MXPA96002228A - Carrier structure with movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a supporting structure elongated in a first direction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of individual, elongated, inflatable pads, substantially uniform in cross section, along their entire length, to lie transversely to the first direction, each pad defining an air chamber, each of the pads has an attachment on each of its ends, the attachment of one end serves as an air intake and the attachment of the other end serves as an air outlet; means for supplying air to the inlet fitting of one of the pads; means external to the pads for interconnecting the air chambers of the pads in a sinuous sequence in series from the outlet of the first pad to the entrance of the next pad, so as to transporting air from the feeding medium from one pad to the others of the plurality of padding in sequence, to all pad chambers to cause sequential inflation of the pad chambers, to produce a movement of the wave-like structure, as the pad chambers are inflated sequentially; interconnection connects the plurality of pads into at least two separate pads groups, the pillows of each separate group being inflated sequentially, and means for separately and selectively inflating each of the pads.

Description

MOVING SUPPORT STRUCTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a support of inflatable pads or chambers, on which a body can rest and, more particularly, to a support that includes a plurality of interconnected, separate, selectively inflatable pads or chambers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are several types of supports on which a body can rest. One type of support includes a plurality of inflatable pads or chambers - these are disposed adjacent to each other, so that the weight of the body to be supported can be supported L ^ B rav? S of the surface defined by the pads or cameras.

Said provision has advantages in room environments for patients or hospital environments, where the weight of a patient lying on the support is distributed through the various pads. The pads adapt to the contour of the body, supporting the body in more points than a conventional mattress. This means that each point of contact will support less weight, in such a way, there will be less pressure on the patient in each of these points. This has the advantage that it reduces the "bed implants" or ulcers on the skin. Pneumatic supporting mattresses, of this general type, are known in the art. 5 U.S. Patent No. 3, > • + < £ > £ > , 203 of Murray discloses an air-supported mattress consisting of a plurality of inflatable chambers interconnected in such a manner that the chambers are inflated in the form of a serpentine, in a single direction. The Murray mattress does not include a means to | ^ inflate only selected cameras. In addition, the individual chambers can not be replaced in the mattress described in the Murray reference, since they share the walls with the adjacent chambers. That is, Murray does not describe a mattress that is made up of separate pads, ».15 replaceable. Many mattresses with air support, available, such as the Murray mattress, are limited in terms of '* S nature of the support environment, since they are static, that is, once the cameras or pads are inflated, remain inflated at the same pressure and at the same height. A pulsating type of mattress support is available in which the mattress pads are alternating yes and no. The German patent &76760 illustrates another mattress of air support that has interconnected chambers. However, the cameras also seem to suffer from the disadvantage that they are not separable or replaceable. There is also no indication that said mattress is portable. Furthermore, the degree to which cameras can be selectively inflated is unclear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a supporting air mattress in which "T" portions thereof can be removed and replaced, especially without having to deflate the remaining portions of the mattress. of the invention to interconnect inflatable pads to form a supporting mattress, such that the pads are inflated in a serpentine-like manner.Another objective of the invention is to provide a selective inflation of portions of an air mattress. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a support air mattress, which can be used in a normal hospital bed, It is also an object of the invention to provide a pneumatic support system to be used not only in the hospital environment, but also can also be used by a consumer in a chair or a bed, to reduce the pressure on the consumer's body when is sitting or lying down It is also another object of the invention to provide an air support or a cushion that produces a mass effect on the user. It is another object of the invention to provide a supporting air mattress that is extremely portable and easy to store when not in use. Another additional objective of the invention is to provide a support air mattress, which is installed quickly and easily.

This is provided with a novel supporting device which has a simplified structure and which is quite versatile in the supporting surface that is produced. The supporting structure includes several chambers or pads which are coupled together in a sequential or series relationship, such that the air fed to the support for inflating the chambers or pads enters at an end and travels along the camera or pad to enter the next chamber or pad and inflate it. That is, the supply of The air follows a serpentine path. In this way a simplified air supply device is obtained for the entire supporting structure. In a preferred embodiment, the individual pads are coupled together in an alternating sequence form, such that the pads having even numbers are connected to each other, and that the pads having odd numbers are connected to each other. Preferably, the support includes three separate sections of the pads thus connected, i.e., the head, the central portion and the feet of the support. The individual pads are connected in such a way as to provide an air flow in a sinuous path. Each pad is preferably removably mounted on a semi-rigid supporting member having recessed longitudinal tubes, each supporting member being hingedly connected to the adjacent supporting members. The mounting means comprises a valve-like connector that allows air to flow through the pad. When the pad is removed, however, the air flow is re-directed through the tubes embedded in the support member. The system is also capable of producing a movement similar to waves, throughout the structure. That is, the chambers or pads are inflated sequentially under the direction of a microcontroller, along the length jg of the support and the body lying on the support can feel the inflation process in the form of waves. The volume and time of entry of the air supply and the exit for the support can be adjusted to control the frequency and intensity of the waves. The movement in the form of waves can be obtained along selected parts of the complete mattress and the separated parts can have the wave working in different directions. A static bearing surface can also be obtained by adjusting the air inlet flow and the outlet. In addition, a novel pads attachment system is provided which allows a pad to be placed in a lower position, so that it is out of contact with the body while it is still in the air flow sequence. The invention can be incorporated into a cushion that is wrapped around a portion of the body to subject it to wave-shaped movement, to aid in the circulation of venous blood. The cushion may be formed of two separate or superimposed sheets of material, sealed in various areas to form the chambers, the interconnection between the chambers being formed by restricted passages in the sealed areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above aspects and other aspects of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view showing a cushion wave type holder, according to the present invention. Figure 1A is a view of a part of the cushion of Figure 2, showing an alternating relief valve device. ^^ P Figure IB is a section of the cushion, showing a device for adjusting the size of the air passage. Figures 2A-2D are sectional views of a portion of the cushion of Figure 1, showing inflation and deflation of the cushion. Figure 3 is a representation of the on-off control of the air supply. Figure 4 shows the inflation cushion wound around a part of the body. Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show the inflation and deflation of a cushion or other support, by means of pores. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pad used as part of the support. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part of a mattress made of a plurality of pads of the type shown in Figure 6. fgf Figure 7A is a perspective view showing the attachment of a pad to the platform support. The figure & It is a schematic representation of the air supply, with inflation-deflation means for the mattress. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a mattress and the supply of air to produce cardio-steering waves during inflation. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the apparatus using the inflatable-deflatable pads, to produce a movement of the rocking type; and Figure 11 is a representation of several mattresses connected to an air supply. Figure 12 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the support air mattress of the present invention. Figure 13 is a sectional view in elevation of the connecting valve assembly when connected to a pad male portion, installed thereon. * Figure 14 is a sectional view in elevation of the connection valve assembly. Figure 15 is a sectional plan view of the connectivity of the connecting valve assembly. Figure 16 illustrates the preferred airflow paths of the present invention. Figure 17 is a sectional plan view of the rotary valve assembly and the raire flow paths of the present invention. * > Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view in elevation of the hinged connections between the connection valve assemblies. Figure 19 shows the preferred supporting air mattress, in a partially installed condition. Figure 20 is a schematic representation of the preferred support air mattress when it is rolled up for storage or transport.

