Modular inflatable/air fluidized bed
AssigneeSuport Systems, International
InventorsSohrab Soltani, James J. Romano, Timothy Perez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a modular inflatable/air fluidized patient bed suitable for in-home use. The bed includes a double walled, molded plastic base formed from two pedestals and a connecting midsection. A blower compartment containing the electrical and mechanical components needed to operate the bed is formed in one of the pedestals. The bed optionally includes a plurality of block-shaped spacers that can be positioned under the pedestals to increase the height of the bed. A series of pilot operated check valves are provided in the air lines leading to the inflatable components. If air flow is interrupted, the check valves close to maintain the air in the inflatable components and prevent them from deflating.
Claims18
A bed for supporting a patient comprising:
- an inflatable support layer comprising a plurality of inflatable cells to support at least a first portion of a patient's body;
- a fluidizable medium contained within a suitable containment system for supporting a second portion of the patient's body;
- a frame assembly supporting said inflatable support layer and said fluidizable medium;
- and
- a unitary, plastic base for supporting said frame assembly, said base comprising first and second box shaped pedestals, a midsection connecting said pedestals, and a blower compartment formed in one of said pedestals, said blower compartment containing a blower for inflating said support layer and for fluidizing said fluidizable medium.
A bed for supporting a patient comprising:
- a plurality of inflatable cells grouped into a plurality of zones positioned on a support surface;
- a blower and manifold for supplying air to inflate the cells;
- tubing which connects the manifold with the plurality of zones;
- a plurality of pressure control valves, one of said valves being positioned in said tubing for controlling the pressure in each zone;
- and
- a plurality of pilot operated check valves, one of said check valves being positioned in said tubing downstream each pressure control valve which automatically closes when air pressure is interrupted, thus maintaining the air within the inflatable cells.
A bed for supporting a patient comprising:
- an inflatable support layer comprising a plurality of inflatable cells to support at least a first portion of a patient's body;
- a frame assembly supporting said inflatable support layer;
- and
- a base for supporting said frame assembly, said base being formed from double walled, molded plastic with an air space between said walls, said base including a blower compartment containing a blower for inflating said inflatable cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.