow and helps prevent tearing of the air tube 117 during repeated pivoting of the mattress 100 over time.

[0092] FIGs. 5 A, 6A and 7A are duplicate drawings of the mattress 100 in a flat or unfolded configuration. Each of these figures is aligned with a figure (FIGs. 5B, 6B and 7B, respectively) illustrating an example partially or fully folded configuration of the mattress 100 to emphasize the extent of the movement of the head section with respect to the foot section that can be performed thanks to the design of the mattress 100 in which the cover includes a recessed region defining a notch 330 extending at least partially along the transverse axis of the support surface.

[0093] The notch is substantially planar in a transverse plane when the mattress is in flat or unfolded configuration. The walls of the notch are close together and the recessed area of the cover is not very apparent in this flat configuration. The mattress can be considered to be in a “closed configuration”.

[0094] In other embodiments, a longitudinal cross-section of the notch in a “partly open configuration” defines other shapes such as, but not limited to, a triangular or a trapezoidal- like shape.

[0095] The mattress 100 includes two sections, for example a head section 170 extending between the head end 101 and a vertical plane Z extending transversely (parallel to the lower foot end wall 164 of the mattress 100) and passing through the transverse junction 320, and a foot section 180 extending between the foot end 102 and the plane Z.

[0096] The two sections 170 and 180 need not be of the same length. Indeed, in the example embodiment shown, the length of foot section 180 from the transverse junction 320 to the foot end 102 is longer than the length of the head section 170 from the transverse junction 320 to the head end 101. As a non-limiting example, the mattress 100 may have an overall length in the range of about 170 cm to about 230 cm, for example about 220 cm. The foot section 180, extending from the transverse junction 320 to the foot end 102, may have a length in the range of about 80 cm to about 140 cm, for example about 130 cm. The head section 170, extending from the transverse junction 320 to the head end 101, may have a length in the range of about 70 cm to about 110 cm, for example about 90 cm. The person skilled in the art will readily understand that the longitudinal location of the transverse junction 320 is selected to adapt to the typical patient’s morphology and to the movements of the mattress caused by the articulation of the support surface on which it is placed.

[0097] Generally, the articulation of the bed from a flat configuration to another configuration, such as a cardiovascular configuration or a chair configuration, implies an upward pivoting of the upper body deck section of the bed (also referred to as a backrest or fowler) to raise the head of the patient.

[0098] The free head and foot areas 155F, 165F ofthe head and foot coupling walls 155, 165 facilitate the articulation of the lower head section 150 with respect to the lower foot section 160. When the lower head section 150 of the mattress 100 is raised to accommodate articulation of bed deck, the width the free base of the notch 330 expands contributing to preventing the base cover 140 from overstretching and reducing friction between the base cover 140 and the deck during movement. This may enhance the durability and service life ofthe base cover 140.

[0099] Folding the mattress involves a pivoting movement R1 of the head section 170 of the mattress 100 with respect to the foot section 180. This causes an angular expansion of the notch 330 at its free base. In this configuration, the notch becomes apparent and can be in a “partly open configuration”. A longitudinal cross-section of the notch in the “partly open configuration” defines a triangular-like shape.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6B, once the mattress is fully folded, the notch is in a “fully open configuration” as its free base is expanded into an angle of about 180 degrees. The presence of the notch 330 facilitates complete folding of the mattress 100 onto itself. The mattress 100 can articulate into a folded configuration by undergoing a second pivoting movement R2, during which the free base of the notch undergoes angular expansion into a “fully open configuration”, forming an angle of approximately 180 degrees. In an example embodiment, the inflatable comfort bladders 113 and the inflatable support bladders 114 are at least partly deflated before folding to reduce the thickness of the mattress 100. This complete folding of the mattress allows for space gains during mattress storage. Depending on the materials used for the layers of the core, the mattress may undergo some compression in the fully folded configuration and may lose its generally rectangular shape.

[0101] Some advanced bed systems are configured with complex articulations that combine, for example, pivoting and translational adjustments of the upper body deck section 212 to minimize compression on the patient’s back. As shown in FIG. 7B, in someembodiments, the head section 170 of the mattress 100 is adapted to accommodate such articulations and movements relative to the foot section 180.

