Abstract: An incubator is provided in which a latch receiving portion is disposed in one of an incubator base or baby guards, a latch portion is disposed in the other of the incubator base or the baby guards, and the latch portion is configured to be unlatched by turning an operable member forward and then linearly moving the operable member forward.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a siderail assembly comprises a handle, a link assembly, and a pin. The handle is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The link assembly is coupled to the handle and configured to move between a latch position and an unlatch position as a function of the movement of the handle. The pin is configured to be engaged by the link assembly and is configured to rotate from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation to disengage the link assembly from the pin when a false latching condition occurs.

Abstract: A patient support system, such as a bed, stretcher, wheelchair or the like, has an electronic control system and a user interface. The electronic control system and the user interface control bed functions, such as articulation of the head, seat, and leg sections of the bed deck, and control and/or monitor the operation of medical equipment, such as heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, thermometers, sequential compression therapy devices, chest wall oscillation devices, respiratory therapy devices, blood oxygen monitors, and the like. In some embodiments, the electronic control system and user interface communicate with patient personal digital devices, such as audio players, computers, and phones. The user interface is on the headboard, footboard, and/or on a siderail of the bed in some embodiments.

Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support frame coupled to the frame and movable between first and second positions, and a barrier coupled to the support frame and movable therewith. The siderail assembly further includes a handle coupled to the barrier to move between a first position and a second position relative to the barrier. The siderail assembly may include electronic controls to change the position or limit movement of various portions of a patient support apparatus on which the siderail assembly may be coupled.

Abstract: A crib liner is provided for a crib that includes a plurality of sides and four corner posts. The liner includes a body that has a pair of opposing first panel sections for placement along two sides and a pair of opposing second panel sections for placement along the other two sides. Each panel section is defined by a top edge and an opposite bottom edge, wherein a length of the top edge is different than a length of the bottom edge for each of the panel sections. The body is configured for placement inside of the crib along inner surface of the sides of the crib. The liner is attached to the inside of the crib by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener being configured to attach around one corner post for securely attaching the liner body to the crib.

Abstract: A crib bumper is provided for a crib that includes a plurality of spaced support elements and four corner posts. The bumper includes at least one panel that is configured to at least seat against the inner surfaces of the spaced support elements and a corner post attachment member that is coupled to the panel. The corner post attachment member defines a pocket that receives one corner post and permits the corner post attachment member to surround and be securely attached to the one corner post. The corner post attachment member has free edges that are attached to one another by means of a first fastener and includes a means for adjusting and changing at least one dimension of the corner post attachment member to provide a secure attachment of the corner post attachment member to the corner post.

Abstract: A bed rail having an operating position at one of the sides of a bed and a stored position between a mattress and box spring of the bed. To take down the bed rail, a guard frame portion is disengaged from a base frame portion, then the guard frame portion is pivoted and slid into the base frame portion. To set up the bed rail, the guard frame portion can be slid out of the base frame portion, pivoted relative to the base frame portion, then engaged to the base frame portion and into the operating position at a side of the bed.

Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support coupled to the guide to move relative to the guide, and a barrier coupled to the guide. The barrier is movable between a lowered position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially below a frame of a patient support apparatus, and a raised position, wherein the barrier is situated substantially above the frame.

Abstract: A bed rail having an operating position at one of the sides of a bed and a stored position between a mattress and box spring of the bed. To take down the bed rail, a guard frame portion is disengaged from a base frame portion, then the guard frame portion is pivoted and slid into the base frame portion. To set up the bed rail, the guard frame portion can be slid out of the base frame portion, pivoted relative to the base frame portion, then engaged to the base frame portion and into the operating position at a side of the bed.

Abstract: A crib is provided having a plurality of sides, at least one side being made of a flexible material. One or more sides may be retractable. The retractable side may have a first edge and a second edge each being captured in a track. The crib also includes at least one locking mechanism and an actuating mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism. When the actuating mechanism is actuated, the retractable side moves along the track from a locked first position where the retractable side is fully extended into a second position where the retractable side curves under the base or rolls up into a spool.

