Patent US5152022 - Low air loss bag for patient support system

Claims

1. An improved air sac for use in a patient support system comprising a plurality of air sacs transversely mounted thereto for supporting a patient, comprising

an inflatable enclosure provided with portions defining an interior, a substantially rectangular vertical cross-section, first and second ends, and a top surface for distributing any pressure exerted against a patient supported thereon to prevent pressure points, the top surface comprising at least first and second sloped portions;

means for connecting the interior of the enclosure with a source of gas for inflating and deflating the enclosure with the gas;

at least one means formed in the top surface of the enclosure for rolling the patient toward the first end of the enclosure; and

at least one means formed in the top surface of the enclosure for retaining the patient supported thereon when the patient is rolled toward the first end of the enclosure by the rolling means.

2. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the at least one patient rolling means comprises a cutout formed of at least one of the sloped portions in the top surface of the enclosure, and has a depth effective for a patient to be dropped thereinto.

3. The air sac of claim 2, wherein

the first sloped portion in the cutout is flanked by the second sloped portion in the top surface.

4. The improved air sac of claim 2, wherein the cutout comprises

walls shaped to receive one side of the patient supported on the top surface of the enclosure when the enclosure is inflated or deflated;

a corner formed by the top surface of the enclosure and one wall of the cutout that may act as a balance point to roll the patient and have one side of the patient drop into the cutout; and

a pillar formed in the surface of the enclosure between the end thereof and a second wall of the cutout for retaining the patient on the top surface of the enclosure when rolled.

5. The improved air sac of claim 2, wherein

the cutout comprises two walls and a bottom in the top surface of the enclosure, one of the walls of the cutout and the top surface of the enclosure forming at their meeting point a balance point for assisting in rolling the patient into the cutout and causing one side of the patient to drop to the bottom thereof.

6. The improved air sac of claim 1, comprising

two patient retaining means.

7. The improved air sac of claim 6 wherein

at least one of the patient retaining means further comprises a hump formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

8. The improved air sac of claim 6, wherein

the two patient retaining means are positioned between the first and second ends of the enclosure.

9. The improved air sac of claim 8, wherein

one of the patient retaining means comprises one of the sloped portions in the top surface of the enclosure.

10. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the patient retaining means comprises a pillar formed in the first end of the enclosure toward which the patient may be rolled.

11. The improved air sac of claim 10, wherein

the pillar is inflatable.

12. The improved air sac of claim 11, wherein

the pillar is inflatable and, when inflated, projects upwardly to form an end and a corner of the air sac.

13. The improved air sac of claim 12, wherein

the pillar is inflated with the air sac.

14. The improved air sac of claim 10 wherein the pillar is of lesser height than the second end of the enclosure.

15. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the inflatable enclosure includes a hump flanked by the two sloped portions formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

16. The improved air sac of claim 15, wherein

the hump is substantially centered in the sac.

17. The improved air sac of claim 15, wherein

the hump has a height effective to maintain the separation of the patient's legs and help retain the patient on the sac.

18. The improved air sac of claim 15, wherein

the hump is of greater height than the top surface of the enclosure.

19. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

at least the top surface of the enclosure is formed of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable material.

20. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the top surface has a hump between the first and second ends of the enclosure for forming a barrier.

21. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the patient rolling means comprises the first and second sloped portions formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

22. The improved air sac of claim 21, wherein

the top surface of the enclosure comprises at least one further sloped portion, wherein the at least one further sloped portion is part of the patient retaining means.

23. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the first sloped portion is steeper than the second sloped portion in the top surface of the enclosure.

24. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the first sloped portion is of reversed inclination with respect to the second sloped portion in the top surface of the enclosure.

25. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein

the at least one patient retaining means further comprises a hump formed in the top surface of the enclosure for preventing the patient's legs from sliding or rubbing upon rolling.

26. The improved air sac of claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises

a nipple provided with an elongated shank that is attached to the wall of the enclosure.

27. The improved air sac of claim 26, wherein

the nipple is further provided with a tab for engaging a further flange on a low air loss bed for releasably securing the enclosure thereto.

