EP0093065A1 - Anti-bed-sores cushion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable anti-bedsores cushion comprising a cover (2) which encloses a rigid base element (1) and a padding, characterised in that the padding comprises, in combination, a seat element made of foam (5) comprising in its centre a recess (5a) and, around this, support elements (5b, 5c); positioned in the said recess (5a) is a foam lining (7) which is of a density lower than that of the seat (5) and is of a thickness which is such that a space (8) is reserved between it and the upper face of the said support elements (5b, 5c); arranged on the seat (5) are wedges (9, 10) made of a fibrous substance and extending along the lateral edges of the seat, and between these wedges there is a hump (12) and at least one layer of fibrous material (14, 15) covering the said lateral wedges and the seat element. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to an anti-decubitus cushion intended to equip the seats of people who have to keep the sitting position extended, in particular the physically handicapped.

We know that the handicapped who are obliged to keep the sitting position prolonged are exposed to the risk of bedsores.

Several kinds of cushions have already been designed to avoid this risk. Air bags are thus known, cushions containing a liquid or a silicone gel and cushions comprising a foam padding. The main disadvantage of these cushions is that they are airtight, which causes the patient's seat to heat up.

The applicant has already described in previous patent applications anti-decubitus cushions comprising a padding of air-permeable fibrous material.

In application 80 / 11,754, an anti-decubitus cushion has been described which comprises a padding of air-permeable fibrous material and a perforated plate which follows the shape of the seat of the body of an individual. This plate is preformed on demand, according to the morphology of the patient and it is understood that such cushions are of a high cost price. They are more particularly intended for handicapped people who have to keep the sitting position for long periods.

In application 80 / 15,758, a cushion has been described comprising, inside a cover, a rigid base plate and an air permeable padding made of fibrous materials impregnated with an elastomeric material, for example latex.

Such cushions are more particularly suitable for the light disabled, give good results because they conform to the shape of the seat of the patient's body but their design is such that their cost price, although lower than that of the aforementioned personalized cushions, is still too high.

An objective of the present invention is to provide the disabled with an anti-decubitus cushion of a new design in order to lower the seat pressure in the bi-ischial area.

Another objective is to improve the position of the body by relation to the seat (static of the trunk).

Another objective is to ensure a better feeling of comfort.

Another objective is to reduce the dimensions in height, width and length of the cushion in order to lower the cost price.

• - une plaque d'assise en mousse qui recouvre ladite plaque rigide, laquelle assise comporte, en son milieu et sensiblement dans sa moitié arrière un évidement, et autour de celui-ci une surépaisseur de mousse formant des portées s'étendant de part et d'autre dudit évidement;
• - une garniture de mousse recouvrant le fond de l'évidement, laquelle est d'une densité inférieure à celle de l'assise et est d'une épaisseur telle à réserver un espace entre elle et la face supérieure desdites portées;
• - des cales en matière fibreuse reposant sur l'assise et s'étendant de part et d'autre dudit évidement, le long des bords latéraux de l'assise;
• - et au moins une couche de matière fibreuse qui recouvre lesdites cales latérales et la plaque d'assise.

These objectives are achieved by the removable anti-decubitus cushion intended to be placed on a fabric seat and comprising a cover, and in this cover, a rigid base plate whose two side edges are turned upward, which plate is covered. by a padding of foam and fibrous material and on the padding a perforated plate of flexible plastic material preformed to match the shape of the seat of the body of an individual, characterized in that the padding comprises, in combination:

• - A foam seat plate which covers said rigid plate, which seat has, in its middle and substantially in its rear half, a recess, and around it an excess thickness of foam forming spans extending from both sides 'other of said recess;
• - A foam lining covering the bottom of the recess, which is of a density less than that of the seat and is of a thickness such as to reserve a space between it and the upper face of said spans;
• - shims made of fibrous material resting on the seat and extending on either side of said recess, along the lateral edges of the seat;
• - And at least one layer of fibrous material which covers said lateral wedges and the seat plate.

Said bearing surfaces include a chamfer which joins the upper face of the front part of the seat plate, which chamfer forms an angle between 20 and 30 °, preferably 25 °.

In one embodiment, the padding comprises at the rear of the recess and between said spans a space which communicates with said recess, which space is delimited by two inclined walls, located in opposition and symmetrically on either side the center line of the cushion. These walls form chamfers whose angle is between 40 and 50 °, preferably 45 °, which chamfers join a flat surface located at the level of the face. upper part of the front part of the seat plate.

