Moisture Control Coverlet

Abstract

A moisture control coverlet (10) includes a fluid pathway for moisture removal fluid It is selectively configurable to use a first fluid pump (32), and/or an adaptor (34). The first fluid pump (32) can be mounted on the coverlet and coupled to the fluid pathway for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway. The adaptor (34) can be mounted on the coverlet and coupled to the fluid pathway and can be coupled to a second fluid pump (48) for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway.

Claims

1. A moisture control coverlet comprising a fluid pathway for moisture removal fluid, wherein for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway, the moisture control coverlet is: selectively configurable to use a fluid pump mounted on the moisture control coverlet; and selectively configurable to use an adaptor mounted on the moisture control coverlet and coupled to a remote fluid pump.

2. A moisture control coverlet comprising: a fluid pathway, wherein moisture removal fluid is pumped into or out of the fluid pathway for removing moisture from a surface of the moisture control coverlet; and a mounting element in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, the mounting element selectively configured to be mounted to a fluid pump and selectively configured to be mounted to an adaptor configured to be coupled to a remotely positioned fluid pump.

3. The coverlet according to claim 2, wherein the adaptor is removably mounted to the moisture control coverlet and in fluid communication with the fluid pathway.

4. A moisture control coverlet comprising: a fluid pathway, wherein moisture removal fluid is pumped into or out of the fluid pathway for removing moisture from a surface of the moisture control coverlet; and an adaptor removably mounted to the moisture control coverlet and in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, wherein the adaptor is selectively configurable to be coupled to a remote fluid pump.

5. The coverlet according to claim 2, further comprising a fluid pump removably mounted to the moisture control coverlet and in communication with the fluid pathway.

6. The coverlet according to claim 4, further comprising a mounting element in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, the mounting element being configured to selectively have mounted to it a fluid pump.

7. The coverlet according to claim 4, further comprising a first mounting point in fluid communication with the fluid pathway for mounting a fluid pump, and a second mounting point in fluid communication with the fluid pathway for mounting the adaptor, wherein each of the mounting points includes a respective mounting element.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. A kit comprising: the coverlet according to claim 1; a fluid pump for mounting onto the coverlet; and an adaptor for mounting onto the coverlet and for coupling to a remote fluid pump.

11. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the fluid pump includes a battery coupler for coupling to a battery for battery power.

12. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the fluid pump includes an alternating current coupler for coupling to an alternating current power source for an alternating current power.

13. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the fluid pump or the adaptor are removable from the coverlet and the coverlet is launderable.

14. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the fluid pump, the adaptor, or the coverlet is disposable.

15. (canceled)

16. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the coverlet is portable and includes an attachment element for attaching the coverlet to a chair.

17. (canceled)

18. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the attachment element includes a fastener, coupler, adhesive, hook or loop material, or snap at an end of the coverlet for being placed over a headrest of a chair.

19. The coverlet according to claim 1, wherein moisture removal fluid is air.

20. (canceled)

21. The coverlet according to claim 4, further comprising a vapor permeable cover onto which a patient is adapted to be placed, the cover allowing for vapor to permeate from an external vicinity of the cover through the cover to the fluid pathway.

22. The kit according to claim 10, further comprising: a second fluid pump for coupling to the adaptor.

23. The kit according to claim 22, wherein the first fluid pump is smaller than the second fluid pump, and wherein the first fluid pump has a lower fluid pumping rate than the second fluid pump.

24. (canceled)

25. The kit according to claim 22, further comprising a duct for conveying moisture removal fluid between the second fluid pump and the adaptor.

