Support device

Abstract

Support device (1) suitable for being interposed between a support and the body of a user and for supporting the body, said device (1) comprising: a support base (2) suitable for being placed in contact with the support and defining a main surface (2a), a horizontal direction (2b) parallel to said main surface (2a) and a vertical direction (2c) perpendicular to said main surface (2a); elements (3) protruding from said base (2), constrained to said base (2), developing predominantly along said vertical direction (2c) and suitable for supporting said body; each of said elements (3) defining a first end (3a) suitable for coming into contact with said body, a second end (3b) opposite to said first end (3a) and constrained to said base (2), a constraint area (31) lying in said main surface (2a) and corresponding to the area where said second end (3b) is constrained to said base (2), a development direction (3c) joining the farthest point of said first end (3a) from said constraint area (31) and the point of intersection between said vertical direction (2c) and said main surface (2a) at the second end (3b); said elements (3) being distinct and made of flexible material; the number of said elements (3) per unit of said main surface (2a) having a value between 20 and 600 every 100 cm2; said base (2) having thickness in said vertical direction (2c) lower than one-fifth of the extent of said elements (3) in said development direction (3c).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SUPPORT DEVICE

[0003] The present invention relates to a support device of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] The object of the present invention is a support device which finds application in the field of devices for the treatment of bedsores.

[0005] Devices are currently known for preventing or for promoting the healing of bedsores. For example, devices used may be cushions or mattresses. These devices may be placed on the surface with which the user comes into contact. For example, an anti-bedsore mattress may be a mattress that allows a user to lie on it.

[0006] In particular, they are made so as to allow the user to position himself on a support surface, such as, for example, the surface of a bed or of an armchair, in such a way as to have a sensation of comfort and to prevent the skin from being entirely in contact with the support surface. Some of these devices are typically made of flexible material, such as, for example, an inflatable air chamber. Furthermore, the structure of these devices is provided by a flexible layer from which the cells of the air chamber protrude. They are distributed over the surface of the underlying support layer.

[0007] A solution of this type is disclosed in patent KR102703150B1 , filed by Jm Medical and Kim Jung Pyo. The patented solution describes an inflatable mattress connectable to a pump which introduces air inside it. The cells are therefore filled with air.

[0008] The known technique described comprises some important drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, they are not efficient in the healing of bedsores. Furthermore, another drawback of the known devices is given by the difficulty of keeping the surface of the device clean due to the exposure of the surface to the skin of the user and, consequently, of not being able to guarantee the level of hygiene.

[0010] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a support device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the cited drawbacks.

[0011] Within said technical task, an important object of the invention is to achieve a support device which allows to make more efficient the effect of healing or preventing bedsores.

[0012] Another important object of the invention is to make a support device capable of improving the hygienic conditions due to the prolonged use of the device itself by a user.

[0013] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a support device as claimed in the attached claim 1 .

[0014] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0015] The features and the advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a support device according to the invention; and

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a support device according to the invention.

[0018] In the present document, the measurements, the values, the shapes and the geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be understood as being subject to measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, subject to a slight deviation from the value, the measurement, the shape or geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not greater than 10% of the value itself.

[0019] Furthermore, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, as results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as “treatment”, “informatics”, “determination”, “calculation”, or similar, refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device which manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic magnitudes of registers of a computer system and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other storage, transmission or display devices of information.

[0021] The measurements and the data reported in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0022] With reference to the Figures, the device according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1. It may be a support device. In particular, the device 1 is suitable for being interposed between a support and the body of a user and for supporting the body of the user. The support may define a support surface. It is the surface of the support on which the device 1 may be placed. For example, the device 1 may be placed on a bed or on an armchair or on the floor, where the user may position himself. The device 1 comprises a base 2. It may be a support base. In particular, it is suitable for being placed in contact with the support. Furthermore, the base 2 may define a main surface 2a. It is the surface opposite to the portion of surface which comes into contact with the support surface. Therefore, the main surface 2a is the surface exposed to the interaction with the user. The base 2 defines a horizontal direction 2b. It is a direction parallel to the main surface 2a. In particular, if the main surface 2a is planar, the horizontal direction 2b lies in the plane. Furthermore, the base 2 preferably defines a vertical direction 2c. It is the direction perpendicular to the main surface 2a. For example, if the main surface 2a is planar, the vertical direction 2c corresponds to an axis orthogonal to the main surface 2a.

[0023] The device 1 comprises elements 3. They are elements protruding from the base 2. In particular, the elements 3 are constrained to the base 2. Furthermore, the elements 3 develop predominantly along the vertical direction 2c. Therefore, they may have a shape elongated more in the vertical direction 2c than in the horizontal direction 2b.