Preferably, the recess has a circular outline and extends over the height of the seat plate.

The foam lining which covers the bottom of the circular recess has diametric cuts made along lines crossing at the center of the lining and forming sectors, which sectors are in one embodiment, interconnected at the center of the trim by a material bridge.

The lateral wedges are strips made of a mixture of animal hair and vegetable fibers impregnated with a binder of natural or artificial rubber and have, along their inner lateral edge, a chamfer forming an angle between 35 and 45 °, preferably 40 °, which chamfers are in opposition and joined:: the upper face of the bearing surfaces, the oblique surface of their chamfer and the upper face of the front part of the seat plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the cushion comprises, at the front part of the seat plate, in the middle and between said shims, an elongated boss, which boss determines, with said shims, two housings where the thighs are placed. of the individual.

Said boss is produced from a mixture of animal hair and plant fibers, impregnated with a binder of natural or artificial rubber and comprises, along its lateral edges a chamfer joining the upper face of the front part of the base plate, which chamfer forms an angle between 35 and 45 °, preferably 40 °. Said boss extends between the front edge of the seat plate and said recess and is generally trapezoidal, the side walls of which diverge symmetrically outward from a point on the center line of the cushion . The padding comprises, in addition, above the seat, wedges, bosses' and seats, two layers of a mixture of animal hair and vegetable fibers impregnated with a binder of natural or artificial rubber , each having a thickness of the order of 10 mm.

Said layers are produced from a mixture of horsehair, or horsehair, or goat, or pork and coconut fiber impregnated with a binder of natural or artificial rubber at a rate of 35% horsehair. animal and 15% coconut fiber and 50% binder.

The side wedges and the boss are also made from a mixture of horsehair, or horse, or goat or pork and coconut fibers impregnated with a natural or artificial rubber binder at a rate of 35% animal hair, 15% coconut fiber and 50% binder.

Preferably, the seat plate and said surfaces are made from a cold polyether foam, high resilience with a density of 50 Kg / m ³ .

In one embodiment, said spans are attached to the seat plate and are made from a cold foam of high resilience polyether, with a density between 30 and 40 Kg / m ³ .

The lining which covers the bottom of the recess is made from a cold foam of high resilience polyether with a density of 32 Kg / m ³ .

The lining further comprises, below said rigid plate and in the central part thereof, a layer of foam to compensate for the deformation of the fabric seat and also to prevent the cushion from sliding on said seat.

The result of the invention is a new anti-decubitus cushion intended to equip the seats of people who have to keep the sitting position extended, in particular the physically handicapped.

The advantages of the cushion according to the invention is that it provides better comfort and that it improves the position of the body relative to the seat. Another advantage is that, due to its design, such a cushion can receive a preformed upper plate either according to a morphological imprint of unmarked type, the cushion becoming self-morphological thanks to the play of the shims which make up the padding, or a plated preformed and molded according to the process described in application 80 / 11,754 and it more intimately personalizes skin contact in certain subjects.

• - la figure est une vue en perspective éclatée illustrant les éléments constitutifs du rembourrage et de la plaque de base qui composent un coussin selon l'invention.
• - la figure 2 est une vue en perspective trois quart avant dudit coussin dont la housse est représentée en partie arrachée pour laisser apparaître le rembourrage interne.
• - la figure 3 est une vue en perspective trois quarts arrière.du rembourrage dudit coussin.
• - la figure 4 est une vue montrant le tronc d'un patient vu de dos, assis sur un coussin posé sur un siège en tissu, illustrant la déformation du coussin.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge further on reading the following description of an embodiment of an anti-decubitus cushion with reference to the appended drawing in which:

• - The figure is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of the padding and the base plate which make up a cushion according to the invention.
• - Figure 2 is a perspective view three quarter before said cushion whose cover is shown partially cut away to reveal the internal padding.
• - Figure 3 is a perspective view three quarters rear.du padding of said cushion.
• - Figure 4 is a view showing the trunk of a patient seen from the back, seated on a cushion placed on a fabric seat, illustrating the deformation of the cushion.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawing.

A cushion according to the invention (FIG. 2) consists of padding covering a rigid base plate 1, the padding / base plate 1 assembly being wrapped in a cover of breathable fabric 2.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the base plate 1 is of a rectangular outline, of dimensions slightly smaller than those of the seat on which the cushion is to be placed.