26. The kit according to claim 22, further comprising a switching element for switching between the first pump for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway and the second pump for pumping moisture removal fluid into or out of the fluid pathway.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

Description

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coverlet according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure on a chair;

[0073] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the coverlet of FIG. 1 being packaged for transport;

[0074] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of the coverlet of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing different modes of operation;

[0075] FIG. 3C is an end view of a coverlet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIGS. 3D-3E are cross-sectional views of pumps for embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIGS. 3F-3G are cross-sectional views of adaptors for embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 4 is a view of a pump and adaptor for embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 5 is a view showing the adaptor of FIG. 4 with an external pump attached;

[0080] FIG. 6 is a close-up of FIG. 5;

[0081] FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of selective coupling with a mounting element and housing in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIG. 8 is a top view of the mounting element of FIG. 7 alongside a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 7; and

[0083] FIG. 9 is a view of a housing for an adaptor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a moisture control coverlet 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure attached to a chair 12.

[0085] As can be seen in FIG. 3A and B, the coverlet 10 includes a pump system 18.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3A, this embodiment includes three layers, a first layer 30, second layer 28 and third layer 24. The first layer 30 is vapor permeable, liquid impermeable, and either air permeable or impermeable. The second layer 28 is a spacer material that allows air to flow through it under negative pressure or positive pressure. The second layer 28 separates the first layer 30 and the third layer 24. A spacer material refers to any material that includes a volume of air within the material and allows air to move through the material. The third layer 24 comprises a material that is vapor impermeable, air impermeable and liquid impermeable.

[0087] The first and third layers provide bacterial barriers. Furthermore, by being air impermeable, the first and third layers can also be viral barriers.

[0088] The first layer 30 and the third layer 24 are connected at a permeable interface 26.

[0089] The spacer material 28 provides a fluid pathway through which moisture removal fluid, in this embodiment air, can flow.

[0090] The pump system 18 is coupled in fluid communication with the spacer material of the second layer 28. The pump system 18 is operable to pump air into the second layer 28 or to pump air out of the second layer 28.

[0091] The interface 26 is highly air permeable to allow the air flow created by pump system 18 to flow in either direction essentially unrestricted. Interface 26 exists only at an end of coverlet 10 opposite an end where pump system 18 is coupled to the coverlet, so that air can flow from pump system 18 through second layer 28 and exit interface 26; or air can flow into interface 26 through second layer 28 and out pump system 18. The edges of the first and third layers are joined in a non-permeable manner except for at the interface 26.

[0092] FIG. 3A shows negative pressure flow within the second layer 28 with air flow from interface 26 to and through pump system 18. FIG. 3B shows positive pressure flow within second layer 28 with air flow from pump system 18 through second layer 28 and out interface 26.

[0093] When a patient is placed on the first layer 30 and perspires, this will cause air adjacent to the first layer 30 to have a high relative humidity. When air in the spacer material 28 has a lower relative humidity, vapor will permeate through the cover sheet 30 from the patient to the air in the spacer material 28.

[0094] Air can flow into and/or out of the spacer material 28 in some embodiments directly through the first layer 30.

[0095] This means that as moisture transfers through the first layer 30 from a patient adjacent to the first layer 30, and raises the relative humidity of the air in the spacer material 28, that air is replaced as a result of operation of the pump system 18. This ensures that the air adjacent the first layer 30 is kept at a low relative humidity and the moisture transfer rate from a patient can be maintained.

[0096] The pump system 18 is shown more clearly in FIGS. 3C, 4, 5 and 6. In one embodiment, the pump system includes a first pump 32 and an adaptor 34. The first pump 32 and the adaptor 34 are provided side-by-side at a surface of the coverlet 10 preferably at the end opposite the interface 26 such as a foot of the coverlet 10, and coupled in fluid communication with the fluid pathway.

[0097] The coverlet 10 can be provided with a first aperture in the surface of the coverlet 10, thereby exposing the fluid pathway.

[0098] The first pump 32 is coupled to the first aperture to enable the first pump 32 to pump air into and/or out of the first aperture. In order to do this, the first pump 32 is operable to provide a negative or a positive pressure to the fluid pathway for example using an integrated fan. The first pump 32 is removably mounted on and coupled to the surface of coverlet 10, in this embodiment by a plurality of fasteners such as screws 36. However, in other embodiments the first pump 32 can be coupled to the coverlet 10 in a removable manner by any other means known to the skilled person. In other embodiments, the first pump can be integral with the coverlet 10.