[0024] The elements 3 are suitable for supporting the body of the user. Therefore, they are the elements of the device 1 which directly come into contact with the body of the user. The more elements 3 there are, the more the pressure of the body of the user may be distributed over a greater number of smaller areas. Therefore, the body of the user may rest on a plurality of elements 3. Furthermore, the elements 3 allow to keep the body of the user spaced from the base 2. In this way, they allow to reduce the contact area of the body with respect to the main surface 2a. Therefore, the device 1 advantageously allows to be employed in the treatment or in the prevention of bedsores. In this regard the elements 3 can preferably be distinct. In this way, the elements 3 may allow a regular distribution of the pressure of the body of the user. Furthermore, the elements 3 may be made of flexible material. In this way, while reducing the surface in contact with the user, a high level of comfort is maintained. Furthermore, the flexibility allows to adapt the device 1 to different shapes of the support surface, so that it reproduces the underlying shape. This means that the device 1 may advantageously be used for different support surfaces, such as beds or armchairs. By the term flexible it is meant a material for example with a Young’s modulus lower than 5 GPa, more preferably lower than 1 GPa.

[0025] In particular, the device 1 may be made of impermeable material. In this way, it is possible to prevent the water passing over the device 1 from being absorbed by the underlying support surface. Therefore, the impermeable material allows to pour water on users unable to move and who may therefore be washed directly when they are positioned on the device 1 without the poured water being absorbed by the underlying surface.

[0026] Another advantage given by the impermeability of the material is the greater simplicity of cleaning the surface. In fact, the device 1 may advantageously be washed in a more effective and rapid way.

[0027] For example, the device 1 may be made of rubber. This material advantageously possesses the features of flexibility and impermeability. Or it may be made of polyurethane or other material.

[0028] Each element 3 defines a first end 3a. It is an end suitable for coming into contact with the body. In this regard, the first end 3a may preferably define an outer surface 30. It is the surface of the element 3 suitable for coming at least partially into contact with the body. The outer surface 30 may be the portion of the surface of the element 3 farthest from the surface 2a. The outer surface 30 may preferably be curved. Furthermore, it may define a concavity facing the base 2. In this way, the body of the user comes into contact with a curved surface which creates contact conditions that allow to prevent or to cure bedsores.

[0029] Each element 3 may define a second end 3b. It may be an end opposite to the first end 3a. In particular, the second end 3b may be constrained to the base 2. Therefore, the second end 3b corresponds to the constraint with the base plane 2 of each element 3.

[0030] Each element 3 may preferably define a constraint area 31 . It may be an area lying in the main surface 2a. Therefore, each constraint area 31 may be a portion of the main surface 2a occupied by the corresponding element 3. In detail, the constraint area 31 may correspond to the area where the second end 3b is constrained to the base 2.

[0031] Each element 3 may preferably define a lateral surface 32. It corresponds to the surface of the element 3 not in contact with the base 2 and distinct from the outer surface 30.

[0032] Each element 3 may define a development direction 3c. It is a direction joining the farthest point of the first end 3a from the constraint area 31 and the point of intersection between the vertical direction 2c and the main surface 2a at the second end 3b. The development direction 3c may be a direction which identifies the orientation of the element 3 with respect to the base 2.

[0033] For example, the elements 3 may preferably be bendable so as to assume any orientation of the development direction 3c between the vertical direction 2c and the main surface 2a. In this way, the flexibility of the elements 3 allows to distribute the pressure of the body also partially on the lateral surface 32, when the elements 3 are bent according to the position of the body and the shape of the support surface. Therefore, the elements 3 may follow the movements of the body and bend with any orientation of the development direction 3c. When the device 1 is free and the user is not resting on it, the development direction 3c may be oriented parallel to the vertical direction 2c.

[0034] In the device 1 a spacing is defined as the distance between each two constraint areas 31 corresponding to two consecutive elements 3 along the main surface 2a. In detail, the spacing may be the minimum distance between two points on the perimeter of the corresponding constraint areas 31 . Therefore, the spacing may be a geometric parameter on which the density of elements 3 on the base 2 may depend.

[0035] In the device 1 the ratio between the size in the horizontal direction 2b of the first end 3a and the spacing may preferably have a value between 0.8 and 1 .2. More preferably, it may have a value between 0.9 and 1.1.

[0036] These geometric parameters allow to improve the distribution of the pressure of the body on the contact areas.