Fig. 21 illustrates the flexibility of the preferred supporting air mattress structure, Fig. 22 illustrates a patient on the preferred supporting air mattress in a fully horizontal position, Fig. 23 shows a foam insert for the Pads of another preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 24 illustrates a pad of the present invention with the foam inserted Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of a removable protective cover for the pads of the present invention. invention, and Figure 26 shows a sectional view of the end of a pad with the protective cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION # Referring to Figure 1, the principles of the present invention are illustrated first in a support cushion 10 having a plurality of inflatable chambers 12, shown here as a numeral of five and marked 12-1 to 12-5. The cushion is formed of sheets of suitable material, for example, GORE-TEX or ULTREX, which are bonded together in an appropriate manner, by means of a suitable adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. The thickness and strength of the sheets of material are selected according to the needs, and the cushion can be made of any dimension, either to wrap around a limb of the body, such as an arm or a leg, or to lie on a flat surface, so that a person can rest a portion of his body, such as the back, or the entire body, on top of the cushion. Each of the chambers 12 is separated from the next chamber by a closed area 14 to the air passage, it is I mean, an area in which two sheets of material forming the cushion are sealed together, thereby preventing the air from passing through them. The lower sheet of the cushion is flat and the upper sheet is configured to form the inflatable, enlarged chambers 12. Two flat sheets of materials are used and sealed in areas 14, so that the two sheets form the chamber. The cushion 10 has a peripheral edge area 11, which is also sealed against the passage of air. The seal of the various areas is achieved by means of an adhesive, by thermal seal or by any other technique adequate conventional, depending on the type of material used. In each closed area 14, between two chambers 12, a passage 16 is formed to link the two chambers and allow air to flow from one chamber to the next. The size of passage 16 is selected so as to restrict the flow of air, so that the movement of inflation of the cameras, similar to a wave, can be obtained, as discussed below. In general, each passage 16 is restricted by comparison with the size of a camera. The cushion 10 also has a restricted outlet opening 16 that opens to the atmosphere, formed in the sealed peripheral area 11, from the last chamber, here the 12-5.

It can be a simple opening or passage or, if desired, an adjustable control valve can be used. Figure i shows a delivery device for _ air 20 of suitable capacity, such as a conventional air compressor or an air blower, which is operated by any suitable means, such as an electric motor driven from the normal power source, of any suitable voltage. The delivery device 20 has an air outlet 22 connected to a control valve 24 which is described in more detail below. The control valve 24 has an outlet 26, for example, a flexible outlet tube, made of plastic or other suitable material, which is connected to an intake pad 26 in the peripheral edge area 11 leading to the first chamber 12- 1. The attachment 26 and a corresponding attachment at the end of the outlet tube 26 are preferably of the quick disconnect type. If desired, instead of using the attachment 26 a passage may be integral as part of the cushion. Referring now to FIG. 1, together with FIG. 2, the inflation of the cushion in operation is shown, as regards the production of a peristaltic wave, that is, the gradual sequential inflation of the chambers 12-1.

Figure 2A shows the cushion with all the chambers 12 deflated. The air supply 20 is actuated and the supply valve 24 is in the open state. The air flows inward through the passage 26 to first inflate the first chamber 12-1. There is an internal resistance in the cushion, in the sense that the camera 12-1 has an exit passage # restricted 16. The size of the exit passage 16 is such that the air will not pass into the next succeeding chamber 12-2 until the chamber 12-1 is substantially inflated completely. This is shown in Figure 2B. Dadc that the restricted output 16 of each camera is at the end of the camera away from its admission, the entire length of the camera will be inflated more or less at the same time, on a relatively equal basis. There are * t some partial simultaneous inflation of the rest of the cameras, but due to the restricted exits 16, there is a 'noticeable difference in the inflation of the first chamber which is inflating principally with respect to the next.

As shown in Figure 2B, a partial inflation of the next successive chamber 12-2 begins during the time when the chamber 12-1 is reaching its filling capacity. Once the camera 12-1 is full to capacity at its capacity, there is a maximum flow of air through the passage 16, from camera 12-1 to camera 12-2. Consequently, the chamber 12-2 is fully inflated, as shown in Figure 2C. As the camera 12-2 approaches its ^ inf the totn.l, begins to inflate the camera 12-3 (not shown). The inflation sequences of the cameras continues until there is a total inflation of the last chamber 12-5. This is shown in Figures 2C and 2D. The process of sequential inflation of the chambers continues until all of the five chambers shown in the cushion of FIG. 1 are fully inflated. Should It should be understood that if more than five cameras are used, the sequential inflation of all the cameras would be carried out as described. Figure i shows by arrows the trajectory of the air stream from one chamber to the next. As can be seen, air travels substantially the entire length of a chamber 12, before leaving that chamber passage 16 to the next succeeding chamber. As shown, the path of the air flow is essentially sinuous, at all f the length of the cushion. By using the sequential inflation of each of the chambers 12 in the cushion, a wave or wave of inflation of the peristaltic type is produced. That is, there is a wave-shaped movement that inflates the cameras, starting from 12-1 to 12-5. As explained previously, as many cameras as necessary or convenient can be used. Air escapes through outlet port 16.

Depending on the volumetric outflow of air from the air supply 20 to the cushion 10, the chambers may be inflated. That is, if the volume of the output flow air supply 20 were approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the air that is escaping through the exit passage 16, the cushion chambers would remain inflated. To repeat the peristaltic wave effect, the chambers must be deflated at least partially. If the supply of air is terminated, then the cushion will "deflate, letting air escape through the outlet 16. The substantially total deflation of all the chambers is obtained by stopping the supply of air for a sufficiently long time. it can be achieved by operating the air supply to close it, so that air is no longer supplied to the cushion, that is, the air supply can be made to work in cycles by means of a suitable time controller or simple controller. According to the invention, an inflation-deflation cycle is achieved by the control valve 24. The control valve is of the sequencing type, which has a rotary gate, driven by a motor 23, which alternately opens and closes the supply of air to passage 26. At the moment when the valve closes the supply passage, it lets the inlet air escape from the source 20 through a vent V. The preferred embodiment for the valve 24 uses valves of the solepoid type, such as the _odel 51C9N4 sold by VELCOR, with a time controller ^ aju table to control the sequence of the solenoids. In either approach, either by disconnecting the air supply or by controlling the valve 24, no more air is supplied to the cushion through the inlet passage 26. Consequently, the chambers will be deflated by letting air out through the outlet passage 16. Exhaust of air through passage 16 will be accelerated if pressure is applied to the chambers, for example, by the weight applied to the chambers by the person ^^ lying on top of the cushion or because the cushion is wrapped around an extremity. The velocity of the peristaltic wave (the number of cycles of inf-desinf lamiepto per minute), its velocity (how fast inflation occurs during a cycle) and its intensity (the height deviation of the cushion, from fully inflated to fully deflated) can be regulated by available controllable parameters. These include adjusting the ß ression or volume of the inlet air, produced by the air supply means 20. The greater the volume or pressure of the air flow, the faster the cameras will be inflated and a wave or wave will be produced. The control can also be affected by the resistance, that is, the size of the communication passages 16 between the cameras. The lower the resistance, the faster the next camera will inflate. This can also be controlled by the size of the exit passage 16 or of the exhaust holes, as described below with respect to Figure 5. Figure 3 shows diagrammatically the on-off cycle of the air supply to the cushion. The figure shows the air that is being supplied to the cushion during the ON portion and no air that is being supplied during the OFF portion. Control of time of occurrence and duration of ON and OFF cycles (or CONNECTION and DISCONNECT) can be selected by adjusting the "_ control valve. Adjusting the ON-OFF cycle ^^ of the control valve or the ON-OFF cycle of the air supply, the peristaltic wave rate can be controlled, ie, how many times per minute or per hour will be produced the wave-like effect. In addition, by controlling the volume of air that is being supplied by means of the air supply and the portion of OFF the cycle, you can control the deflation of the cushion, so that you can select the intensity of the Wi. wave. The intensity is basically defined as the difference in height of the chamber between the maximum expansion (inflation) and the maximum contraction (deflation) of each of the chambers. The control of the intensity of the wave will make the wave more or less severe for the person who lies on the cushion, or around whose extremity is rolled. If the deflation portion (DISCONNECTION of the air supply) becomes that part of the cycle shorter, then the chambers 12 will not deflate so much. As a result, in the next CONNECTION cycle, when air is being supplied to the cushion, < Hpel air will inflate the cameras and will reach the maximum inflation in a shorter time than if it had been deflated totally between the camera, since air remained in the previous CONNECTION cycle. In addition, the wave or wave will not be as intense, that is, the height of the cushion will not increase as much when it starts from partial deflation to full inflation, that it proceeds from total deflation to full inflation.

