Fluid support system for a medical patient

Abstract

Medical patients, such as those having burns or bed sores, are supported fully or in part by this fluid system, which is available in many embodiments. All embodiments are directed to reducing local bearing pressure on body tissue. Multiple flexible elements or cells of differing embodiments are filled with a pressurized fluid, usually air. These multiple flexible cells are generally supported on a fully adjustable hospital bed frame. When all the cells are inflated by internal fluid pressure, upper portions of the cells contact one another to form an overall seal which substantially prevents the escape of any fluid under equal or lower pressure, which may be thereafter introduced into the spaces between the lower portions of the cells. By using selective fluid pressurization and supply systems, automatic valving action occurs whereby the patient's body weight is beneficially distributed and supported on fluid, substantially reducing the values of supporting pressures. Adjustment of the external fluid supply to the point where it slightly exceeds that in the interior of the cells causes the flexible cells below the patient to be deflated and to collapse. This results in the patient being supported upon a deep cushion of pressurized fluid, with the minimum possible values of pressure exerted upon the patient's skin. The flexible cells located beyond the periphery of the patient will remain inflated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.