Expandable elevating bolster for legs and back

Abstract

A folding bolster is used to treat circulation problems to prevent pooling of fluids in patients. The bolster has three members connected together end-to-end. A first member has a free end and a hinged end connected to a center member which has a hinged end and flexible joints connecting the base member which includes a ratchet device. The members are folded together to form an adjustable triangular frame with the free end of the first member engaging the ratchet device. A patient is supported by the center member to improve circulation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A bolster for elevating a portion of the body to alleviate pooling of internal fluids, said bolster comprising a folding frame having three members, a first member having a free end and an opposite end, said opposite end including a first cooperating portion of a hinge, a center member having two ends, said center member having a second cooperating portion of a hinge affixed to one end, said first and second cooperating portions of said hinge pivotally connected, a pivoting joint attached to the second end of said center member, and a base member having a free end and a connected end, said connected end attached to said pivoting joint, a ratchet device attached to said base member between said free end and said connected end, said ratchet device having multiple detents, said free end of said first member engaging a detent of said multiple detents thereby forming a triangular frame having adjustable elevation and angle of said center member.  
     
     
         2 . A bolster of claim I wherein a cover is attached to said center member between said two ends, said cover formed of a non-slip material, said cover adapted to support a portion of the body in an elevated position.  
     
     
         3 . A folding bolster for elevating a portion of the body to alleviate pooling of internal fluids, said bolster comprising a folding frame having three members, a first member having a free end and an opposite end, said opposite end including a first cooperating portion of a hinge, a center member having two ends, said center member having a second cooperating portion of a hinge affixed to one end, said first and second cooperating portions of said hinge pivotally connected, said first member and said center member being in parallel relationship, a pivoting joint attached to the second end of said center member, and a base member having a free end and a connected end, said connected end attached to said pivoting joint, said center member and said base member being in parallel relationship, a ratchet device attached to said base member between said free end and said connected end, said ratchet device having multiple detents, whereby said free end of said first member is adapted to engage a detent of said multiple detents thereby forming a triangular frame having adjustable elevation and angle of said center member.  
     
     
         4 . A bolster of  claim 3  wherein a cover is attached to said center member between said two ends, said cover formed of a non-slip material, said cover adapted to support a portion of the body in an elevated position.  
     
     
         5 . A method of improving circulation in a patient comprising the steps of providing 
 a) a folding bolster for elevating a portion of the body to alleviate pooling of internal fluids, said bolster comprising a folding frame having three members, a first member having a free end and an opposite end, said opposite end including a first cooperating portion of a hinge, a center member having two ends, said center member having a second cooperating portion of a hinge affixed to one end, said first and second cooperating portions of said hinge pivotally connected, said first member and said center member being in parallel relationship, a pivoting joint attached to the second end of said center member, and a base member having a free end and a connected end, said connected end attached to said pivoting joint, said center member and said base member being in parallel relationship, a ratchet device attached to said base member between said free end and said connected end, said ratchet device having multiple detents,    b) folding said bolster by placing said base member on a supporting surface, and pivoting said first member to engage said free end in said ratchet device,    c) placing the patient on the supporting surface and moving said center member into contact with a portion of the body,    d) adjusting said angle and elevation of said center member by selection of a particular detent of said multiple detents, and    e) allowing said bolster to remain in place a period of time sufficient to reduce pooling.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said center member is placed in contact with the legs of the patient and the legs are at a higher elevation than the heart.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said center member is placed in contact with the back of the patient and the heart is higher than the legs.