[0102] In this embodiment, the mattress articulation is enabled by an angular expansion of the free base of the notch 330, resulting from a pivoting movement R3 of the free head area 155F relative to the free foot area 165F, in combination with a displacement of the transverse axis 300 made possible by the size and elasticity of the material of the cover and contents of the core. The angular expansion of the notch provides clearance that permits the mattress to be adapted to articulate about the notch 330 without excessive material stretching on the base cover 140 during articulation. It can be understood that the contraction of the notch occurs when the head section 170 returns toward a flat configuration, thereby allowing the base cover 140 to recover without wrinkling or excess slack. The displacement of the transverse axis 300 alters the pivot point of the head section 170, thereby enabling a synchronized translational movement of the head section 170 of the mattress 100 as the deck sections 210 articulate.

[0103] The mattress 100 is adapted for a variety of bed configurations such as flat configuration, cardiovascular configuration, chair configuration, and others. The notch contributes to facilitating the complex articulations of the mattress for the different bed configurations. The mattress 100 is configured for a variety of different bed deck movements, for example, a movement of a bed deck including pivoting and translational movements of a head deck of this bed relative to a seat deck of this bed, as described in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 697,081 filed on September 20, 2024 by Applicant, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present design helps reduce patient migration, i.e., sliding of the patient toward the foot end when the bed moves from a flat configuration to an inclined configuration elevating the head and back of the patient. It reduces the risk of skin shear, pressure ulcers, and patient discomfort, while also reducing caregiver injuries associated with frequent patient repositioning.

[0104] Turning to FIG. 8, the support layer 112 is segmented into two segments provided on either side of the transverse junction 320, namely a first segment located within the lower head section 150 and a second segment located within the lower foot section 160. The comfort layer 111 extends above the transverse junction 320.

[0105] When the mattress 100 is articulated or folded through displacement of the head section 170 relative to the foot section 180, only the comfort layer 111 is subjected to flexion forces, while the support layer 112 remains divided into segments on each side of the notch 330. As is known to those skilled in the art, a neutral axis of the mattress is defined as the line within the mattress that undergoes neither compression nor tension during bending. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the neutral axis 410 of the mattress 100 is substantially coincident with the neutral axis of the comfort layer 111. The neutral axis 410 of the mattress 100 is positioned close to the patient’s body, separated from the top surface of the mattress 100 by only a relatively small distance D 1.

[0106] It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the comfort layer 111 may also be segmented into two or more segments located on either side of the transverse junction 320. In such cases, each segment of the comfort layer 111 and the support layer 112 would articulate independently, resulting in minimal resistance to flexion at the transverse junction 320 and providing increased overall flexibility of the mattress 100.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 9, a prior art mattress 800 typically has a single layer 802 in its core provided as a single segment along the length of the mattress. To provide a comfort level equivalent to that of the example mattress 100 of FIG. 8, the single layer 802 would require a thickness corresponding to the combined thickness of both the comfort and support layers of the example mattress 100 of Fig. 8. With this single thick layer 802, the prior art mattress 800 has a neutral axis 801 which extends closer to the middle of the thickness of the mattress 800, at a distance D2 from a top surface of the mattress 800. Distance D2 is greater than distance DI. It is advantageous for the neutral axis to be closer to the patient’s body to reduce compression on the patient’s back when the mattress 100 articulates about the transverse junction 320.

[0108] In some embodiments, the mattress 100 may further include fastening elements, such as securing straps configured to maintain the mattress in its folded configuration during maintenance, for example during storage, repair or transport. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, a strap 350 may extend from the foot end 102 of the mattress 100 and collaborate with a mattress loop 340 connected to the head end 101. In other embodiments, the fastening elements may extend transversely around the folded mattress and may include hook-and- loop fasteners, buckles, or snap-fit connectors to lock the mattress in the folded state. Inother embodiments, the fastening elements may be provided independently from the mattress and arranged over the folded mattress.

[0109] Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the mattress 100 is secured to the deck 206 of the hospital bed 200 via one or more securing means. The securing means may include a first securing element located on the deck, for example a deck projection 220, and a second securing element located on the mattress and adapted to engage with the first securing element to form a secure connection, for example the mattress loop 340. In some embodiments, the mattress loop 340 may be affixed, for example by welding or adhesive bonding, to a head end of the mattress cover. The mattress loop 340 may be formed of a rigid material, such as rigid plastic or metal. In other embodiments, the mattress loop may be formed of flexible materials, such as soft polymers or elastomers.

