US2932831A - Mattress - Google Patents

Description

April 19, 1960 KEATHLEY, 5 ETAL 2,932,831

MATTRESS 2 SheetsSheet 2 Filed Nov. 13, 1958 INVENTOE. MAURICE E KEATHLE) SR. 7 g oss/Pr o. MAA/sPEAkE/P Unite MATTRESS Maurice F. Keathley, Sr., and Robert 0. Manspeaker, Memphis, Tenn.

This invention relates to mattresses and, more particularly, to mattresses for use on hospital beds and the like.

Heretofore, various hospital bed constructions and matresses therefor have been contemplated in which toilet means is provided for use of the patient, but none or" these have been completely successful or practical for one reason or another. Among the disadvantages and reasons for their lack of success and their impracticality is included one or more of the following: necessity of the patients having to be moved to some extent in preparing the toilet or bedpan for use; the discomfort of the patient during the use of the device; complicated and costly structures requiring, in addition to the special mattress, a special bed construction; inconvenience to the nurse or attendant assisting the patient; and non-adaptability to conventional hospital beds, particularly the type in which the head portion and foot portion may be raised.

The present invention is directed towards overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages so as to provide a mattress that is completely comfortable to the patient and one that is practical and inexpensive to manufacture.

Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a mattress having provisions for a bedpan, which mattress is comfortable to the patient, both when in a condition for bedpan use and in a condition of nonuse thereof.

A further object is to provide such a mattress which requires no modification of the bed with which used but which may be simply placed on the springs thereof and which is particularly adapted for use with conventional hospital beds having head and foot portions that may be raised.

A further object is to provide in such a mattress a disposable bedpan whereby being convenient for and saving the time of the nurses and attendants.

A further object is to provide such a mattress construction that is completely comfortable for the patient so that the patient does not dread the use of the bedpan, whereby providing for better health and more regularity of the patients toilet habits.

A further object is to provide, in such a mattress, means whereby the bedpan may be prepared for use and removed without any movementor disturbance of the patient.

A further object is to provide a transversely extending cavity in the mattress, a mattress plug movable endwise in said cavity and a supporting means including provisions for a disposable bedpan holder, which supporting means is connectable in end-to-end relationship to said mattress plug and movable therewith between a position of bedpan use and a position of non-use.

A further object is to provide such a supporting means and plug which are quickly and easily rollable between said positions of use and non-use so that it is convenient and easy for the nurse or attendant to move the plug and supporting means without any disturbance of the patient.

A further object is to provide such a supporting means and plug which has upper surfaces thereof that are level States PatentO F Patented Apr. 19, 1950 with the upper surfaces of the remainder of the mattress and which upper surfaces of the plug and supporting means remain in a horizontal position during movement whereby a continuous support is provided for the patient during the movement of the plug and supporting means.

A further object is generally to improve the design and construction of mattresses for hospital beds and the like.

The means by which the foregoing and other objects of the present invention are accomplished and the manner of their accomplishment will be readily understood from the following specification upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the mattress of the present invention shown employed with a hospital bed and showing the plug and supporting means in a first position in which the disposable bedpan is positioned for use.

Fig. 2 is a plan view on a reduced scale of the same but showing the plug and the supporting means in a second position and with the disposable bedpan having been removed.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the device after the supporting means has been detached therefrom.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of the mattress of the present invention after the supporting means has been detached therefrom and showing the outline of a patient lying thereon.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the supporting means of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view the present invention.

Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and ll scale.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken as on the line VIL-VII of Fig. 2 and showing the disposable bedpan in position in the holder.

