Abstract: A body support system for relieving contact pressure on a joint in a body, according to various aspects of the present invention, may be configured to elevate a chest portion of the body with a chest support that may be configured to form a taper disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion such that the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape. The compressed edges of the arc may be occupied by the joint. The chest support may further be adjustable for positioning substantially between a collarbone portion of the body and a xiphoid process portion of the body when the body is in a side rest position.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a strap, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. The frame is secured to the user's head. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck and forces the cervical spine to curve forwardly. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

Abstract: An inflatable body contour support cushion comprises a bladder comprising a flexible material. Said bladder is configured to retain a quantity of material to maintain said bladder in a flaccid state in which the material flows freely within said bladder. Said bladder is further configured to support a body contour by filling the space between the body contour and a surface against which the body contour is resting. A valve mechanism is configured to enable addition and removal of the material from said bladder in which a user can adjust a level of the support.

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: A constant low-flow air source control system and method is used to operate a pump to inflate an inflatable support structure used to support a person.

Abstract: An internal valve (10, 10? or 10?) and its methods of use for stabilizing and reinforcing inflatable objects are disclosed. The internal valve is a novel, simple modification to conventional check valves with the addition of a discharging means (14, 22 or 28)for external control. An internal supplemental chamber comprises one or more partitions that are secured, directly or by I-beams (40?), to main chamber's walls (40) of an inflatable object and stretched when the main chamber is inflated. With the internal valve as the passage to and from the main chamber, the enclosed or isolated supplemental chamber (30, 30?, 32, 34, 36 or 38) functions as a stabilizing or reinforcing component. A plurality of chambers 36 can form cylinder beams for an inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: An orthopedic pet bed including an upper sheet and a lower sheet coupled together so as to define an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of cells, of which adjacent cells are in fluid communication with one another. The cells may be substantially shaped as hexagons, triangles, parallelograms, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic seat cushion system (10) has a deformable cushion (11) having a seating surface (12) and a self inflating cushion bladder (14) positioned beneath the seating surface (12). The self inflating cushion bladder (14) has an airtight envelope (15) containing compressible material (16) which is in air communication (19) with a displacement bladder (18) such that when in use the airtight envelope (15) and the displacement bladder (18) form a closed system from which no air can enter or escape. When there is no person seated on the seating surface (12), the self inflating cushion bladder (14) is inflated and the displacement bladder (18) is deflated. When there is a person seated on the seating surface, the weight of the person compresses the compressible material (16) so as to partially deflate the self inflating cushion bladder (14) which results in the contained air passing into the displacement bladder (18) which becomes fully inflated.

Abstract: A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining member that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining member.

Abstract: An air mattress system includes two contiguous inflatable air chambers arranged side by side and operatively connected to form an air mattress and a peripheral air chamber operatively connected to and arranged around the perimeter of the two contiguous inflatable air chambers. An air pump is connected with each of the air chambers, and a control is provided for controlling the operation of the air pump.

Abstract: An inflatable bed system (1) includes a primary inflatable section (2) having a centrally located abdomen cavity shaped to allow a user's abdomen to be positioned therein. The system further includes a secondary inflatable section (3), which is independently inflatable and positioned inside the cavity. At least one tertiary inflatable section (15,22) is provided to allow further configuration of the bed. The bed may be inflated by a pump that is operatively connected with a valve which directs the movement of air into each of the inflatable sections under user selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable self-contained inflatable pillow comprising two or three separate cells attached laterally to each other. Each cell has its own hermetically sealed nipple for individual inflation. The cell inflation can be via mechanical means using a hand pump or orally. The pillow can be used for lumbar support, leg support or as a foot rest, and can be deflated entirely for flat packing.

Abstract: The following invention is related to a framed air pillow system, using air pressure to provide stability and support for the body. It is also said to help maintaining aligned posture and comfort when sitting in an upright position. This proposed invention comprises a rectangular pillow, cushion or the like, supports the back and the shoulders, attached from the posterior to an extended horizontal base that functions to provide stability for the system. The said cushion is air inflatable and there does exists at least one air chamber built in the cushion. The angle between the said base and the said cushion is adjustable and may change by changing the air pressure inside the said air chamber. The air pressure is adjusted by the user to provide comfort and support. This is an adjustable with multi functions framed air pillow system that primarily supports to align the spine for good posture when sitting, sleeping or any other similar activity on bed, floor or any other surface where back support is needed.