[0110] The deck projection 220 extends substantially perpendicularly from the deck surface. In one embodiment, two deck projections 220 extend perpendicularly from the upper body deck section. In this example, the two deck projections 220 are configured to engage with two corresponding mattress loops 340 located on the head end 101 of the mattress 100. To secure the mattress, each deck projection 220 is inserted through the opening defined by a corresponding mattress loop 340 such that the loop surrounds the deck projection 220. In this arrangement, when the upper body deck section 212 is raised, the deck projections exert a pulling force on the mattress loop 340, thereby stabilizing and lifting the head end of the mattress 100 in coordination with the deck 206 movement.

[0111] In some embodiments, the mattress loop 340 may include a user tab, for example a T-shaped element. This T-shaped element facilitates engagement and disengagement between the mattress loop 340 and the deck projection 220. In particular, the transverse portion of the T-shaped element can serve as a lever or spacer that assists caregivers in separating the mattress loop 340 from the deck projection 220 when removal of the mattress 100 is required, for example during maintenance. The T-shaped element may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and may be integrated with or removably attached to the mattress loop 340.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 10, side handles 141, which may be formed from reinforced fabric straps, polymer loops, or other durable flexible materials securely stitched or welded to the side of the mattress cover, can be used to lift and reposition the mattress by caregiversduring normal patient use or can be used to place or transport the mattress during maintenance operations. In other embodiments, the side handles are formed within the cover.

[0113] In a maintenance context (when no patient is present), the staff can use the side handles 141 to place the mattress on its side, as shown in FIG. 10, in order to rest it on the bed, ground or on another surface. Maintenance of the mattress 100 may include repair, cleaning, replacement, transport and storing of the mattress 100. The mattress can stand on its longitudinal side without requiring continuous manual support from personnel. In this side-standing configuration, the head section may be pivoted to enlarge the width of the free base of the notch 330, placing the mattress into an L-shaped or V-shaped configuration stable enough to support itself. Once placed in this side-standing configuration, staff can proceed with maintenance of the mattress 100. If the mattress is placed in the side-standing configuration on the bed, the personnel can gain some access to the underlying deck. This is particularly beneficial in clinical settings where frequent hygiene maintenance is required, thereby reducing physical strain and improving overall workflow efficiency for staff. This method reduces the physical effort required from personnel, facilitates thorough cleaning and maintenance, and contributes to improved hygiene standards and extended mattress service life.

[0114] An example of a method 850 for storing the mattress 100 will now be described in greater detail. With reference to FIGs. 6B, 10 and 11, the method 850 begins at step 852 by a user (e.g., a caregiver, medical personnel, maintenance staff, etc.) optionally at least partly deflating the comfort layer 112 of the mattress 100 if it includes a pneumatic layer. This contributes to reducing the thickness of the mattress 100 when folded. The method can also include an optional step of at least partly deflating of the support layer 112, if it also includes a pneumatic layer, to further minimize the thickness of the mattress 100 when folded.

[0115] At step 854, the user folds the mattress 100 onto itself by pivoting a first section of the mattress 100 relative to a second section of the mattress 100 about the transverse junction.

[0116] After folding the mattress 100, at step 856, the user can optionally fasten the mattress 100 using fastening tools (e.g. straps) to lock it in the folded configuration. The mattress is then ready for storage at step 858.

[0117] As will be appreciated from FIG. 6B, completely folding the mattress 100 onto itself allows for space gains during mattress storage, namely by reducing the length of the mattress 100.

[0118] Example steps of a method 860 for carrying out maintenance on mattress 100 will now be described in greater detail. With reference to FIG. 12, the method 860 begins at step 862 by a user (e.g., caregiver, medical personnel, or maintenance staff) optionally lifting the mattress 100 using side handles 141 when no patient is present. The side handles may be ergonomically located along the longitudinal sides 103 of the mattress to provide secure gripping points and may be reinforced to withstand the weight of the mattress during handling.

[0119] At step 864, the user places the mattress 100 onto one of its longitudinal sides 103. This may include turning and repositioning the mattress, including rotating the mattress approximately ninety degrees about its longitudinal axis and placing it so that one of its longitudinal sides 103 rests on a chosen surface.

[0120] Once the mattress is resting on its longitudinal side 103, at step 866, the user pivots the one section of the mattress with respect to another to enlarge the width of a free base of the notch 330. For example, the user may pivot the head section with respect to the foot section. This pivoting may be adjusted to different angles to form an L-shaped configuration (approximately ninety degrees) or a V-shaped configuration or more complex W-shaped configurations if there are more than one notch on the mattress. These configurations widen the surface area of the mattress in contact with the surface on which it is placed and allow the mattress to remain side-standing during maintenance.

