Abstract: In systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress assembly and/or modulating the pressure in a mattress assembly, a mattress assembly includes: a two-dimensional array of bladders; at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders: multiple valves that are interposed between the pump and the bladders to control the flow of air and/or fluid to or from the bladders; a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders; and a controller in communication with the pump, the valves, and the pressure sensors. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the pump and one or more of the valves, while receiving feedback from the pressure sensors, in order to adjust the firmness of the mattress assembly and/or modulate the pressure in the mattress assembly.

Abstract: A pocket coil spring assembly is provided that includes a coil spring having an upper portion and a lower portion collectively defining an interior cavity of the coil spring. The pocket coil spring assembly further includes a fabric pocket encasing the coil spring with a top area covering the upper portion of the coil spring and a bottom area covering the lower portion of the coil spring. An amount of flexible foam is positioned in the interior cavity of the coil spring such that a top surface of the flexible foam extends above the coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes a plurality of the pocket coil spring assemblies.

Abstract: A system for generating a digital likeness of a user to model a customized body support includes a both scanning system including a body image scanner in communication with a processing system, a digital likeness generation module residing on the processing system and configured to operate the body scanning system to generate the digital likeness of the user in a field of view of the body image scanner, and a both support simulation module in communication with the digital likeness generation module and configured to receive the digital likeness of the user and digitally model a body support customized to the digital likeness of the user. A method of digitally generating a customized body support is also provided.

Abstract: A spring provides variable (non-linear) resistance as the spring is compressed. The spring comprises a plurality of spring elements that are stacked atop one another, each spring element comprising a upper member and a lower member connected to the upper member, each spring element defining an internal space between the upper member and the lower member, and each spring element configured to compress when a force is applied to the spring, such that the upper member moves toward the lower member. The spring further comprises one or more spring stops positioned in the internal space defined by on one or more of the plurality of spring elements, each spring stop being configured to prevent the respective spring element from compressing past a predetermined compression distance. A mattress is further provided and includes multiple such springs arranged in a matrix.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a body support during use includes a body support having an adjustable layer and a plurality of sensors, and a processing system in communication with the plurality of sensors and the adjustable layer. The processing system receives information from the plurality of sensors and then transmits instructions to the adjustable layer to adjust the layer. One or more cameras can also be used to gather data for receipt by the processing system in order to determine whether and how to adjust the layer.

Abstract: Encased coil units with advance conforming properties have various interconnections and structures between individually encased or wrapped coils. In the various embodiments, encasement structures between coils such as closure or attachment of sheet material or fabric, which encase the coils, are configured to allow and enhance independent movement of coils with respect to adjacent coils and remote coils of the unit. Modifications in the sheet material or fabric which encases the coils include variations in the points of connection or disconnection between adjacent coils, such as slits in the material proximate to top ends of the coils in a continuous string, or the absence of welds or glue points between adjacent encasements or strings of encasements, proximate to top ends of the coils to allow more freedom of movement of the top or upper ends of the coils and with respect to adjacent coils, and to reduce load transfer or cratering of the coil springs about the locus of the force vector.

Abstract: Innerspring assembly manufacturing machinery includes a coil forming machine for forming individual wire form coils from a supply of wire, a geneva to transfer individual coils from the coil forming machine to a coil conveyor, a coil orientation device to change a radial orientation of a coil about a longitudinal axis of the coil in the coil conveyor, and an innerspring assembler for receiving a coil from the conveyor in an orientation determined by the coil orientation device. The coil orientation device includes first and second pairs of rollers mounted for linear translation toward and away from a coil conveyor and into contact with a coil in contact with the coil conveyor. The first or second pair of rollers are driven to rotate while in contact with the coil in contact with the conveyor to rotate the coil about a longitudinal axis of the coil.

Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions includes various mattress constructions with improved air flow characteristics, and in particular mattress constructions which induce or control air flow when force is applied to the mattress support surface.

Abstract: A pillow is provided that includes a latex foam to provide comfort and support to the body of a user. The pillow includes a latex foam layer connected to at least one additional foam component. An internal foam layer is also included in the pillow, with the latex foam layer and the additional foam component disposed about the internal foam layer.