CA1269034A - Patient support system for wheelchairs and the like - Google Patents
Patient support system for wheelchairs and the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1269034A CA1269034A CA000526119A CA526119A CA1269034A CA 1269034 A CA1269034 A CA 1269034A CA 000526119 A CA000526119 A CA 000526119A CA 526119 A CA526119 A CA 526119A CA 1269034 A CA1269034 A CA 1269034A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support means
- fluid
- patient
- inflatable
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/05723—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with cut-outs or depressions in order to relieve the pressure on a part of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1043—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1043—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
- A61G5/1045—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs for the seat portion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G5/1091—Cushions, seats or abduction devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/05769—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S297/00—Chairs and seats
- Y10S297/03—Pneumatic
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S297/00—Chairs and seats
- Y10S297/04—Wheelchair
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure An improved support system for a person in a sitting attitude to vary pressures produced on affected body areas adequate to improve blood perfusion thereat. A first, primary resilient support element is provided that defines a generally centrally located opening with a second, inflatable fluid support element received therein. The inflatable support element is located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover and is normally deflated whereby minimal pressures are generated on body areas thereover. Fluid may be supplied to the second support element to inflate same, thereby supporting a greater proportion of the body weight and lowering pressures generated on the portions contacting the first support element. A valve controllably inflates and deflates the second element. A timer may be employed to activate an air compressor to inflate the second support element after a predetermined interval.
Cyclic pressure changes permit all affected body areas to enjoy good blood perfusion periodically, enhancing comfort and lessening the likelihood of development of ulcers for a person sitting on the support system.
The system may be incorporated into a wheelchair.
Cyclic pressure changes permit all affected body areas to enjoy good blood perfusion periodically, enhancing comfort and lessening the likelihood of development of ulcers for a person sitting on the support system.
The system may be incorporated into a wheelchair.
Description
1Z~ 4 IMPROVED PATIENT SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR WHEELCHAIRS
AND ~HE LIl~E
Back~round of the Inventlon The present invention relates to an improved support system to recelve a patient or other lndlv~dual confined to a wheelchalr or other type ~eat for prolonged periods of tlme. Continued contact between the buttock~ of an indlvldual and the seat support therebeneath can create pressure on the buttocks leading to discomfort, decrea~ed Uood flow in the affected area and even the development of decubltu~ ulcers. The ~ystem of the present invention lmproves overall patient comfort, improves blood flow and reduces the lncldence of development of ulcers.
Heretofore, a great deal of development effort has been expended toward improving wheelchairs and other types of seats whlch recelve and hold non-ambulatory person~ for extended periods of time.
Whlle great strldes have been made for support systems for receipt of patlents ln a suplne posltlon 80 as to avoid the lncldence of decubitus ulcer~ and the like, succe~ses have not heretofore been achieved for patlents in a slttlng attltude. In fact, vlrtually no systems are known for use ln wheelchairs and other ~lmllar type seats for improved prolonged slttlng condltlons with the exception of foam cushlons of varlous densltles and conflguratlons, conventional alr lnflated cu~hlons of varlous shapes and designs, gel filled cushions, water fllled cushion~ and attenuating pressure pad~ or devices. In such prlor art arrangements, the devlces have generally been of slngular con~tructlon, that 1~ the entlre surface of the support cushlon 19 ba~lcally the ~ame.
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AND ~HE LIl~E
Back~round of the Inventlon The present invention relates to an improved support system to recelve a patient or other lndlv~dual confined to a wheelchalr or other type ~eat for prolonged periods of tlme. Continued contact between the buttock~ of an indlvldual and the seat support therebeneath can create pressure on the buttocks leading to discomfort, decrea~ed Uood flow in the affected area and even the development of decubltu~ ulcers. The ~ystem of the present invention lmproves overall patient comfort, improves blood flow and reduces the lncldence of development of ulcers.
Heretofore, a great deal of development effort has been expended toward improving wheelchairs and other types of seats whlch recelve and hold non-ambulatory person~ for extended periods of time.
Whlle great strldes have been made for support systems for receipt of patlents ln a suplne posltlon 80 as to avoid the lncldence of decubitus ulcer~ and the like, succe~ses have not heretofore been achieved for patlents in a slttlng attltude. In fact, vlrtually no systems are known for use ln wheelchairs and other ~lmllar type seats for improved prolonged slttlng condltlons with the exception of foam cushlons of varlous densltles and conflguratlons, conventional alr lnflated cu~hlons of varlous shapes and designs, gel filled cushions, water fllled cushion~ and attenuating pressure pad~ or devices. In such prlor art arrangements, the devlces have generally been of slngular con~tructlon, that 1~ the entlre surface of the support cushlon 19 ba~lcally the ~ame.
