Medical positioners with top layers that move in a fluid-like manner
OwnerWilliam J. Purdy, Robert Purdyinventors
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Abstract
A positioner includes a bottom layer, an intermediate element, and a top layer. The top layer can move laterally over the bottom layer, while the intermediate element limits the extent to which the top layer can move over the bottom layer. The top layer, the bottom layer, and the ability of the top layer to move across the bottom layer may impart the positioner with characteristics that mimic a human uterus, enabling the positioner to be used to support premature infants. Methods of using the positioner are also disclosed.
Claims20
A medical positioner, comprising:
- a bottom layer including:
- a base chamber comprising a first film, a second film, and peripheral walls;
- and
- a fill material within the base chamber and imparting the bottom layer with a first deformability;
- a middle layer over the bottom layer and including:
- an intermediate chamber comprising the second film, a third film, and peripheral walls;
- and
- a fill material occupying a portion of a maximum volume of the intermediate chamber and comprising a lubricant that reduces friction between the second film and the third film;
- a top layer over the middle layer and including:
- an upper chamber comprising the third film, a fourth film, and peripheral walls;
- and
- a fill material within the upper chamber imparting the top layer with a second deformability.
A method for positioning a premature infant, comprising:
- molding a bottom layer of a positioner to define a depression sized to receive the premature infant;
- placing the premature infant on or against a top layer of the positioner, the premature infant being partially immersed in the top layer;
- and
- enabling the top layer to move laterally relative to the bottom layer as the premature infant moves on the top layer.
A medical positioner, comprising:
- a bottom layer including:
- a base chamber;
- and
- a fill material within the base chamber and imparting the bottom layer with a first deformability;
- a top layer over the bottom layer and including:
- an upper chamber;
- and
- a fill material within the upper chamber imparting the top layer with a second deformability that differs from the first deformability;
- and
- an intermediate element that secures the top layer to the bottom layer and enables the top layer to slide laterally over the bottom layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.