Fig. 8 is an elevational View of the disposable bedpan shown in a flat or collapsed disposition for shipping and storing.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the disposable bedpan in an extended position ready for use.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the device shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an end elevational view of the device shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 12 is a bottom View on the scale of Figs. 2 and 3 of the mattress of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in which the various parts are indicated by numerals, the mattress 11 of the present invention is shown in the drawings in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 7 as being employed with a hospital bed 13. Since bed 13 forms no part of the present invention and its construction is well known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description is not deemed necessary, other than to say that it includes the usual end stands 15, 17, the usual supporting side rails 19, and end rails 21. Hospital bed 13 is preferably, though not necessarily, of the type having head and foot portions which are adapted to be raised. Thus, bed 13 preferably comprises the usual ar ticulated structure including a framework and springs, not shown, mounted from the framework, which articulated structure is supported on rails 19, 21 and includes a head structure 23 pivotally mounted along one edge as at 25 for upward and downward swing in the usual manner and the usual foot structures 27, 29 which are pivotally joined along the adjacent edges thereof as at 31. In addition, foot structure 27 is pivotally mounted as at 32 from its edge opposite from juncture 31 so that the foot structures 27, 29 may be raised in the usual manner, i.e., so that the edges joined at 31 are raised above rails 19 of the mattress plug of are on a further enlarged i es;

with structures 27, 29 angling downwardly'from the juncture to raise the knees of the patient. The usual hand cranks 33 are provided for raising foot structures 27, 29 and' head structure 23. Although in the drawings mattress, 11 isillustrated with one particular type of bed 13, it will be understood that it may be used with any other type of beds without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

in fact, an important advantage of the present invention.

Head section 37 comprises a head mattress portion 41 fixedly mounted on a substantially rectangular rigid-head.

frame 43 that extends under the mattress along the edges thereof, as best seen in Fig. 12.

Intermediate section 35 comprises a substantially rectangular rigid intermediate frame 45 and a pair of spaced A parallel tracks 47, which are preferably in the form of angle members, extending transversely across frame 45.

Tracks 47 are preferably rigidly mounted on top of the transverse members 49 of frame 45..v

Foot section 39 comprises a foot mattress portion 51 fixedly mounted on a substantially rectangular foot frame 53 that extends under the mattress portion adjacent the edges thereof. Y

The three frames 43, 45, and 53 are pivotally joined together in the disposition best shown in Fig. 12 wherein it will be seen foot frame 53 is pivotally joined to one of the transverse members 49 as by hinges 55 and head frame 43 is pivotally joined to the other of transverse members 49 as by hinges 57. Also, foot frame53 is divided into two portions 59, 61 which are pivotally joined as by hinges 63 respectively provided in the side members of the foot frame. 7

From the foregoing description, it will .be understood that mattress 11 is arranged so that when the mattress is placed on bed 13 head section 37 will rest on head structure 23 and foot section 39 will rest on foot structures 27, 29 so that .when head structure 23 and foot structures 27, 29 are raised by means of hand cranks 33 the head section 37 and foot section 39 will be lifted thereby. Also, it will be understood that when mattress 11 is positioned on bed 13, hinges 57 will be disposed adjacent the juncture 25, hinges 55 will be disposed adjacent juncturefiit, and hinges 63 will be disposed adjacent juncture 31 I The adjacent ends of head mattress portion 41 and foot mattress portion 51 are paced apart to establish a cavity 65 extending. transversely of mattress 11 from side to sidethereo f. A movable mattress plug 67 is disposed in cavity 65 and substantially fills the cavity as best seen in Figs. 3 and 4. When mattress 11 is in a flat position as seen in Fig. 4, the upper surface 69 of plug 67 is substantially level with the upper surface '71 of head section 37 and theupper surface 73 of foot section 39 so as to presenta substantially continuous upper mattress surface 7 which is comfortable to the patient. Plug 67 .is provided with rollers 75 which extend slightly below the lower;

face of the mattress plug and rollingly engage tracks 4-7 so that the plug may be easily moved endwise.