Abstract: A bed rail having an operating position at one of the sides of a bed and a stored position between a mattress and box spring of the bed. To take down the bed rail, a guard frame portion is disengaged from a base frame portion, then the guard frame portion is pivoted and slid into the base frame portion. To set up the bed rail, the guard frame portion can be slid out of the base frame portion, pivoted relative to the base frame portion, then engaged to the base frame portion and into the operating position at a side of the bed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to occlude openings and spaces of side rails are provided. One embodiment includes a pad body panel having attachment openings each defining a pivot axis. The embodiment includes follower slots in the pad body panel each to receive a bracket pivot of a pivot arm, each follower slot having a configuration centered on the attachment opening of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A bed rail having an operating position at one of the sides of a bed and a stored position between a mattress and box spring of the bed. To take down the bed rail, a guard frame portion is disengaged from a base frame portion, then the guard frame portion is pivoted and slid into the base frame portion. To set up the bed rail, the guard frame portion can be slid out of the base frame portion, pivoted relative to the base frame portion, then engaged to the base frame portion and into the operating position at a side of the bed.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle includes a safety net stored in a wall mounted cartridge wherein a guiding bar, securable in a locking mechanism, steers the safety net away from the wall and provides a secured space around a bunk. The safety net is secured adjacent to the bunk using a locking bar. The safety net may be provided with one or several safety belts at least partly attached to the safety net.

Abstract: A bed rail is disclosed for use with a bed. The bed rail includes a clamping device to clamp the bedrail to the bed. The bedrail is moveable between an upright position and a released position wherein the rail is moved downwardly toward a sidewall of the mattress to facilitate climbing upon and climbing off of the mattress.

Abstract: A bed includes a side guard that provides a continuous protected surface from the headboard to the footboard of a bed. The side guard includes a top guard bar mounted within vertical guides. The guides prevent horizontal or rotational movement of the top guard but permits movement of the top guard between an elevated and lowered position. A scrollable protection barrier extends from the top guard bar to a torsion spring roller at the base of the side guard, preventing a patient from becoming entrapped between the bars. A balanced-movement lift mechanism evenly distributes the forces raising or lowering the superior guard bar of the side guard.

Abstract: A crib accessory and assembly comprising a bumper portion comprising: an outer panel, an inner panel, and a padding disposed between the outer and the inner panels. At least one of the outer and the inner panels comprises a plurality of slits distributed along a portion of a length of the respective panel, and an attachment element is looped through at least a portion of the plurality of slits. The attachment element comprises a terminal end comprising a securing element, wherein the securing element attaches the attachment element to a receiving portion located on at least one of the outer and inner panels. The crib accessory further comprises a mattress cover comprising a bottom side flanked by a side wall, wherein the side wall connects the bottom side of the mattress cover to the bumper portion.

Abstract: A side panel safety apparatus for a bed, and a related method comprises: a horizontal stabilizer for placement at least partially underneath a mattress of said bed; and a vertically-extending panel attached substantially perpendicularly thereto; wherein: placement of said horizontal stabilizer at least partially underneath said mattress secures said vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. One embodiment further comprises a cover covering both said mattress and said horizontal stabilizer. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising: said safety rail; wherein: said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person's body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact.

Abstract: An infant co-sleeper has a central cloth bedding portion defining a generally rectilinear area for receiving an infant and two pockets on opposite sides of the generally rectilinear area for receiving removable padding to form barriers on either side of the generally rectilinear area for confining an infant there between. First and second removable padding member are received in the pockets of the central cloth bedding portion to maintain an infant on the central cloth bedding portion. The generally rectilinear area of the co-sleeper can itself define a pocket for receiving backing materials such as absorbent or reinforcing pads. A process of breast feeding the confined infant from the co-sleeper is disclosed where the head of an infant in the co-sleeper is placed adjacent the breast of a nursing human and the padding partially withdrawn to provide infant access to the nursing breast while still confining the infant to the co-sleeper.

Abstract: A bed siderail for a bed having a frame includes a flexible section to allow a portion of the siderail to flex upward.

