CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/505,538, filed on May 12, 2017, and entitled "INFLATABLE MATTRESS WITH

REVERSE STRINGER ARRANGEMENT," which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Immobility and prolonged confinement present both psychological and physically evident pathological problems to patients, ranging from malaise, depression, feelings of helplessness and loss of motivation on the one hand to decubitus ulcers, loss of local circulation and unsanitary dermatologic insult from waste products, or edema of extremities and gangrene on the other. Not only are patients affected by these conditions but so too are the caregivers and clinicians who must lift, turn, wash, change bedding and clothes, arrange for food, treat, and dispose of waste. Such operations often require that attendants have a high level of strength and skill to move and reposition the patient, regardless of the patient's size or weight.

[0003] Patient handling mattresses are known in the art which include at least two flexible material sheets, that together define a plenum chamber, with at least one sheet being perforated with small pinholes over at least a central surface area, and which open up directly to the interior of the plenum chamber. Such prior art mattresses are used by arranging the perforated sheet so that it faces an underlying fixed, generally planar support surface, such as a floor or table. When the mattress is charged with pressurized air, the escape of air under pressure through the pinholes acts initially to jack a load placed upon the mattress above the perforated flexible sheet, and thereby creates an air bearing of relatively small height between the underlying fixed, generally planar support surface and the perforated flexible sheet. Current patient handling mattresses provide support for patients, but can become stuck or partially collapsed during movement and transfer. SUMMARY

[0004] In various embodiments, an inflatable mattress is disclosed. The inflatable mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plurality of stringers. An outer edge of the bottom panel is coupled to an outer edge of the top panel to define an interior volume having a proximal end and a distal end. The plurality of stringers is positioned within the interior volume and each of the plurality of stringers includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of each of the plurality of stringers is coupled to the top panel and the second edge of each of the plurality of stringers is coupled to the bottom panel. The first edge of each of the plurality of stringers is offset proximally from the second edge with respect to a proximal end of the interior volume.

[0005] In various embodiments, an inflatable mattress is disclosed. The inflatable mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a cuff entry. An outer edge of the bottom panel is coupled to an outer edge of the top panel to define an interior volume having a proximal end and a distal end. The cuff entry is located between the top panel and the bottom panel and includes a flow control valve. The cuff entry is configured to couple an air supply hose to the interior volume and defines a coin-purse shape.

[0006] In various embodiments, a method of making an inflatable mattress is disclosed. The method includes a step of coupling a first edge of each of a plurality of stringers to a top sheet and coupling a second edge of each of the plurality of stringers to a bottom sheet. The first edge is offset proximally from the second edge with respect to a proximal end of each of the top sheet and the bottom sheet. A perimeter of the top sheet is coupled to a perimeter of the bottom sheet to define an interior volume including the plurality of stringers therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable mattress having a predetermined stringer arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the inflatable mattress of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inflatable mattress of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates the hose cuff entry of the inflatable mattress of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a coin-purse cuff entry of an inflatable mattress, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the coin-purse cuff entry of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a side-view of the coin-purse cuff entry of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the coin-purse cuff entry of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of forming an inflatable mattress having a predetermined stringer arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In this description, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top," "bottom," as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term "operatively coupled" is such an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structure equivalents but also equivalent structures.

[0018] In various embodiments, an inflatable mattress including a predetermined stringer arrangement and a hose cuff entry is disclosed. The inflatable mattress includes a top panel and a bottom panel coupled together at the edges. The top panel and the bottom panel define a mattress perimeter having a proximal (or head) end and a distal (or foot) end. A plurality of stringers are coupled between the top panel and the bottom panel. The plurality of stringers includes a predetermined stringer arrangement having a proximal-most edge coupled to the top panel and a distal-most edge coupled to the bottom panel. In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress includes hose cuff entries on a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side of the mattress perimeter.

[0019] In various embodiments, an inflatable mattress including a coin-purse cuff entry is disclosed. The inflatable mattress includes a top panel and a bottom panel coupled together at the edges. The top panel and the bottom panel define a mattress perimeter having a proximal (or head) end and a distal (or foot) end. A plurality of stringers are coupled between the top panel and the bottom panel. A cuff entry is defined at a first end of the inflatable mattress between the top panel and the bottom panel. The cuff entry includes a first sheet and a second sheet coupled along longitudinal edges to define a channel having a leaf-like or coin-purse like shaped cross- section. A flow control valve is coupled to a first end of the cuff entry. The first sheet includes a first hole positioned adjacent to the first end and a second hole positioned adjacent to the second end. The second hole has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first hole.