Abstract: A cushioning device has two materials that are sealed together at their peripheral edges to form first and second sides and first and second ends. Positioned between the first and second materials is a middle material. The middle material has the top and bottom sides, a gap between the first side and the middle material and another gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side by a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface by a second set of interior welds. The first set of welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow designed to address the limitations in current available shoulder pillows. An orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges; a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface.

Abstract: The cushion according to the invention is made up of several layers of pneumatic elements (3) which each form a matrix (2). These pneumatic elements (3) each have a multiplicity of holes (5a) into which elastic spring elements, for example foam cylinders (1), are inserted. The pneumatic elements (3) are all substantially congruent, such that the holes (5a) of superposed pneumatic elements (3) are in each case located at the same places. An individual pneumatic element (3) is produced from two superposed sheets of an elastic plastic. The two sheets are welded sealingly to each other at the edges of the cushion and at the edges of the holes (5a). The holes (5a) are cut out after the welding. Each pneumatic element (3) has at least one connection for compressed gas. While supporting a patient, the pneumatic elements (3) are alternately supplied with compressed gas and then relaxed again.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a self deflating cushion whereby a volume of air within the cushion is controllably released to a surface of the cushion thereby providing a cooling effect to the seated anatomy of a user. The cushion further provides a variety of internal, open cell cushioning materials that store and release air during use of the cushion.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of devices for supporting at least a portion of a user's body. In some embodiments, the invention provides a support device which includes a bladder capable of containing a fluid and a post adjacent the bladder. The bladder may form a rolling diaphragm portion with the post such that when a force is applied to the bladder, the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder rolls along the post decreasing the volume of the bladder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a post which includes a reduced cross-sectional area in comparison to an adjacent region of the post such that the resistance of the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder to rolling movement along the post due to the applies force decreases as the bladder rolls along the reduced cross-sectional area region. In some embodiments, the support device includes a plurality of bladders and/or a plurality of posts.

Abstract: A therapeutic bed or treatment table capable of being employed for a massage or rendering chiropractic, medical, therapeutic, or other treatment to a patient or customer includes an upper torso support cushion having a plurality of breast recesses configured for accommodating human breasts; and an abdominal support cushion having an abdominal recess configured for accommodating a mid-section of an obese person or pregnant woman, wherein the plurality of recesses is configured to provide an adjustable support structure adaptive to the size of the human breasts and/or the mid-section of an obese person or pregnant woman. In an alternative embodiment, an unitary torso-abdominal support cushion is provided having a recess configured for accommodating human breasts and accommodating the mid-section of an obese person or pregnant woman.

Abstract: A cushion with a support pad comprising a plurality of compressible suspension elements with a cover top and bottom joined together to form an impervious barrier, and a valve in fluid communication with the plurality of compressible suspension elements that allows the controlled expulsion of air until a user positioned on the cushion is optimally immersed in the cushion. When the user is removed from the cushion, the valve allows ingress of air into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises an expansion valve controls air flow out of and into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises a labyrinth seal that dampens air flow and pressure spikes. The valve comprises a pressure responsive compression spring that controls the expulsion of air from the cushion and, consequently, adjusting the immersion depth of the seated user.

Abstract: A pneumatic seat cushion system (10) has a deformable cushion (11) having a seating surface (12) and a self inflating cushion bladder (14) positioned beneath the seating surface (12). The self inflating cushion bladder (14) has an airtight envelope (15) containing compressible material (16) which is in air communication (19) with a displacement bladder (18) such that when in use the airtight envelope (15) and the displacement bladder (18) form a closed system from which no air can enter or escape. When there is no person seated on the seating surface (12), the self inflating cushion bladder (14) is inflated and the displacement bladder (18) is deflated. When there is a person seated on the seating surface, the weight of the person compresses the compressible material (16) so as to partially deflate the self inflating cushion bladder (14) which results in the contained air passing into the displacement bladder (18) which becomes fully inflated.

Abstract: A pillow for supporting a baby at play. The pillow comprises a compressible, shape-sustaining, endless bolster having a center opening sized to receive the baby in a sitting position. Preferably, the bolster is toroidal in shape. The pillow includes a removable, washable cover with a center panel that spans the bottom of the center opening forming a seating area for the baby. The bottom of the cover has an elastic border that it grips the bottom of the bolster. In this way, downward tension on the center panel of the cover pulls the bolster portion of the cover inwardly, restraining the pillow around the baby.

Abstract: A furniture product includes a folding mechanism that folds into a seat frame. The folding mechanism includes a rear section, a middle section, and a front section, with the rear and middle sections being received in a cavity in the back of the seat frame when the product is in a stowed, seating position. Upon receiving a user input, a position motor deploys the folding mechanism into a sleeping position. Upon achieving the sleeping position, an inflation switch is engaged. An air pump disposed in or near the furniture product is activated in response to engagement of the inflation switch. To return the product to a stowed, seating position, a user input causes the air pump to deflate the mattress and the position motor to fold the folding mechanism into the seat frame.

