Climate-controlled topper member for medical beds

US8332975B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GENTHERM INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Michael J. Brykalski · South Lyon, US
• David Marquette · Farmington Hills, US
• John Terech · Milan, US
• Robert Vidojevski · Berlin Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 2010
• Grant date: Dec 18, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 2, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61G2203/46
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet. In one embodiment, fluids entering the chamber through the inlet are generally distributed within the chamber by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings along the upper layer. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.