This plate is made of rigid plastic, can be perforated, and has along each of its side edges a return extending upward to wedge the padding of the cushion laterally. The thickness of the plate 1 is of the order of half a centimeter, for example four millimeters, and the lateral returns are of a height of the order of 10 millimeters. At its front end, it comprises a handle 3, in this case a strap of fabric or any other flexible material, for example forming a loop and whose free ends are fixed in the middle of the front edge 1b of the plate. The base plate 1 also comprises a layer of foam 4, fixed for example by bonding to the lower face 1c of said plate, which layer is of a thickness of the order of 2 cm and extends over the length of the plate and in the central part of it. This layer of foam 4, preferably high-resilience polyether foam is of a width substantially equal to the half width of the plate 1 and has the function of reducing, or even avoiding the sliding of the cushion on the seat on which it is posed. Its density is 50 Kg / m ³ .

On the base plate 1 is arranged the cushioning of the cushion. This consists of a seat plate 5 made of cold foam, preferably high-resilience polyether foam, which is with a density of 50 Kg / m ³ , which plate is rectangular and completely covers the base plate 1. Its thickness is of the order of 30 mm. The seat layer 5 comprises in its middle and substantially in its rear half, a cylindrical recess 5a passing through it over its entire height. The seat layer 5 comprises, around the recess 5a, an excess thickness of foam which forms two bearing surfaces 5b, 5c situated on either side thereof. These ranges partially cover the rear half of the seat plate 5. In one embodiment, they are attached and fixed by gluing to the upper face 5b of the seat. In another embodiment, they are obtained by molding during the implementation of the seat. On the side of the middle part of the plate 5, the bearing surfaces have a circular cutout 5e of the same radius as that of the recess 5a. This is therefore extended upwards and on either side of the median axis of the cushion over a height equivalent to the thickness of the seat plate 5, ie of the order of 30 mm.

The bearing surfaces 5b, 5c delimit at the rear of the cylindrical recess 5a, a space 6 which communicates with said recess. Said bearing surfaces comprise, at this point, a chamfer 5bl, 5cl, extending parallel to the median axis passing through the center of the recess 5 and symmetrically with respect to said axis, which chamfers join the upper face 5d of the plate 5 and thus delimit therewith a space 6 of a trapezoidal contour whose side walls 5bl, 5cl diverge symmetrically upwards from the upper face of the seat plate. The angle formed by the walls 5bl, 5cl and said upper face 5d is preferably 45 °.

The bearing surfaces 5b, 5c also comprise at the front a chamfer 5f, 5g extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal median axis of the cushion and which joins the upper face 5d of the seat. The inclined face which delimits the chamfer and the face 5d of the plate 5 form an angle which, preferably, is 25 °. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front part of the seat 5 and the rear part which includes the spans 5b, 5c are of substantially equal surfaces. In one embodiment, the spans 5b, 5c are made from a high resilience polyether foam with a density lower than that of the seat. for example with a density between 30 and 40 Kg / m ³ .

The cylindrical recess 5a comprises a lining 7 with a circular contour substantially of the same diameter and which covers the bottom of said recess while being supported on the rigid plate 1. The lining 7 is made from a cold polyether foam high resilience with a density lower than that of the seat plate, preferably with a density of 32 Kg / m ³ and is of a thickness equivalent to that of the seat plate: 30 mm.

When the lining 7 is in place at the bottom of the recess 5a, it partially delimits between the said surfaces 5b, 5c, a space 8 which communicates with the space 6 located at the rear of the said recess.

In order to promote the deformation of the lining 7, it is divided into equal sectors 7a, for example eight in number, which are obtained by notches made in the loug of diametrical lines 7b crossing at the center of the lining. These notches 7b are stopped in the central part of the lining, so that the material bridge 7c thus reserved in the center, connects said sectors together.

The base plate 5 is fixed by bonding points to the rigid base plate 1.

The role of the bearing surfaces 5b, 5c and of the central recess 8, 6 is to ensure better static of the trunk and to create a zone of less pressure at the level of the ischions and the coccyx.

The padding also includes, above the seat plate 5 and said seats 5b, 5c, wedges 9, 10 which each extend along the lateral edges of said plate. These wedges are therefore parallel to each other and are produced from strips made from a mixture of animal hair and vegetable hair, impregnated with a binder of natural rubber, for example latex.

The animal hair is preferably chosen from those of beef, horse, goat or pork, the vegetable hair is preferably coconut fiber, at the rate of 35% animal hair and 15% vegetable hair.

The weight of the mixture of horsehair and latex which makes up the wedges, 9, 10, is of the order of 2 Kg / m ² . The proportion by weight of crosslinked latex is 50% of the total weight of the mixture.