[0020] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an inflatable mattress 2 having a predetermined stringer arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. The inflatable mattress 2 includes a top sheet 4 and a bottom sheet 6 each defining a peripheral edge 8a, 8b. The peripheral edge 8a of the top sheet 4 is coupled to the peripheral edge 8b of the bottom sheet 6 to define a perimeter 8 of the inflatable mattress 2. The top sheet 4 and the bottom sheet 6 can be coupled directly (as in the illustrated embodiment) and/or can include a perimeter band (not shown) therebetween. In some embodiments, the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 are substantially the same sized and include substantially similar peripheral profiles such that the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 are substantially parallel when the peripheral edge 8a of the top panel 4 is coupled to the peripheral edge 8b of the bottom panel, although it will be appreciated that the top sheet 4 and/or the bottom sheet 6 can define different peripheral profiles and/or sizes. The perimeter 8 defines a mattress perimeter having a proximal end 10 and a distal end 12. The proximal end 10 can correspond to a head, or upper, end and the distal end 12 can correspond to a foot, or lower, end. In some embodiments, a perimeter band (not shown) is coupled between the top sheet 4 and the bottom sheet 6. Additional embodiments of inflatable mattress are disclosed in U.S. Patents 7,266,852, issued September 11, 2007, entitled "Inflatable Transfer Mattress," 7,406,723, issued August 5, 2008, entitled "Inflatable Mattress and Method for Positioning a Patient," and

8,387,177, issued March 5, 2013, entitled "Partially Deflatable Transfer Mattress and Method for Transporting a Patient in Comfort," and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2008/0104762, published May 8, 2008, entitled "Transfer Mattress with Device Portal," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of stringers 14 are located between the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6. The plurality of stringers 14 extend partially between longitudinal edges 8a, 8b of the mattress perimeter 8. The plurality of stringers 14 can include a plurality of lengths and/or widths. Each of the plurality of stringers 14 is configured to provide air flow control and/or add structural stability to the inflatable mattress 2 in an inflated and/or deflated state. Each of the plurality of stringers 14 is coupled to the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 in a predetermined arrangement. In some embodiments, a first edge 16 of each of the plurality of stringers is coupled to the top panel 4 and a second edge 18 of each of the plurality of stringers 14 is coupled to a bottom panel 6. The first edge 16 may be positioned proximal to the second edge 16.

[0022] Each of the stringers 14 includes a first edge 16 and second edge 18. The stringers 14 have a longitudinal axis 20 extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 8a, 8b of the perimeter 8. The first edge 16 of each of the stringers 14 is coupled to a top panel 4 of the inflatable mattress 2 and a second edge 18 of each of the stringers 14 is coupled to a bottom panel 6 of the inflatable mattress 2. The first edge 16 and/or the second edge 18 can be coupled to the respective top panel 4 and/or bottom panel 6 by any suitable means, such as, for example, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism. The lateral edges 20a, 20b of each of the stringers 14 are not coupled to the panels 4, 6 of the inflatable mattress 2.

[0023] In operation, the uncoupled lateral edges 20a, 20b allow each of the plurality of stringers 14 to transition from a flat arrangement (as shown in FIG. 2) when the inflatable mattress 2 is in a deflated state to a standing arrangement (as shown in FIG. 3) when the inflatable mattress 2 is inflated. When air is pumped into the inflatable mattress 2, for example, through one or more cuff entries 22, the top panel 4 separates from the bottom panel 6, drawing the first edge 16 of each of the stringers 14 away from the bottom panel 6. When the inflatable mattress 2 is fully inflated, the stringers 14 are substantially perpendicular to the plane of each of the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of stringers 14 can be offset from a vertical axis extending between the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 such that the stringers 14 are partially and/or substantially upright but not perpendicular with respect to the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6. For example, in some embodiments, the first edge 16 can be coupled to a top panel 4 at a proximal offset with respect to the position of the second edge 18 (which is coupled to the bottom panel 6). The proximal offset of the first edge 16 with respect to the second edge 18 causes the stringer 14 to extend from a lower, distal position coupled to the bottom panel 18 to an upper, proximal position coupled to the top panel 16 when the inflatable mattress 2 is inflated. In some embodiments, the width of the stringers 14 and the offset distance between the first edge 16 and the second edge 18 defines a maximum thickness of the inflatable mattress 2 when fully inflated. [0024] Attaching the proximal edge 16 of the stringers 14 to the top panel 4 and the distal edge 18 to the bottom panel 6 provides several advantages over arrangements having the opposite connection scheme. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the disclosed stringer arrangement causes a head portion 3 of the inflatable mattress 2 to be positioned above a plane of the bottom panel 6. The head portion 3 curves up (with respect to a support surface 100) from a body portion 5 of the inflatable mattress 2 such that a space 102 is defined between the head portion 3 and a surface 100 supporting the bottom panel 6. The space 102 between a support surface 100 and the head portion 3 allows easier transportation, transfer, and movement of the inflatable mattress 2 with and/or without a patient positioned thereon. For example, in some embodiments, the space 102 provides clearance for a head portion during transfer of the patient with respect to one or more elements coupled to a bed, gurney, and/or other support surface. In some embodiments, the space 102 provides clearance for sliding or lifting the inflatable mattress 2 over surfaces and prevents the head portion 3 from buckling or becoming stuck during movement or transfer of a patient using the inflatable mattress 2.