[0037] Preferably, the elements 3 may respectively have the shape of a truncated cone. In detail, the second end 3b may have a size in the horizontal direction 2b greater than the first end 3a. This shape is advantageous since the second end 3b may allow an effective support of the pressure exerted by the body with a reduced effective support surface given by the outer surface 30 on the first end 3a. By the term cone is meant any shape also pyramidal and preferably with circular base.

[0038] For example, the ratio between the size in the horizontal direction 2b of the first end 3a and the size in the horizontal direction 2b of the second end 3b may have a value between 0.3 and 0.5. More preferably, the ratio may have a value between 0.35 and 0.45. Advantageously, this value of the ratio between the two surfaces favours a better distribution of the pressure of the body which is effectively discharged onto the base 2.

[0039] For example, the elements 3 may preferably have the same dimensions. In detail, for each of the previously described dimensions a mean value may be calculated. In this example, each element 3 may not deviate by more than 1 % from the mean value of each dimension.

[0040] Therefore, they generally behave in the same way when subjected to stresses. This solution may be advantageous especially if the contact surface is regular and uniform.

[0041] In another example, the elements 3 may preferably have different dimensions. In detail, they may be divided into groups of elements 3 distinguished according to the mean values of the dimensions. The arrangement of the elements 3 may be variable, with elements 3 of different dimensions uniformly distributed among one another. For example, the device 1 may comprise two or more groups of elements 3 of different dimensions which may be arranged so as to be alternated with one another along the main surface 2a.

[0042] Alternatively, different groups of elements 3 distinguished by dimensions may be placed in different portions of the base 2. This solution is advantageous when the device 1 is placed in contact with an irregular surface or with areas of different shape.

[0043] The number of elements 3 per unit of said main surface 2a may preferably have a value between 20 and 600 every 100 cm2, more preferably between 20 and 200 every 100 cm2, more preferably between 30 and 70 every 100 cm2, or between 100 and 400 every 100 cm2. This density of elements 3 per unit of surface advantageously allows to efficiently distribute the pressure of the body on the device 1 . In particular, such density ensures that the contact area between the elements 3 and the body of any patient is equal to or lower than 20% of the surface 2a.

[0044] Therefore, the device 1 allows to support the body of the user keeping it at a distance from the base 2. The space left empty under the body allows the passage of air between the elements 3. In this way, stagnation of body fluids, water or humidity is avoided. Furthermore, this allows a lower presence of germs on the device 1 with consequent reduction of the risk of infections and a greater thermal comfort of the user due to the more effective thermal dispersion.

[0045] Furthermore, the base 2 may preferably have thickness in the vertical direction 2c lower than one-fifth of the extent of the elements 3 in the development direction 3c. Therefore, the elements 3 may be much more extended vertically as compared with the base, which is thinner. In this way, the elements 3 are the portion of the device 1 dimensionally most developed. Furthermore, the reduced thickness of the base 2 as compared with the extent of the elements 3 ensures that the device 1 is more flexible and easily adaptable to different shapes of the support surface, while maintaining the features of mechanical strength to support the body of the user.

[0046] For example, the base 2 may have a thickness value between 1 mm and 10 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the base 2 may be between 2 mm and 9 mm. These thickness values allow to make the base 2 more flexible and adaptable to different shapes of the support surface.

[0047] The device 1 may comprise an edge delimiting the perimeter of the base 2 and having a thickness along the vertical direction 2c greater than the thickness of the base 2.

[0048] Furthermore, preferably, the device 1 is made of silicone, more preferably of platinum silicone, more preferably still having hardness with Shore from 15 to 70. The operation of the device 1 previously described in structural terms is the following.

[0049] The device 1 may be placed in contact with a contact surface. For example, the contact surface may be that of the mattress of a bed or of an armchair. The device is placed on the contact surface in such a way that the base goes directly into contact with the contact surface and that the elements 3 are arranged on the free surface opposite to the surface of the device 1 in contact with the contact surface. The user may position himself on the device 1 placed on the contact surface. For example, he may lie down or sit on the device 1 . The body of the user comes into contact with the outer surfaces or with the lateral surfaces 32, if the elements 3 bend under the weight of the body. The body exerts a pressure on the elements 3 which causes them to deform or to bend, distributing the pressure in such a way that the body is suspended from the base 2 and is at the same time supported by the elements 3.

[0050] The device 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0051] In fact, it allows to make more efficient the effect of healing or of prevention of bedsores. In this regard, the distribution of the elements 3, the dimensions and the thickness of the base 2 ensure that the device 1 manages to effectively distribute the pressure exerted by the body and at the same time to suspend the body of the user from direct contact with the base 2. The peculiar combination of geometric factors ensures that the device 1 may allow an effective cure or prevention of bedsores. Therefore, the device 1 may advantageously be used also with patients already affected by bedsores and who need a therapeutic treatment.

