Abstract: A communication and control apparatus includes a control unit having a surface accessible to a person on a bed, the control unit being coupled to a portion of the bed, and a plurality of icons located on the surface of the control unit. Each icon represents a separate one of the plurality of controlled functions. The apparatus also includes an indicator associated with each icon, a single select switch located on the surface of the control unit, and at least one adjustment switch located on the control unit to control the function selected using the select switch. The select switch is actuatable to scroll sequentially through the plurality of different functions. The control unit is configured to actuate the indicator corresponding to a function selected as the select switch is actuated to scroll through the plurality of different controlled functions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a gap filler is provided for a bed that includes first and second barriers. The gap filler is configured to substantially fill a gap defined between the first and second barriers.

Abstract: An adjustable body guard (ABG) (10) that is designed to be attached, by an attachment means (46), to the side rails (70) as found on most hospital beds (72). The ABG (10) consists of an elongated resilient section (12) having a quarter-circle cross-section and that has two or three articulated sections (24, 26, 28) which allow the ABG (10) to be positioned to conform to the position in which a bed-confined patient is lying on the bed (72) or to the articulations of an adjustable hospital bed (72). Thus, the ABG (10) adds comfort and provides a degree of safety to the patient. For hygiene and to prevent the ABG (10) from being soiled, a washable full or partial cover (60, 62) is preferably placed over the ABG (10).

Abstract: A collapsible barrier includes a collapsible frame and a flexible cover that is attached to the frame. The frame may include tubes connected by couplings and an elastic cord. When in use, the barrier may be used as a gate to prevent small children and animals from entering or exiting a room or other such space. When the tubes and couplings are disconnected, the gate folds so that it may be easily stored or transported.

Abstract: An infant positioner positions an infant in a supine position for sleeping and reduces the risk of developing positional plagiocephaly. The infant positioner includes a mat for supporting the torso of an infant. A first body pillow is attached to the mat, and a second body pillow is attached to the mat in spaced relationship with the first body pillow. A head positioner is attached to the mat for supporting the head of the infant lying supine on the mat between the first and second body pillows. The head positioner has at least one upper surface that slopes transversely such that the infant's head is caused to rotate to the side while sleeping in the supine position.

Abstract: A patient support is provided having a frame, a mattress, and at least one siderail. The siderail includes a rail member and a coupler configured to permit raising and lower of the rail member between a lowered egress position and a raised blocking position.

Abstract: A bed safety guard provides additional guarding protection lengthwise of the bed. The side support or guard rail is secured against the side of the mattress by a plurality of slats extending transversely across substantially the entire width of the box spring. Each of the slats is bent at a terminal end thereof to form a fixed substantially right angle. The terminal ends cooperate with the side of the box spring to reliably secure the guard rail in position, to prevent it from being dislodged or pushed out and away from the bed by an occupant.

Abstract: A hospital stretcher includes a patient support deck having an upwardly-facing patient support surface, and at least one sideframe adjacent to a first side of the stretcher, and movable between (i) a first raised position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a first adult patient-restraining height, (ii) a second fully-raised position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a second pediatric patient-restraining height greater than the first adult patient-restraining height, and (iii) a third out-of-the-way down position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed below the patient support surface. Sideframe locking mechanisms are provided for selectively locking the at least one sideframe in the first adult patient-restraining raised position and the second pediatric patient-restraining fully-raised position.

Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, beddings and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Abstract: A side bolster system is provided for use with a mattress having a first side and a second side. The side bolster system of the present invention includes a first side bolster configured to be positioned along the first side of the mattress, and a second side bolster configured to be positioned along the second side of the mattress.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a gap filler is provided for a bed that includes first and second barriers. The gap filler is configured to substantially fill a gap defined between the first and second barriers.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a bedframe, a first pair of siderails, and a second pair of siderails. The bedframe includes an articulating deck having first and second sections that move relative to each other. The first pair of the siderails is coupled to the second section of the deck to move therewith. At least one pair of the siderails is configured to move relative to the other pair of siderails to compensate for movement of the first pair of siderails with the second section of the deck.