[0099] The first pump can include an operating switch to allow it to be selectively operated.

[0100] In a corresponding manner to the aperture for the first pump 32, a second aperture can be provided in the surface of the coverlet 10 to which is coupled the adaptor 34 in order for the adaptor to be mounted and coupled in fluid communication with the fluid pathway. The adaptor 34 is removably coupled, and this can be by any of the means by which the first pump 36 is removably coupled to the coverlet 10. However, in other embodiments, the adaptor can be integral with the coverlet.

[0101] In one embodiment, the first pump 32 includes a battery coupler coupled to a battery and is battery powered, meaning that in order for the pump 32 to be operated, it is not necessary to connect it to an external power supply. However, in other embodiments, the first pump 32 can additionally or alternatively include an AC power coupler for powering by an external power supply. In some embodiments, the first pump can be selectively operated by battery or external AC power to enable a selection of therapy and/or to enable optional application away from an external power supply.

[0102] The adaptor 34 includes an adaptor housing 38 which is coupled over the second aperture. An adaptor pathway or conduit 40 leads from the second aperture to a port 42. The port 42 can be coupled to a hose 44 for example as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The hose 44 can lead to an external air supply 48 as shown in FIG. 5 in order to couple the fluid pathway of the coverlet 10 to an external air supply 48.

[0103] In some embodiments, a valve is provided in the first fluid pump 32 to prevent air being drawn into or lost from the fluid pathway when the adaptor 34 is being used with an external air supply 48 and the first fluid pump 32 is not being used. As shown in FIGS. 3D and E a valve 33a, 33b can be placed between the first aperture 27 and a pumping element 35.

[0104] Although many different types of valve can be used, in this embodiment, the valve 33a, 33b includes an annulus 102 providing an annular opening 104 which is selectively closed by a valve flap 106. The valve flap 106 includes at least one part fixed to the annulus 102 and one edge which is free. The valve can open by the free edge being pushed away from the annulus 102 by air flow.

[0105] FIG. 3d shows a valve 33a for the first pump 32 to be used with positive pressure. In this embodiment, the valve 33a is configured so that the free edge of the valve flap 106 moves away from the pumping element 35 when the pumping element 35 is operated, but is pressed against the annulus and closed by air attempting to leave the fluid pathway through the first aperture 27.

[0106] FIG. 3e shows a first fluid pump 32 to be used with negative pressure, in which the valve flap 106 is configured so that the free edge moves towards the pumping element 35 when the pumping element 35 is operated to draw air out of the fluid pathway but is configured to be closed by air attempting to enter the fluid pathway through the first aperture 27.

[0107] As can be seen in FIG. 3d, the valve flap 106 is arranged on a side of the annulus 102 opposite the pumping element 35, and in FIG. 3e the valve flap 106 is arranged on a side of the annulus 102 closer to the pump element 35.

[0108] As can be seen in FIGS. 3f and 3g, a valve 33c, 33d can be provided in the adaptor pathway to prevent air being drawn into or lost from the fluid pathway when the first fluid pump 32 is operating or when there is no pump coupled to the adaptor 34. The valves 33c, 33d are configured to operate in a corresponding manner to the valves 33a, 33b. The valve 33c in FIG. 3f is arranged in a corresponding manner to FIG. 33a in FIG. 3d for embodiments which are designed to use positive pressure, and the valve 33d in FIG. 3g is configured to operate as per the valve 33b in FIG. 3e in which negative pressure is designed to be used.