[0052] Furthermore, the flexibility of the elements 3 ensures that the distribution of the pressure is variable and that the device 1 may adapt to the movements of the user. Another important advantage of the device 1 is given by the fact that it is capable of improving the hygienic conditions due to the prolonged use of the device itself by a user. In fact, it may be impermeable and this allows to reduce the risk of accumulation or formation of germs which may expose the user to the risk of infections. In particular, it may be used to wash users who are unable to move, such as, for example, disabled persons. Furthermore, it may be used for persons who suffer from incontinence, since it acts as a barrier for the mattress or for the underlying contact surface and allows to remove the accumulated liquids. In this regard, the device 1 may also be used in the hospital field. Furthermore, the device 1 may also be used to cover changing tables for newborns. In fact, the newborn may be placed on the device 1 and prevented from soiling the support surface.

[0053] Another advantage is given by the fact that the device 1 may be easily washable. In fact, due to the impermeability of its surface it is possible to pour water on it, which may be easily removed without being absorbed by the base 2.

[0054] Another advantage of the device 1 is given by the geometric features which ensure that the body of the user is suspended above the base plane 2 and that the air may pass through the elements 3. In this way, the device 1 may be kept dry. This allows to reduce the formation of germs and to prevent the stagnation of humidity, with consequent improvement of the hygienic conditions and reduction of the risk of infections and irritations.

[0055] The device 1 has the advantage of being able to be adapted to surfaces of different shapes, due to its flexibility. These features ensure that the device 1 may be used in different contexts and by different users. In fact, it may also be used as a support surface adaptable to different contexts. For example, it may be used to be superposed on other objects. For example, it may be placed on cushions. In general, the device 1 may advantageously be used in domestic environments and in outdoor environments of any kind, due to its high flexibility and adaptability.

[0056] The invention is susceptible to variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. Within this scope, all details may be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, the shapes and the dimensions may be any.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Support device (1 ) suitable for being interposed between a support and the body of a user and for supporting said body, said device (1 ) comprising:- a support base (2) suitable for being placed in contact with said support and defining a main surface (2a), a horizontal direction (2b) parallel to said main surface (2a) and a vertical direction (2c) perpendicular to said main surface (2a);- elements (3) protruding from said base (2), constrained to said base (2), developing predominantly along said vertical direction (2c) and suitable for supporting said body;- each of said elements (3) defining:- a first end (3a) suitable for making contact with said body;- a second end (3b) opposite said first end (3a) and constrained to said base (2);- a constraint area (31 ) lying in said main surface (2a) and corresponding to the area where said second end (3b) is constrained to said base (2);- a development direction (3c) joining the farthest point of said first end (3a) from said constraint area (31 ) and the point of intersection between said vertical direction (2c) and said main surface (2a) at said second end (3b);- said elements (3) being distinct and made of flexible material; and is characterised in that:- the number of said elements (3) per unit of said main surface (2a) has a value between 20 and 400 every 100 cm2so that the contact area between saidelements (3) and said body is equal to or lower than 20% of said surface (2a).

2. Device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said elements (3) are respectively in the shape of a truncated cone, said second end (3b) has dimension in said horizontal direction (2b) greater than said first end (3a), said first end (3a) defining a contact surface (30) suitable for at least partially contacting said body.

3. Device (1 ) according to the previous claim, where the ratio of said dimension in said horizontal direction (2b) of said first end (3a) to said dimension in said horizontal direction (2b) of said second end (3b) has a value between 0.3 and 0.5.

4. Device (1 ) according to at least claim 2, wherein said contact surface (30) is curved and defines a concavity facing said base (2).

5. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elements (3) have the same dimensions.

6. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base (2) has thickness in said vertical direction (2c) less than one-fifth of the extent of said elements (3) in said development direction (3c).

7. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, where a spacing is defined as the distance between each of said two constraint areas (31 ) corresponding to two consecutive elements (3) along said main surface (2a) and where the ratio of said dimension in said horizontal direction (2b) of said first end (3a) to said spacing has a value between 0.8 and 1 .2.

8. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base (2) has thickness of between 1 mm and 10 mm.

9. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible material is impermeable.

10. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elements (3) are bendable so as to be able to assume any orientation of said development direction (3c) between said vertical direction (2c) and said main surface (2a).

11. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elements (3) are made of silicone.

12. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elements (3) have hardness with Shore between 15 and 70.

13. Device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the number of said elements (3) per unit of said main surface (2a) has a value between 20 and 200 every 100 cm2.

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