Abstract: A siderail assembly for a bed which includes a frame having thereon at least one pivotally supported arm for movement between first and second positions, the arm having at a distal end thereof a first connection location. A siderail support frame is pivotally connected to the distal end of the arm and has thereon at least one upstanding and elongate guide member. A siderail carriage frame is supported for movement along a length of the guide member toward and away from the siderail support frame and has thereon at least one second connection location. An elongate link is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second connection locations to effect movement of the siderail carriage frame along the guide member toward and away from the siderail support frame in response to a pivotal movement of the arm relative to the frame to change the spacing between the siderail carriage frame and the siderail support frame.

Abstract: A bed siderail support assembly which includes a frame, a support deck mounted on the frame and having upwardly and downwardly facing sides. The support deck has a head end, a foot end and opposite lateral edges extending between the head end and the foot end. At least one siderail is oriented along side of at least one of the lateral edges and a connecting mechanism is provided which is configured to connect the siderail to either the frame or the downwardly facing side of the support deck. The connecting mechanism includes a support configured for securement to either the frame or the support deck, an elongate toothed rack longitudinally movably mounted on the support, a pair of parallel arms pivotally mounted on the support, a toothed pinion gear on each arm supported for meshing engagement with the toothed rack and a mount pivotally secured to each of the arms and being configured to support a bed siderail thereon.

Abstract: A bed pad wedge system for inhibiting a person from falling out of bed. The system includes a fitted mattress pad fastened to a mattress. Each lateral edge of the fitted pad has pockets located therein that contain foam rubber wedges having the shape of an obtuse triangle. The pockets are installed on an underside of the fitted pad and are facing an outer edge of the mattress. The triangular foam rubber wedges are each encased in a slippery material to aid in installing the wedges in the pockets. A third wedge or triangle may be installed in the middle of a mattress between the outer wedges that are located at each edge of the mattress. The wedge system may be covered by standard sheets and bedding.

Abstract: Safety equipment for a bed includes sheeting (14) arranged to be securable to a mattress (12) and an inflatable wall structure (10) secured to the sheeting. The inflatable wall structure is arranged so as to define an upstanding wall which, in use, in an inflated condition, serves as a barrier to someone falling out of bed and as a cushion which protect an occupant of the bed from injuring themselves against the structure of the bed. The wall structure may include lengths arranged to be collapsable along lines transverse to the length to permit the wall to concertina to adopt the profile of a profiling bed.

Abstract: A bed siderail for a bed having a frame includes a flexible section to allow a portion of the siderail to flex upward.

Abstract: A portable infant protective bed for protecting an infant especially when sleeping in close proximity to a sleeping adult is disclosed. The bed is sized to accommodate an infant and is provided with a resilient bumper member around the perimeter of the bed. The resilient bumper is provided with spring-loaded switch activation members as part of an alarm assembly that is so configured to sense if an adult rolls on to the bumper member, the alarm either sounds a loud alarm or vigorously vibrates the bumper member, or both, if desired.

Abstract: A bed enclosure for use with a hospital bed having a frame is disclosed having a shell and a skeletal structure configurable between an open position providing access between the interior and exterior of the shell and a closed position in which the shell forms a complete enclosure. Various pockets, pouches and slots formed in the shell are disclosed to facilitate display of documentary information, retention of personal items, access to controllers, passage of I.V. tubes, and receipt of bumpers or cushions. The bed enclosure is adapted to facilitate vertical adjustment of the intermediate frame relative to the frame of the bed and articulation of the articulating deck of the bed.

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 liner which is attachable to an infant bed of the type having side walls to prevent the infant from falling out of the bed, the liner having one or more breathable side walls which, in use, extend about the inside walls of the bed, an open top, top attachment means to attach the liner to an upper part of the side walls of the bed, a generally open bottom, and bottom attachment means to attach the liner to a bottom part of the bed and/or the bed mattress.

