Abstract: A foldable surface for supporting a user relative to a support surface during an activity includes at least three surface panels that are movably coupled to one another with one or more panel connectors. Each of the surface panels includes (i) a rigid base layer having a base layer first surface that faces in a first direction, and (ii) a resilient layer that is adjacent to the base layer, the resilient layer having a resilient layer second surface that faces in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The surface panels are movable between an open configuration wherein the surface panels cooperate to form a substantially planar surface that can be positioned adjacent to the support surface, and a stacked configuration wherein the surface panels are positioned substantially side-by-side with the base layer first surface of one surface panel directly facing the base layer first surface of an adjacent surface panel.

Abstract: Head support devices including two side supports with a central support suspended therebetween. In some embodiments, the central support may be configured to hold and provide support to a user's chin. A connector such as a strap may be configured to connect the side supports to one another, with the connector configured to wrap around the rear of a user's head or neck.

Abstract: A mattress cover handle integrated into a mattress cover. The mattress cover is used for covering a mattress on a bed frame. The mattress cover handle include a first horizontal pocket in a first side panel of the mattress cover. Also, a second horizontal pocket in a second side panel can be integrated into the mattress cover. A back side of the first horizontal pocket and a back side of the second horizontal pocket includes webbing or reinforcing tape. The tape can extend along a length of the first and second side panels and sewn next to the sides of the pockets for reinforcing the strength of the pockets. Also, the first and second pockets include seams, which are hemmed around the sides of the each pocket.

Abstract: A patient support system including a frame having first and second portions, at least one of them movable with respect to the other to transition the frame between a first configuration and a second configuration. A first port is coupled to the first portion of the frame, and a second port disposed with the second portion of the frame, such that a distance between the first port and the second port changes when the frame transitions between the first and second configurations. A fluid conduit is arranged between the first port and the second port and configured to transition between a first length and a second length, longer than the first length, when the frame is transitioned between the first and second configurations. The fluid conduit is configured with a resiliency to naturally return toward the first length. A method of using a patient support system is also included.

Abstract: An individually pocketed coil spring for use in a bedding or seating product, is disclosed, as well as pocket spring mattresses including such pocketed coil springs. The individually pocketed coil spring include: a coil spring having an upper end and a lower end; a casing forming a pocket enclosing said coil spring; and a cushioning pad located above said upper end of the coil spring. The casing provides a first compartment enclosing the coil spring, and a second compartment enclosing the cushioning pad. The first and second compartments are separated from each other.

Abstract: Furniture that is convertible between a seat position and a bed position is described. The furniture includes a first bed section with a first platform supporting a first cushion, and a second bed section with a second platform, a second cushion, and a partition disposed between the second platform and the second cushion. The first platform is configured to pivot relative to the second platform. The first cushion is thicker than the second cushion. When the furniture is in the bed position, a top surface of the first cushion is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the second cushion and the partition is spaced from the second platform by a first distance. In the seat position of the furniture, the distance between the partition and the second platform is less than the first distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and articles for temperature conditioning a surface. An article is formed from a first layer having a plurality of openings and a second layer having a corresponding plurality of openings. At least one interior chamber constructed and configured to retain a fluid without leaking is defined between an interior surface of the first layer and an interior surface of the second layer. At least one flexible fluid supply line delivers the fluid to the at least one interior chamber. At least one flexible fluid return line removes the fluid from the at least one interior chamber. At least one control unit that is operable to selectively cool or heat the fluid is attached to the at least one flexible fluid supply line and the at least one flexible fluid return line.

Abstract: A step system including a patient support member having a deployable step assembly including a deployable step. The deployable step assembly is fixed and integral to the patient support member and is configured to deploy as needed to provide a sturdy platform for at least one medical professional in a standing position while performing medical procedures on a patient. The deployable step assembly may include deployable steps on both a right-side and a left-side of the patient support member.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: The present invention is a malleable bed cover that transforms a child's bed to resemble a predetermined object such as an automobile, train, boat, fort, airplane, castle, dollhouse, or a white blank cover to create a personalized design. The bed cover changes shape to provide the child with space for imagination play through the use of accessories, markers and attachable toys.

Abstract: During orthopedic surgeries, body parts are moved in different ways to cause different anatomic features (e.g. muscles or the trochanters) to tighten or loosen, or become more or less prominent during the intended surgical incisions, which can result in easier surgical procedures. Body parts can be moved using a variety of different structures. The exemplary structures described herein can allow for: (1) a person's leg and foot to be rotated about the axis of the leg (i.e., femur/tibia axis); (2) a person's leg can be pivoted generally about the hip/femoral head/acetabulum to vary the angle between the axis of the leg and a median sagittal plane; (3) a person's leg can be moved in a direction parallel to the leg axis; and/or a person's leg can be pivoted in a generally vertical plane, about the femoral head/acetabulum while the axis of the leg and the median sagittal plane remaining substantially parallel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a travel bed comprising a bottom support, a upper surrounding frame, stand rods and fixing bases. The upper surrounding frame comprises a first surrounding rod and a second surrounding rod which are rotatably connected with a first connector. The first surrounding rod comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod which are connected with a second connector, and the second surrounding rod comprises a third connecting rod and a fourth connecting rod which are connected with a third connector. The upper surrounding frame further comprises a first locking device for locking the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and a second locking device for locking the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting rod. The first locking device is linked with the second locking device via a hauling rope.