. ^ Consequently, by adjusting the volume of the air inlet and ^^ time control of the air supply to the cushion, the frequency and intensity of the wave can be selected. The intensity of the wave can also be controlled by controlling the volume of air from the supply. That is, if the flow from the supply 20 is reduced, during the same extension of time for the part of the cycle in which it is inflated with air (CONNECTION), then the cameras will not inflate so much. The volume of air flow can be controlled either directly in the supply 20 by means of a suitable controller that reduces or increases (adjusts) the speed of the blower motor and / or opens and controls the proper vents in the air supply. There may also be a purge line from the outlet 26 of the control valve 24, through another adjustable valve 25 to the vent V. The speed of the wave is controlled by the volume of the air flow and the size of the passages between the cameras. The inflation of the sequential cameras is 16 less time if the air supply volume and the size of the passages 16 are increased. Figure IA shows an alternative embodiment for the departure section of the cushion 10. Here, the air outlet valve 46 has been connected to the passage of outlet 16. Valve 46 is electrically operated between an open position and a closed position. This is achieved by means of a series of contacts, in a controller or time controller, preferably adjustable, which responds to the rotation of the output arrow of the motor 23 or the control 24 of the solenoid valve. Alternatively, an electronically regulated time controller can be used. The valve 46 has a controllable outlet 49, so that the air escape rate can be controlled when the valve is opened. If desired, one can also have a purge vent 47 controllable, so that the exhaust air flow rate can be controlled to continuously exhaust the air, such as passage g 16. Figure IB shows a device to control in an adjustable manner the air flow that is allowed by the passage 16 between the adjacent chambers 12. Here, the lower sheet 10-a of the cushion 10 is flat and uninterrupted. On the lower sheet 10-1, in the area 11, where the upper sheet 10-2 is fastened to the lower sheet to produce the adjacent chambers, a piece 9-1 of VELCRO is fastened. A complementary piece 2-2 of VELCRO is in area 11 of the inner surface of upper sheet 10-2. 9-1 and 9-2 of VELCRO are fastened together on a selected portion of their extension. That is, the larger the area of junction between the two VELCRO pieces the more the air flow passage 16 will be restricted. In this way, the size of the air flow passages 16 can be adjusted between any two cameras 12. Different inflation rates can be achieved for the cameras 12, making the sizes of the passages 16 different. air flow, between the chambers (not shown) may be used in place of the airflow passages 16. The valves may be adjustable, if necessary, to provide a greater amount of inflation to the last inflated chambers, than to the first. The cushion 10 of figure 1 can be laid on a flat surface and a person can rest on it, by e < For example, the cushion can be placed on your back or on the shoulder portion. The orientation of the cushion can be selected according to the user's desire, that is, the peristaltic wave can proceed in the ascending or descending direction relative to the patient's body. For example, if the upper part of the cushion with the camera 12-1 is located adjacent to the patient's sacrum, then the peristaltic wave will proceed from the sacrum to the thoracic vertebrae. From the point of view of the peripheral circulation of venous blood this may be convenient, since the venous blood is being pumped to the heart. There are some situations in the medical environment in which it is intended to avoid the thrombosis of a patient, 5 after surgery. A typical way to achieve this is to enclose the patient's arm or leg in an elastic stocking that puts pressure on the extremity on which the stocking is placed. Another approach is that used in the Jobst thrombosis device, where an inflatable cushion is wrapped around the arm or leg of a patient. In that device a single chamber is inflated, applying a constant pressure around part of the limb. The camera can be inflated or deflated. In some physiotherapy applications, it is convenient or beneficial to apply a massage movement to a part of the body. Figure 4 shows the cushion of the present invention used for said therapeutic purpose. The cushion 10 of FIG. 1 is shown wound around the leg L of a patient. The cushion 10 has a piece of VELCRO VI or other similar fastening material, inside the cushion and a complementary piece of VELCRO V2 on the outside of the opposite side of the cushion. The complementary VELCRO on the outside of the cushion is made of a substantially wide strip to give a degree of fairness to wrap the cushion around an area selected from a limb. Consequently, the cushion can be wrapped around the leg (or arm) and held as tightly as desired. Instead of fasteners of the VELCRO type, bands or tapes can be used. The cushion 4 can be wrapped around any part of the body, either a leg or an arm. The direction of the wave can be selected by placing the camera 12-1, so that the wave can be advanced to or from the heart, as desired. The cushion can also be rolled with the chambers longitudinally with respect to the extremity, so that there is a massage movement •? ~? * circumferential. As seen in Figure 4, the cushion is wrapped around the leg so that the first chamber 12-1 is in a lower position of the leg than the last chamber 12-5. Consequently, when cameras 12-1 to 12-5 are inflated sequentially, the peristaltic waves move from the lower part of the leg upwards towards the heart. Consequently, the peripheral venous blood flow is pumped upward toward the heart. Figure 5 shows an alternative way of obtaining deflation of the bearing cushion chambers. Here, instead of using an exit passage 16 or a control valve 46 at the outlet of the cushion, escape is achieved by means of pores (holes) 60, formed in one of the walls of some or all of the chambers. It is preferred that the pores are located on the side of the cushion supported by the user, or against the part of the body around which the cushion is wound. This gives a ventilation action against the body. That is, air circulation is provided for the skin. If the air is escaping through the pores with adequate initial force, then it can provide, briefly, a small localized pressure on the skin, in addition to ventilation. This additional massage, located in the pores, is called icromass e. Here, when the first chamber 12-1 is inflated, there is a continuous escape of some air through its holes 60, but sufficient pressure remains to keep the first chamber inflated to allow air to pass through passage 16 from the camera 12-1 to 12-2 to inflate the second chamber 12-2. The second chamber 12-2 is inflated and there is sufficient pressure to maintain the first and second chambers 12-1 and 12-2 inflated, and to inflate the third and subsequent chambers, even when there is air escape through the pores 60 on a wall of each chamber. Inflation continues for all cameras. The cushion of figure 5 can be deflated with the inflating-deflation cycle control that was described with respect to figure 3. That is, when there is no more air entering the cushion, there will be deflation of the chambers, since that the air exits the cushion through the pores 60 in the chambers. The pores of each chamber are selected in number and dimension to prevent the cameras from deflating more than up to a selected allowable limit. This is another control factor that can be used with an air volume input and the duration of the CONNECT and DISCONNECT parts of the P, 'cycle of ipf landing / deflation. To help deflate if the pores are not suitable, the outlet passage 16 of Figure 1 or the control valve 46 of Figure IA can be used. If desired, not all cameras need pores 60 exhaust. That is, one or more of the cameras can be selected to remain inflated or more inflated, with with respect to the rest of the body and / or is not subjected to the wave that moves. In addition, the size and number of pores can vary from one camera to another. If a peristaltic wave is desired in the deflation cycle, there may be larger holes or more holes in the sequence of adjacent chambers, so that the air escapes unevenly, as it would if the holes (pores) in all chambers were equal. Figure 6 shows a device for producing a traveling peristaltic wave, using several inflatable, individual chambers or pads. Although the construction of a pad 30 is different from a camera 12, the theory of operation of a support formed from a plurality of said pads is the same as that described for the pad 10. The pad 30 of FIG. 5 shows having a generally elliptical shape when fully inflated. 'Other shapes may be used, for example, cylindrical, rectangular, triangular, et. The narrow, curved upper part of the pad 30 is to be used to support the body. Each pad 30 has a wall 32 at each end which has a seal 34 attached thereto in a leak-proof manner. An air supply tube 36 is secured to the seal 34 of the pad by appropriate sealing, which may be a combination of heat seal and seam. An attachment of JP ^ quick disconnect 37 is at one end of each tube 36. One tube 36 has a female attachment 37F and the other, a male attachment 37M. The tubes 36 attached to each of the two pads are connected to each other by the quick disconnect attachment. In an alternative embodiment the attachments are in the seal 34, at each end of the pad, and a tube having an attachment at each end is used to connect two pads to each other. As also seen in Figure 6, one or more VELCRO strips 36 are attached to the bottom of the pad 30, at a portion of its height. The purpose of the strips 36 is described below. Figure 7 shows several of the pads 30, which are mounted on a flat supporting platform 40, to form a mattress to occupy the size of a bed. The platform 40 can be made in sections 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, which are collapsible using hinges 41 of any suitable type. The hinges can be removable. For example, there may be VELCRO strips used to connect two platform sections together. The supporting platform 40 and its sections may be of any suitable material and may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. In some cases, the platform sections 40 may have to adapt to a surface that is not completely flat. Preferably the supporting platform H is made of a flexible material, such as LEXAN. You can also use flexible or semi-rigid sheets of plastic, rubber, fiberglass or other suitable material. The supporting platform can be made from a combination of materials. The preferred form of the platform, either as a single piece or in sections, is sufficiently rigid to support the fully inflated pads and the person lying on them, but sufficiently flexible to UP con fi rm to the positions of a mechanical bed. In a preferred embodiment, the support is made of several materials that form a sandwich, which includes a semi-rigid plastic, such as LEXAN and foam. In Figure 7, each platform section 40 has a plurality of VELCRO strips 43 positioned longitudinally relative to the platform 40, of a type complementary to the strips 36 of the pads. Accordingly, a pad 30 can be placed in one of the platform sections 40 and held in a relatively stationary position by the fastening devices of the cooperating VELCRO strips 36 and 43. A preferred embodiment shown in the figure 5A is to have VELCRO strips 44 forming a circuit through the slots 45 in the platform 40, the strips being left through two slots and the strips 44 holding the pad by means of their strips 36. The pads 30 may have another. VELCRO strip 39 near its euperior part, which runs along a substantial part of its length. There is a strip 39 on each side of its pad, of the opposite type of VELCRO material, so that two adjacent pads can be joined together by means of the strips 39. The strips 39 can be in sections and can also be of greater vertical extension. The use of this arrangement has the additional advantage that, for example, if a patient has an open ulcer or any skin area Mt open, with which you do not want the mattress to remain in contact, then the pad directly below the bed or sensitive area can be removed from the adjacent pads, separating the VELCRO 39 strips and then pushing down on the pad, between two adjacent pads in the desired area, and reattaching the VELCRO when the pad should not remain in touch with him patient is pushed down. The new position of the pad that does not contact the patient will be less than the original position, and will be far away from the sensitive area. This result can also be achieved by pushing the pad very close to the base 40 and reattaching the strip 44 to the pad at its new lower position. Another way to accomplish this is by extending the length of the strips 36a above the platform strips 44, as shown in Figure 7A. As seen in Figure 7, there is an air supply tube 36 connected to the seal 34 at each end of the pad. Each tube has a quick disconnect attachment 37 at its end. A tube 36 serves as one entrance and the other as an exit. These correspond to the passages 16 of the cushion 10, a passage on each side of a chamber. Figure 7 shows the flow of air out from the individual pads 30, through the pores 60 that were described with respect to Figure 5. This has the advantage of providing an air flow (micromas e) to the patient 'which It lies on the mattress. It should also be understood that a single outlet air passage comparable to passage 16 or valve 46 of cushion 10 of Figure 1 or Figure 1A may also be used, or that there may be a separate air relief valve, such as the valve 46 of Figure IA, at the end of the air supply path of a group of pads, for example, 6 to 6. When the pads are used in groups, the air supply may be in parallel for several of the groups, so that 26 A double or triple wave or wave effect can be obtained for individual body parts. That is, each group of pads will produce their own peristaltic wave. The direction of the wave and the rates of inflation-deflation of each group can be controlled if a parallel series of air supply devices and control valves are used 24. When the patient lies on the mattress, the inflation wave that is displacement can do it in the direction Io ^ desired, depending on the connection of the air supply device and the orientation of the patient. That is, it can be from the shoulders and head to the feet or vice versa, as desired. One of the advantages of the pad device on the platform, which is shown in Figures 7 and 7A, is that a pad which, in some way, has been defective or which has been defective, can be easily removed from the platform.