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2 1;~ 3(334 Whlle ~upport structures of the type described above do, in fact, add to the general comfort of the patient, constant pressures perslst agaln~t the affected body portlon~ of the patlent ~uch that ultlmate discomfort re~ult~ as well a~ a reduction of blood flow which could lead to the development of decubitus ulcers or pressure ~ores. In fact, since the whole upper body weight of a person is ~upported by the relatively small body area in the wheelchair seat, extremely high pressures may be experienced, up to about 200 mm ~g, on the ischial tubero~1ties. No system pre~ently avallable as exempllfled above 18 capable of achleving pressures low enough to prevent the development of pres~ure sores or ulcers ln the most acute cases. No such sy~tem has thus been successfully employed in the wheelchair type environment as ls contemplated by the present lnventlon. Presently recommended technl~ue~
for wheelcha1r-rldden patients require the patlent to perlodlcally phy~ically l1ft and hold hlmself off the cushion w1th hls arms for as great a perlod of time as poss1ble, thus removlng pressure from the buttocks durlng the llft porlod~. While such techn1ques are certalnly better than nothlng, only llmlted success may be achleved thereby, whlle at the ~ame tlme leadlng to extr _ fatigue of the patlent if the procedure 18 practiced over any extended perlod of time.
In general, body t1ssue w1thout bony promlnence thereunder w1ll w1thstand hlgher pressure~
before tissue damage occur~. Conversely, body tissue havlng bony promlnence therebeneath, such as the 1sch1al tuberos1t1es, 18 sub~ect to the development of ulcers at lower ~urface pressures due to higher pressures generated at the t1s~ue-bone lnterface. In order, therefore, to provlde optlmal ~upport, it 18 .
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necessary to provlde a ~upport ~y~tem ln whlch pressures generated on bony prom~nences, ~uch a~ the ischial tubero~itles is normally lower than the pre~sures on the ~urrounding area~ of the buttocks.
The present invention achieve~ the aforementioned optimal ~ltuation, and provide~ a novel ~yqtem for ~upportlng a pa~ient in a sitting po~itlon while at the ~ame time ~mproving patlent comfort and reducing the incldence of the likellhood of development of decubitu~ ulcer~. There i~ no known pr~or art that is believed to antlcipate or suggest the pre~ent invention.
SummarY of the Invention It i~ an ob~ect of the pre~ent inventlon to provide an improved patient support ~ystem for wheelchairs an`d the like.
Another ob~ect of the pre~ent invention i3 to provide an improved seating arrangement for one confined in a sitting attitude for prolonged periods of time.
Still further another ob~ect of the present ~nvention is to provide an improved cu~hion arrangement for use in a wheelchair or the like.
Yet another ob~ect of the pre~ent invention is to provlde an improved method for adding to the comfort of one confined in a ~itting attitude for prolonged periods of time while reducing the incidence of the development of decubitus ulcers.
Generally speaking, the improved patient ~upport sy~tem according to the present invention comprises a first re~ilient support means~ a second, fluid support mean~ ~uxtaposed to said f~rst support means according to a prédetermined arrangement~ mean~
operatively a~ociated with said second ~upport means for supplying fluid thereto~ and mean~ associated uith ~aid fluid supply means for controlling the supply of l~t;~
fluid to ~aid second support means accordlng to a predetermlned arrangement whereby pres~ure~ exerted on affected body portlons are varled, leading to lmproved blood perfu~ion, enhanced comfort and a lessening of the likelihood of development of decubltus ulcers at polnts of pre~sure.
More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the pre~ent lnventlon, a foam annulu~ is provided as a first or princlpal, res~lient support means, having a predetermlned ~hape to serve as a peripheral cushioning material for recelpt of the patient thereon. A second lnflatable element ~erve~ as the second support means, 19 recelved within the annulus of the principal support means and is operatively connected to a supply of fluid, preferably air. An air compre~or powered by alternating or direct current provides alr for inflation of the second support means adequate to properly support a patient in a sittlng attitude thereon, preferably to raise the patlent slightly off the principal support means. A
bleed valve ls associated with the fluld supply mean~
and may be ad~u~table accordlng to the weight of a patient re~iding on the cushion or to operate on a predetermlned timing sequence. The bleed valve thus determines the maxlmum fluid pressure within the second support means and also permits a controlled deflation of same. Additionally, control means, preferably timer control means, may be operatively a~sociated with the fluid supply means to perlodlcally inflate the second support means.
_ The fir~t and second support mean~ are intended to exert different pressures on re~pectlve affected body portionJ. When the second support mean~
is deflated, as i9 normal, surface pressure~ under the ischial tuberosities which are most vulnerable to damage are very lo~. By periodically inflatlng the ~.
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second support mean~, pres~ures under the ischial tuberositles are increased while pressure~ generated on the other areas are reduced to provide improved blood perfusion thereat. Pressures may thus be controlled at all areas to ensure good blood perfusion and thus le~sen the likelihood of ulcers. The method according to the present lnvention 18 thu~
accompli~hed by periodlc inflatlon of the normally deflated second support mean~ adequate to relieve pressure~ exerted on body portions contact~ng the first, resilient support means, thus allowing improved blood circulation in the portions residing on sald first support means. Thereafter, deflation of the second support means beyond a predetermined level ~hifts pressures to the prevlously unaffected body portions contacting the flrst support means whereby full blood circulation returns to the body portlons below the ichial tuberosities. Such periodic pressure shifting thus achieve~ overall lmproved blood circulation across the body portlon conta~ting the seat, resulting in enhanced comfort and a lessening in the likelihood of development of ulcers.