At one end of plug 67 is provided a handle strap 77 for moving the plug and at the opposite end of theplug is provided attaching means which preferably includes a pair of brackets 79 respectively fixedly mounted adjacent the lower corners of the plug and each provided with an aperture 81,

A supporting'means or framework 83 is adapted tobe.

ing means 83 to plug 67 preferably includes a pair of hooks 85 mounted on the end of supporting means 83 respectively adjacent the-bottom corners thereof and in position to respectively engage brackets 79 in the manner best shown in Fig. 7. Each of hooks 85 is preferably integrally formed and each preferably includes an upstanding portion 87 fixedly mounted adjacent its lower end from supporting means 83 and upstanding therefrom, and includes an end portion 89 outwardly offset from upstanding portion 87 and joined thereto by an arcuate portion 91 as best seen in Fig. 7. To engage hooks 85 with brackets 79, supporting means 83 is tilted with the outer end thereof, i.e., the end remote from hooks 85, positioned above the inner end, and the end portions 89 are inserted through apertures 81 and thence the outer end of the supporting means brought downwardly until the supporting means is in alignment with plug- 67, as best seen in Fig. 7. V Referring now in more detail to the construction of supporting means 83, it includes a holder 93 for a disposable bedpan 95 tobc described later. Holder 93 preferably is constructed from angle members to form the box-like framework structure best seen in Fig. 5 which includes opposite parallel lower side members 97 andopposite parallel lower end members 99 rigidly interconnected adjacent the opposite ends thereof and having four corner members 101 respectively rigidly ,attached to members. 97, 99 adjacent the junctures thereof andupstanding therefrom. The upper part of holder 93includes upper side members 103 and upper end members 105 interconnected adjacent the opposite ends thereof and respectively connected adjacent the junctures thereof to the upper ends of corner members 101 to form the box-like holder 93. Additionally, a pair of diagonalbraces 107 extend in a crossed disposition from adjacent the lower ends of opposite corner members 191 to provide support for'the lower part of the disposable bedpan 95, as will be more apparent in the description to. follow. 7

Supporting means 33 additionally includes a plate 139 which is fixedly attached adjacent the upper end of holder 93 as by pieces 11]. with the plate extending outremovably attached to plug 67 in endidendjrelationship therewith. The means for removably attaching supportwardly from holder 93 and being supported adjacent its outer end by a pair of posts 113. The inner end of the plate 109 adjacent holder 93 is spaced from the holder to pr ovidea slot 115,:the purpose of which will be more apparent in the description to follow. The lower ends of post 113 are respectively supported by a pair of angle members 117 which are respectively attached adjacent the ends vthereof'to the posts and extend inwardly in parallel relationship towards holder 93 and are fixedly attached to the holder. A depending lip 119 extends between the outer ends of angle members 117 to providea means for pulling outwardly on supporting means 83. Rollers 121 are provided on supporting means 83 adjacent the lower part thereof and extend slightly therebelow on the opposite side edges of the supporting means to engage tracks 47 in a manner similar'to the engagement of rollers '75 with. the tracks.

Disposable bedpan 'is preferably formed of a suitable material, such as cardboard, paper, plastic, or the like, which isbendable and which is inexpensive, Whereby'being suitable for being thrown away after use.

interconnected adjacent. the edges thereof: Topll25 extends in opposite directions outwandly beyond the upper edges of sides 129 and thence is doubled back under itself where it is integrally connected to the upper edges of the sides. The above-mentioned doubled portions of top 125 form oppositely extending flanges 133, which are bendable downwardly respectively as along lines 134. A second pair of flanges 135 are respectively integrally formed adjacent the upper edges of ends 131 and respectively extend outwardly in opposite directions therefrom.

In said flattened or collapsed condition, top 125 is folded along a line 137, which is parallel to and midway between the side edges of the top so that the two halves are folded upon each other in the manner shown in Fig. 8. Also, in this flattened condition, ends 131 are respectively folded along lines 139 so that the two halves of the ends are brought together. In addition, flanges 135 are folded along lines 141 to bring the two halves of the flanges together. Furthermore, the folded portions of top 125 that form flanges 133 are straightened out so that they are flat with respect to top 125 and sides 129. The lines shown at 143 represent the lines of intersection of ends 131 and sides 129. Line 145 corresponds to the outer edge of flange 133, and line 147 represents the intersection of sides 123 and flanges 133.