Abstract: A resilient grid (10) for use with an inflatable cellular cushion (16) or mattress, the grid (10) comprising a plurality of openings (15), each opening (15) positioned and dimensioned to fit around a cell (20) of a cellular cushion (16) or mattress when the grid (10) is positioned on the base of the cushion or mattress. The grid can have an angled front support (23) side bolsters (26, 28). These components can be modular. The grid (10) provides stability and enhances positioning while providing temporary protection against bottoming out and provide airflow paths (22) among the cells.

Abstract: A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining member that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining member.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure, a variable output pump, a power supply and a controller. The pump includes a driver that is responsive to variations in the power signal applied to the driver to vary the output from the pump. The pump output is varied depending on the amount of flow needed as determined by a sensor that senses the pressure in the inflatable support structure.

Abstract: A seat includes a bearing structure and a number of cushions. The cushions cover the entire area of the seat surface and the backrest of the seat. Each cushion is formed of a textile spacer structure held in a fluid-tight casing. The casing has a connection for a hose line. Before a user sits on the seat, the hose line is open to the outside air. Due to the force applied by the seat user, the cushion and spacer structure are compressed, whereby simultaneously air is displaced out of the cushion. The cushions thus experience a contouring according to the body shape of the seat user. After the user sits down, the contouring can be fixed by blocking device the hose line, and thus separating the reduced air volume in the inside of the cushion from the outside air. In this way, the contouring of the seat cushions is maintained when the seat user leaves the seat.

Abstract: A pneumatic lift including inflatable mattresses stacked one atop another and arranged in air flow communication with one another, but with each being independently deflatable.

Abstract: A wheelchair assembly featuring an adjustable support comprised of two inflatable pillows that are housed in a single cover or separate, discrete covers which are releasably adjoined to each other. The support is releasably attached by adjustable straps to wheelchair armrests and is adapted to provide enhanced support for the user's body and remain stationary when the user's body is rested thereon. The invention is also directed to a wheelchair support comprising two inflatable pillows housed in a single cover or two separate covers. The invention is further directed to a highly adjustable travel pillow comprised of two inflatable cushions that are preferably housed in separate, discrete covers which are releasably adjoined to each other. The back of the travel pillow cover has an anti-skid material to maintain its position.

Abstract: A bed comprises a frame 34 with at least one orientation adjustable section (44, 46, 48), a mattress 58 supported by the frame and having at least one A bladder and at least one B bladder. The bladders are inflatable and deflatable out of phase with each other in coordination with at least one of a) issuance of a command for the frame section to change orientation and b) an actual change in orientation of the frame section. Also described is an associated method for operating an occupant support at least part of which is orientation adjustable relative to other parts of the occupant support. The method comprises providing, in response to a change of orientation of the orientation adjustable part, a relatively lower occupant/support interface pressure (OSIP) at a location A and a relatively higher OSIP at a location B followed by providing a relatively higher OSIP at the location A and a relatively lower OSIP at the location B.

Abstract: Apparatuses for supporting at least a portion of the body thereon, including a mattress or a mattress topper, include a polyurethane gel layer overlying at least one support layers in a foam material. The gel layer has a hardness of 4.5 kPa±1.5 kPa and a hysteresis of about 40%±10%. The gel layer faces a user, such that the gel layer confers objective and subjective comfort at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: An adjustable head support apparatus includes an adjustable head support member including one or more inflatable members; and an encasement layer configured to encase the one or more inflatable members. The adjustable head support apparatus further includes a measurement unit configured to provide measurements relating to a pressure of the one or more inflatable members; an analysis unit configured to determine goal characteristics of the adjustable head support member for a person using the measurements relating to the pressure of the one or more inflatable members; and a control unit configured to control adjustments to pressure of the one or more inflatable members using the determined goal characteristics.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an inflatable device usable as a portable adjustable air mattress. The inflatable device comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes aligned by an outer cover forming a substantially rectangular shaped air mattress that will continue to function and provide support even in the event of an air leak.

Abstract: A cushioning device has a first material and an opposing second material that are sealed together at the peripheral edges to form a first (right) side, a first (head) end, a second (left) side, and a second (foot) end. Positioned between the first material and the second material is a middle material. The middle material has a top side, a bottom side, a first gap between the first side and the middle material and a second gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side at a first set of locations to form a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface at a second set of locations to form a second set of interior welds. The first set of interior welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of interior welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.