Abstract: A convertible hammock assembly includes a flexible hammock defining a fabric bed having opposing ends and opposing sides, and suspension lines extending from the opposing ends of the fabric bed for hanging the flexible hammock between spaced apart structures. An elongated rigid spreader bar is located at one end of the fabric bed. A conversion cord selectively laterally tensions the fabric bed between opposite ends of the spreader bar, such that the flexible hammock is convertible between a generally inclined condition with increased lateral bed tension at the spreader bar, and a generally flat condition with reduced lateral bed tension at the spreader bar.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies including static and adjustable mattress foundations generally include a foundation frame including side frame members and transverse frame members attached at respective ends by a corner bracket at each of the respective ends to define a generally rectangular shape. An adjustable support leg coupled to each one of the corner brackets for automatically elevating the foundation frame relative to ground. The adjustable support leg can include an outer tubular member fastened to an interior facing portion of the corner bracket including an end cap, wherein the end cap includes an aperture. A motorized linear actuator can be coupled to the outer tubular member, which can include a motor and an extendible portion coupled to the motor. The extendible portion is configured to selectively retract from and extend through the end cap to change the elevation of the foundation frame relative to ground.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies including static and adjustable mattress foundations generally include a foundation frame including side frame members and transverse frame members attached at respective ends by a corner bracket at each of the respective ends to define a generally rectangular shape. An adjustable support leg coupled to each one of the corner brackets for automatically elevating the foundation frame relative to ground. The adjustable support leg can include an outer tubular member fastened to an interior facing portion of the corner bracket including an end cap, wherein the end cap includes an aperture. A motorized linear actuator can be coupled to the outer tubular member, which can include a motor and an extendible portion coupled to the motor. The extendible portion is configured to selectively retract from and extend through the end cap to change the elevation of the foundation frame relative to ground.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus—such as a bed, chair, cot, stretcher, or the like—includes a frame, support surface, movable component, an actuator, and a controller. The actuator includes a motor, an encoder, a spindle, an extendable arm, multiple power switches, and a position switch. The controller estimates a position of the extendable arm based on motor encoder signals and updates the position estimate when the arm triggers the position switch. The power switches cut power to the motor without intervention by the controller when the extendable arm triggers either of the power switches. In some embodiments, the motor is a brushless DC motor. In still other embodiments, multiple position switches are adapted to be open in different ranges of position, and the controller determines which range the extendable arm is located in based on the state of the position switches.

Abstract: A back adjustable electrical bed frame comprises a head panel, a back panel, a buttocks panel, a thigh panel, a shank panel, a back pusher motor and a leg pusher motor. The leg pusher motor drives the buttocks panel through a scissor support assembly. The shank panel, parallel to the base, moves back and forth. The back panel has a back panel pivot at a quarter to a half of its lower part. The back panel is fixed to the base by a column having one end fixed to the base and the other end connected to the back panel pivot. The back pusher motor has a front end pivot connected with the back panel and a rear end pivot fixedly connected with the base. The front end pivot, the rear end pivot and the back panel pivot form a triangle to position an angle of the back panel.

Abstract: A method of positioning an occupant (98) of a bed includes identifying (204) the presence of a discrepancy between an existing occupant position and a target occupant position, and establishing (206) an elevation gradient having a direction, magnitude and position compatible with moving the occupant from the existing occupant position to the target position. In one variant of the method the step of establishing an elevation gradient is one substep of a preordained sequence of bladder inflations and deflations. In another variant, the method includes determining (210) if the discrepancy has been corrected and responding to any noncorrection of the discrepancy.

Abstract: A rotating and articulating bed includes a fixed bed frame with a horizontal support surface and an articulating bed member attached to the horizontal support surface. The articulating bed member includes an articulating head portion and a separate articulating foot portion. A rotating and pivoting frame mounted on the horizontal support surface and connect to the articulating head portion and the articulating foot portion rotates with respect to the horizontal support surface around a vertical axis passing through the horizontal support surface and provides pivoting movement of the articulating bed member with respect to the horizontal support surface to tilt the articulating bed member toward at least one of the articulating head portion and the articulating foot portion.

Abstract: A pillow support assembly includes panel that has a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. The panel includes a first portion including the first edge and a second portion including second edge. The top side of the second portion is formable into a concave shape from the first portion to the second edge and the second portion is pivotable over the first portion when the second portion is in the concave shape. A securing member releasably secures the second portion in an arced condition extending over the first portion. The bottom side of the second portion supports a pillow when the second portion is in the arced condition.