US2013212808A1PendingUtilityA1

Topper with Targeted Fluid Flow Distribution

49
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Feb 21, 2012Filed: Feb 21, 2012Published: Aug 22, 2013
Est. expiryFeb 21, 2032(~5.6 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Charles A. LachenbruchRachel L. WilliamsonTimothy J. ReceveurChristopher R. O'Keefe
A61G 7/05784A47C 27/05A47C 27/00A47C 21/044A47C 31/02A61G 2210/70
49
PatentIndex Score
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Cited by
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References
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Claims

Abstract

A topper (38) for a bed extends in longitudinal and lateral directions and includes a fluid flowpath (60) for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet (62) to an outlet (64). The flowpath is configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region (50) of the topper. A bed which includes the topper has a blower (72) connected to the topper inlet for supplying air (88) to the flowpath.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
We claim: 
     
         1 . A topper for a bed, the topper extending in longitudinal and lateral directions and including a fluid flowpath for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet to an outlet, the flowpath configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region of the topper. 
     
     
         2 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the flowpath is shaped to distribute fluid to the target region. 
     
     
         3 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the target region corresponds approximately to the torso of a supine person substantially laterally centered on the topper. 
     
     
         4 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the flowpath extends predominantly laterally. 
     
     
         5 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the flowpath extends predominantly longitudinally. 
     
     
         6 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the fluid flowpath is an insert and wherein a ticking encloses the insert. 
     
     
         7 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the fluid flowpath is an insert and wherein a ticking covers the insert. 
     
     
         8 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the flowpath has a keyhole shape. 
     
     
         9 . The topper of  claim 1  in which the flowpath includes fluid passages distributed across one of the directions and extending along the other of the directions. 
     
     
         10 . The topper of  claim 9  in which the passages are counterflow passages. 
     
     
         11 . The topper of  claim 9  including sensors distributed on the topper, the sensors being capable of sensing a parameter useable for determining weight distribution of a person whose weight bears on the topper. 
     
     
         12 . The topper of  claim 11  including a controller which receives a signal representing a value of the sensed parameter and causes fluid to be metered to the passages in response to the signal such that a larger proportion of fluid supplied to the flowpath is directed to the target region and a smaller proportion bypasses the target region. 
     
     
         13 . The topper of  claim 11  in which signals representative of the sensed parameter are generated for use by an off-board controller capable of causing fluid to be metered to the passages in response to the signals such that a larger proportion of fluid flowing through the flowpath is directed to the target region and a smaller proportion bypasses the target region. 
     
     
         14 . A bed, comprising:
 A topper configured to rest atop a mattress, the topper extending in longitudinal and lateral directions and including a fluid flowpath for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet to an outlet, the flowpath configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region of the topper; and   a blower a connected to the inlet for supplying air to the flowpath.   
     
     
         15 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the flowpath is shaped to distribute fluid to the target region. 
     
     
         16 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the target region corresponds approximately to the torso of a supine person substantially laterally centered on the topper. 
     
     
         17 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the flowpath extends predominantly laterally. 
     
     
         18 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the flowpath extends predominantly longitudinally. 
     
     
         19 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the fluid flowpath is an insert and wherein a ticking encloses the insert. 
     
     
         20 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the fluid flowpath is an insert and wherein a ticking covers the insert. 
     
     
         21 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the flowpath has a keyhole shape. 
     
     
         22 . The bed of  claim 14  in which the flowpath includes fluid passages distributed across one of the directions and extending along the other of the directions. 
     
     
         23 . The bed of  claim 22  in which the passages are counterflow passages. 
     
     
         24 . The bed of  claim 22  including sensors distributed on the bed, the sensors being capable of sensing a parameter useable for determining weight distribution of an occupant of the bed. 
     
     
         25 . The bed of  claim 22  including a controller which receives a signal representing a value of the sensed parameter and causes fluid to be metered to the passages in response to the signal such that a larger proportion of fluid supplied to the flowpath is directed to the target region and a smaller proportion bypasses the target region. 
     
     
         26 . The bed of  claim 22  in which signals representative of the sensed parameter are generated for use by an off-board controller capable of causing fluid to be metered to the passages in response to the signals such that a larger proportion of fluid flowing through the flowpath is directed to the target region and a smaller proportion bypasses the target region.

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