Abstract: A portable bed railing for retrofitting bed railing to existing beds. The portable bed railing includes a first portion for defining a substantially vertical railing. The first portion includes a rod having a first end and a second end. Each of a pair of elongate members is integrally coupled to and extends away from one of the first and second ends of the rod. The elongate members extend in a generally parallel direction to each other and each is orientated generally perpendicular to the rod. A second portion for positioning between a mattress and box spring includes a bar having a first end and a second end. Each of a pair of pole members is integrally coupled to and extends away from one of the first and second ends of the bar. The pole members extend in a generally parallel direction to each other and each is orientated generally perpendicular to the bar. Each of the pole members has a free end hingedly coupled to one of the elongate members.

Abstract: A bed rail pad for protecting a user from bed rails and for keeping items on a bed includes a plurality of pads. Each of the pads is elongated and has a generally tubular shape. The pads have open first and second ends. The pads each have an elongated slit therethrough extending between the first and second ends such that a first edge and a second edge are defined. Each of a plurality of panels has a peripheral edge. A plurality of fastening means removably fastens the pads to the panels. The pads may be positioned around a railing such that the panels may be removably coupled to the pads and the panels may extend between spaced railings.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a bedframe, a mattress positioned on the bedframe, a first siderail, and a second siderail. The first and second siderails cooperate to define a gap therebetween. The bed further includes a siderail extender coupled to the first siderail that extends between the first and second siderails to close the gap defined therebetween.

Abstract: An inflatable baby cushioning apparatus for restricting the movement of infants. The inflatable baby cushioning apparatus includes an inflatable baby cushioning apparatus comprising a pad. The pad includes a peripheral edge and a plurality of tubular members. Each of the plurality of tubular members includes a pair of ends and a peripheral wall extending therebetween.

Abstract: A bed frame comprises a bed frame, a bed platform, a front plate, a distal plate, and two separate siderails at each side. The bed platform is structured by plurality of plates made by injecting plastics from a mold and serving to enhance the structure. The elevation angle of the bed platform can be adjusted by a driving device. Each of the siderails can be lifted or descended so that the patient can get on or off the bed conveniently. The outer side of each siderail is installed with at least one inner concave groove for fingers insertion when pull or push the siderails for safely purpose. Inner side of one siderail is installed with a motor controller to drive the driving device. The design will prevent the event of losing or destroying since it is fixed at a proper place. Besides, lower corners of the front and distal plates are installed with an impact-proof head to prevent the patient or others from being harmed by the corners.

Abstract: An adjustable body guard (ABG) (10) that is designed to be attached, by an attachment means (46), to the side rails (70) as found on most hospital beds (72). The ABG (10) consists of an elongated resilient section (12) having a quarter-circle cross-section and that has two or three articulated sections (24, 26, 28) which allow the ABG (10) to be positioned to conform to the position in which a bed-confined patient is lying on the bed (72) or to the articulations of an adjustable hospital bed (72). Thus, the ABG (10) adds comfort and provides a degree of safety to the patient. For hygiene and to prevent the ABG (10) from being soiled, a washable full or partial cover (60, 62) is preferably placed over the ABG (10).

Abstract: An infant positioning device which provides the ability to move an infant, a preterm infant, and/or a newborn between and including a supine, prone, or side-lying position, with little or no tactile stimulation of the infant caused by human touch.

Abstract: A bed comprises a lower frame (12) having at least one leg or support element (16) for support on a ground and an upper frame (14) connected with the lower frame (12) and having a head element (22) and a foot element (24), as well as at least one connecting element (26) connecting the same. Further, a lying surface (46) having two longitudinal edges (48) extending between the head element (22) and the foot element (24), and at least one safety side element (52; 54) are provided, the at least one safety side element (52; 54) being slidable, beneath the lying surface (46), in a pull-out plane between an insert position and a maximum pull-out position. The at least one safety side element (52; 54) remains extending in the pull-out plane in any intermediate position between insert position and the maximum pull-out position.

Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a bedframe, a first pair of siderails, and a second pair of siderails. The bedframe includes an articulating deck having first and second sections that move relative to each other. The first pair of the siderails is coupled to the second section of the deck to move therewith. At least one pair of the siderails is configured to move relative to the other pair of siderails to compensate for movement of the first pair of siderails with the second section of the deck.