[0025] In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress 2 includes one or more cuff entries 22 configured to receive an air hose therein. The cuff entries 22 can be located at any suitable portion of the inflatable mattress 2, such as, for example, at a distal end 12 of the inflatable mattress 2. In some embodiments, the cuff entries 22 include flow control valves configured to selectively allow air flow in a first direction (such as into an interior cavity of the inflatable mattress 2) while preventing air flow in a second direction (such as out of the interior cavity of the inflatable mattress 2). In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress 2 includes a first cuff entry 22 on a first lateral side 20a and a second cuff entry 22 on a second lateral side 20b. In some embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 4-7, the cuff entry 22 includes a coin-purse shaped (or leaf-shaped) channel.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a cuff entry 22 of the inflatable mattress in accordance with some embodiments. The cuff entry 22 includes a hose entry sleeve 24 defining a hose entry hole 26 sized and configured to receive an air hose (not shown) therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the hose entry hole 26 is defined in a center of the hose entry sleeve 24, although it will be appreciated that the hose entry hole 26 can be offset with respect to the center of the hose entry sleeve 24 in some embodiments. The hose entry sleeve 24 is configured to collapse at along a midline 70 (see FIG. 8) when the inflatable mattress 2 is in a deflated state. A portion of the hose entry sleeve 24 includes a low friction (or guide) material 28, 30 configured to provide a low friction surface for contact between an air hose and the hose entry sleeve 24. In some embodiments, the glide materials 28, 30 are positioned to provide a low friction surface to a portion of the air hose inserted through the hose entry hole 26. The low friction material 28, 30 can be coupled to and/or formed integrally with the hose entry sleeve 24.

[0027] In some embodiments, the entry cuff 22 includes one or more valve elements 32 configured to limit air flow through the hose entry sleeve 24 to a single direction. The valve elements may comprise flow control valve inserts configured to seal the edges of the hose entry sleeve 24 and prevent air flow out of the inflatable mattress 2 during inflation. The valve inserts can include any suitable material, such as foam, cloth, plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the entry cuff 22 includes a coupling element 34 sized and configured to couple the entry cuff 22 to an air hose. The coupling element 34 maintains the air hose in a fixed position during inflation of the inflatable mattress 2. In various embodiments, the coupling element 34 can include a female snap element, a hook and loop element, a male snap element, and/or other connector element configured to engage with (or couple to) a second, complimentary coupling element formed integrally with and/or coupled to an air hose.

[0028] In some embodiments, an air flow manifold 36 is coupled to the entry cuff 22. The air flow manifold 36 includes one or more holes 38 configured to distribute and/or direct air flow from the hose entry sleeve 24 into the inflatable mattress 2. For example, in some embodiments, a second transverse edge 48b, a first longitudinal edge 46a, and a second longitudinal edge 46b are each coupled to one of a top panel 4 or a bottom panel 6 (as illustrated). The first transverse edge 48a is coupled to the hose entry sleeve 24 such that air flow from the hose entry sleeve 24 flows between the air flow manifold 36 and the bottom panel 6. The air flow from the hose entry sleeve 24 exits the air flow manifold 36 through the one or more holes 38 defined in the air flow manifold 36. The size of the holes 38 can be selected to provide a predetermined air flow rate from the cavity defined by the air flow manifold 36 and the bottom panel 6 (e.g., larger holes providing a higher flow rate and smaller holes providing a lower flow rate). In the illustrated embodiment, the air flow manifold 36 is a two port manifold including two holes 38, although it will be appreciated that the air flow manifold 36 can include a greater and/or lesser number of holes 38.