W has to be cleaned; simply by disconnecting the air supply tubes in the attachments 37 and removing the pad from the platform 40. Consequently, it is not necessary to have to assemble or disassemble a complete bed to change, repair or clean a single pad or several pads. Another advantage of the support mattress device 5 made of cushions, of FIGS. 7 and 7A, is that it is relatively portable. That is, instead of having to have an inflatable pad as an integral part of a complete bed with an integrated air supply system, the supporting platform 40 is made of hinged sections or a flexible material. The desired number of pads is provided and these can be deflated to obtain a minimum storage volume. When it is desired to assemble a mattress on a bed, it is only necessary to place the platform sections on an existing bed frame or drum, attach the pads to the platform sections by means of the complementary VELCRO strips 36, 44 and connect the tubes of air supply exhaust 36, to pad attachments 37, in the desired sequence. Figure 6 shows the inflation of the pads 30 in a peristaltic wave traveling unidirectionally. As can be seen, the pads are connected sequentially between 30-1, 30-2 ... 30n-1, 30n; where "n" means any number of pads that is ?'necessary. The supply tube 36 at one end of the pad serves as an inlet and the tube at the other end, as an outlet. As in the case of cameras 12, there is a sinuous airflow pattern from one pad to the other. As explained with respect to the cushion 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the pads is inflated sequentially, so as to obtain the peristaltic inflation wave that travels, from the pad 30-1 to 30-n.