Brlef DescrlDtion of the Drawinqs A constructlon designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter descrlbed, together with other features thereof.
The invention wlll be more readily understood from a readlng of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and whereins Figure 1 18 an isometric view of a wheelchair equipped with a patient support system according to the present lnventlon.
Flgure 2 i~ a top plan view of a patient support ~ystem according to the pre~ent lnvention.
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Figure 3 i~ a vertlcal croq~-sectional view through the support system a~ illustrated in Flgure 2 taken along the line III-III.
Flgure 4 19 a schematic illustration of an embodiment of operatlve control circuitry associated wlth a patient support ~ystem according to the present invention.
De~cription of the Preferred Embodiments Making reference to the figure~, preferred embodiments of the pre~ent inventlon will now be descrlbed in detail. Figure l, for example, illustrates a typical installation of a patient support sy~tem according to the present invention. A
wheelchalr generally lndicated as 10 ~ provided, exemplary of a chair, seat or the like, with which the support system of the present ~nvention may be utilized. As can be seen ln Figure 1, chalr 10 includes a ~upport frame 12 to which conventional wheels 14 and 16 are secured for ordinary mobility of chair 10. Support frame 12 has a seat support surface 18 and a back support surface 20 secured thereto, agaln both of conventional construction though either or ~oth could be modified for permanent installation of a support system accordlng to the present invention thereon.
As also illu~trated in Figure l, located atop the seat surface 18 and thu~ forming a surface on which a person would reside in a sitting attitude i~ a first principal support means 30 that is configured for receipt within the normal wheelchair seat area.
First support means 30 1B an annular structure havlng a generally rectangular outer perlphery. An annulus 32 is defined ln an interior Dortion of same located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover.
First support means 30 may be any resilient material B that will afford comfort to a person sitting thereon, .i9t);3'~
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but ~referably ~q a polymeric foam cush~on type materlal, the resllience of which affords comfort while at the same tlme having adequate den~ity or firmne~ that a person sitting thereon will not totally compre~s same. Whlle cushion 30 is illustrated as an annulus, such la not required, and cushion 30 may take any other ~hape 80 long as an open portion of same i9 located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover. A mo~t preferred embodiment, as can be seen from Figures l, 2 and 3 of fir~t support means 30 is also provided with an upper contour that iB conducive to comfort. Note, for example, in Figure 3, that upper surfaces 34 taper inwardly from an outer periphery 35 of same to annulus 32, thus deflnlng somewhat of a central depresslon on an upper surface of support means 30. Al~o, as may be seen in Figure 1, upper surface 34 of flrst support means 30 18 also preferably contoured for recelpt of a person's legs.
A second, inflatable support means generally 40 18 located wlthin annulus 32 and i~ intended to be positioned with respect to tbe patient such that the i~chial tubero~ities of the patient are located thereover. While lnflatable support means 40 may assume any desired shape and construction, a polymeric envelope 42 is preferred having a connector element 44 located in a wall of same~ Most preferably, as shown in Figure~ 1 and 3, support means 40 lncludes a depressed area 41 in an lnternal portlon of same, whereby, when lnflated, the lncreased pressures are developed only on the ischlal tuberosity areas. A
tubular conduit 46 iB secured to connector 42 in communication with an interlor chamber 43 defined by envelope 42. An opposlte end of tubular conduit 46 is operatively associated wlth a fluid supply means generally indicated a~ 50 ~ee Figure 4) for supplying 1~;9(3'3~
air under pressure to the interlor of fluid support means 40 for proper inflatlon of same.
Fluid ~upply mean~ S0 lncludes an air compresQor 52 which i~ operatively connected with tubular conduit 46 placlng same in communlcatlon with interior chamber 43 of lnflatable support means 4U.
Air compressor 52 is also electrlcally connected to a ~ource of power ~4 illustrated a~ a battery, though an alternating current power ~ource could egually be utilized ln conjunctlon with the present ~nventlon.
In a mo~t preferred embodiment, fluld supply means 50 i9 secured to a wheelchair 10 wlth the power source being rechargeable batteries which are also secured to the chair frame 12 for movement therewith. A master switch 56 for determining the ~tate of operativene~s of the overall system 18 provided between the source of power 54 and compressor 52, and in a wheelchair environment could be located on an arm of the chair ~Flgure l) or some other locatlon convenlently accesslble to a patient. ~lkew1se, electrlcally connected between power source 54 and air compressor 52 for operatlon when master ~witch 56 i~ ln the on posltlon is a timer control means 58 which may be preset according to the dictates of the system to actuate and deactuate compressor 52 according to a predetermined time sequence. A bleed valve 60 is also provided between alr compressor 52 and inflatable support means 40 for the purpose described hereinafter.