Normally, in storage and in shipping, disposable bedpans 95 are in the above-described collapsed condition. To use the disposable bedpan 95, it will be understood that substantially the reverse of the above-described folding operation is accomplished to unfold or open the bedpan from the condition shown in Fig. 8 to the unfolded or opened condition shown in Figs. 1, 7, 9, 10, and 11.

It will be understood that, in the normal use of mattress 11 for a bed, plug 67 is disposed in the position best shown in Figs. 3 and 4 wherein the plug substantially fills cavity 65. When the patient desires to use the bedpan of the present invention, supporting means 83 is attached to plug 67 in the manner as heretofore described. Then a disposable bedpan 95 is unfolded in the manner heretofore described andplaced on holder 93 with flanges 133 respectively resting on members 105 and flanges 135 respectively resting on members 163. Then one of flanges 133 is tucked down between mattress plug 67 and holder 93 in the manner best shown in Fig. 7 and the other side flange is tucked down into slot 115 so that the disposable bedpan is held in position. Next, with the mattress 11 in a flat position and with the patient reclining thereon, as shown at A in Fig. 4, the nurse or attendant grasps handle strap 77 and pulls plug 67 outwardly, which carries with it supponting means 83, which movement is continued until the plug and supporting means reach the position shown in Pig. 1, wherein it will be seen the outer end of the supporting means is adjacent the edge of the bed and disposable bedpan 95 is positioned substantially in the middle of the mattress 11. It will be understood that the endwise movement of plug 67 and supporting means 83, as above described, may be easily and quickly done by the nurse or attendant since the plug and supporting means roll on track 47. Also, the patient is not disturbed in the least and his weight does not prevent move ment of the plug and supporting means since his hips, as indicated at B, are resting on head section 37 which carries most of his weight. Also, it will be understood that the patient is not disturbed since all of the upper surfaces are level, i.e., upper surface 69 of plug 67, the upper surface of plate 109, the upper surface of holder 93, the upper surface 71 of head section 37, and the upper surface 73 of foot section 39. In addition, it will be understood that there is a smoothtransition of the parts since the upper surface 6 of plug 67, the upper surface of holder 93, and the upper surface of plate 109 move substantially horizontally and the holder and the plate simply take the place of the position previously occupied by a portion of the plug. Also, it will be understood that support is maintained at all times I for the patients legs during this transition in the event that his legs are resting on the plug and. the supporting frame.

After the plug 67 and supporting means 83 are positioned as above described, the head section 37 is raised as shown in Fig. 1, whereupon the patient will be positioned directly over aperture 127. After the disposable bedpan has been used by the patient, substantially the reverse of the above-described operation is carried out and the bedpan is then disposed of.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed.

We claim:

1. In a hospital bed of the type having a head structure and a foot structure respectively adapted to be raised; an articulated mattress adapted for supporting a patient, said mattress comprising an intermediate section including a transverse track, a head section pivotally attached adjacent an end thereof to said intermediate section adjacent one edge of the intermediate section, an articulated foot section pivotally attached adjacent an end thereof to said intermediate section ad- 'jacent an opposite edge of the intermediate section from said one edge thereof, said articulated mattress resting on said bed and arranged with said head section of said mattress fitting over said'head structure of the bed and said foot section of said mattress fitting over said foot structure of the bed whereby when said head structure and said foot structure are raised said head section and said foot section are respectively carried therewith, said head section and said foot section re spectively including upper surfaces, said attached ends of said head section and said foot section being spaced apart and said upper surfaces being at a level higher than said intermediate section whereby to establish a cavity between said attached ends, a mattress plug including rollers depending therefrom engaging said track for rollingly carrying the plug along the track, said mattress plug substantially filling said cavity when in a first position, said mattress plug including an upper surface substantially level with the upper surfaces of said foot and head sections when the mattress is in an unraised position whereby to establish a continuous upper surface for the mattress, said plug including attaching means adjacent one end thereof, bed pan supporting means including means on one end thereof for cooperating with said attaching means to removably attach said supporting means to said plug in end-to-end relationship therewith whereby said supporting means is attachable for use and detachable when not in use, said supporting means including a holder adjacent the end thereof that is attached to said plug and including a plate extending outwardly from said holder in the opposite direction from said plug, said plate being spaced from said holder to provide a slot, a bedpan having a first pair of oppositely projecting flanges adjacent the upper part thereof, said bedpan being removably resting in said holder, one of said first pair of flanges being received in said siot and the other of said first pair of flanges being held between said holder and said plug thereby preventing accidental removal of said bedpan, said bedpan including a top having an opening therein, said top being substantially level with said plate and with the upper surface of said plug, said plug being rollable endwise in said cavity from said first position carrying therewith said supporting means into said cavity to a second position in which said bedpan is disposed in position for use by the patient, said supporting means including rollers positioned for engagement with said track when the supporting means is carried into the cavity by the plug; during movement of said plug and supporting means from said first position" to said sewed position said upper surface of said plug, said top and said plate remaining substantially horizontal and level withthe upper surfaces of said head section and said foot section whereby the transition issmooth during movement of said plug and supporting means and thus the patient is undisturbed and continuous support is provided. I