These shims have a thickness of the order of 20 to 30 mm and a width substantially equal to a quarter of the width of the cushion. They have, along their inner lateral edge, a chamfer 9a, 10a with an angle which, preferably, is 40 °. These wedges 9, 10 are fixed by bonding points along the lateral edges of the seat 5 following the shape of the latter, which comprises at the rear the spans 5b, 5c and thus cover the surfaces delimited by the broken lines 11 and the edges of the seat plate 5.

The function of the lateral wedges 9, 10 is to ensure a good distribution of the pressures under the seat under the effect of the weight of the individual.

In the middle and between the shims 9, 10 and in the front part of the seat plate 5, the padding comprises a boss 12, of a general trapezoidal shape and of a thickness equivalent to that of the shims 9, 10. As these, it is made from a mixture of animal hair and vegetable fibers impregnated with latex identical to that of said wedges.

The boss 12 comprises, along its lateral edges, a chamfer 12a, 12b, with an angle of 40 °, which forms inclined walls joining the upper face 5d of the plate 5. The boss 12 is fixed by gluing to the seat plate 5 and occupies the space delimited by the broken line in broken lines 13. Its chamfered lateral edges diverge symmetrically outward from a point situated on the longitudinal median axis of the cushion.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the boss extends from the front edge of the plate 5. Towards the cylindrical recess 5a without however reaching the latter. It composes in combination with the wedges 9, 10 two kinds of gutters which aim to maintain in line the spacing of the thighs.

Above the wedges 9, 10 and the boss 12, the padding comprises a layer made of a mixture of animal hair and vegetable hair 14 of a rectangular outline and which covers the surface of the seat plate 5 This layer 14 is composed of 35% of horsehair, or horse, or goat, or pork and 15% of coconut fiber impregnated with a natural rubber binder, for example latex at a rate of 50%. and its weight per square meter is for example 0.500 kg. It is fixed to the shims 9, 10 and to the boss 12 by bonding points and once in place, it deforms by conforming to the contours of the various elements which make up its support.

On the layer 14 is disposed a second layer 15 made of a mixture of animal hair and plant fibers identical to the layer 14, which adopts the shape of the latter.

These two thin layers 14, 15 provide ventilation for the body support area and provide good cushion hold due to the weight of the disabled person's body while ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility. In place above their support, they form, at their front part, two recessed locations 14a, 15a, 14d, 15d intended to receive the thighs of the individual.

Above the layers 14, 15 is disposed a pressure distribution plate 16 of flexible material provided with perforations 16a. This plate has a thickness of the order of 5 mm and is made of a thermoformable material, for example the material known under the name of plastazote. The plate 16 is thermoformed to match the shape of the seat of the individual.

In one embodiment, the plate 16 is molded according to an unmarked type morphological imprint. In this case, the cushion becomes automorphological due to the games reserved at the time of manufacture between the elements that make up the support on which the layers of hairs 14, 15 are placed.

According to another embodiment, the plate 16 is shaped according to the molding process described in patent 80 / 11,754 and, in this case, it intimately adapts to the morphology of the disabled person. This embodiment is more especially reserved for the disabled who are required to keep the sitting position for long periods.

Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawing which schematically illustrates a cushion according to the invention 17 placed on the seat fabric 18 of an armchair of which only the two lateral side members 19, 20 are shown in section. The fabric 18 is fixed to said longitudinal members. This figure therefore illustrates the rear face of the cushion, 17 on which a patient is seated, of which only the lower part of the trunk 21 is shown. The patient is seen from the back. We seen in this figure, the deformation of the seat fabric which is compensated by the presence of the foam layer 4 located under the cushion and in the central part thereof. This view shows the advantages arising from the design of the cushion according to the invention and how the cushion is deformed under the effect of the weight of the disabled person as well as the two different pressure zones.

In the central zone located to the right of the recess 5a in the bottom of which is placed the foam lining 7 and in which the rear space 6 is also located, the coccyx is placed in said space, the ischia in said recess, this which has the effect of avoiding the compression of the tissues at these places, the body being carried by the lateral parts 17a of the cushion which form two zones situated on either side of said central zone, which are of better hold of the the fact that they are reinforced by the presence of lateral shims 9, 10 on which the two layers 14, 15 and the preformed plate 16 are arranged.