The number of pads 30 that is used in a mattress? Can be selected as desired. It should be understood that the more pads are used within a bed of given length, the lower the weight supported by each pad; which means that there will be less pressure on the patient from each pad, through the surface area of the pad. In addition, the greater the number of pads, the more gradual and soft the effect of the wave will be. In addition, the invention allows a large number of pads to be connected. The greater the number of pads, the lower the pressure for the patient through the pad surface area. The less pressure on the patient's body, the greater the prevention or healing of bed sores, since the circulation of the body with a low-pressure mattress is not occluded. Figure 9 shows an arrangement for producing a ~ wj double peristaltic wave. Here, the flow rate of the outlet of the valve 24 is supplied to two air circuits. Each The circuit is divided into two sections, starting the sequential inflation in the upper and lower pads; proceeding the inflation towards the upper 2/3 of the mattress. Illustratively, 23 pads are shown connected to form the mattress. The two air circuits are divided into two sections, each of which is provided as follows: Circuit I: Pads 1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15 '-? Pads 23-21-19-17 Circuit II: Pads 2-4-6-6-10-12-14 Pads 22-20-16-16. The arrows indicate the direction of inflation. To deflate, each pad 30 may have holes or pores in the upper part or there may be a line of exit at the end of each circuit. The air valve 24 is configured so that at a given moment it is possible to have air flow through the circuit I for a sufficiently long period of time to cause all the pads in that circuit to inflate. Then the air valve changes to circuit II to inflate its pads and allow the pads of circuit I to deflate.

Then start the cycle again to inflate the circuit I. The circuit I inflates as follows: first 'Wr the pads 1 and 23 and then the rest of the pads in the sequence shown by the arrows. The result is a double peristaltic wave directed towards the heart (if a patient is considered resting (flat) on the mattress, with his feet towards the pad 1). That is, a wave goes from the head to the heart, and the other from the feet to the heart. The heart is appropriately in pads 15 and 16. The peristaltic waves obtained are called cardiodirective waves.

When circuit I is cut off by means of the valve Wde air, circuit II inflates as follows: first the pads 2 and 22 and then the rest of the pads of the sequence, as shown by the arrows in the circuit 2. The result is another double wave peristaltic cardiodirect iva. Instead of using two circuits, a single circuit can be used, with the pads divided into two groups, for example 1 to 12 and 23 to 13. With this arrangement is it? You can get a double wave, one from the head to the heart, and the other from the feet to the heart. Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the invention. Sometimes it is convenient to impart L? tilting or turning movement to the patient. Here the pads 50 are elongated and extend along the mattress. Otherwise, the construction is as shown and described with respect to Figures 6 and 7. The platform sections 40 here would preferably be elongated and foldable along the length of the pillows or along their width, as is desired In figure 10 two air supply circuits a and b are shown, one for each of the groups of pads; showing five pads only for illustrative purposes, in each group. The air supply is set to start inflating from the outer pad of each group, so that there are two waves moving towards the center. The two waves can start at the same time and work towards the center. This will gradually bend the patient's body. Alternatively, is it? it can regulate the supply of air to inflate separately and alternately each group of pads by means of the use of the appropriate valves. This will produce a rocking motion. It is possible to configure the air supply, so that the address is alternated. That is, the mattress will inflate from left to right, then deflate and then inflate from right to left. Although a serial inflation of the Ü ^^ chambers of a cushion or pads, it is possible to provide a separate supply of air for each chamber or pad, and inflate them on a sequential basis to produce a wave. However, this requires at least multiple air supply valves and multiple outlets. Fig. 11 shows a large air compressor or blower 200, with several mattresses 220, such as the types shown in Figs. 7 to 9, connected in parallel with the central air supply line 210 going to the blower.

This arrangement can be used in a hospital or in part of a care facility, where a bed with the supporting platform can be used in any location, simply by connecting it to the central line 210 of air supply. Each mattress would have its own control valve 24. A novel cushion and support has been described using a plurality of chambers or pads that are connected to sequentially inflate, preferably by means of a series airflow pattern, tortuous. The inflation-deflation pad or cushion can also be controlled as the air supply, to control the frequency and intensity of the wave. In addition, the cameras can be grouped to produce the desired direction of wave displacement. If desired, you can also use the mattress without the wave effect. That is, once it is inflated, the outlet valve is closed and the chambers are allowed to remain inflated. ^ T Referring now to FIG. 12, another preferred embodiment 1201 of the present invention, installed in a conventional hospital bed 1202, is illustrated. As illustrated, this preferred embodiment consists of 26 separate, inflatable cushions 1203, preferably made of a breathable material such as GORETEX, mounted on supporting members 1424 (shown primarily in Figures 13-14 and 16-22), arranged laterally following the length of The pads 1203 may also be made of a disposable material, such as TYVEK and sterilized and treated with an antibacterial medicine. The support air mattress 1201, when used with these 1203 disposable and medicated pads is suitable for use with people who require the highest sterile conditions, such as burn victims. After these pads 1203 are used by said patient, the pads 1203 can be replaced by new pads 1203.

* Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a preferred structure for interconnecting each of the pads to the air flow supply and exhaust lines is shown by the support members, first with a pad 1203 in place (FIG. 13). ) and then with the pad removed (figure 14). The pad 1203 shown in FIG. 13 comprises the outer pad material 1309 attached to a # ^^ cylindrical hollow male attachment 1304, with one of said male attachments 1304 attached to each end portion of each pad 1203, along its lower edge. The male abutment 1304 is preferably constructed of a strong material, such as a metal, and is connected in sealing engagement with the bottom of the pad, and includes an open upper end 1305 that opens in fluid communication with the inner portion of the pad. pad 1203. The "Attachment 1304 also includes a closed end 1306, which extends downwards, which is provided with a nipple 1313 for centralizing the attachment on a cover 1422, which partially encloses a spiral spring 1423, whose functions will be described later. Also at the lower end of the abutment 1304 and spaced around the cylindrical wall, there is a plurality of through holes 1310, through which air can pass either to fill or deflate the pad 1203. Finally, a circumferential notch is provided. 1314 at the upper end of the male member 1304 for the purpose of securing the abutment in place, as will be explained.The upper end of the abutment 1304 is configured to form a flange 1306. A separate annular element 1315 is provided with a flange 1307 of similar shape, which captures and seals the pad material 1309 between itself and the flange 1306, when the annular element 1315 is positioned on the open upper end 1305 of the male adapter 1304. Any joining technique is used mechanical and adhesive to complete the union of the male attachment 1304 to the pad 1203. As shown in figure 13, the adit pussy 1304 is slidably and slidably secured in position in a valve assembly 1311 which comprises a generally cylindrical housing 1412, which is generally divided into an upper chamber 1427 and a lower chamber wK 1426. The chambers 1427 and 1426 are sealed one with respect to the another by means of an elastic, circumferential sealing member 1312, such as a toroidal ring. Another elastic toroidal ring 1416 provides a seal between the upper chamber 1427 and the circumferential securing notch 1314, which is located in a higher position on the attachment. As shown in FIG. 13, when the male abutment 1304 is locked in its position in the housing 1412, the nipple 1313 is centered with a helical spring 1423 to compress the spring. As shown, the nipple does not actually engage the spring 1423, but rather engages an elastic cap 1422, which partially covers and moves up and / or down with the upper end of the spring 1423. The cap 1422 is provided with a corresponding depression to receive the nipple 1313 of the male fitting 1304. The cap 1422 is hollow and is open at its lower end to allow the spring 1423 to come out of it, the spring finally engaging the lower end wall of the housing 1412. The lid 1422 is provided with a plurality of holes 1426 through its cylindrical side wall, the purpose of which will be clarified below. As seen further in Figure 13, a resilient, elastically loaded slide 1420, which may comprise a flat metal element, has an elongated opening or hole 1429 formed therein for receiving and coupling • with notch 1314 at the top end of the male attachment 1304. As shown, the sliding closure is loaded to a position when a portion of the hole 1429, which is smaller in diameter than the male attachment 1304, engages the notch 1314, thereby retaining the attachment 1304 in place. . When the slide fastener 1420 is moved to a disengagement or disengagement position (to the left, in Figure 13), a larger diameter portion of the hole 1429 is centered on the attachment 1304. In this manner, the coil spring 1423 is free. for MP to extend up against the cover 1422 and, thus, against the male attachment 1304, to eject the attachment of the housing 1412. 5 Another suitable securing mechanism may be employed.

