Multi-stable compliant-mechanism mattress for bed sore prevention
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJonathan Hopkins, Piyush Sheth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pressure sore prevention mattress is provided alternating pressure points on the body of an occupant that is easily transformable between two stable configurations. The four-layer mattress construction has a top foam pad, a webbing layer, a dynamic layer of deformable panels trapezoid-shaped four-bar mechanisms that deform to produce an undulating pattern of peaks, and a base. Panel geometry can determine peak height. The mattress has a spatially hollow geometry that allows natural air convection through the breathable top foam pad to enable drying of moisture as well as the use of forced air convective drying or cooling. The mattress can be transformed from one configuration to the other while the occupant is on the mattress.
Claims21
A mattress apparatus for minimizing pressure ulcers, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a foam pad with a top surface and a bottom surface;
- (b) a webbing layer mounted to the bottom surface of the foam pad;
- (c) a dynamic layer of a plurality of planar panels with a deformable strip coupled to the webbing layer, a base and two or more legs coupled to the deformable strip and base with resilient hinges;
- and
- (d) a foundation layer coupled to the base of the panels;
- (e) wherein the legs and deformable strip of the dynamic layer can move between two stable positions;
- and
- (f) wherein movement of the legs and deformable strip in relation to the base of each panel causes deformations in the deformable strip.
A mattress apparatus, comprising:
- (a) a support substrate;
- (b) a plurality of planar panels having an upper member coupled to a base member with a plurality of legs and flexible hinges, said base member mounted to said support substrate, said panels oriented parallel to each other;
- (c) a grid of straps joined to said upper member of said panels;
- and
- (d) a top layer coupled to said grid of straps;
- (e) wherein each upper member of said panels moves in relation to the base member from a first stable position to a second stable position.
A multi-stable compliant-mechanism mattress apparatus, comprising:
- a top layer comprising a foam pad with periodically positioned holes through the pad, the holes configured for air circulation through the top layer;
- a grid of straps beneath the top layer the straps configured for air circulation through the top layer;
- a plurality of horizontal compliant panels beneath the grid of straps, the grid of straps providing support for the panels, the plurality of panels forming a compliant web;
- and
- a support substrate beneath the panels;
- wherein the compliant web is configured to move between first and second stable positions in response to application of horizontal force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.