Pad for use by a bedridden and partially paralyzed patient

Abstract

A bed-supported pad includes an underneath segment and an upper segment adjustable with each other to be compatible with the size of the patient. One or more pockets are releasably secured to the upper segment to hold button-actuated control devices that are operable by a bedridden and substantially paralyzed patient capable of moving his or her head in a side-to-side direction to contact the button and activate or deactivate the control devices.

1 . A multifunctional bed-supported pad for use beneath the head and shoulders of a bedridden and paralyzed patient comprising: an underneath segment; an upper segment adjustably and releasably secured to the underneath segment; at least one pocket adjustably and releasably secured to the upper segment, the underneath segment configured to cooperatively receive a removable pillow to support the head of the patient.  
   
   
       2 . The pad as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the at least one pocket can hold a button-actuated control device proximate and within reach of the head of the patient when the head is moved in the direction of the at least one pocket.  
   
   
       3 . The pad as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the underneath segment is folded upon itself to form a pillow pocket.  
   
   
       4 . The pad as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the underneath segment is folded upon itself to form a pillow pocket.  
   
   
       5 . A multifunctional bed-supported pad for use beneath the head and shoulders of a patient paralyzed to the extent that only the head can be moved, the pad comprising: an underneath segment adjacent the bed; an upper segment adjustably and releasably secured to the underneath segment; first and second pockets adjustably and releasably secured to the upper segment, the underneath segment configured to receive a removable pillow to support the head of the patient, the first and second pockets retaining button-actuated control devices proximate and within operable reach of the head of the patient when the head is moved in the direction of either of the control devices.  
   
   
       6 . The pad as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the underneath segment is folded upon itself to form a pillow pocket.  
   
   
       7 . The pad as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the underneath and upper segments are positioned with respect to each other to be compatible with the size of the patient and the first and second pockets are positioned on either side and within operable reach of the head of the patient when the head is moved in the direction of either of the control devices.  
   
   
       8 . The pad as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the underneath segment is positioned under the shoulders of the patient and the upper segment is positioned under the head of the patient.  
   
   
       9 . The pad as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the underneath segment is secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners and the first and second pockets are secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       10 . The pad as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the underneath segment is secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners and the at least one pocket is secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       11 . The pad as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the underneath segment is secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners and the at least one pocket is secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       12 . The pad as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the underneath segment is secured to the upper segment and the first and second pockets are secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       13 . The pad as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the underneath segment is secured to the upper segment and the first and second pockets are secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       14 . The pad as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the underneath segment is secured to the upper segment and the first and second pockets are secured to the upper segment by hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       15 . The pad as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the at least one pocket has closing means to secure the control device therein.  
   
   
       16 . The pad as claimed in  claim 5  wherein each pocket has closing means to secure the control device therein.  
   
   
       17 . The pad as claimed in  claim 8  wherein each pocket has closing means to secure the control device therein.