With the control means 50 as described above, when air compressor 52 is actuated, air 1~ -supplied vla tubular conduit 46 to lnterlor chamber 43 of inflatable support means 40 to properly inflate same to a degree simllar to that lllustrated in solid llne in Figure 3, to a maximum pressure as dictated by bleed valve 60. Inflatable support means 40 is intended to remaln fully inflated for a predetermlned .
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period of time only. For example, bleed valve 60 may be adjusted to the weight of a per~on ~itt~ng on the ~upport system of the present invention. The person's welght then overcome~ the resistance of the bleed valve 60 whereby air escapes therethrough in a controlled manner to achieve deflatlon of support means 40. Such ad~u~tment al~o control~ the maximum fluid pressure within means 40 as noted above. With timer means 58 preset according to the rate of deflation of inflatable ~upport means 40 based in part on the patient'~ weight, after a predetermined period of time, timer ~w~tch 59 will close to return power to compressor 52 whereby ~upport means 40 will be reinflated. Alternatlely, tlmer means 58 may control of-on operatlon of both bleed valve 60 and alr compres~or 52 ln a ~et time controlled ~equence.
In operatlon, lnflatable ~upport means 40 ~hould remain deflated for about 80 to 90 percent of the time during which the other portlons of the buttocks and the thlghs bear virtually all of the body weight with pre~ure~ developed on the vulnerable l whlals belng mlnimal. Durlng the remalnlng about 10 to 20 percent of the time, ~upport mean~ 40 may be lnflated to cau~e the lschlal tuberoslties to ~upport mo~t of the body welght, thu~ relleving pre~sure from the other affected body areas. Hence timer means 58 could be preset to cause compre~or 52 to maintain ~upport mean~ 40 lnflated for only one to two minutes every 10 minutes whlle openlng bloed valve 60 and deactuatlng compressor 52 durlng the remaining eight to nlne minute~ of the ten mlnute cycle. Such one to two minute perlod 1~ generally not ad q uate tlme at the higher pres~ure to create ti~sue damage, and thu~
1~ acceptable.
In the normal mode of operatlon wlth ~upport mean~ 40 deflated, flr~t aupport mean~ 30 developa , ~ .
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pre99ure~ on the buttocks and thigh areas ranging from about 40 to 60 mm ~g, whlle the buttocks area under the lschial tuberosities receives minimal pressures, gene~rally below about 20 mm Hg. At such minimal pre~sure levels on the l~chial tuberosities, ti~sue damage is unlikely. When support means 4~ is inflated, pressures are generated on areas of the buttocks under the ischial tuberosities ~n a range of from about 100 to about 150 mm Hg. Inflatlon of support means 40 further lifts the patient slightly off the primary support means 40, permitting a reduction~of pressures generated on the remaining buttocks and thighs of about 20 mm ~g. Such reduction permits good blood perfusion ln the areas where the reduced pressures exlst, while the increased pressures generated by inflated support means 40 are not maintained for a long enough period to create ti~sue damage thereat.
Systematic inflation and deflation of lnflatable support mean~ 40 can thus effectively ~hift pressure emphasis from one body area to another 80 long as the duration of lnflation is not long enough to create tissue damage. Such procedure permits good blood perfusion ln all of the affected body areas, slgnlflcantly reducing the incldence of decubltus ulcers, and al80 greatly enhances comfort of the individual sitting on the support. A further lmportant characteristic of the support of the present invention is found in the fact that should the inflatable support means 40 fail, the lschial tuberosities will receive the generally minimal pressures noted above and should not experience tissue damage.
Preferred embodiments of the present lnvention have been described above. A number of changes, however, could be made thereto. For example, .
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both the first and second ~upport means could be inflatable with inflatlon and deflation cycles as described above so as to vary pressures on the affected body areas of 8 perBon residing thereon.
Moreover, lf de~irable, the ~hapes of the various ~upport means may vary from that as lllu~trated in Figures 1 through 3 B0 long as the lntended result is accompllshed. Llkewise, the control sy~tem may be modlfied a~ well a~ other parts of the ~y~tem 80 long as the intended result is achleved. All-in-all, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims appended hereto.
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for wheelcha1r-rldden patients require the patlent to perlodlcally phy~ically l1ft and hold hlmself off the cushion w1th hls arms for as great a perlod of time as poss1ble, thus removlng pressure from the buttocks durlng the llft porlod~. While such techn1ques are certalnly better than nothlng, only llmlted success may be achleved thereby, whlle at the ~ame tlme leadlng to extr _ fatigue of the patlent if the procedure 18 practiced over any extended perlod of time.
In general, body t1ssue w1thout bony promlnence thereunder w1ll w1thstand hlgher pressure~
before tissue damage occur~. Conversely, body tissue havlng bony promlnence therebeneath, such as the 1sch1al tuberos1t1es, 18 sub~ect to the development of ulcers at lower ~urface pressures due to higher pressures generated at the t1s~ue-bone lnterface. In order, therefore, to provlde optlmal ~upport, it 18 .