Abstract: This article is a padded gap protector for hospital beds that provides zero clearance no matter what the articulated position of the bed is. The pad remains in compression with the mattress and closes the gap between the mattress and side rails. The pad provides a zero gap when the matters is in a horizontal position and when the mattress is secured in an articulate position such as an elevated position. Straps secure the pad to a bed frame beneath the mattress to maintain compression and a V-shaped section with no material or a soft material maintains the zero gap when the mattress is in an articulate position. Another set of straps secure the top of the pad to the top rail of the bed rails.

Abstract: A crib apparatus comprises at least one side rail connected to a frame along a bed surface for enclosing the bed surface. A positioning mechanism is provided at each of the side rails for positioning a respective side rail. Each of the positioning mechanisms includes a handle component, a rotatable lock spindle attached to a respective side rail, and a locking component slidably receiving the vertical lock spindle. The handle component is connected to the lock spindle so that it can rotate the lock spindle from a lock position to a release position in order to allow one of the lock pins to be released from the locking component. Each of the positioning mechanisms allows its respective side rail to be positioned in an uppermost position so that a top portion of the side rail is vertically higher than the bed surface, and in a lowermost position so that the top portion of the side rail is substantially at or below the bed surface.

Abstract: A method for assembling a modular siderail for attachment to a bed comprises forming a first end section to include a first connector joint, forming a second end section to include a second connector joint, and coupling the first connector joint and the second connector joint to form a skeletal structure.

Abstract: A cubicle bed, including a horizontal non-steel bed frame having a rectangular perimeter including a head end, a foot end parallel to the head end, and two parallel sides between the head end and the foot end; the frame adapted to support a bed mattress; a footboard extending vertically from the foot end, and including a non-steel footboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel; a headboard extending vertically from the head end, and including a non-steel headboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel; a pair of opposed sideboards extending vertically from the parallel sides, each of the sideboards including a non-steel sideboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel, with at least one of the substantially transparent mesh panels being releasably attached to the sideboard frame; the footboard, headboard and sideboards being joined together in cooperating relationship to define a barrier about the perimeter of the horizontal bed frame.

Abstract: A side rail assembly for a wheeled carriage includes side rail posts secured by a support structure including bushings having inner flat sides that expand outwardly to adjust for variations in the tolerance of the side rail posts and snugly secure the side rail posts to the support structure. Such variations can be caused by a finished surface applied to the entire outer circumference of the side rail posts and the support structure to improve the appearance thereof. The support structure enables curved side rail posts to rotate about their axis at lower ends thereof.

Abstract: A side bolster system is provided for use with a mattress having a first side and a second side. The side bolster system of the present invention includes a first side bolster configured to be positioned along the first side of the mattress, a second side bolster configured to be positioned along the second side of the mattress, and a transverse tether having a first end coupled to the first side bolster and a second end coupled to the second side bolster.

Abstract: A modular siderail for attachment to a bed includes a first end section having a first end and a second end. The second end includes a connector joint. The modular siderail also includes a second end section substantially identical to the first end section. A connector joint of the second end section and the connector joint of the first end section are configured to mate and together to form a skeletal structure.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a first actuator coupled to a head section and a second actuator coupled to a thigh section. A set of buttons accessible to a patient carried by the stretcher are coupled to motors that drive the respective first and second actuators. The buttons are pressed to move the thigh section through a fill range of motion and to move the head section through a limited range of motion. A switch inaccessible to the patient is pressed to move the head section through a full range of motion. Lockout switches are provided for disabling the buttons and the switch. A first hand crank is coupled to the first actuator and is manually rotated to move the head section through the full range of motion. A second hand crank is coupled to the second actuator and is manually rotated to move the thigh section through the fill range of motion. A CPR release handle is provided for quickly lowering the head section to the lowered position without the use of the buttons, switch, or first hand crank.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a bed deck above the base frame, and an intermediate frame carrying the bed deck. The intermediate frame is mounted to the base frame for movement relative to the base frame between a raised position spaced apart above the base frame and a lowered position below the raised position. The bed also includes a side rail mounted to the intermediate frame and extending generally upwardly therefrom to a top of the side rail, a drive assembly coupling the intermediate frame to the base frame, and control buttons mounted on the side rail and coupled to the drive assembly so that activation of the control buttons activates the drive assembly. The drive assembly moves the intermediate frame between the raised position and the lowered position when the drive assembly is activated. The control buttons include resident control buttons facing toward the bed deck and caregiver control buttons facing away from the bed deck.