2. In a hospital bed fora patient, a mattress comprismg an intermediate section including a transverse track, a head section attached adjacent an end thereof to said intermediate section adjacent one edge of the intermediate section,-a foot section attached adjacent an end thereof to said intermediate section adjacent-an opposite edge of the intermediate section from said one edgethereof, said mattress resting on said bed, said head section and said foot section respectively including upper. surfaces, said attached ends of said head-section and said foot section being-spaced-apartand said upper surfaces being at a level higher than said'intermediate section whereby to establish a cavity between said attached ends, a mattress plug including rollers depending therefrom engaging said track for rollingly carrying the plug along the track, I

said mattress plug substantially filling said-cavity when in a first position, said mattress plug including an upper surface substantially level with'the upper surfaces of said foot and head sections whereby to establish a continuous upper surface for the mattress, said plug including attaching means adjacent one end thereof, bed pan supporting means including means on one end thereof for cooperatingwith said attaching means to removably attach said Supporting means to said plug in end-t-end relationship'therewith' whereby said supporting means-is attachable for use and detachable'when not in use, said supporting means including a holder adjacent the end thereof that isattached to said plug and including a plate extending outwardly from said holder in the opposite direction fromsaid plug, said plate being spaced from said holder to provide "a slot, a bedpan having a first pair of oppositely projecting flanges. adjacent theupper part thereof, said bedpan being removablyflresting in said in said slot and the other of said first pair of flanges 'beholder, one of said first pair of flangesbeing received i track forrollingly carrying the plug along the track, said 7 niattress'plugsubstantially'filling said cavitywhen in a ship therewith whereby said supportingmeans is attach able for use: and detachable when'not in use, said supporting means including a holderya bedpan removably resting in said holder, said bedpan including a top having'an opening therein, said top being substantially level with the upper surface of said plug, said plug being rollable endwise in said cavity from said first position carrying therewith said supporting means into said cavity to a second position in which said bedpan is disposed in position for use by the patient, said supporting means including rollers positioned for engagement w th sa1d track when the supporting means is carried lnto the cavity by the plug; during movement of said plug and supporting means from said first position to said second position said upper surface of said plug and said top remaining substantially horizontal and level with the upper surfaces of said head section and said foot section whereby the transitionis smooth during movement of said plug and supporting means and thus the patient is undisturbed and continuous support is provided.

4, In a hospital bed for a patient, a mattress comprising an intermediate section, a head section attached adjacent an end thereof to said intermediate section adjacent one edge of the intermediate section, a foot section attached adjacent an end thereof tolsaid intermedi-I ate section adjacent an opposite edgeof the intermediate ing heldbet'ween; said holder and said' plug whereby preventing accidental removal of said bedpan, said bedpan including a top having an opening therein, said top being substantially level with 's'aid 'plate and with the upper surface of saidplug, said plug being rollable endwise in said cavity from said first position carrying therewith'said supporting means into said cavity to a second positionin which said bedpan is disposed in position for use by the patient, said supporting means including rollers positioned for engagement with. said track when the supporting means is carried into the cavity by the plug; during movement of said plug'and supporting means from said first position to said second position said upper surface of said plug, said top and said plate remaining substantially horizontal and level with the upper surfaces of said head section and said foot'section'whereby the transition is smooth during movement of said plug' and supporting 'means' and thus the patient is undisturbed and continuoussupport is'provided, r a