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necessary to provlde a ~upport ~y~tem ln whlch pressures generated on bony prom~nences, ~uch a~ the ischial tubero~itles is normally lower than the pre~sures on the ~urrounding area~ of the buttocks.
The present invention achieve~ the aforementioned optimal ~ltuation, and provide~ a novel ~yqtem for ~upportlng a pa~ient in a sitting po~itlon while at the ~ame time ~mproving patlent comfort and reducing the incldence of the likellhood of development of decubitu~ ulcer~. There i~ no known pr~or art that is believed to antlcipate or suggest the pre~ent invention.
SummarY of the Invention It i~ an ob~ect of the pre~ent inventlon to provide an improved patient support ~ystem for wheelchairs an`d the like.
Another ob~ect of the pre~ent invention i3 to provide an improved seating arrangement for one confined in a sitting attitude for prolonged periods of time.
Still further another ob~ect of the present ~nvention is to provide an improved cu~hion arrangement for use in a wheelchair or the like.
Yet another ob~ect of the pre~ent invention is to provlde an improved method for adding to the comfort of one confined in a ~itting attitude for prolonged periods of time while reducing the incidence of the development of decubitus ulcers.
Generally speaking, the improved patient ~upport sy~tem according to the present invention comprises a first re~ilient support means~ a second, fluid support mean~ ~uxtaposed to said f~rst support means according to a prédetermined arrangement~ mean~
operatively a~ociated with said second ~upport means for supplying fluid thereto~ and mean~ associated uith ~aid fluid supply means for controlling the supply of l~t;~
fluid to ~aid second support means accordlng to a predetermlned arrangement whereby pres~ure~ exerted on affected body portlons are varled, leading to lmproved blood perfu~ion, enhanced comfort and a lessening of the likelihood of development of decubltus ulcers at polnts of pre~sure.
More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the pre~ent lnventlon, a foam annulu~ is provided as a first or princlpal, res~lient support means, having a predetermlned ~hape to serve as a peripheral cushioning material for recelpt of the patient thereon. A second lnflatable element ~erve~ as the second support means, 19 recelved within the annulus of the principal support means and is operatively connected to a supply of fluid, preferably air. An air compre~or powered by alternating or direct current provides alr for inflation of the second support means adequate to properly support a patient in a sittlng attitude thereon, preferably to raise the patlent slightly off the principal support means. A
bleed valve ls associated with the fluld supply mean~
and may be ad~u~table accordlng to the weight of a patient re~iding on the cushion or to operate on a predetermlned timing sequence. The bleed valve thus determines the maxlmum fluid pressure within the second support means and also permits a controlled deflation of same. Additionally, control means, preferably timer control means, may be operatively a~sociated with the fluid supply means to perlodlcally inflate the second support means.
_ The fir~t and second support mean~ are intended to exert different pressures on re~pectlve affected body portionJ. When the second support mean~
is deflated, as i9 normal, surface pressure~ under the ischial tuberosities which are most vulnerable to damage are very lo~. By periodically inflatlng the ~.
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second support mean~, pres~ures under the ischial tuberositles are increased while pressure~ generated on the other areas are reduced to provide improved blood perfusion thereat. Pressures may thus be controlled at all areas to ensure good blood perfusion and thus le~sen the likelihood of ulcers. The method according to the present lnvention 18 thu~
accompli~hed by periodlc inflatlon of the normally deflated second support mean~ adequate to relieve pressure~ exerted on body portions contact~ng the first, resilient support means, thus allowing improved blood circulation in the portions residing on sald first support means. Thereafter, deflation of the second support means beyond a predetermined level ~hifts pressures to the prevlously unaffected body portions contacting the flrst support means whereby full blood circulation returns to the body portlons below the ichial tuberosities. Such periodic pressure shifting thus achieve~ overall lmproved blood circulation across the body portlon conta~ting the seat, resulting in enhanced comfort and a lessening in the likelihood of development of ulcers.
Brlef DescrlDtion of the Drawinqs A constructlon designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter descrlbed, together with other features thereof.
The invention wlll be more readily understood from a readlng of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and whereins Figure 1 18 an isometric view of a wheelchair equipped with a patient support system according to the present lnventlon.
Flgure 2 i~ a top plan view of a patient support ~ystem according to the pre~ent lnvention.
~ t~
Figure 3 i~ a vertlcal croq~-sectional view through the support system a~ illustrated in Flgure 2 taken along the line III-III.
Flgure 4 19 a schematic illustration of an embodiment of operatlve control circuitry associated wlth a patient support ~ystem according to the present invention.
De~cription of the Preferred Embodiments Making reference to the figure~, preferred embodiments of the pre~ent inventlon will now be descrlbed in detail. Figure l, for example, illustrates a typical installation of a patient support sy~tem according to the present invention. A
wheelchalr generally lndicated as 10 ~ provided, exemplary of a chair, seat or the like, with which the support system of the present ~nvention may be utilized. As can be seen ln Figure 1, chalr 10 includes a ~upport frame 12 to which conventional wheels 14 and 16 are secured for ordinary mobility of chair 10. Support frame 12 has a seat support surface 18 and a back support surface 20 secured thereto, agaln both of conventional construction though either or ~oth could be modified for permanent installation of a support system accordlng to the present invention thereon.