[0109] In this embodiment, no removal or replacement of pumps is required. Power is selectively supplied to the pump desired to be used for example using operating switches on the pumps and/or power supplies. As described above, this embodiment uses valves to prevent air flow through the pump not in use. FIG. 3C shows both pumps set up for operation with coverlet 10. FIG. 3D shows pump 32 powered in the pressure mode with valve 33A opened to allow flow from pump 32 to coverlet 10. Valve 33A will close if pump 32 is not powered and external air supply 48 is powered. FIG. 3E shows pump 32 powered in the suction mode with valve 33B open to allow flow of air from coverlet to pump 32. Valve 33B will close if pump 32 is not powered and external air supply is powered.

[0110] When both pump 32 and adaptor 34 are installed on coverlet 10 for use in the pressure mode, pump 32 incorporates a one-way valve 33A as in FIG. 3D and adaptor 34 incorporates a one-way valve 33C as in FIG. 3F to prevent back-flow through the air supply not in use.

[0111] When pump 32 and adaptor 34 are installed in the suction air flow mode, pump 32 incorporates a one-way valve 33B as in FIG. 3E and adaptor 34 incorporates a one-way valve as in FIG. 3G to prevent flow through the air supply not in use. In another embodiment, if either negative or positive pressure air flow is contemplated, each pump supply system 18 can be equipped with a normally closed solenoid valve that is powered open by the same power that drives the pump. Each air supply 18 will be in air communication with coverlet 10 only when it is powered and its valve is powered open. Otherwise valves are normally closed at all other times. This ensures no back-flow through unpowered air systems present in the assembly.

[0112] Although the embodiments described above involve a first pump being coupled over a first aperture and adaptor being coupled over a second aperture, in other embodiments, instead of having a second aperture, the first aperture can be provided with a mounting element, and each of the first pump 32 and the adaptor 34 can be provided with a coupling element.

[0113] Each of the coupling elements is configured to be able to co-operate with the mounting element in order selectively and removably to mount either the first pump 32 or the adaptor 34 over the first aperture 27. In this way, it is not necessary for the first pump 32 to be constantly attached to the coverlet 10. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the adaptor or the first pump 32 to include valves.

[0114] One example of such selective coupling is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. The first pump can have a housing 208a as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the first aperture can have a mounting element 200a as also shown in FIG. 7. The housing 208a can have a coupling element in the form of tabs 272 and optionally holes 268 in which the tabs 272 are located. The mounting element includes projections 260 with barbs 264 arranged so that when the housing 208a is placed on the mounting element 200a, the protrusions 260 extend into the holes 268 and the barbs cooperate with and are caught by the tabs 272 in order to couple the housing to the mounting element. A base 202 of the mounting element 200a can be provided on an external surface of the coverlet, or can be provided on an internal surface of the coverlet, for example an internal surface of the first layer 30, with the projections protruding through the coverlet surface.

[0115] To remove the first pump housing 208a, a release tool is used with extensions that are pressed simultaneously into holes 268 to release all barbs simultaneously for disengaging.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 9, the adaptor can have a housing 208c with a corresponding coupling element, that is in this example with holes 268 and tabs 272 corresponding to the holes 268 and tabs 272 on the housing 208a of the first pump.

[0117] This makes housings 208a and 208c interchangeable on mounting element 200a.

[0118] Further details of the coupling arrangements of FIGS. 7 to 9 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,918,930, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, in particular paragraphs 59 and 60 and FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 8A and 8B thereof.

[0119] In other embodiments, different mounting elements and coupling elements can be used. In one embodiment, screws or other suitable retaining means can be used to remove and interchange first pump and adapter.

[0120] A desired one of the first or second pump can be coupled to the coverlet as appropriate by mounting the first fluid pump on the mounting element or by mounting the adaptor on the mounting element and coupling it to the second pump.