In particular, other locking systems are contemplated in which the male attachment 1304 can be inserted into the housing 1412 without the need to move the sliding closure 1420 out of its non-stressed position, which interferes. The substitution of this other "fast connection" type of insurance mechanisms is well within the possibilities of experts in the field. Part of the valve assembly 1311 and connected to, or integrally formed with the housing 1412, there is a member of relatively large tubular air flow 1414, which is in fluid communication with the lower chamber 1426 of the housing 1412, through a flow opening 1415 in the wall of the housing. It is through this flow member 1414 that the air is pumped in order to inflate and / or deflate the pad 1203. As shown in FIG. 13, in its installed condition, a continuous path of air flow is provided from the air flow member 1414, into the lower chamber 1426 of the housing 1412, then through holes. 1310 and upwards, through the hollow center of the male attachment 1304 and finally through the open end 1305 and into the inner portion of the pad 1203. '' It will be recalled at this point that the pads are inflated and deflated in a sinuous or serpentine manner, with the air that flows to one end of a pad and fills that pad, and then flows from the other end of that pad to the next. Thus, it is necessary that an alternate flow path be provided for the inflation and deflation of successive pads, one or more padding of the air cushion support member. This alternative flow path is seen in Figure 13 and is shown more clearly in Figure 14, which is now referenced. The support member 1424 is provided with at least one air flow tube 1425 formed therein. In a preferred embodiment, there are two of said tubes 1425 formed integrally in the support member 1424, as is most easily seen in Figure 14. These air flow tubes 1425 may comprise separate tubular structures molded into the support 1424. Each tube communicates in fluid communication with the upper chamber 1427 of a housing 1412, with a respective upper chamber of a similar housing mounted within the opposite end of the support member 1424. As seen in Figure 14, when the pad is removed, the coil spring 1423 causes the cap 1422 to extend to an upper position in which the holes 1426 in the The cap is in alignment with the opening 1427 from the upper chamber 1417 within the tube 1425. A tubular support 1416 is shown providing the connection between the housing 1412 and the tube 1425. In connection therewith, a continuous air flow path is provided. from the flow member 1414 to the lower chamber 1426 of the housing 1412, then through the cover 1422 and into the flow tube 1425, through the upper chamber 1427 and opening 1417 in the upper portion of housing 1412. Consequently, ^^ air will flow from the upper chamber of a housing, on one side or end of the support 1424, to a similar upper chamber, located at the other end of the support, when the pad 1203 is not installed. When installed Attachment 1304, as in Figure 13, this alternative flow path is closed by the cylindrical filling side wall between the toroidal rings 1312 and 1416. As seen in Figure 14, however, a cap together with the ring The upper toroidal M 1416 serves to seal the otherwise open end of the housing 1412 when the pad 1203 is removed. Figure 15 illustrates the connectivity between the supporting members 1424. As clearly illustrated, each housing 1412 includes two preferably side pieces. 1526 integral, extending outwards, located on opposite sides of housing 1412, each of the side pieces has a hole 1527 therethrough. Each of the supporting members 1424 is hingedly connected to the adjacent supporting members 1424 using the side pieces 1526, placing the housings 1412 adjacent to each other, so that the side pieces 1526 of the adjacent housings 1424 overlap and their respective holes 1527 are in alignment. The adjacent side pieces 1526 are then hingedly connected to a connector means 1525, such as a bolt and a nut. Also each flow member 1414 is connected in communication with another flow member 1414 by means of a flexible tube 1527, the latter of which is mounted on a support member (not shown), preferably two support members are remote, so as to provide an air flow path between their respective housings 1412. Thus, the housings 1414 are connected to each other in an alternating manner, so as to provide the einuous airflow pattern of the invention, as is more clearly shown in Figure 16. The preferred connection paths of the numerous flow members 1414 and respective recesses 1412 are illustrated in Figure 16. Support members 1-29 are disposed laterally with respect to head 1626 and legs 1627 of support air mattress 1626. Preferably, support air mattress 1626 it consists of six air flow connection paths 1629-1634. As shown, the first air connection path 1629 provides an air flow path through supporting members 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 12, that is, in the foot section 1640 of the mattress 1626. In particular, the air flows through a housing 1412 mounted on a first end 1636 of the support member 2, through e a pad 1203 or saver member 2 (if a pad 1203 is not mounted) to a housing 1412 mounted in a second ^ end 1637 of the support member 2, the housing 1412 ^ mounted on a second end 1367 of the support member 14, etc. The second einuoea airflow path 1630 is provided by ilarly through supporting members 14, 16 and 16. The third sinuous airflow path 1631 includes supporting members 26, 26, 24, 22 and 20. The fourth path 1352 includes support members 29, 27, 25, 23, 21 and 19. The fifth path 1363 includes the Finally, the sixth sinuous air flow path 1634 includes the supporting members 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. The first described flow path 1629 and the sixth path 1634 serve to inflate / deflate the pads of foot section 1640; the second path 1630 and the fifth path 1633 serve for the middle section 1642 of the mattress 1626, and the third flow path 1631 and the fourth path 1632 serve the head section 1644.

As can easily be determined from Fig. 16, ^ B 'an air wave motion can be obtained by selectively forcing the air through one or more of the selected air flow paths 1629-1634 and / or allowing eelect It is important for the air to escape through one or more of the selected air flow paths 1629-2634. For example, simultaneously apply air to the air flow paths 1629 and 1634, and to the air flow paths 1631 and 1632 will perform a cardiodirective peristaltic double wave. Additionally, by selecting to inflate and deflate paired / odd combinations of pads 1203, at a selected frequency, will continuously change the skin area of a patient that is under pressure. In addition, the pads 1203 connected through the airflow paths 1630 and 1633 can be deflated to allow the insertion of a bed tray under the patient. Fig. 17 illustrates (partially) the assembly of P rotary valve 1735 driven by motor 1736, to selectively apply air to the air flow paths 1629-1634, and to selectively extract air from the air flow paths 1629 -1634, of which the assembly 1735 is preferably located at the feet 1627 of the supporting air mattress. The preferred position of the preferred rotary valve assembly 1735 is controlled by a microcontroller, under the direction of a user, in a well-known manner.

