Material mover having a fluid film reservoir

Abstract

A material mover includes substantially rectangular top and bottom sheets connected to perimeter side walls. The width of the bottom sheet which is perforated with orifices at least in a central portion, is greater than the width of the top sheet at least in middle and lower regions of the top and bottom sheets. A plurality of partition members connect at least portions of the top and bottom sheets to one another, and extend parallel with lateral edges of the top and bottom sheets and are spaced in from the perimeter side walls. A fluid weir is defined at an outer periphery of the bottom sheet to provide a fluid film reservoir under at least the central portion of the bottom sheet having the plurality of orifices formed therein. The dispersion of the fluid from underneath the material mover is inhibited by the fluid weir.

1 . A disposable air mattress configured for single patient use, the air mattress comprising: 
 a first longitudinal air distribution channel;    a second longitudinal air distribution channel positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first air distribution channel; and    a plurality of laterally extending air tunnels, the air tunnels positioned adjacent to and parallel with each other, each of the air tunnels including opposing first and second ends, the first end of at least some of the air tunnels configured to be in communication with the first longitudinal air distribution channel and the second end of at least some of the air tunnels configured to be in communication with the second longitudinal air distribution channel,    wherein the first longitudinal air distribution channel, the second longitudinal air distribution channel, and the air tunnels being formed of polymeric sheet material configured to be incinerated without releasing toxic gases.    
   
   
       2 . The air mattress of  claim 1 , further comprising an air source coupled to the first longitudinal air distribution channel and the second longitudinal air distribution channel.  
   
   
       3 . The air mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric sheet material comprises a polyolefin film.  
   
   
       4 . An air mattress, comprising: 
 a fluid weir; and    a plurality of laterally extending partition members surrounded by said fluid weir, said partition members positioned adjacent to and parallel with one another and including first and second ends, said first end of at least one of said partition members being configured to be in communication with said air weir, and said second end of at least one of said partition members being configured to be in communication with said air weir, wherein said fluid weir and said partition members being defined by a polymeric sheet material.    
   
   
       5 . The air mattress of  claim 4 , further comprising an air source coupled to said fluid weir.  
   
   
       6 . The air mattress of  claim 4 , wherein said polymeric sheet material comprises a polyolefin film.