Abstract: A chair bed for supporting a person is provided, the chair bed having a head end, a foot end, and opposing sides. The chair bed includes a frame and a deck supported on the frame. The deck includes head, seat, and foot sections. A mattress is mounted on the deck and has an upwardly-facing patient surface. The mattress also has head, seat, and foot portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat, and foot sections of the deck. The head section of the deck and the mattress portion thereon is pivotable from a generally horizontal down position through various positions upwardly to a back-support position. A pair of side rails is mounted on each side of the chair bed. Each pair of side rails includes a body section side rail mounted to move with the deck seat section and extending laterally adjacent the deck head and seat sections and a head section side rail mounted to move with the deck head section relative to the body section side rail and extending adjacent only the deck head section.

Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus for facilitating movement of a person from one position to another includes one or more upright support units and an adjustable frame assembly for connecting or mounting the support unit(s) to a structure. Each support unit includes a compartment with a hollow interior and a handle connected to the compartment. A pocket with an opening is formed in the compartment for providing access to the hollow interior. The handle includes an elongate bar spaced from the compartment portion and sized to be grasped by the hand of a person. Two or more upright support units may be arranged in tandem and/or opposite each other. The distance between the support units is adjustable through the frame assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, beddings and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

Abstract: A system of padded covers that are attached to adjustable split bed rails, and which are pivotally engageable so that the bed rails may be adjusted with a bed without having to remove or reposition the bed rail covers. The bed rail cover system includes a pair of upper covers, which are mirror images of each other, so that they fit on the upper bed rails adjacent the head of the bed on both sides, as well as another mirror image pair of lower covers fitted over lower bed rails adjacent the foot of the bed on both sides. Each upper cover includes two sides having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end refers to the portion of the cover toward the head of the bed, and the lower end refers to the portion of the cover toward the foot of the bed. The lower covers each include a pair of longitudinal sides that form a slot therebetween, at an upper end. The lower end of the upper cover slides into the slot formed between the longitudinal sides of the lower cover.

Abstract: A mattress apparatus is provided for use on a bed frame having at least one siderail movable from an up position to a down position. The apparatus includes a support surface, an electrical controller configured to control the support surface, and a siderail down sensor configured to be coupled to one of the bed frame and siderail. The siderail down sensor is electrically coupled to the controller. The siderail down sensor is configured to generate an output signal indicating that the siderail of the bed frame is in the down position.

Abstract: A safety bumper pad includes a bumper pad, a mattress retaining sheet, and a plurality of positive locking straps. A bumper cover is sewn around a bumper cushion to form the bumper pad. The mattress retaining sheet is sewn on the bottom of the bumper pad such that a mattress may be inserted therein. The mattress retaining sheet is deep enough to allow the entire bumper pad to protrude above the mattress. A plurality of positive locking straps are attached to substantially the top of the bumper pad. The positive locking straps include a strap portion, a female locking member, and a male locking portion. The female locking member is attached to one end of the strap portion. The male locking member contains a loop section through which the other end of the strap portion is inserted. The male and female locking members are pulled around at least one crib rail and then the male locking member is inserted into the female locking member.

Abstract: In order to improve the operational efficiency and mitigate the burden for a subject, there is provided a table comprising a table body 41 which can be moved upwardly and downwardly, and a cradle 42 disposed over the table body 41 and having a cradle body portion 42c on which the subject 30 is to be mounted and an extending portion (first extending portion) 42a projecting laterally from at least one lateral portion of the cradle body portion 42c and extending to the vicinity of a mat 32 on a carrying means (stretcher) 25 alongside, the extending portion 42a being for use in shifting the subject 30 on the carrying means 25 to the cradle body portion 42c.