In a presently preferred embodiment, air is supplied to a chamber 1744 of the rotary valve assembly 1735 at an end 1737 opposite the motor 1736. The motor 1736, preferably a small direct-current motor, selectively rotates an internal cylindrical valve member 1736. , which applies air or extracts air to or from selected air flow paths 1629-1634. The valve member 1736 comprises a chamber 1744 and five circumferentially spaced series of holes 1743, each series of holes 1743 having its members spaced longitudinally along the side of the valve member 1736. The holes 1743 provide fluid communication between the chamber 1744 and selected airflow trajectories 1629-1634. The valve member 1736 further comprises three exhaust pipes 1740, connected to an output manifold 1744, for letting air out from the seating area, i.e., the airflow paths 1630 to 1633, through a vent lMP 1746. The valve member 1736, located as illustrated in the figure is in the mode of "deflating the seat", rapidly drawing air out of the seating area, through the air flow paths 1630 and 1633, aligned with the eecape tubes 1740, while simultaneously applying air to the remaining flow paths of the seat. air 1631, 1632, 1629 and 1634, through holes 1743 aligned therewith. The remaining four positions, not shown, include a "inflate PAIR" mode, in which the trajectories - Flow flow of 1629, 163U and 1631 are aligned with a series of open holes 1743 so as to allow air communication from chamber 1744 only to pads with even numbers. Since the remaining air paths, that is, those that lead to the odd number pads, are not being fed with air, they tend to slowly release air, since they are made of a breathable material. Wf A position to "inflate" is also included ODORS ", wherein the flow paths 1634, 1633, 1632 are aligned with the open holes 1743;" inflate ALL ", wherein all the airflow paths except the vent 1746 are aligned with the open holes, in order of inflating all the pads, and "deflating FAST", where all air flow paths 1629-1634 and vent 1746 are aligned with holes 1743, of In such a way that air from all paths will escape quickly from the vent 1746. Note that the output manifold 1744 and the tubes 1740 are only used in the "deflate SEAT" mode. Referring now further to Figure 12, the air flow is supplied and controlled by a console 1205. A direct current power supply, operated by an alternating current line, and electronic control circuits, based on a microcontroller, are contained within a separable drawer in the console 1250, "W to facilitate service." A blower, preferably consisting of a direct current motor, brushless, 400 watts, which has three stages and which is output layers at 50 ', liters / second of air, and an air filter, preferably of the HEPA type, to provide a flow of air, are enclosed within sound-deadening sound def, in the middle section of the 1250 console. Console can also include a rechargeable battery pack to operate the motor . *? f of the blower in case of loss of AC power, and a heater and a cooler to heat or cool the air supplied to the supporting air mattress. The control system comprises a 60C51FA microcontroller, which operates in an e? Tended configuration at 11,059 MHz. It is supported with 32 Kbytes of CMOS-type RAM, backed by a battery, for data storage, and 64 Kbytes of CMOS-type EPROM memory. , for storage of the code , Wk program. The control system not only controls the blower unit and the rotary valve assembly 1735, but also monitors and controls the pressure of each pad and the air temperature in the rotary valve assembly 1735. The pressure in each of the pads 1203 it is measured by a solid-state differential pressure transducer, preferably a SX01DN from Sensym, with reference to the ambient air pressure. The signal from the pressure signal is amplified, filtered, converted from analog to digital and then applied to the microcontroller. (n «ßa.« birth in the matter antenna that -1 microcontroller is easily programmed to analyze the pressure signal and control accordingly the blower.For example, the speed of the motor of the blower can be controlled by means of the analog output 0 to 10 V direct current, derived from a PWM signal provided by the microcontroller With the PWM operating at 16 KHz the signal can be filtered to produce an output voltage of ^^ direct current, proportional, to apply to the motor of the The temperature is preferably sensed by means of the temperature sensor LM35 of Cl, located on the rotary valve 1735 located on or near one or more of the air flow paths 1629-1634.Preferably there is an additional temperature sensor. placed in the electronic selection of the console to give a reference for the temperature of the ambient air The signals from the temperature sensors are preferably ampli ficadas, filtered, converted from analog to digital and applied to the microcontroller. Anyone skilled in the art will understand that the microcontroller is easily programmed to analyze the various temperature signals and to control the heater and the cooler accordingly. The heater preferably comprises the elements 46 electric heaters operated in alternating current line, solid state relays that respond to PWM control from the microcontroller. A self-resettable thermostat with a limit temperature of 115 ° C and a non-renewable thermal source, with a limit temperature of 130 ° C, preferably provide safety cuts to remove energy from the heating elements, when an excess temperature occurs . The chiller unit preferably comprises ^ thermoelectric elements (Peltier diepoeitive) and associated solid-state relays. The chiller unit also preferably controls the safety cuts to eliminate the energy of the thermoelectric elements when too low a temperature occurs. As described with respect to Figure 15, the support members 1424 are hingedly connected to adjacent support members 1424. Figure 16 is a sectional plan view of the housings 1412 and their respective support members 1624. As shown, the parts laterals 1526 of the adjacent housings 1412 are hingedly connected by means of the connecting means 1525. The supporting air cushion 1201 is thus arranged in a flexible, segmented manner. Arrows 1635 illustrate the preferred direction of oscillation of the hinge connections. With the housings 1412 and, thus, the corresponding supporting members 1424 and the pads CSp-12 3, connected in the manner described in relation to Figure 15, the mattress can be installed quickly and easily or removed, from a support hospital bed. Referring now to Figure 19, a preferred embodiment of the supporting air mattress 1201, with the deflated pads 1203, in the partially installed state, is shown. Note that the hinged connections between the housings 1412 and, furthermore, the hoses 1527, "^^ allow the supporting air cushion 1201 (with the deflated pads 1203) to be easily rolled and unrolled in a bed support 1202 ordinary hospital and Figures 20a and 20b illustrate the supporting air mattress 1201 in a fully coiled state, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art., the fully rolled mattress is easily stored or transported. Figures 21 and 22 show other benefits for the structure of the preferred embodiment of the supporting air mattress 1201. As illustrated, the supporting air mattress 1201 is adapted to an infinite number of positions, primarily as a function of the position of the air cushion 1201. support of the hospital bed that is below (not shown). Figure 21 shows a patient 2136 with knees 2137 raised and back inclined 2136, fully supported by the support air mattress 1201. ^^ Figure 22 shows patient 2126 in a horizontal position. The pads 1203 are adapted to the shape of the patient 2136, in particular to the back 2136, the neck 2139 and the head 2140. In another embodiment, a foam insert 2301 is used in the pads of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 23, a soft insert of open cell foam or porous foam by air is provided, with appropriate dimensions ^^ to fit inside a pad 1203. The insert may alternatively be made of any similar material. to foam, as long as it is porous. The foam is preferably cut to a solid rectangular shape, with rounded edges. As shown in Figure 24, pad 1203 is formed around the foam insert 2301, with the inner surfaces of the pad 1203 adhered to the foam insert 23 1. The inner surfaces? F of the pad 1203 are preferably adhesively bonded to the foam insert 23011, but whoever is ordinary in the art will recognize that the adhesion can be achieved by other means, such as by sewing. The foam inserts 23 provide a means for the pads to retain their shape, even under air pressure. When air is applied to the pad 1203 and its respective foam insert 2301, the pad 1203 becomes firmer and can actually expand to some extent.

The use of foam insert 2301 has several | advantage. First, the insert 2301 prevents the pads 1203 from bulging in width, which prevents the supporting mattress from expanding longitudinally and imposing stresses on the head and foot edges. In this way, the mattress is prevented from arching upwards. Also the pads 1203 are restricted so that they do not bulge their height, so that the surface of the mattress is substantially flat. < ^^ Another advantage of the foam insert 2301 is that it allows the pads 1203 to which air is not being applied, to remain in their proper positions. Thus, when air is applied, the pads 1203 will not move substantially. Another advantage of the foam insert 2301 is that it provides minimal support for a user. In particular, a heavy person will have a substantial guarantee that he will not "touch" "Bottom", ie, a heavy person will not cause the upper portion of the pad to contact the lower portion of the pad.Finally, the foam insert 2301 will provide minimal support for a user, even if it is not being applied Thus, during a power outage, or while transporting a person and energy is not available, the user will be relatively comfortable supported by the pads 1203.