Abstract: A baby play mat with protective enclosure comprising a mat and one or more bumpers circumscribing the perimeter of the mat. The bumpers comprise fastening means on the top and bottom surfaces. The perimeter of the mat also comprises fastening means. The bumpers are securely and removably attached to the perimeter of the play mat to form a protective tier defining an interior cavity. Additional layers of bumpers can be fastened to the top of the first protective tier to increase the height of the enclosure. Additional mats can be joined together to increase the width of the play area.

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: 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: 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 patient-support apparatus having at least one side guard panel pivotably mounted for movement between first and second positions and a combined hinge and latch assembly configured to pivotably connect the side guard panel to the patient support. The combined hinge and latch assembly including a mounting member fixedly connected to the patient support, a hinge member fixedly connected to the side guard panel and rotatably connected to the mount for pivoting movement about an axis, and a stop mechanism coupled to one of the hinge member and the mount. The hinge member is movable along the axis between a locking position in which the stop mechanism engages the other of the hinge member and the mount to prevent relative rotation between the hinge member and the mount and a releasing position in which the stop mechanism is disengaged from the other of the hinge member and the mount to allow relative rotation between the hinge member and the mount.

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: A protective bumper pad for an infant crib. The bumper pad includes an elongated flexible generally flat member having a length generally equal to the interior perimeter of the crib just above the crib mattress and formed of substantially coextensive padded and unpadded sections separated by a longitudinally extending flexible fold line. The unpadded section includes an elastic edge which defines a longitudinal edge of the bumper pad, the elastic edge, when relaxed, being substantially shorter than the length of the padded section. The ends of the bumper pad are releasably connectable together when the device is positioned against the inside perimeter of the crib and flexible spaced apart ties connected on the outwardly facing surface of the padded section connectable to upright slats of the sides of the crib retain the upright positioning of the padded section. The unpadded section is positioned beneath the crib mattress, positioning being facilitated by the elastic edge.

Abstract: A confining device couch converter which converts a seat cushion of a couch into a confining device for a resting baby. The confining device includes a sheet portion, which is flat, for covering a portion of the seat cushion where the baby rests. A wedge positioned along a perimeter of the sheet portion provides a barrier so that the baby does not fall onto the floor. An attaching portion connects the sheet portion to the seat cushion so that the confining device is secured to the seat cushion.

Abstract: A traveling bed arrangement for infants and small children has a rectangular sheet member to which are affixed, along the edges thereof, a plurality of pockets. Plastic foam boards are insertable in the pockets which are folded up and fastened to form a walled bed or play area. The boards are all substantially identical to each other and are sufficiently rigid to protect the child, but sufficiently resilient to yield if a child falls against them. The bed is readily disassembled and the components thereof rolled up and inserted in a lightweight bag for transport.

Abstract: A wide variety of cushion support arrangements for the body of a human user, for example, adults and children who have experienced neuro-muscular damage, are provided by the selective use and positioning of individual body support cushions comprising an inclined wedge cushion, an alternate form of an inclined wedge cushion, a relatively thick multi- purpose block cushion, a double inclined cushion, a relatively thin block cushion, an abductor block cushion, and half cylinder rolls or rail cushions of various axial lengths.

Abstract: A rest pad (1,1.sup.1) for an infant is described, which is provided with a preferably padded bottom (2,2.sup.1) delimited on at least one side thereof by an essentially straight, elevated rim section (3,3.sup.1), said elevated rim section (3,3.sup.1) being formed by a filling material, which is received in a hollow reception space such that it can be removed therefrom for the purpose of lowering said rim section (3,3.sup.1). In order to be able to use such a rest pad universally and with variable sizes, it is suggested that the hollow reception space should be defined by a loop (3a to 3d, 3.sup.1 a to 3.sup. d) connected via a predetermined bending boundary (4a to 4d, 4.sup.1 a to 4.sup.1 d) to the bottom (2,2.sup.1) in such a way that, for increasing or reducing the size of the rest pad, said loop, together with the filling material, can be folded inwards towards said bottom (2,2.sup.1) and outwards away from said bottom.