[0029] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a coin-purse entry cuff 22a, in accordance with some embodiments. The coin-purse entry cuff 22a is similar to the coin-purse entry cuff 22 discussed above, and similar description is not repeated herein. The coin-purse entry cuff 22a includes an elongate sleeve 40 having a first sheet 42 and a second sheet 44 coupled on first and second longitudinal edges 46a, 46b. The transverse edges 48a, 48b of a first end 52a define at least one opening 50 therebetween. In some embodiments, the first and second sheets 42, 44 define a coin-purse (or leaf) shape. The opening 50 has a substantially similar coin-purse shape as the elongate sleeve 40. In some embodiments, the second end 52b defines a closed end. For example, the second end 52b may be sealed by coupling second transverse edges together, by coupling the second transverse edges to a plug or other material configured to seal the second end, and/or using any suitable sealing mechanism. In some embodiments, one of the first sheet 42 and/or the second sheet 44 can be replaced with one of a top sheet 4 and/or a bottom sheet 6, respectively, of the inflatable mattress 2. The first and/or the second sheet 42, 44 can include any suitable material, such as foam, cloth, plastic, etc.

[0030] In some embodiments, a flow control valve 54 is coupled to and/or positioned within the opening 50. The flow control valve 54 includes a manifold 56 configured to be coupled to the transverse edges 48a, 48b and defining an opening 58 therethrough. The manifold 56 can be coupled to the first sheet 42 and/or the second sheet 44 by any suitable means, such as, for example, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism. The opening 58 is sized and configured to receive a valve stem 60 therethrough. An example of a flow valve is described in greater detail in International Patent Appl. Serial No. PCT/US 18/25309, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first sheet 42 defines a first opening 38a and a second opening 38b. The first opening 38a is positioned adjacent to and/or near the first end 52a. The first opening 38a extends through the first sheet 42 from an outer surface 66 to an inner coin- purse shaped volume 68 defined between the first sheet 42 and the second sheet 44. The first opening 38a has a first diameter. The second opening 38b is positioned adjacent to and/or near the second end 52b. The second hole 38b extends through the first sheet 42 from the outer surface 66 to the inner coin-purse shaped volume 68. The second opening 38b has a second diameter. In various embodiments, the second diameter can be greater than, lesser than, or equal to the first diameter.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of making an inflatable mattress 2 having a predetermined stringer arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. At step 202, a first edge 16 of each of a plurality of stringers 14 are coupled to a top (or first) panel 4 in a first position. The plurality of stringers 14 can be coupled to the top panel 4 using any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism.

[0033] At step 204, a bottom (or second) panel 6 is aligned with the top panel 4 in a predetermined position. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom panel 6 has a substantially similar size and peripheral shape with respect to the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 is positioned substantially parallel with the top panel 4. In other embodiments, the bottom panel 6 can have a different size and/or peripheral shape and/or can be positioned in a non-parallel position with respect to the top panel 4.

[0034] At step 206, a second edge 18 of each of the plurality of strings 14 is coupled to the bottom panel 6 in a second position. The plurality of stringers 14 can be coupled to the bottom panel 6 using any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism. The second edge 18 is positioned distal of the first edge 16 with respect to a proximal end 10 of each of the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 (i.e., the second position is distal of the first position with respect to a fixed point located between the proximal ends 10 of the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6).

[0035] At step 208, the perimeter 8a of the top panel 4 is coupled to the perimeter 8b of the bottom panel 6 to generate an internal volume between the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6. The internal volume is configured to receive an air flow therein to inflate the inflatable mattress from a first position to a second position. The top panel 4 can be coupled to the bottom panel 6 using any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6 are coupled to respective edges of a perimeter band (not shown) positioned between the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6.

[0036] At step 210, a cuff entry 22 is coupled to the top panel 4 and/or the bottom panel 6. The cuff entry 22 is configured to couple an air hose (not shown) to the inflatable mattress 2 to allow air flow from the air hose to the internal volume defined between the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 6. The cuff entry 22 can be coupled to the top panel 4 and/or the bottom panel 6 using any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism.

[0037] Although the steps of the method 200 are illustrated in a first order, it will be appreciated that the steps 202-210 can be performed in any order, multiple steps can be combined into a single step, individual steps can be expanded into multiple steps, additional steps can be included, and/or one or more steps can be omitted.

[0038] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary

embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.