Abstract: A scale disposable on a bed frame for measuring the weight of a person in the bed on a mattress, the scale comprising a relatively thin scale frame assembly having overall length and width dimensions related to the dimensions of the bed frame. A plurality of load cells are carried by the scale frame assembly at selected locations in the assembly, each cell producing a signal representative of the weight applied to the frame assembly in its vicinity. A scale control and display device receives the several load cell signals and produces a scale output signal indicative of the weight of a person supported on the mattress.

Abstract: An air-filled mattress with virtually no air loss has a plurality of air-filled bags grouped into zones of uniform air pressure. A controller monitors the air pressure in each zone and activates a blower to adjust the pressure in any zone in which the measured pressure differs from the desired pressure by more than a threshold amount. The blower is otherwise deactivated. The bags are deflated by reversing the direction of flow from the bags to the blower. The bags are fastened to a mattress base using an attachment fitting that receives an elongated bead on the bag's bottom edge into a chamber along the mattress base fitting. The mattress base can be attached to any of a variety of different conventional bed frames. Tabs fastened to the mattress base having a hinge and a hand malleable aluminum plate can be bent to grasp a variety of different bed frames.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad, useful between a mattress and a bed-ridden person for preventing the occurrence of bed sores, defines two separate sets of interdigitated transverse inflatable body support chambers. The support chambers are alternately inflated and deflated to provide alternating areas on his body where a person lying on the pad is supported by the pad. In a leg and foot section of the pad, the support chambers have a smaller inflated diameter than the other chambers of each set to provide effective support, and freedom from support, of the heel and ankle areas of the body when those chambers are alternately inflated at a pressure consistent with comfort of the person. A body air chamber is defined in the pad over and independent from the support chambers under a pad top sheet which has a predetermined portion of its area open for air to flow through it.

Abstract: A foam pad containing slits in its upper surface is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment the pad is adapted to be positioned on a bed in a supporting relationship to a patient. The pad has head and foot supporting sections, each in the form of a convoluted checkerboard pattern of rows of peaks separated by depressions. A torso supporting section is located between the head and foot supporting sections comprising substantially parallel ribs separated by substantially parallel valleys. The slits are located on the torso supporting section, transverse to the ribs, forming a diamond-shaped area. Each slit varies in depth decreasing from the center of the pad towards the sides of the pad. Additionally, the overall depth of the slits is progressively shallower towards the head and foot supporting sections of the pad. In another embodiment, slits of the same configuration are used with a pad having a smooth upper surface which supports at least a portion of a body.

Abstract: A convoluted foam pad adapted to be positioned on a bed in a supporting relationship to a patient is provided. The pad has a head and a foot supporting section, each in the form of a convoluted, checker board pattern of rows of peaks separated by depressions. A torso supporting section, located between the head and foot supporting sections, comprises substantially parallel ribs separated by substantially parallel valleys.