Abstract: A railing guard is provided for alleviating previous deficiencies with crib protectants. The crib railing guard disclosed protects infants from injury and discomfort resulting from impact against and contact with side railing on baby cribs. Furthermore, the crib railing guard provides a self-supportive, comfortable enclosure for care of infants on surfaces with or without side railing. The crib railing guard is composed of a base, a cushiony wall and fasteners. The base is sized and shaped to correspond to an infant mattress. The base, when used in conjunction with an infant bed, is placed on top of the mattress support structure and beneath the mattress. The cushiony wall is connected to the perimeter of the base and projects upward. The lower portion of the cushiony wall is designed to compress when a mattress is placed on top of the base in order to fit the crib railing guard between the crib railing and the mattress.

Abstract: A cover and cushion ensemble for a hospital bed that improves the bed's aesthetic appearance while the bed is being used for its intended purpose and also converts the bed into a sofa or some other covered seat that is functional and aesthetically pleasing when the bed is not being used for its intended purpose. The cover and cushion ensemble comprises a side rail cushion, a head board cover, a foot board cover, a mattress cover and a side rail cover. The side rail cushion and the side rail cover are each shaped to hide the bed's safety side rails from view. The side rail cushion is provided with fastening means for releasable securement to the bed's safety side rail. The head board and foot board covers are both formed of a flexible sheet material and are arranged to be fitted over the bed's head board and foot board, respectively to hide them from view. The mattress cover is also formed of a flexible sheet material and is arranged to be fitted over the bed's mattress.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A one-piece, protective bumper pad adapted for removable placement on a rail of a bed or the like is described.

Abstract: A vertical panel is adapted to extend along at least one side of the bed and be secured to the usual sickbed side bars. The panel comprises a lower and an upper section with proximate edges of the respective sections meeting in a horizontal hinge line. The upper and lower sections are each rigid and are normally coplanar. Along the hinge line the panels are connected by at least one hinge which includes a bias adapted to bias the panels in coplanar condition but permitting the upper section to pivot and collapse inwardly of the bed about the hinge line.

Abstract: A mattress system for use in cribs or beds for small infants or adolescent children is constructed of a base and a sleeping recess defined by side walls, a head wall, a foot wall, and a floor. The mattress is constructed of a foam material which is air permeable. The mattress including the side, head, foot walls and floor of the recess, are enclosed in a removable cover. The floor of the recess is covered by a detachable vinyl panel formed as part of the cover and having hook or loop type strips. A second floor cover in the form of a detachable sheet, having mating hook or loop style patches which engage their opposite counterpart on the vinyl panel. An accessory panel is constructed having the dimensions of the recess to fill the recess and convert the specialty mattress into a conventional mattress.

Abstract: A crib liner for lining a baby crib including a flexible base member for being located beneath a mattress of the crib, and a side guard attached to the periphery of the base member for lining the side walls of the crib so as to keep a baby's arms and legs inside the crib while the baby is lying down therein. The side guard is preferably attached to the base member continuously along the periphery thereof. A plurality of fasteners are attached to the side guard for attaching the crib liner to the posts and bars of the crib. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base member is formed from a fabric material, and the side guard is sewn onto, or otherwise attached to the base member, preferably continuously therearound.

Abstract: A rail apparatus is configured to be mounted to a frame of a bed. The apparatus includes a siderail, a support having a first end pivotably coupled to the siderail and a second end, and a bottom mounting pivotably coupled to the second end of the support. The bottom mounting including at least one mounting bracket for coupling the bottom mounting to the frame of the bed, and an accessory rail configured to permit mounting of accessory items on the rail apparatus.

Abstract: A portable, foldable bed rail adapted for use with an associated bed having a mattress thereon includes a rail member having first and second substantially identical, mirror image end rail portions and a central rail portion. The end rail portions are hingedly mounted to the central rail portion by respective rail hinge members having parallel axes of rotation. The end rail portions are foldable toward one another adjacent to the central rail portion for storage. The end rails each include a support member having a support leg. The support members are independently hingedly mounted to a respective one of the end rail portions by support hinges. The support hinges have parallel axes of rotation and are rotatable in a direction transverse to the rail hinge members. Each of the support hinge members is independently movable toward and away from its respective end rail portion.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.