28. The improved air sac of claim 1, further comprising

means for releasably securing the enclosure to a low air loss bed.

29. The improved air sac of claim 1, further comprising

means for mounting the enclosure on a patient support system for supporting a patient on the top surface of the enclosure.

30. The improved air sac of claim 1, further comprising

means mounted in the wall of the enclosure for connecting the interior thereof to a source of gas.

31. An improved air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

an inflatable enclosure, provided with wall portions defining sides, an interior, and a top surface having two edges and at least two slopes intermediate said edges, for supporting a patient on the top surface thereof when mounted transversely to a low air loss bed;

means for connecting the interior of the inflatable enclosure to a source of gas for inflating the enclosure;

said top surface of the inflatable enclosure having at least one means for rolling the patient toward one edge of the top surface; and

the inflatable enclosure having at least one means for retaining the patient on the sac when the patient is rolled.

32. A air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

an inflatable, low air loss sac supporting a patient, the air sac having first and second end walls, side walls, and upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface comprising at least first and second sloped portions;

means for connecting the low air loss sac to a bed for supporting a patient on the sac above the lower surface;

at least one means positioned close to one end wall for rolling a patient on the upper surface; and

at least one means for retaining the patient on the upper surface of the air sac positioned close to the second end wall.

33. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the at least one rolling means comprises a cutout formed of at least one of the sloped portions to facilitate the rolling of the patient into the cutout portion.

34. The composite air sac of claim 33, wherein

the first sloped portion in the cutout is flanked by the second sloped portion in the top surface.

35. The composite air sac of claim 33, wherein the cutout comprises

walls shaped to receive one side of the patient supported on the top surface of the enclosure when the enclosure is inflated or deflated;

a corner formed by the top surface of the enclosure and one wall of the cutout that may act as a balance point to roll the patient and have one side of the patient drop into the cutout; and

a pillar formed in the surface of the enclosure by the end thereof and a second wall of the cutout for retaining the patient on the top surface of the enclosure when rolled.

36. The composite air sac of claim 33, wherein

37. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the cutout portion has a depth effective to allow a patient to be dropped thereinto and be retained on the air sac.

38. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

a wall of the cutout portion and one of the end walls of the top surface of the sac form the at least one patient retaining means that comprises an inflatable pillar.

39. The composite air sac of claim 39, wherein

the pillar is inflatable and, when inflated, projects upwardly to form an end and a corner of the sac.

40. The composite air sac of claim 39, wherein

the pillar is inflated with the sac.

41. The composite air sac of claim 39, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the upper surface.

42. The composite air sac of claim 38, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the opposite end wall.

43. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the upper surface has a hump between the end walls for forming a barrier.

44. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

at least the upper surface of the air sac is formed of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable material.

45. The composite air sac of claim 32, comprising

two patient retaining means.

46. The composite air sac of claim 45, wherein

the two patient retaining means are positioned between the first and second ends of the top surface of the enclosure.

47. The composite air sac of claim 46, wherein

one of the patient retaining means comprises one of the sloped portions in the top surface of the enclosure.

48. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the at least one patient retaining means comprises a pillar formed in the first end of the enclosure toward which the patient may be rolled.

49. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the at least one of the patient retaining means further comprises a hump formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

50. The composite air sac of claim 49, wherein

the hump is flanked by the two sloped portions formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

51. The composite air sac of claim 49, wherein

the hump is substantially centered in the sac.

52. The composite air sac of claim 49, wherein

the hump has a height effective to maintain the separation of the patient's legs and help retain the patient on the sac.

53. The composite air sac of claim 49, wherein

the hump is of greater height than the upper surface of the low air loss sac.

54. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the at least one patient rolling means comprises the two sloped portions formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

55. The composite air sac of claim 54, wherein

the top surface of the enclosure comprises at least one further sloped portion, wherein the at least one further sloped portion is part of the patient retaining means.

56. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the first sloped portion is steeper than the second sloped portion in the top surface of the enclosure.

57. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the first sloped portion is of reversed inclination with respect to the second sloped portion in the top surface of the enclosure.

58. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the at least one patient retaining means further comprises a hump formed in the top surface of the enclosure for preventing the patient's legs from sliding or rubbing upon rolling.

59. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein the connecting means comprises

a nipple provided with an elongate shank that is attached to the lower surface of the sac.

60. The composite air sac of claim 32, wherein

the nipple is further provided with a tab for engaging a further flange on a low air loss bed for releasably securing the sac thereto.

61. The composite air sac of claim 32, further comprising

means for releasably securing the enclosure to a low air loss bed.

62. The air sac of claim 30, wherein

the at least one rolling means comprises a means for lowering the patient by movement of the top surface of the enclosure.

63. The composite air sac of claim 32, further comprising

means for mounting the enclosure on a patient support system for supporting a patient on the top surface of the enclosure.

64. The composite air sac of claim 32, further comprising

means mounted in the wall of the enclosure for connecting the interior thereof to a source of gas.

65. A composite air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

a low air loss sac for supporting a patient having opposite end walls and side walls, and upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface comprising at least first and second sloped portions;

means for connecting the low air loss sac to a bed for supporting a patient on the sac above the lower surface; and

at least one pillar formed adjacent one end wall for retaining a patient upon the low air loss sac.

66. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the at least one pillar is inflated with the sac.

67. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the at least one pillar is inflatable and, when inflated, projects upwardly to form an end and a corner of the sac.

68. The composite air sac of claim 67, comprising

two pillars that are positioned in the upper surface between the first and second end walls of the low air loss sac.

69. The composite air sac of claim 68, wherein

the at least one pillar comprises one of the sloped portions in the upper surface of the low air loss sac.

70. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the at least one pillar has a height effective to retain a patient on the sac during oscillation.

71. The composite air sac of claim 70, wherein

the at least one cutout comprises at least one of the sloped portions on which the patient may be rolled into the cutout.

72. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the upper surface of the low air loss sac has at least one cutout for retaining the patient on the sac.

73. The composite air sac of claim 72, wherein

the at least one cutout is positioned on one side of the upper surface of the low air loss sac.

74. The composite air sac of claim 72, wherein the at least one cutout comprises

walls shaped to receive one side of the patient supported on the top surface of the enclosure;

a corner formed by the top surface of the enclosure and a first wall of the cutout that may act as a balance point to roll the patient and drop one side of the patient into the cutout; and

a pillar formed in the surface of the enclosure between the one end wall thereof and a second wall of the cutout for retaining the patient on the top surface of the enclosure when rolled.

75. The composite air sac of claim 72, wherein

76. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the air sac further comprises a hump formed in the upper surface of the low air loss sac.

77. The composite air sac of claim 76, wherein

the hump is flanked by the two sloped portions formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

78. The composite air sac of claim 76, wherein

the hump is substantially centered in the sac.

79. The composite air sac of claim 76, wherein

the hump has a height effective to maintain the separation of the patient's legs and help retain the patient on the sac.

80. The composite air sac of claim 76, wherein

the hump is of greater height than the upper surface of the low air loss sac.

81. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the patient rolling means comprises the two sloped portions formed in the top surface of the enclosure.

82. The composite air sac of claim 81, wherein

the top surface of the enclosure comprises at least one further sloped portion that is part of one of the patient retaining means.

83. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the first sloped portion is steeper than the second sloped portion in the top surface of the enclosure.

84. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the first sloped portion is of reversed inclination with respect to the second sloped portion in the top surface of the enclosure.

85. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the air sac further comprises a hump formed in the upper surface of the sac for preventing the patient's legs from sliding or rubbing upon rolling.

86. The composite air sac of claim 65, further comprising a retaining means formed between the first and second end walls of the enclosure.

87. The composite air sac of claim 65, further comprising

means for releasably securing the low air loss sac to an oscillating low air loss bed.

88. The composite air sac of claim 65, further comprising

means mounted in one wall of the low air loss sac for connecting the interior thereof to a source of gas.

89. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the upper surface.

