An apparatus for elevating the head and torso of a patient confined to a fluidized patient support system. A head cushion assembly, a knee gatch assembly and a control assembly are integrated with any known fluidized patient support system and preferably integrated, at least in part, with the cover sheet of the chosen patient support system. In operation, the invention may be utilized to raise and/or lower a patient's head and torso, in 15.degree. steps, to any inclination from supine to approximately 45.degree.. In implementations utilizing the knee gatch assembly, the patient is effectively prevented from sliding during inclination even to the highest of angles. The controls are conveniently provided on a handheld unit for easy access and operation by caregivers and patient alike.
RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of PCT international application No. PCT/US98/05247 filed Mar. 17, 1998, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/040,944 filed Mar. 17, 1997. By this reference, the full disclosures, including the drawings, of PCT international application No. PCT/US98/05247 and U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/040,944 are incorporated herein as though each were now set forth in their respective entirety.
A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.
An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.
An inflatable product includes a first chamber, a pack, and a fan and motor received in the pack. The pack has an air intake connected to the outside of the first chamber and a first air outlet connected to the inside of the first chamber. A first valve for opening and closing the first air outlet is received in the pack. Air is pumped by the fan and motor from the outside of the first chamber through the air intake and the first valve and then into the first chamber from the first air outlet.
An air mattress includes a mattress pad, a back support to raise a part of the mattress pad, and an air pump assembly built into the mattress pad to inflate the mattress pad and the back support.
A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.