3. In a hospital bed for a patient, a mattress comprising an. intermediate section including a transverse track, a head section attached adjacent anend thereof to said intermediate section adjacent one edge of the intermediate section, a foot section attached adjacent an end thereof to said intermediate section adjacent an opposite edge of the intermediate section from said one edge thereof, said mattress restington's'aid bed,said head section and said foot section respectively-including upper surfaces, said attached ends of said head section and said foot section being spacedapart and said upper surfaces being at a level higher than said intermediate section whereby to establish acavity between said attached ends, a mattress plug including rollers depending therefrom engaging said section from said-one edge thereof, said mattress resting on said bed, saidhead-section and said foot'section respectively including uppersurfaces, said attached ends of said head section and said foot section being spaced 1 apart and said upper surfaces being at a level higher than said intermediate section whereby to establish a cavity between said attached ends, a mattress plug movably carried in said cavity, said mattress plug substantially filling said cavity when in a first position, said mattress plug including an upper surface substantially level with the upper surfaces of said foot and head sections whereby to establish a continuous upper surface for the mat-. 'tress, said plug including attaching means adjacent one endthereof, bedpan supporting means including means on one end thereof for co-operating with said attaching means to removably attach said supporting means to said plug in.,end-to-end relationship therewith whereby said supporting means is attachable for use and detachable when not ;in use, saidsupporting means including a holder, a bedpan removably resting in said holder, said bedpan including a top having an opening therein, said top beingsubstantially level with the upper surface of 'said plug, said plug beingmovable endwise in said cavity from said first position carrying therewith said support- ,ing means into said cavityto a second position in which said bedpan is disposed inposition for use by the patient;

during movement of said plug and supporting means from said first position to said second position said upper surface. of said plug and said top remaining substantially horizontal and level with the upper surfaces of said head section and said foot section whereby the transition is smooth during movement of said plug and supporting means and thus the patient is undisturbed and continuous support is provided. j

5. The structure according to claim 1 in which said bedpan includes a pair of sides integrally interconnected adjacent the lower edges thereof and extending upwardly v in diverging relationship, said top extending in opposite directions beyond the upper edges of said sides and doubled back under itself with the edges thereof being respectively integrally attached to the upper edges of said sides to establish said pair of flanges, a pair of triangular-shaped spaced ends integrally connected adjacent their edges with the edges of said sides to provide a wedge-shaped container, a second pair of flanges respectively integrally attached adjacent the upper edges of said ends and extending'outwardly in opposite directions for resting on said holder to aid in support of said container, said bedpan being formed of a bendable material whereby being adapted to be folded flat for shipping and storing and adapted to be disposed of after use.

6. The structure according to claim 2 in which said bedpan includes a pair of sides integrally interconnected adjacent the lower edges thereof and extending upwardly in diverging relationship, said top extending in opposite directions beyond the upper edges of said sides and doubled back under itself with the edges thereof being respectively integrally attached to the upper edges of said sides to establish said pair of flanges, a pair of triangular-shaped spaced ends integrally connected adjacent their edges with the edges of said sides to provide a wedge-shaped container, a second pair of flanges respectively integrally attached adjacent the upper edges of said ends and extending outwardly in opposite directions for resting on said holder to aid in support of said container, said bedpan being formed of a bendable material whereby being adapted to be folded flat for shipping and storing and adapted to be disposed of after use.