Abstract: The orthopedic support pillow is for use by a patient having a retained arm while the patient is lying in a generally prone position sideways on a resting surface. The orthopedic support pillow comprises two side surfaces, the two side surfaces opposing each other, and a bracing surface. The second side surface accommodates the retained arm of the patient and is at least as wide as the ailing forearm of the patient. The bracing surface is disposed between the two side surfaces, and has a generally concave shape. The abdominal section of the patient abuts against the bracing surface of the orthopedic support pillow when the patient is lying in the prone position sideways. The orthopedic support pillow provides stability and support to the retained arm in an elevated position while the patient is in the generally prone position on the resting surface. The orthopedic support pillow includes a strap or pocket positioned for retaining the hand of retained arm of the patient.

Abstract: A full body elevator includes an inflatable upper body elevator having a sloped backrest panel and a generally flat, horizontal butt rest panel extending from the backrest panel; and an inflatable lower body elevator having a leg portion with a leg support panel sloping from the butt rest panel and a foot portion with a foot support panel selectively inflatable and extendable with respect to the leg portion.

Abstract: A rest-supporting device has an inflatable supporting part which is of a generally cuboidal configuration and to which straps serving for fastening to a body of a user are attached. The supporting part is formed by an outer covering and at least one inflatable cushion accommodated in the interior of the covering.

Abstract: A constant low-flow air source control system and method is used to operate a pump to inflate an inflatable support structure used to support a person.

Abstract: A flexible unit for collecting and transporting liquid to a collection point or to an area of use, and especially for facilitating management of urinary incontinence is provided which includes a flexible pad adapted to be positioned under an incontinent patient or worn under an undergarment. The pad is provided with an outer liquid permeable polymeric film layer, an outer liquid impermeable polymeric film layer and an intermediate cellular layer made up of a series of individual, spaced, thin wall, liquid impermeable polymeric cells. An aspiration assembly is connected to the pad for removing urine from the interior of the pad, which collects in the spaces between the individual cells. A disposable porous sheet, preferably comprising Dry-Weave® material, is releasably positioned over the outer permeable film layer of the pad. The pad may be sanitized and reused multiple times with only replacement of the Dry-Weave® sheet being required.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: One embodiment of a portable acrobatic training apparatus (I) with which to support and instruct athletes learning back handsprings having opposing flat vertical ends (16), a resilient arcuate uppermost surface (10), a flat horizontal base (12), and a convex near surface (14). Said trainer apparatus is of approximate elliptical shape, rests on its base until intentionally activated by user, is self-limiting rotationally, and returns to start position automatically following each usage.

Abstract: An inflatable body contour support cushion comprises a bladder comprising a flexible material. Said bladder is configured to retain a quantity of material to maintain said bladder in a flaccid state in which the material flows freely within said bladder. Said bladder is further configured to support a body contour by filling the space between the body contour and a surface against which the body contour is resting. A valve mechanism is configured to enable addition and removal of the material from said bladder in which a user can adjust a level of the support.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: A semi-active seat cushion is disclosed that comprises a plurality of chambers for containing a pressurized fluid, wherein each chamber is connected to at least one other chamber by an orifice that provides a fluid connection; a supply conduit for supplying a pressurized fluid to each of the plurality of chambers; and at least one relief valve that permits rapid and controlled deflation of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: An inflatable furniture comprises: a receiving body, a plurality of side-board-connecting members, airbag-connecting members, a pump, a power supply, two airbags, and an audio device. By opening the side boards and inflating the airbags, the airbags can be inflated into beds or sofas, and when after use, the airbags can be deflated and folded into the receiving body. Furthermore, the receiving body can also be temporarily used as a tea table or a stool.

Abstract: A therapeutic cushion (1) having a plurality of fluid-filled chambers (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), with each chamber having an internal volume that is independently adjustable. In a pillow embodiment, air-filled chambers are dynamically regulated in response to a monitored behavior or characteristic of a resting user. Air cushion (1) includes a lower chamber (2) upon which the other chambers are arranged. First or basic chamber (3) extends laterally along, and is directed inwardly from, a rear edge of underlying chamber (2). Adjoining first chamber (3) are first and second supporting chambers (4, 5), these being separated from one another to leave a region (10) that is disposed between their ends (7, 8) and bisected by center line (9). Region (10) is intended to accommodate the resting user's head. A second lateral chamber (6) extends laterally along and is directed inwardly from a forward edge of underlying chamber (2) to adjoin supporting chambers (4, 5), providing a neck support.