As also illu~trated in Figure l, located atop the seat surface 18 and thu~ forming a surface on which a person would reside in a sitting attitude i~ a first principal support means 30 that is configured for receipt within the normal wheelchair seat area.
First support means 30 1B an annular structure havlng a generally rectangular outer perlphery. An annulus 32 is defined ln an interior Dortion of same located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover.
First support means 30 may be any resilient material B that will afford comfort to a person sitting thereon, .i9t);3'~
7 .
but ~referably ~q a polymeric foam cush~on type materlal, the resllience of which affords comfort while at the same tlme having adequate den~ity or firmne~ that a person sitting thereon will not totally compre~s same. Whlle cushion 30 is illustrated as an annulus, such la not required, and cushion 30 may take any other ~hape 80 long as an open portion of same i9 located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover. A mo~t preferred embodiment, as can be seen from Figures l, 2 and 3 of fir~t support means 30 is also provided with an upper contour that iB conducive to comfort. Note, for example, in Figure 3, that upper surfaces 34 taper inwardly from an outer periphery 35 of same to annulus 32, thus deflnlng somewhat of a central depresslon on an upper surface of support means 30. Al~o, as may be seen in Figure 1, upper surface 34 of flrst support means 30 18 also preferably contoured for recelpt of a person's legs.
A second, inflatable support means generally 40 18 located wlthin annulus 32 and i~ intended to be positioned with respect to tbe patient such that the i~chial tubero~ities of the patient are located thereover. While lnflatable support means 40 may assume any desired shape and construction, a polymeric envelope 42 is preferred having a connector element 44 located in a wall of same~ Most preferably, as shown in Figure~ 1 and 3, support means 40 lncludes a depressed area 41 in an lnternal portlon of same, whereby, when lnflated, the lncreased pressures are developed only on the ischlal tuberosity areas. A
tubular conduit 46 iB secured to connector 42 in communication with an interlor chamber 43 defined by envelope 42. An opposlte end of tubular conduit 46 is operatively associated wlth a fluid supply means generally indicated a~ 50 ~ee Figure 4) for supplying 1~;9(3'3~
air under pressure to the interlor of fluid support means 40 for proper inflatlon of same.
Fluid ~upply mean~ S0 lncludes an air compresQor 52 which i~ operatively connected with tubular conduit 46 placlng same in communlcatlon with interior chamber 43 of lnflatable support means 4U.
Air compressor 52 is also electrlcally connected to a ~ource of power ~4 illustrated a~ a battery, though an alternating current power ~ource could egually be utilized ln conjunctlon with the present ~nventlon.
In a mo~t preferred embodiment, fluld supply means 50 i9 secured to a wheelchair 10 wlth the power source being rechargeable batteries which are also secured to the chair frame 12 for movement therewith. A master switch 56 for determining the ~tate of operativene~s of the overall system 18 provided between the source of power 54 and compressor 52, and in a wheelchair environment could be located on an arm of the chair ~Flgure l) or some other locatlon convenlently accesslble to a patient. ~lkew1se, electrlcally connected between power source 54 and air compressor 52 for operatlon when master ~witch 56 i~ ln the on posltlon is a timer control means 58 which may be preset according to the dictates of the system to actuate and deactuate compressor 52 according to a predetermined time sequence. A bleed valve 60 is also provided between alr compressor 52 and inflatable support means 40 for the purpose described hereinafter.
With the control means 50 as described above, when air compressor 52 is actuated, air 1~ -supplied vla tubular conduit 46 to lnterlor chamber 43 of inflatable support means 40 to properly inflate same to a degree simllar to that lllustrated in solid llne in Figure 3, to a maximum pressure as dictated by bleed valve 60. Inflatable support means 40 is intended to remaln fully inflated for a predetermlned .
~ i9(~3~
g ..
.
period of time only. For example, bleed valve 60 may be adjusted to the weight of a per~on ~itt~ng on the ~upport system of the present invention. The person's welght then overcome~ the resistance of the bleed valve 60 whereby air escapes therethrough in a controlled manner to achieve deflatlon of support means 40. Such ad~u~tment al~o control~ the maximum fluid pressure within means 40 as noted above. With timer means 58 preset according to the rate of deflation of inflatable ~upport means 40 based in part on the patient'~ weight, after a predetermined period of time, timer ~w~tch 59 will close to return power to compressor 52 whereby ~upport means 40 will be reinflated. Alternatlely, tlmer means 58 may control of-on operatlon of both bleed valve 60 and alr compres~or 52 ln a ~et time controlled ~equence.