7. A mattress for hospital beds and the like comprising an articulated frame including a foot frame, an intermediate frame hingedly connected to said foot frame, and a head frame hingedly connected to said intermediate frame; a foot mattress portion mounted on said foot frame and a head mattress portion mounted on said head frame; said foot mattress portion and said head mattress portion respectively having an upper surface; adjacent ends of said foot mattress portion and said head mattress portion being spaced apart to establish a cavity extending transversely of said mattress, a mattress plug disposed in said cavity, said mattress plug substantially filling said cavity and having an upper surface substantially level with the upper surfaces of said foot and head mattress portions when said articulated frame is in a flat condition whereby to establish a substantially continuous upper surface for the mattress; said plug including attaching means adjacent one end thereof; bedpan supporting means including means on one end thereof for co-operating with said attaching means to removably attach said supporting means to said plug in end-to-end relationship therewith whereby said supporting means is attachable for use and detachable when not being used; said supporting means including a holder adjacent the end of said supporting means that is removably attached to said plug and including a plate extending outwardly from said holder in the opposite direction from said plug; a disposable bedpan removably carried by said holder; said plate being substantially level with the upper surface of said plug; said plug with said supporting means attached thereto being slidable endwise in said cavity from a normal position in which said plug substantially fills said cavity to a second position in which said bedpan is disposed intermediate the opposite ends of said cavity; during sliding of said plug and said supporting means to said second position the upper surface of said plug and said plate remaining substantially horizontal and the path of movement of said plate being substantially adjacent the upper corners of the adjacent ends of said foot and head mattress portions whereby a patient resting on said mattress is undisturbed during sliding of said plug and said '10 supporting means, and whereby said plate is adapted to give support to the patient during the sliding of the plug and the supporting means.

8. The structure according to claim 7 in which said bedpan includes a pair of sides integrally interconnected adjacent the lower edges thereof and extending upwardly in diverging relationship, a top having an aperture therein, said top extending in opposite directions beyond the upper edges of said sides and doubled back under itself with the edges thereof being respectively integrally attached to the upper edges of said sides to establish a pair of flanges adapted to rest on said holder, a pair of triangular-shaped spaced ends integrally connected adjacent their edges with the edges of said sides to provide a wedge-shaped container, a second pair of flanges respectively integrally attached adjacent the upper edges of said ends and extending outwardly in opposite directions for resting on said holder to aid in support of said container, said bedpan being formed of a bendable material whereby being adapted to be folded flat for shipping and storing and adapted to be disposed of after use.

9. A mattress for hospital beds and the like comprising a frame; a foot mattress portion and a head mattress portion respectively mounted on said frame; said foot mattress portion and said head mattress portion respectively having an upper surface; adjacent ends of said foot mattress portion and said head mattress portion being spaced apart to establish a cavity extending transversely of said mattress, a mattress plug disposed in said cavity, said mattress plug substantially filling said cavity and having an upper surface substantially level with the upper surfaces of said foot andhead mattress portion whereby to establish a substantially continuous upper surface for the mattress; said plug including attaching means adjacent one end thereof; a bed pan supporting means including means on one end thereof for co-operating with said attaching means to removably attach said supporting means to said plug in end-to-end relationship there with whereby said supporting means is attachable for use and detachable when not being used; said supporting means including a holder adjacent the end of the supporting means that is removably attached to said plug and including a plate extending outwardly from said holder in the opposite direction from said plug; a disposable bedpan removably carried by said holder; said plate being substantially level with the upper surface of said plug; said plug with said supporting means attached thereto being slidable endwise in said cavity from a normal position in which said plug substantially fills said cavity to a second position in whichsaid bedpan is disposed intermediate the opposite ends of said cavity; during sliding of said plug and said supporting means to said second position the upper surface of said plug and said plate remaining substantially horizontal and the path of movement of said plate being substantially adjacent the upper corners of the adjacent ends of said foot and head mattress portions whereby a patient resting on said mattress is undisturbed during sliding of said plug and said supporting means, and whereby said plate is adapted to give support to the patient during the sliding of the plug and the supporting means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 57,340 Latta Aug. 21, 1866 522, 92 Dougherty July 3, 1894 629,434 Farmer July 25, 1899 2,053,586 Tohrner Sept. 8, 1936 2,192,335 Stevens Mar. 5, 1940 2,318,240 Mas May 4, 1943

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