Other

Span-america Medical Systems, Inc.

Donald C Spann

Daniel J Schaefer

Thomas A Krouskop

Dorothy Sherry

A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body. Side edges of the projections may be bevelled and/or include a radius of curvature to enhance independent action of the projections. Channels for dissipating heat and moisture may be provided, and have characteristics which vary with the different support sections. An effectiveness index takes into consideration the thickness, indentation load deflection (i.e., stiffness), and density of a given pad, to assist practioners in selecting appropriate embodiments of the invention.

Method of making a mattress overlay

A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and inter-relationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body. Side edges of the projections may be bevelled and/or include a radius of curvature to enhance independent action of the projections. Channels for dissipating heat and moisture may be provided, and have characteristics which vary with the different support sections. An effectiveness index takes into consideration the thickness, indentation load deflection (i.e., stiffness), and density of a given pad, to assist practioners in selecting appropriate embodiments of the invention.

A polyurethane foam mattress overlay has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are disclosed. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. In such manner, tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body. Further, side edges of the projections may be bevelled and/or include a radius of curvature to enhance independent action of the projections. Also, channels for dissipating heat and moisture may be provided, and have characteristics which vary with the different support sections. Further disclosed is an effectiveness index which takes into consideration the thickness, indentation load deflection (i.e. stiffness), and density of a given pad.

Multi-section mattress overlay for systematized pressure dispersion

A unitary support pad constructed of synthetic foam is described especially for use as a mattress pad for hospital patients. The pad has a number of discrete upstanding projections being independently compressible and formed in the pad so as to provide a generally flat surface with voids between the projections, preferably extending entirely through the pad, formed by compressing the foam, in discrete areas, which is severed as through the action of a transverse band saw while compressed.

Support pad and method of manufacture

A support is illustrated for the human body which is constructed essentially of a foam block having a plurality of spaced, aligned slits or narrow openings in the body support surface extending into the foam block with an enlarged air channel in the block into which the slit opens so that a discrete support is formed between adjacent slits and there respective channels.

Foam body support

Body positioning apparatus for aiding the support of a joint of a patient is illustrated wherein a foam block carries a pressure receiving foam element. Such apparatus is useful for positioning the body of a patient during open heart surgery and the like in a pair of spaced leg supports each having a leg support surface which includes resilient thigh and calf support surfaces having a sloping contour for positioning the leg in a rotated position affording access thereto for vein removal. The foam block and pressure receiving foam element may be used separately or with other positioning apparatus.

Body positioner

Apparatus for positioning the body of a patient during open heart surgery and the like includes a pair of spaced leg supports each having a leg support surface which includes resilient thigh and calf support surfaces having a sloping contour for positioning the leg in a rotated position affording access thereto for vein removal and a foot support for supporting the foot and ankle portion at a desired elevation and pressure. In one embodiment, the leg support surface is made as a disposable outer layer wherein the individual leg supports are reusable.

Surgical body positioner and disposable topper

An abduction pillow is illustrated wherein a wedge shaped body is constructed of synthetic foam material for positioning the legs of a patient in cushioned but fixed divergent position in which various parts of the abduction pillow are made to be disposable and wherein the wedge shaped body may be truncated to provide a space adjacent the patient's pelvic area which facilitates the placement and removal of catheter and drainage tubing and other related items which need be inserted in the body of the patient during and after surgery.

Disposable orthopedic support

A package for containing an orthopedic support constructed of open cell foam material may comprise a bag constructed of heat sealable thermoplastic multilayered film which is sealed along a single open edge after insertion of the orthopedic support therethrough into the bag. The orthopedic support is differentially compressed to such an extent as to reduce an irregular height dimension by a major amount with evacuation of a corresponding amount of air from the bag through the open edge prior to application of the heat seal along the open edge. An evacuated marginal portion of the bag extends outwardly about the orthopedic support by an amount corresponding to the reduction in height of the orthopedic support and results from the partial vacuum in the bag and the tendency of the open cell foam to rebound. The differential compression is obtained by using a press in compressing relationship with a press bed, applying compression to an extent which may be predetermined by utilizing a suitable stop means for limiting relative movement of the press members toward each other.

Orthopedic support package and method

Houshold cleaning mop

A ventilated body positioner device and the like is formed from a block of polyurethane foam having resilient characteristics capable of deformation of the type having a length substantially greater than its width so that the block may be rotated on one of a plurality of major surfaces to provide an adjustable positioning support surface for a major portion of a patient's body while lying upon a table or bed surface wherein various cut-outs and air circulation channels enhance the ventilation capabilities of the device while positioning a patient.

Ventilated body positioner

Apparatus for positioning and protecting a patient in bed is disclosed as including a protective device for cushioning a side frame of a hospital bed and the like which includes an elongated strip having a slot accommodating placement over the side frame and a thickened portion serving as a cushion. A body positioner formed from a block of polyurethane foam having resilient characteristics capable of deformation is disclosed having a length substantially greater than its width whereby the block may be placed on a base surface to provide a continuous support for the major portion of a patient's body while laying in bed. In a preferred embodiment, a core of the positioning block is cut out and may be removed and utilized as the protective side frame cushion while the body positioner block may be utilized to position the patient as desired.

Growing community of inventors

Greenville, SC, United States of America

Donald C Spann