Another improvement of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 25 and 26. A protective cover is provided. 2501 for lae padding of the air mattress support. The cover 2501, preferably, is made of a material of low cost, lightweight, liquid impervious, such as TYVEK, and has adequate dimensions for adjusting or covering each of the pillows of the supporting air mattress. As illustrated, the cover 2501 includes an open bottom 2502 to allow insertion of the pads 25. The cover 2501 preferably includes an elastic band or strap at its bottom edge 2503 which serves to tighten or partially close the bottom 2502 a once the pad is inserted, to secure the cover 2501 in its 15th place As clearly shown in Figure 26, the lower edge 2503 of the cover 2501 is preferably pressed below the bottom of the pad 1203, of The upper part, the sides, the ends and at least a portion of the lower surface must be protected with the cover 2501. The cover 2501 is installed quickly and easily on each pad 1203. It can be easily determined from the figures that the covers 2501 can be adjusted on the pads, while the pads are in any condition, such as inflated or deflated, installed or not installed.

The novel cover 2501 provides important advantages, particularly in hospital environments. First, the covers 2501 give protection to each of the individual pads 1203 against body and liquid soiling of the patients. Also these covers 2501 are removed and replaced quickly and easily. When they are made of a disposable material, such as TYVEK, laundry is not required. The dirty covers are simply discarded and replaced by new covers. ^^ Another advantage is that each of the covers can be made of a sterilizable material. This gives additional protection for a patient against infections, which is a particularly important factor for burn victims and patients with AIDS. Additionally, individual covers can be treated with medications, such as an antibacterial medication, skin lotion, or medications for odor control. Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail with reference to its preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. preeente invention

Claims (5)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION # • CLAIMS

1. - A supporting structure elongated in a first direction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of individual, elongated, inflatable pads, substantially uniform in cross section, along their entire length, for cross-sectional tendons to the

10 X ^ "first direction, each pad defining an air chamber, each of the pads has an attachment in each of its ends, the attachment at one end serves as an air inlet and the attachment at the other end serves as a air outlet, means to supply air to the attachment of

15 entry of one of the pads; means external to the pads to interconnect the air chambers of the pads in an einuosa sequence in series from the exit tf to the first pad to the entrance of the next pad, to transport air from the middle of the pad.

20 feeding from one pad to the others of the plurality of pads in sequence, to all pad chambers to cause sequential inflation of the pad chambers, to produce a movement of the wave-like structure, custom-made that are inflated

25 sequentially the pad chambers; the interconnection means connects the plurality of pads at least in two separate groups of pads; the pillows of each separate group being inflected; and means v for separately and selectively inflating each of the pillow groups.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that the supply or supply means comprise means for supplying the air and reducing the supply of air in a controlled sequence in time, to control the inflation and lae cameras for the repetitive production of wave-like movement.

3. The support structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises means for allowing air to leave the chambers.

4. The support structure according to claim 1, further characterized by the pads

* are formed from a pair of sheets of material, paiM ep to ". select ".das. 5.- The supporting structure in accordance with the

20 claim 1, further characterized in that each pad is formed as a separate pad structure. 6. The support structure according to claim 5, further characterized in that each pad is separable from the interconnection means. 7. The support structure according to claim 6, further characterized in that each pad A replaceable with a pad of similar construction.

* r9 * & . - The supporting structure in accordance with i. claim 5, further characterized in that each pad is removable from the interconnection means when eetán

5 inflate the interconnected pads, without causing disinflation of the interconnected pads. 9. The support structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that each pad is removably mounted on a support member. 10. The support structure according to claim 9, further characterized in that each support member is hingedly connected to the adjacent support members. 11.- The supporting structure in accordance with the

15 claim 1, further characterized in that it includes and additionally at least one means for heating and a means for cooling the supplied air. • W 12. The supporting structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least some of the pads are disposable. 13. The supporting structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least some of the pads are sterile. 14. The support structure according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least some of the pads are treated with medicines.

7

15. - An elongated supporting structure in one

"P", first direction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of elongated, inflatable individual pads, along their length, which tend to extend to said first direction; each pad defining an air chamber; each of the almadilae has at least one attachment, at least one of the at least one attachment serves as an air intake; at least one of the pads has a shape defining member inserted in it? fe ^ r the camera, to substantially maintain a uniform cross-sectional shape, along its entire length; and means for supplying air to the at least one attachment. 16. The support structure according to the rei indication 15, also characterized in that the member

The shape definer is made of an air porous material. 17. The support structure according to claim 16, further characterized in that the material

• Jjf orosa al aire is a foam. 16.- The supporting structure in accordance with the

20 claim 15, further characterized in that each of the pads has the air inlet fitting located at one end; and a second attachment located at an opposite end, which serves as an air outlet. 19.- The supporting structure in accordance with the

25 claim 16, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: means external to the pads for 56

interconnect the air chambers of the pads in a sinuous series, from the exit of a pad to the entrance of the next pad, to transport the air coming from the supply means, from a pad and the other pads of the plurality of pads. pads, then, to all pad chambers, to cause sequential inflation of the pad chambers to produce a wave-like structure movement as the pad chambers are inflated sequentially. 20. The support structure according to claim 19, further characterized in that the interconnection means connect the plurality of pads in at least two separate groups of pads; the pads of each of the separate groups are inflated sequentially. 21. The support structure according to 15, further characterized in that the shape defining member is adhered to the inner surfaces of the pad. 22. An elongated supporting structure in a first direction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of elongated, inflatable individual pillows, with a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along their entire length, to lie transverse to the first direction; each pad defining an air chamber; each of the pads has at least one t * j .ad ament that serves as an air inlet; at least some of the pads have an air porous support member inserted in the chamber; means for supplying air to the inlet fitting of the pads. 23. The support structure according to claim 22, further characterized in that the air porous material is a foam. 24. The support structure according to claim 22, further characterized in that the support member comprises a means to provide support for a user, regardless of whether air is supplied to said pads. 25. An elongated support structure in a first direction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of elongated, inflatable individual pads, throughout the length of the supporting structure that extends

"j" transverse to the first direction, each of the pads defines an air chamber and has at least one attachment, at least one of the at least one attachment serves as an air inlet, means for supplying air to the The at least one attachment, and at least one removable protective cover for individually covering at least one of the pads 26. The support structure according to claim 25, further characterized in that at least one 4> protective cover has dimensions to adjust only in

^ ^ 4JjOne of the pads. 27. The support structure according to claim 25, further characterized in that at least one protective cover is disposable. 26. The supporting structure according to claim 27, further characterized in that the at least one protective cover is made of Tyve. 29.- The supporting structure in accordance with the

10 w claim 25, further characterized in that each of the pads has the air inlet fitting located at one end; and a second attachment located at an opposite end, which serves as an air outlet. 30.- The supporting structure in accordance with the

15 claim 29, further characterized in that it comprises additionally: means external to the pads for interconnecting the air chambers of the pads in a

- () sequence in sinuous series from the exit of a pad to the entrance of the next pad, to transport the

Air from the supply means from the first pad to the other pads of the plurality of pads in sequence, to all the pad chambers, to cause sequential inflation of the pad chambers to produce a movement of the pad.

25 wave structure, when the pad chambers are inflated sequentially.

31. - The supporting structure in accordance with the

"claim 30, further characterized in that the interconnection means connect the plurality of pads in at least two separate groups of pads, inflating

5 sequentially lathe pads of each separate group. 32. The support structure according to claim 25, further characterized in that the at least one protective cover is treated with edicamento. The supporting structure in accordance with

IO 25, further characterized in that the at least one protective cover is sterilized.

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