Abstract: The restrainer forms an elongate triangular tube with a right angle between a base panel for resting on a resting surface and a vertical panel. The vertical panel provides a child restraining wall, and the restrainer is connectable to other similar restrainers at an angle of 90 degrees to form a rectangular crib area for infants. The vertical panel is collapsible to be flat on the resting surface, and the restrainer can be put in line with another restrainer to form a longer restrainer wall for children of 18 months to 2 years.

Abstract: A bed rail cover system including a bed rail having a framework with a plurality of rails and a cover positionable over the framework. The cover is of unitary construction, includes an attachment flap engageable with one of the rails to secure the cover in position on the framework, and includes an aperture therein to provide access to a control panel or other equipment in the framework. Optionally the cover can include a cover flap for the aperture, which cover flap can be similar to the other cover material or can be a transparent, flexible cover for visual and operational access through the transparent, flexible cover flap.

Abstract: A utility pad for infants and toddlers which includes a flexible, rectangular fabric tube filled with a resilient, flexible material and extending peripherally around an interior space. The tube carries a plurality of cooperating engaging elements on one side thereof positioned so that the tube can be folded double into a U-shape and there retained by registering, interengaging ones of said engaging elements disposed at the superimposed opposite ends of the tube doubled into a U-shape. Carrying straps extend outwardly from opposite sides of the tube. A flat sheet is detachably secured across the bottom of the tube to close the space surrounded by the tube and form a sleeping surface for an infant.

Abstract: A bed rail cover system including a bed rail having a framework with a plurality of rails and a cover positionable over the framework. The cover is of unitary multi-wall construction and includes an attachment flap engageable with one of the rails to secure the cover in position on the framework.

Abstract: A side guard apparatus for a bed can be selectively depoloyed between a retracted position alongside the bed and an upright position above the support surface of the bed. A side guard member is pivotally connected to a base support member, which is pivotally connected to the side of the bed. A chain and sprocket linkage constrains rotation of the plane in which the side guard member is disposed during pivoting movement of the side guard member relative to the base support member and the pivoting movement of the base support member relative to the bed. The constant angle of orientation of the side guard member can be selectively changed. The side guard member and the base support member are locked into position and unlocked from this position by a pair of locking members resiliently urged by a pair of springs to insert their respective locking pins into openings defined in a pair of oppositely disposed mounting blocks.

Abstract: A towel guard is used in conjunction with a beach towel to exclude sand and other debris from the surface of the beach towel. The towel guard is long enough to extend around the perimeter of the towel, and has a cross-sectional shape that provides enough height to exclude the debris. The towel guard may be permanently attached to the towel, or releasably held to the towel. As a releasable attachment, the hook member of hook and loop fasteners is used, the hook member being fixed to the towel guard and engageable with the nap on the surface of the towel.

Abstract: A hospital bed is supported on a Y-shaped base to facilitate the introduction of a C-arm for imaging a patient's chest. Head guards are mounted on each side of the head end of the bed on linkages that permit the head guards to be swung toward the foot end of the bed to improve the positioning of the C-arm over the head end of the bed. The head panel has pivotable longitudinal edges to further improve the positioning of the C-arm over the head end of the bed. Pivotable longitudinal edges of the head and leg panels permit head and foot guards to be moved laterally inwardly to narrow the bed for transporting a patient.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the inflatable elastic wall embodiments and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing.

Abstract: An infant enclosure for use with a conventional baby crib which includes a sheet and a soft bumper which is detachably securable to the sheet to extend across the crib to establish a smaller enclosure within the crib for receiving small children such as newborn infants.

Abstract: A barrier or safety guard for preventing the escape of small children from a safe area, having as its basic element a panel of flexible material, preferably in the form of netting with relatively small apertures therein. A border of flexible material is provided for the periphery of the panel and has a plurality of spaced openings around the entire periphery of the panel. These openings are provided with grommets and a plurality of ties or laces by which the borders of the panel can be fastened to points on the supporting structure. The panel can be folded in either or both dimensions to adjust its size to smaller dimensions. Small sub-panels can be used to prevent the main panel from being dislodged.