Claims (16)

1. Removable anti-decubitus cushion, intended to be placed on a wheelchair or on a fabric seat. (18) and comprising a cover (2) and, in this cover, a rigid base plate (1), the two lateral edges (la) of which are turned upward, which plate (1) is covered by a padding of foam and fibrous material and on this padding a perforated plate (16) of flexible plastic material preformed to conform to the shape of the seat of the body of an individual, characterized in that the padding comprises, in combination: - a foam seat plate (5) which covers said rigid plate (1), which seat (5) has, in its middle and substantially in its rear half, a recess (5a) and, around the latter, an additional thickness foam forming spans (5b, 5c) extending on either side of said recess; - a foam lining (7) covering the bottom of the recess (5a), which is of a density less than that of the seat (5) and is of a thickness such as to reserve a space (8) between it and the upper face of said spans (5b, 5c); - shims made of fibrous material (9, 10) resting on the seat (5) and extending on either side of said recess (5a) along the lateral edges of the seat; - And at least one layer of fibrous material (14, 15) which covers said lateral wedges (9, 10) and the seat plate (5). 2.- cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that said bearing surfaces (5b, 5c) comprise a chamfer (5f, 5g) which joins the upper face (5b) of the front part of the seat plate (5), which chamfer (5f, 5g) forms an angle between 20 and 30 °, preferably 25 °. 3. Cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, at the rear of the recess (5a) and between said bearing surfaces (5b, 5c) a space (6) which communicates with said recess (5a), which space (6) is delimited by two inclined walls (5bl, 5cl), located in opposition and symmetrically on either side of the median axis of the cushion, said walls (5bl., 5cl) forming chamfers, the angle is between 40 and 50 °, preferably 45 °, which chamfers join a flat surface located at the upper face (5b) of the front part of the seat plate (5). 4. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the recess (5a) is of a circular outline and extends over the height of the seat plate (5). 5. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the foam lining (7) which covers the bottom of the circular recess (5a), comprises diametrical cuts (7b) made along lines crossing at the center of the lining and forming sectors (7a). 6. Cushion according to claim 5, characterized in that said sectors (7a) are interconnected at the center of the lining by a bridge of material (7c). 7. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lateral wedges (9, 10) are strips made of a mixture of animal hair and vegetable fibers impregnated with a rubber binder natural or artificial and comprising, along their inner lateral edge a chamfer (9a, 10a) forming an angle between 35 and 45 °, preferably 40 °, which chamfers are in opposition and join the upper face of the bearing surfaces (5b, 5c) the oblique surface of their chamfer (5f) and the upper face (5d) of the front part of the seat plate. 8. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises, on the front part of the seat plate (5), in the middle and between said shims (9, 10), a boss elongated (12), which determines with said shims (9, 10) two housings where the thighs of the individual are placed. 9. Cushion according to claim 8, characterized in that said boss (12) is produced from a mixture of animal hair and plant fibers impregnated with a binder of natural or artificial rubber and comprises, along its lateral edges, a chamfer (12a, 12b) joining the upper face (5d) of the front part of the seat plate (5), which chamfer forms an angle between 35 and 45 °, preferably 40 °. 10. Cushion according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said boss (12) extends between the front edge of the seat plate (5) and the recess (5a) and is of a general trapezoidal shape whose side walls (12a, 12b) diverge symmetrically outward from a point located on the median axis of the cushion. 11. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises, above the seat (5), shims (9, 10), bosses (12) and bearing surfaces ( 5b, 5c), two superimposed layers (14, 15) of animal hair and plant fibers impregnated with a binder of natural or artificial rubber each having a thickness of the order of 10 mm. 12. Cushion according to claim 11, characterized in that said layers (14, 15), the shims (9, 10) and the boss (12) are made from a mixture of horsehair, or horsehair, or goat, or pork and coconut fiber impregnated with an elastomeric binder at the rate of 35% animal hair, 15% coconut fiber and 50% natural or artificial rubber. 13. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the seat plate (5) and the bearing surfaces (5b, 5c) are made from a cold foam of high resilience polyether, d '' a density of 50 _K g / _m ³ . 14. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said bearing surfaces (5b, 5c) are attached to the seat plate (5) and are made from a cold foam of high polyether resilience, with a density between 30 and 40 Kg / m ³ . 15. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the lining (7) which covers the bottom of the recess (5a) is made from a cold foam of high resilience polyether, d '' a density of 32 Kg / m ³ . 16. Cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises below said rigid plate (1) and in the central part thereof, a layer of foam (4) to compensate deformation of the seat in fabrics (18) and also to prevent the cushion from sliding on said seat.

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