In operatlon, lnflatable ~upport means 40 ~hould remain deflated for about 80 to 90 percent of the time during which the other portlons of the buttocks and the thlghs bear virtually all of the body weight with pre~ure~ developed on the vulnerable l whlals belng mlnimal. Durlng the remalnlng about 10 to 20 percent of the time, ~upport mean~ 40 may be lnflated to cau~e the lschlal tuberoslties to ~upport mo~t of the body welght, thu~ relleving pre~sure from the other affected body areas. Hence timer means 58 could be preset to cause compre~or 52 to maintain ~upport mean~ 40 lnflated for only one to two minutes every 10 minutes whlle openlng bloed valve 60 and deactuatlng compressor 52 durlng the remaining eight to nlne minute~ of the ten mlnute cycle. Such one to two minute perlod 1~ generally not ad q uate tlme at the higher pres~ure to create ti~sue damage, and thu~
1~ acceptable.
In the normal mode of operatlon wlth ~upport mean~ 40 deflated, flr~t aupport mean~ 30 developa , ~ .
'' : ~ ` `
. ~ . , -' ' '' ` ' .
l'~f.;9(3~3'~
pre99ure~ on the buttocks and thigh areas ranging from about 40 to 60 mm ~g, whlle the buttocks area under the lschial tuberosities receives minimal pressures, gene~rally below about 20 mm Hg. At such minimal pre~sure levels on the l~chial tuberosities, ti~sue damage is unlikely. When support means 4~ is inflated, pressures are generated on areas of the buttocks under the ischial tuberosities ~n a range of from about 100 to about 150 mm Hg. Inflatlon of support means 40 further lifts the patient slightly off the primary support means 40, permitting a reduction~of pressures generated on the remaining buttocks and thighs of about 20 mm ~g. Such reduction permits good blood perfusion ln the areas where the reduced pressures exlst, while the increased pressures generated by inflated support means 40 are not maintained for a long enough period to create ti~sue damage thereat.
Systematic inflation and deflation of lnflatable support mean~ 40 can thus effectively ~hift pressure emphasis from one body area to another 80 long as the duration of lnflation is not long enough to create tissue damage. Such procedure permits good blood perfusion ln all of the affected body areas, slgnlflcantly reducing the incldence of decubltus ulcers, and al80 greatly enhances comfort of the individual sitting on the support. A further lmportant characteristic of the support of the present invention is found in the fact that should the inflatable support means 40 fail, the lschial tuberosities will receive the generally minimal pressures noted above and should not experience tissue damage.
Preferred embodiments of the present lnvention have been described above. A number of changes, however, could be made thereto. For example, .
:
both the first and second ~upport means could be inflatable with inflatlon and deflation cycles as described above so as to vary pressures on the affected body areas of 8 perBon residing thereon.
Moreover, lf de~irable, the ~hapes of the various ~upport means may vary from that as lllu~trated in Figures 1 through 3 B0 long as the lntended result is accompllshed. Llkewise, the control sy~tem may be modlfied a~ well a~ other parts of the ~y~tem 80 long as the intended result is achleved. All-in-all, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims appended hereto.
., ' '' .
Claims (9)
1. An improved support system for a patient in a sitting attitude comprising:
a) first resilient support means for supporting body portions of the patient proximate the ischial tuberosities of the patient, said first support means forming an annulus region therein for unsupported receipt of the ischial tuberosities of the patient;
b) normally deflated inflatable second fluid support means, situated in said annulus region of said first support means and configured accordingly, for receiving and supporting upon periodic inflation thereof ischial tuberosities of the patient upon fluid being supplied to said second fluid support means adequate to relieve pressures exerted on patient body portions contacting said first resilient support means;
c) means associated with said second support means for supplying fluid thereto; and d) means associated with said fluid supply means for automatically controlling supply of fluid to and from said second support means for inflating and deflating said second support means according to a predetermined arrangement whereby pressures exerted on affected body portions of a patient residing atop said first and second support means are varied so that the supporting of the patient is alternatingly substantially performed by said normally deflated second fluid support means receiving said ischial tuberosities when said second fluid support means is periodically inflated and by said first resilient support means receiving said body portions proximate said ischial tuberosities when said second fluid support means is deflated, thereby leading to improved blood perfusion thereat;
e) timer means operatively associated with said means for automatically controlling supply of fluid for periodically admitting fluid to said second fluid support means according to a predetermined timing sequence only so that said second support means is normally deflated for minimizing surface pressures to the ischial tuberosities of the patient; and f) valve means operatively associated with said second fluid support means for regulating said predetermined arrangement of inflation and deflation dependent on the weight of a patient.
a) first resilient support means for supporting body portions of the patient proximate the ischial tuberosities of the patient, said first support means forming an annulus region therein for unsupported receipt of the ischial tuberosities of the patient;
b) normally deflated inflatable second fluid support means, situated in said annulus region of said first support means and configured accordingly, for receiving and supporting upon periodic inflation thereof ischial tuberosities of the patient upon fluid being supplied to said second fluid support means adequate to relieve pressures exerted on patient body portions contacting said first resilient support means;
c) means associated with said second support means for supplying fluid thereto; and d) means associated with said fluid supply means for automatically controlling supply of fluid to and from said second support means for inflating and deflating said second support means according to a predetermined arrangement whereby pressures exerted on affected body portions of a patient residing atop said first and second support means are varied so that the supporting of the patient is alternatingly substantially performed by said normally deflated second fluid support means receiving said ischial tuberosities when said second fluid support means is periodically inflated and by said first resilient support means receiving said body portions proximate said ischial tuberosities when said second fluid support means is deflated, thereby leading to improved blood perfusion thereat;
e) timer means operatively associated with said means for automatically controlling supply of fluid for periodically admitting fluid to said second fluid support means according to a predetermined timing sequence only so that said second support means is normally deflated for minimizing surface pressures to the ischial tuberosities of the patient; and f) valve means operatively associated with said second fluid support means for regulating said predetermined arrangement of inflation and deflation dependent on the weight of a patient.
