Internal structural configurations of bladders used in patient support systems

Abstract

A bladder comprising an outer and inner surface having a length, height and width, first and second ends, and an internal volume. A support structure is disposed within the bladder and has a length, width, height as well as an inner and outer region. The outer region of the support structure comprises support projections which define openings in the outer region of the support structure. The support projections have an engaging end which contacts the inner surface of the bladder and exerts force upon the inner surface of the bladder. The support projections maintain the internal volume of the bladder in a no-load sate. The openings in the support structure allow air to move freely in the bladder versus a solid support structure lacking openings. This aids in distribution of air within the bladder and provides air-like pressure management and comfort in addition to the structural support provided by foam inserts.

1 . A patient support system for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers, said patient support system comprising:
 a foam shell defining an internal cavity;   a plurality of air cells housed in said internal cavity; and   a cover encasing said foam shell;   wherein said plurality of air cells respectively each comprises a bladder and an internal support structure comprised of resilient material and only partly in contact with said bladder.   
     
     
         2 . A patient support system as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said bladder comprises an outer and inner surface having a length, height and width, first and second ends, and an internal volume; and   said support structure is disposed within said bladder and has a length, width, height, and an inner and outer region.   
     
     
         3 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , wherein said outer region includes support projections which define openings in said outer region of said support structure. 
     
     
         4 . A patient support system as in  claim 3 , wherein said support projections each have an engaging end which contacts said inner surface of said bladder and exerts force upon said inner surface of said bladder, so as to maintain the internal volume of said bladder whenever said patient support system is in a no-load sate. 
     
     
         5 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , wherein said support structure comprises in a range generally from about 60% to about 90% of said bladder internal volume. 
     
     
         6 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , wherein said support structure comprises one of a single piece or multi-piece construct with support projections extending outwardly from said inner region thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , wherein said support structure extends one of the full length of said bladder or extends only partially along the length of said bladder. 
     
     
         8 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , further including a plurality of support structures enclosed within respective bladders. 
     
     
         9 . A patient support system as in  claim 4 , wherein:
 said support projections extend radially outward from said inner region, spaced either evenly or with varying spacing; and   said engaging end of a support projection comprises one of a point, a convex rounded surface, a concave rounded surface, a flat surface, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         10 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , wherein each of said bladders includes fluid comprising at least one of gas, liquids, and relatively viscous liquids. 
     
     
         11 . A patient support system as in  claim 2 , wherein said support structure includes a cross-section which is one of star shaped, cog or gear shaped, cross shaped, and convex shaped with truncated projections. 
     
     
         12 . A patient support system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said plurality of air cells are oriented from head-to-foot within said foam shell;   said cover includes a mattress topper; and   said foam shell is a multi-piece foam shell comprising foam bolsters, a foam header and a foam footer.   
     
     
         13 . A patient support system as set forth in  claim 1 , further including an airflow unit for providing inflationary airflows to said air cells. 
     
     
         14 . A patient support system as set forth in  claim 1 , further including a plurality of air tubes interconnected among said air cells, for shifting air from cells under more pressure to cells under less pressure, for equalizing pressure over the surface of a patient received on said patient support system. 
     
     
         15 . A patient support assembly, comprising:
 plural patient support cylinders;   a resilient foam perimeter surrounding said air cylinders;   an upper foam topper covering said air cylinders; and   a surrounding cover;   wherein said cylinders respectively include fluid and foam inserts having support projections supporting associated of said cylinders; and   said cylinders are positioned one of generally longitudinally and generally laterally within said resilient foam perimeter.   
     
     
         16 . A patient support assembly as in  claim 15 , wherein:
 said cylinders comprise static air cylinders; and   said assembly further includes pneumatic valving operatively interconnected to said air cylinders for selectively introducing air and removing air therefrom, so that said air cylinders may be selectively and periodically recharged to a desired initial air pressure while otherwise providing a static, unpowered assembly.   
     
     
         17 . A patient support assembly as in  claim 15 , wherein said cylinders comprise actively adjustable air cylinders. 
     
     
         18 . A patient support assembly as in  claim 15 , wherein:
 said cylinders respectively comprise bladders formed of resilient material; and   said support projections have an engaging end which contacts the inner surface of said bladders and exerts force upon said respective inner surfaces so as to maintain an internal volume of said bladders in a no-load state.   
     
     
         19 . A support system including a plurality of fluid receiving cells, with each of said cells including at least one foam insert having internal support structure only partly in contact with an associated cell. 
     
     
         20 . A support system as in  claim 19 , wherein:
 said support structure comprises in a range generally from about 60% to about 90% of the interior of an associated cell; and   said support structure includes a cross-section which is one of star shaped, cog or gear shaped, cross shaped, and convex shaped with truncated projections.   
     
     
         21 . A support system as in  claim 19 , wherein said fluid comprises at least one of gas, liquids, and relatively viscous liquids. 
     
     
         22 . A support system as in  claim 19 , further including:
 a foam shell surrounding said plurality of fluid receiving cells; and   a cover encasing said foam shell;   wherein said support system comprises one of a mattress, a mattress overlay, an ergonomic chair, a car seat, and a packaging arrangement for products.