90. The composite air sac of claim 65, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the opposite end wall.

91. A composite air sac for an oscillating air bed, comprising

a low air loss sac for supporting a patient, the sac having opposite end walls, and opposite upper and loser surfaces, the upper surface having a hump formed between the end walls having a height sufficient to form a barrier and maintain a separation between the legs of a patient while retaining the patient on the sac during oscillation; and

means for connecting the low air loss sac to an oscillating bed.

92. The composite air sac of claim 91, wherein

the hump is substantially centered on the upper surface.

93. The composite air sac of claim 91, wherein

the hump protrudes upwardly from the upper surface.

94. The composite air sac of claim 91, wherein

the air sac further comprises at least one cutout; and

the hump is positioned adjacent to the cutout to thereby retain one of the legs of a patient within the cutout.

95. The composite air sac of claim 94, wherein

the at least one cutout is positioned on one side of the upper surface.

96. The composite air sac of claim 94, wherein

the at least one cutout comprises a sloped portion that helps roll the patient thereinto.

97. The composite air sac of claim 94, wherein

the at least one cutout has a depth effective to permit a side of a patient to be dropped thereinto and be retained on the low air loss sac.

98. The composite air sac of claim 91, further comprising

at least one pillar formed at one end of the low air loss sac for retaining a patient therewithin.

99. The composite air sac of claim 98, wherein

the pillar is inflatable and, when inflated, projects upwardly to form an end and a corner of the low air loss sac.

100. The composite air sac of claim 98, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the upper surface.

101. The composite air sac of claim 98, wherein

the pillar is inflated with the sac.

102. The composite air sac of claim 98, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the side walls.

103. The composite air sac of claim 91, wherein

the hump is of greater height than the upper surface.

104. The composite air sac of claim 91, wherein

at least the upper surface of the low air loss sac is made of a water vapor permeable but water impermeable material.

105. A composite air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

a low air loss sac for supporting a patient having upper and lower surfaces and opposite end and side walls;

means for connecting the low air loss sac to a bed for supporting a patient thereon above the lower surface;

a cutout portion formed in the upper surface between the end walls of the low air loss sac for rolling a patient into the cutout portion thereof, the cutout portion comprising a sloped portion on which the patient may be rolled into the cutout portion; and

a pillar formed adjacent one end wall for retaining a patient upon the low air loss sac.

106. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the cutout portion is positioned on one side of the upper surface of the low air loss sac.

107. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the cutout portion of the low air loss sac has a depth effective to permit that a patient to be dropped therein and be retained on the sac.

108. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the pillar is inflatable and, when inflated, projects upwardly to form an end and a corner of the air sac.

109. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the upper surface is formed of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable material.

110. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the pillar is inflated with the sac.

111. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the pillar is of a lesser height than the upper surface.

112. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the pillar is of lesser height than the opposite side walls.

113. The composite air sac of claim 105, wherein

the upper surface comprises a hump to maintain the separation of the legs of a patient.

114. The composite air sac of claim 113, wherein

the hump is substantially centered on the upper surface.

115. The composite air sac of claim 113, wherein

the hump has a height effective to maintain the separation of the legs of a patient and to retain the patient on the low air loss sac during oscillation.

116. The composite air sac of claim 113, wherein

the hump is of greater height than the upper surface.

117. An improved air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

a low air loss sac for supporting a patient having opposite end walls and side walls and upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface having a hump between the end walls for forming a barrier that maintains a patient's legs separated;

means for connecting the low air loss sac to a low air loss bed for supporting a patient on the sac above the lower surface thereof; and

a pillar formed adjacent one end wall of the low air loss sac for retaining a patient thereupon.

118. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the pillar projects upwardly to form an end and a corner of the low air loss sac.

119. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the pillar is of lesser height than the side walls of the low air loss sac.

120. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the pillar is inflated with the sac.

121. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the hump is substantially centered on the upper surface.

122. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the hump has a height effective to separate the legs of a patient and retain the patient on the sac during oscillation.

123. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the hump is of greater height than the upper surface.

124. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

the upper surface has a cutout portion between the hump and the pillar for retaining one leg of a patient therewithin.