[0121] With the mattress in the side-standing configuration, at step 868, the user performs at least one maintenance operation. Such operations may include cleaning surfaces of the mattress that are normally inaccessible in the flat configuration, such as the underside, including the interior of the notch, accessing internal components of the mattress, removing the mattress entirely from the bed for servicing or replacement, repositioning the mattress to promote even wear or accessing the bed frame beneath the mattress for cleaning or repair without fully removing the mattress.

[0122] As will be readily understood, methods 850 and 860 can be combined in a single method for maintenance. The method includes the step of folding the support surface by pivoting the first portion of the support surface relative to the second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis. In one embodiment, the folding includes fully folding the support surface onto itself in a folded configuration and optionally securing the support surface in the folded configuration. In another embodiment, the support surface is first placed onto one of its longitudinal sides before folding in a side-standing configuration.

[0123] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 January 2026 (21 .01 .2026)1. A support surface for a patient support apparatus, the support surface having a head end, a foot end opposed to the head end in a longitudinal axis, and two longitudinal sides being transversally opposed along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the support surface comprising: a core having a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being disposed above the second layer; and a cover enclosing the core, the cover including a recessed region defining a notch extending at least partially along the transverse axis of the support surface, the cover being configured to allow an expansion and a contraction of the notch to facilitate an articulation of a first portion of the support surface relative to a second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis, wherein the recessed region is present in both unfolded and partially folded configurations of the support surface, the support surface being substantially flat in the unfolded configuration.

2. The support surface of claim 1, wherein the first layer extends above the recessed region.

3. The support surface of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the core further comprises a structural layer.

4. The support surface of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover comprises a top cover and a base cover, the top cover defining a top surface of the support surface and the base cover defining a bottom surface of the support surface, the bottom surface including the recessed region, the base cover including: a first lower section having first peripheral lower walls including a first coupling wall, the first peripheral lower walls being connected to the bottom surface, the first coupling wall including a first transverse portion and a first free portion; and a second lower section having second peripheral lower walls including a second coupling wall, the second peripheral lower walls being connected to the bottom surface, the second coupling wall including a second transverse portion and a second free portion;the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion being joined at a transverse junction, the recessed region being formed by the first free portion and the second free portion.

5. The support surface of claim 4, wherein the first portion of the support surface is a head portion, the second portion of the support surface is a foot portion.

6. The support surface of claim 5, wherein the second layer includes a head segment and a foot segment, the head segment extending at least partly between the first coupling wall and the head end and the foot segment extending at least partly between the second coupling wall and the foot end.

7. The support surface of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the articulation is at least one of a rotation and a translation and wherein the transverse junction is configured to allow rotating the first portion relative to the second portion up to 180 degrees, whereby the support surface is foldable onto itself.

8. The support surface of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first layer includes inflatable bladders provided with valves operable to selectively inflate and deflate the inflatable bladders.

9. The support surface of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the transverse junction includes a central region and two side regions located on opposite sides of the central region, each side region having a height greater than a height of the central region, the height being measured in a thickness direction of the support surface.

10. The support surface of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one handle provided on the cover.

11. The support surface of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one securing element provided on the cover and operable to secure the support surface in a fully folded configuration.

12. A method for maintenance of a support surface, the method comprising: accessing the support surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11; andfolding the support surface by pivoting the first portion of the support surface relative to the second portion of the support surface about the transverse axis.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first layer is a pneumatic layer and extends above the recessed region, the method further comprising at least partly deflating the first layer of the support surface prior to folding the support surface.

14. The method of any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the second layer is a pneumatic layer, the method further comprising at least partly deflating the second layer prior to folding the support surface.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the folding includes fully folding the support surface onto itself in a fully folded configuration and further comprising securing the support surface in the fully folded configuration using at least one strap.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising prior to the folding, placing the support surface onto one of its longitudinal sides; thereby placing the support surface in a side-standing configuration.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the side-standing configuration is one of an L-shaped configuration and a V-shaped configuration.

18. The method of any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the maintenance includes cleaning and wherein the method further comprises cleaning a bottom surface of the support surface that is normally inaccessible when the support surface is in an unfolded configuration.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising accessing a bed deck underlying the support surface while the support surface is in the side-standing configuration.

20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising using side handles attached to the cover of the support surface to perform the placing and wherein the placing includes lifting the support surface and repositioning the support surface onto one of its longitudinal sides.

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