2. An improved support system as defined in claim 1, wherein said first support means is annular in shape and has adequate density that same is not fully compressed by a patient sitting thereon.
3. An improved support system as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid supply means comprises an air compressor.
4. A support system as defined in claim 1, wherein said first support means is polymeric foam having adequate density that complete compression of same by a person sitting thereon is avoided.
5. A support system as defined in claim 4, comprising further a chair, said chair defining a sitting area thereon for receipt of said support system, and wherein said air compressor is powered by at least one rechargeable battery.
6. A support system as defined in claim 5, wherein the chair is a wheelchair.
7. A support system as defined in claim 4, wherein upper surfaces of said first and second support means are contoured for improved comfort.
8. A method for supporting a person in a sitting disposition comprising the steps of:
a) providing a primary resilient support means and an inflatable support means surrounded by said primary resilient support means and situated beneath the buttocks area of said person, said inflatable support means being located beneath the ischial tuberosities;
b) normally maintaining the inflatable support means in a deflated state whereby low pressures are generated on body areas below the ischial tuberosities while normal pressures are generated on other body areas in contact with said primary resilient support means;
c) periodically inflating said inflatable support means for a predetermined period of time to apply an upward force on said buttocks area of said person situated above said second support means sufficient to reduce pressures generated on body areas in contact with said primary resilient support means, which predetermined time of inflation is inadequate to create tissue damage under the ischial tuberosities;
d) periodically deflating said inflatable support means through action of said person sitting thereon at a rate of deflation which is dependent on the weight of said person;
e) setting a timer means to a predetermined deflation time according to said rate of deflation of said inflatable support means;
f) resuming said periodic inflation of said inflatable support means after passage of said predetermined deflation time;
and g) adjusting an adjustable check valve operatively associated with said inflatable support means corresponding to the weight of said person.
a) providing a primary resilient support means and an inflatable support means surrounded by said primary resilient support means and situated beneath the buttocks area of said person, said inflatable support means being located beneath the ischial tuberosities;
b) normally maintaining the inflatable support means in a deflated state whereby low pressures are generated on body areas below the ischial tuberosities while normal pressures are generated on other body areas in contact with said primary resilient support means;
c) periodically inflating said inflatable support means for a predetermined period of time to apply an upward force on said buttocks area of said person situated above said second support means sufficient to reduce pressures generated on body areas in contact with said primary resilient support means, which predetermined time of inflation is inadequate to create tissue damage under the ischial tuberosities;
d) periodically deflating said inflatable support means through action of said person sitting thereon at a rate of deflation which is dependent on the weight of said person;
e) setting a timer means to a predetermined deflation time according to said rate of deflation of said inflatable support means;
f) resuming said periodic inflation of said inflatable support means after passage of said predetermined deflation time;
and g) adjusting an adjustable check valve operatively associated with said inflatable support means corresponding to the weight of said person.
9. A method as defined in claim 8, including maintaining said inflatable support means in a deflated state for about 80 to about 90 percent of the time said person is sitting thereon and maintaining said inflatable support means in an inflated state for substantially the remainder of the time.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/829,312 US4796948A (en) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-02-14 | Patient support system for wheelchairs and the like |
US829,312 | 1986-02-14 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA1269034A true CA1269034A (en) | 1990-05-15 |
Family
ID=25254163
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA000526119A Expired - Lifetime CA1269034A (en) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-12-23 | Patient support system for wheelchairs and the like |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US4796948A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0234130B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2588184B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE62591T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA1269034A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3678826D1 (en) |
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-
1986
- 1986-02-14 US US06/829,312 patent/US4796948A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-23 CA CA000526119A patent/CA1269034A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-31 AT AT86310221T patent/ATE62591T1/en active
- 1986-12-31 DE DE8686310221T patent/DE3678826D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-12-31 EP EP86310221A patent/EP0234130B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1987
- 1987-02-13 JP JP62029955A patent/JP2588184B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS62192160A (en) | 1987-08-22 |
EP0234130A3 (en) | 1988-04-27 |
EP0234130B1 (en) | 1991-04-17 |
JP2588184B2 (en) | 1997-03-05 |
DE3678826D1 (en) | 1991-05-23 |
EP0234130A2 (en) | 1987-09-02 |
US4796948A (en) | 1989-01-10 |
ATE62591T1 (en) | 1991-05-15 |
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