125. The improved air sac of claim 124, wherein

the cutout portion is positioned toward one side of the upper surface.

126. The improved air sac of claim 124, wherein

the cutout portion further comprises a sloped portion on which the patient may be rolled into the cutout portion.

127. The improved air sac of claim 124, wherein

the cutout portion has a depth effective to allow a patient to be dropped thereinto and to be retained on the sac.

128. The improved air sac of claim 117, wherein

at least the upper surface of the low air loss sac is formed of a water vapor permeable material.

129. A composite air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

a low air loss sac in the form of a substantially rectangular enclosure for supporting a patient having opposite end walls and side walls, and upper and lower surfaces;

means for connecting the low air loss sac to a bed for supporting a patient thereon and above the lower surface thereof;

a cutout portion comprising a downwardly inclined surface, a generally horizontal surface and a generally vertical surface provided between the end walls of the low air loss sac, the cutout portion being positioned on one side of the upper surface and having a depth effective to allow for a patient to be dropped thereinto so as to be retained on the low air loss sac; and

a retaining pillar for retaining a patient on the upper surface of the low air loss sac formed by one of the end walls and the cutout portion thereof, the pillar being inflatable and projecting upwardly to a lesser height than the side walls upon inflation.

130. The improved air sac for an oscillating low air loss bed, comprising

a low air loss sac in the form of a substantially rectangular enclosure for supporting a patient, the sac having opposite end walls, opposite side walls, and opposite upper and lower surfaces, means for connecting the low air loss sac to a low air loss bed for supporting a patient on the sac above its lower surface, the upper surface having a cutout portion with a downwardly inclined surface, a generally horizontal surface and a generally vertical surface between the end walls, the cutout portion being positioned on one side of the upper surface of the enclosure and having a depth effective to allow a patient to be dropped into the cutout portion so as to be retained on the low air loss sac, one of the end walls and the cutout portion of the low air loss sac forming a retaining pillar for retaining a patient on the upper surface of the sac, the pillar being inflatable and, when inflated, projecting upwardly to form an end and a corner of the sac, and when inflated with the sac, the pillar being of a height lesser than the upper surface, the upper surface having a hump adjacent to the cutout portion for maintaining a patient's legs separate, the hump having an upper surface which is above the upper surface of the low air loss sac, being substantially centered on the upper surface of the low air loss sac and having a height effective to maintain the separation of a patient's legs and to help retain the patient on the sac during oscillation.

131. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient, comprising:

an inflatable enclosure having ends and provided with a gas inlet for connecting the interior of the enclosure with a source of gas to inflate the enclosure;

the inflatable enclosure having a first inflatable portion for rolling a patient toward one end of the enclosure by allowing one side of the patient to lower relative to the other side of the patient; and

the inflatable enclosure having a second inflatable portion at the one end for retaining the patient on the inflatable enclosure when the patient is rolled toward the one end.

132. The inflatable air sac of claim 131, wherein

the first inflatable portion of the inflatable enclosure comprises a first wall shaped to allow lowering of one side of the patient relative to the other side of the patient when the first inflatable portion of the inflatable enclosure is inflated.

133. The inflatable air sac of claim 132, wherein

the wall of the first portion is asymmetrically sloped, such that a space partially bounded by the first portion and the second portion is assymetrical relative to the enclosure, into which space one side of the patient is allowed to roll when the first portion is inflated.

134. The inflatable air sac of claim 132, wherein

the first inflatable wall of the first portion of the enclosure is sloped downwardly toward the second inflatable portion of the enclosure for rolling the patient toward the second inflatable portion.

135. The inflatable air sac of claim 132, wherein

the first wall has upper and lower ends; and

the lower end of the wall is eccentric relative to the enclosure in order to allow one side of the patient to be dropped relative to the other.

136. The inflatable air sac of claim 132, wherein

the enclosure further comprises a first end wall and a second end wall; and

the first wall is positioned between the first and second end walls of the enclosure and slopes downwardly in a direction from the first end wall to the second end wall.

137. The inflatable air sac of claim 131, wherein

the first inflatable portion is adapted to roll the patient toward the second inflatable portion.

138. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient, comprising:

an inflatable enclosure having opposed ends;

a gas inlet for connecting the interior of the enclosure with a source of gas to inflate the enclosure;

a first inflatable portion formed integral with the enclosure, the first inflatable portion being provided with a patient support wall shaped to allow lowering of one side of the patient relative to the other side of the patient and thereby rolling the patient toward one end of the enclosure; and

a second inflatable portion at the one end for engaging the side of a patient for retaining the patient on the enclosure when being rolled toward the one end of the enclosure.

139. The inflatable air sac of claim 138, wherein

the first portion of the enclosure further comprises a portion sloping downwardly from an upper end to a lower end thereof, the lower end of the wall being eccentric relative to the enclosure.

140. The inflatable air sac of claim 139, wherein

the patient support wall further comprises first top wall portion, second top wall portion, and a vertical wall;

the sloped portion adjoins the first top wall portion; and

the vertical wall adjoins the second top wall portion.

141. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient comprising an inflatable enclosure provided with

a first end wall;

a first side wall adjoining the first end wall;

a second end wall opposite the first end wall and adjacent the first side wall;

a second side wall opposite the first side wall and adjacent both the first end wall and the second end wall;

a bottom wall adjoining each of the first end wall, the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall;

a first inflatable portion for rolling a patient by allowing one side of the patient to be lowered relative to the other side, the first inflatable portion comprising a sloped wall positioned between the first end wall and second end wall of the enclosure; and

a second inflatable portion for retaining the patient on the enclosure when the patient is rolled by the first inflatable portion, the second inflatable portion including a vertical wall positioned between the first end wall and the second end wall of the enclosure.

142. The inflatable air sac of claim 141, further comprising

a first top wall adjoining the sloped wall of the first inflatable portion and the first end wall of the enclosure; and

a second top wall adjoining the vertical wall of the second inflatable portion and the second end wall of the enclosure.

143. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient comprising an inflatable enclosure provided with

a first end wall;

a first side wall adjoining the first end wall;

a second end wall opposite the first end wall and adjacent the first side wall;

a second side wall opposite the first side wall and adjacent both the first end wall and the second end wall;

a bottom wall adjoining each of the first end wall, the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall;

a first top wall adjoining the first end wall;

a second top wall adjoining the second end wall;

a sloped wall for rolling a patient supported on the enclosure, the sloped wall being positioned between and connecting the first end wall and the second end wall;

a vertical wall for retaining the patient on the enclosure when the patient is rolled, the vertical wall being positioned on the downhill side of the sloped wall between and connecting the first end wall and the second end wall; and

an air inlet for connecting the interior of the enclosure with a source of gas to inflate the enclosure.

144. The inflatable air sac of claim 143, further comprising

a baffle being attached to and spanning between an interior surface of the first side wall and an interior surface of the second side wall.

145. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient comprising:

an inflatable enclosure;

an air inlet for connecting the interior of the inflatable enclosure with a source of gas to inflate the enclosure;

the inflatable enclosure having a first inflatable portion for rolling a patient in a first direction by allowing one side of the patient to lower relative to the other side of the patient, the first inflatable portion comprising a sloped wall;

the inflatable enclosure having a second inflatable portion formed on the downhill side of the sloped wall for retaining the patient on the enclosure; and

the inflatable enclosure having a third inflatable portion formed in the first inflatable portion at the upper end of the sloped wall for retaining the patient on the enclosure.

146. The air sac of claim 145, wherein

the first inflatable portion communicates with the second inflatable portion to provide gas pressure in both portions.

147. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient, comprising an elongate inflatable enclosure having opposite longitudinal ends and comprising

an inclined wall positioned between the opposite longitudinal ends of the enclosure, the inclined wall sloping downwardly toward a first of the longitudinal ends of the enclosure;

a substantially vertical intermediate wall positioned between the inclined wall and the first of the longitudinal ends; and

an air inlet in a wall of the enclosure.

148. The inflatable air sac of claim 147, wherein

the inlet is connectable in communication with a source of pressurized gas to enable inflation of the sac.