[0121] The coverlet 10 includes a coverlet connector or an attachment element 50 for attaching the coverlet 10 to a chair 12. In this embodiment, the attachment element 50 is a loop of material at a first end 52 of the coverlet 10. Looping material 50 is a strip of material which is attached at both ends to the first end 52 of the coverlet 10 and able to go over a head rest 54 of a chair 12. However, the attachment element 50 may in other embodiments be attached to the coverlet at other points. Furthermore, there can be more than one attachment element. For example, in one embodiment, the coverlet connector or attachment element 50 may be configured as one or a plurality of tethers and/or straps and/or ties extending from a head and/or foot and/or along a length of coverlet 10. The coverlet connector may have fasteners, couplers, adhesives, hook and loop materials, or snaps for detachably securing the coverlet connector to itself to form a loop structure or to other surfaces or structures of a bed, chair or other support in order to removably secure the coverlet to the support surface.

[0122] The coverlet 10 described above is a versatile and portable coverlet which is not restricted to use on mattresses for patients lying in a supine position.

[0123] As described above, many patients need to be seated in a chair during treatment, and some patients may wish to have the advantages of a moisture control coverlet when they are not directly receiving treatment. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the coverlet 10 described above can be easily placed over a chair to allow the moisture control coverlet to continue to control moisture removal from a patient while they are seated in a chair.

[0124] Furthermore, the pump system 18 enables the coverlet 10 to be operated by a small battery powered pump which in some embodiments is affixed to the coverlet and is in any event easily transported with the coverlet 10. This eliminates the need to carry around a bulky pump and attachment apparatus. It also enables the coverlet to be operated where there is not a convenient power supply.

[0125] Furthermore, the use of an additional separate adaptor means that when the patient reaches a place where they require more intensive moisture removal, or where they are likely to be positioned for an extended period of time, they can couple the coverlet 10 to a more powerful external pump to enable it to be more effective.

[0126] The coverlet can easily be rolled-up like a sleeping bag and placed into a transporting bag, for example as shown in FIG. 2. Advantageously, the coverlet connector or attachment element 50 can be used as shown in FIG. 2 to tie the coverlet in a rolled position such as shown in FIG. 2. For this purpose, one end of the attachment element 50 can be detached from the coverlet 10 and used as a tie.

[0127] The adaptor 34 and the first fluid pump 32 can be disposable, optionally together with the rest of the coverlet 10, meaning that after its intended use, the entirety of the coverlet can be disposed of.

[0128] In some embodiments, the adaptor and the first fluid pump can be removed from the coverlet 10 to enable them to be cleaned. Removing the first fluid pump and the adaptor 34 from the coverlet 10 also means that the coverlet, with the pump system 18 removed, can be laundered.

[0129] However, in other embodiments, the first pump 32 can be provided within the coverlet 10.

[0130] In embodiments which include a first pump coupled over a first aperture and an adaptor coupled over a second aperture, the first pump and adaptor can be removable from the coverlet. The first and second apertures can provide mounting points. For example, they can each be provided with a mounting element as described above and the first pump and the adaptor can be provided with coupling elements as described above. In some embodiments, the mounting elements are the same to allow either the first pump or the adaptor to be mounted on either aperture. In other embodiments, the mounting elements and coupling elements are configured so that the first pump can only be mounted on the first aperture and the adaptor can only be mounted on the second aperture.

[0131] The coverlet does not need exactly three layers. Other arrangements are possible. For example, possible configurations of the fluid pathway are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,372,182 and 8,918,930, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference. Details and modifications described therein are applicable to the coverlet 10 described herein. However, other modifications may also be made to the configuration of the coverlet, provided the coverlet includes a fluid pathway through which the pump system 18 can pump moisture removal fluid to remove moisture from the vicinity of a patient adjacent to the coverlet.

[0132] All optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments and dependent claims are usable in all aspects of the invention(s) taught herein. Furthermore, the individual features of the dependent claims, as well as all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are combinable and interchangeable with one another.

[0133] The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. The scope of the invention is to be determined from the claims appended hereto. While devices, kits, system and methods have been described with reference to certain embodiments within this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additions, deletions, substitutions and improvements can be made while remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.