Patent · US Expired

Flotation therapy bed for preventing decubitus ulcers

US5072468A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
8References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 22, 1991
Grant dateDec 17, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 22, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61G7/05715
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A flotation therapy bed that prevents formation of decubitus ulcers. A three-chambered mattress has three configurations, each having a different utility. In a first configuration, a lowermost chamber is filled with water and the other two chambers are empty so that the patient is supported by the water. In a second configuration, a second chamber, co-extensive with the water-filled chamber, is filled with air. This facilitates turning the patient over, or lifting the patient from the bed. In a third configuration, a third, wedge-shaped chamber is filled with air and holds the patient in a sitting up position. The second chamber is evacuated when the third chamber is filled. A motor-driven linkage raises and lowers the bed in a vertical plane in the absence of longitudinal or transverse movement.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.