149. The inflatable air sac of claim 148, wherein the air sac comprises a first upper wall portion and a second upper wall portion that are substantially horizontal.

150. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient, comprising

an elongate inflatable enclosure having opposed first and second end walls, side walls, and top and bottom walls; said enclosure having:

an inclined wall positioned between the opposed end walls, said inclined wall sloping downwardly toward a first of the end walls;

a generally vertical intermediate wall positioned between the inclined wall and the first of the end walls; and

an air inlet in said bottom wall of the said enclosure.

151. The inflatable air sac of claim 150, further comprising

a first upper wall extending from the first end wall toward the second end wall; and

a second upper wall extending from the second end wall toward the first end wall; and wherein

the inclined wall is connected to the first upper wall and extends downwardly therefrom; and

the intermediate wall is connected to the first upper wall and extends downwardly therefrom.

152. The inflatable air sac of claim 150, wherein

the first upper wall is connected at a first end to an upper end of the first end wall and at a second end to an upper end of the inclined wall;

the second upper wall is connected at a first end to an upper end of the second end wall and at a second end to an upper end of the intermediate wall; and

the enclosure further comprises a bottom wall that is connected to each of the first and second end walls and the first and second side walls at lower ends thereof.

153. The inflatable air sac of claim 152, wherein

the first end wall and the second end wall are substantially vertical; and

the bottom wall is substantially horizontal.

154. The inflatable air sac of claim 152, wherein

the inlet is formed integral with the bottom wall.

155. The inflatable air sac of claim 150, further comprising

a baffle attached to and spanning between an interior surface of the first side wall and an interior surface of the second side wall, the baffle being positioned between the inclined wall and the first end wall.

156. The inflatable air sac of claim 150, wherein

a lower end of the intermediate wall is connected to a lower end of the inclined wall.

157. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient, comprising

a bottom wall;

a first end wall connected to one end of the bottom wall;

a second end wall connected to an opposite end o the bottom wall, the second end wall formed opposite the first end wall;

a first side wall connected to one side of the bottom wall;

a second side wall connected to an opposite side of the bottom wall;

an inclined top wall portion sloping downwardly toward the second end wall, the inclined top wall portion being positioned between the first and second end walls and being connected along opposed edges thereof to the first and second side walls;

a substantially vertical intermediate top wall portion positioned between the inclined top wall portion and the second end wall, the intermediate top wall portion being connected along opposite edges thereof to the first and second side walls; and

an air inlet formed integral with at least one of the walls of the air sac.

158. The inflatable air sac of claim 157, wherein

a lower end of the intermediate wall is connected to a lower end of the inclined wall.

159. An inflatable air sac for use on a patient support system including a plurality of transversely oriented air sacs for supporting a patient, comprising

a substantially horizontal bottom wall provided with first and second opposite ends and first and second opposite sides;

a first substantially vertical end wall provided with a lower edge which adjoins the first end of the bottom wall;

a second substantially vertical end wall provided with a lower edge which adjoins the second end of the bottom wall, the second end wall being opposite the first end wall;

a first substantially vertical side wall provided with a lower edge which adjoins the first side of the bottom wall;

a second substantially vertical side wall provided with a lower edge which adjoins the second side of the bottom wall, the second side wall being opposite the first side wall;

a first substantially horizontal upper wall adjoining each of the first end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall at upper edges thereof;

a second substantially horizontal upper wall adjoining each of the second end wall, the first side wall and the second side wall at upper edges thereof;

an inclined wall having an upper end adjoining the first upper wall, the inclined wall sloping downwardly therefrom toward the second end wall and being connected along opposite edges thereof to the first and second side walls;

a substantially vertical intermediate wall positioned between the inclined wall and the second end wall, an upper end of the intermediate wall adjoining the second upper wall, the intermediate wall extending downwardly from the second upper wall and being connected along opposite edges thereof to the first and second side walls; and

an air inlet integral with the bottom wall, the bottom wall being connected to each of the first and second end walls and the first and second side walls at lower ends thereof.

Patents

Low air loss bag for patient support system

Citations

Claims