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 support cushion for fast inflation and deflation comprises an air pouch and an air valve located on the air pouch. The air valve includes a valve base, a valve cover, a valve pillar and a locking member. The valve base has at least one air vent leading to the air pouch. The valve cover is coupled on the valve base to form an accommodating trough to accommodate the valve pillar. The valve pillar has a first opening and a second opening communicated with each other. The valve pillar also has a first position relative to the valve base to allow air to pass and a second position to block the airflow. The locking member can receive a turning force to drive the valve pillar to switch between the first and second positions. Operation is simpler and faster switch can be achieved, and leakage of air can be avoided.

Abstract: An elbow support apparatus with distal sides and front, back, upper and lower sides constructed as a cushioned or inflatable device having at least a flexible upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit on the lap of the driver of a motor vehicle when the driver is seated adjacent the steering wheel of the vehicle whereby the elbows of the driver are supported such that the driver's hands are maintained in the 9:15 position on the steering wheel; the device is provided with an apron attached to the front side, fasteners attached to each of the distal sides, plural fasteners attached to the back side, and plural, inverted u-shape locating members configured on the lower side of the cushion device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method position a patient for rapid and effective endotracheal intubation. The apparatus includes a pillow, which has a plurality of independently inflatable and deflatable sections which may be grouped together to position a patient so that a pinna of an ear of the patient and a sternum of the patient are aligned in the same horizontal plane. The plurality of inflatable and deflatable sections include at least a back support section and a base support section, which, when grouped together, can lift an upper body of the patient in order to facilitate the positioning of the patient. When the plurality of sections are grouped for the aforementioned positioning of the patient, the base section is located beneath the back support section. The plurality of inflatable and deflatable sections may further include a head rest section and a head tilt adjustment section.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented or substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.

Abstract: A patient incline device includes a base member, an inflatable incline ramp located on an upper surface of the base member, an incline ramp adapted to support a patient such that the patient's upper torso is elevated with respect to the base member, an inflatable head support pillow and a wedge-shaped inflatable spinal support air chamber located on the incline ramp and angling upward in a direction away from the incline ramp, and aligned with a centerline of the incline ramp, wherein the peak end of the wedge extends to about the region of the patient's lumbar curve so that the buttocks are not raised upon inflation. The wedge-shaped spinal support chamber may also include a pop-up air chamber having internal air vents to the spinal support chamber such that when the spinal support chamber inflates, the pop-up chamber rises as pressure accumulates and lifts a thoracic curve portion of the patient's spine.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for connecting an air supply unit and a mattress or cushion.

Abstract: A inflatable product for an inflatable body includes a casing with an airway adapted to communicate with an interior of the inflatable body, and a resilient element movably positioned inside the casing to define with the easing a space therebetween. An on/off switch is adapted to connect to an air pump. A driving element is movably positioned inside the casing to be in response to the movement of the resilient element so as to selectively activate the on/off switch to activate the air pump. A recoil element is positioned around the driving element and has a distal end which is abutted against the resilient element. The spring is compressed/decompressed when the resilient element moves in response to pressure inside the inflatable body so that activation/deactivation of the on/off switch is controlled via the movement of the resilient element as well as the compression of the spring.

Abstract: A method and device for developing a positional orientation sleep aspect (POSA) to enhance individual awareness of sleeping position to enable the individual located on a bed of fixed width to assume at least one preselected side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The method utilizes a pillow combination having a full transverse span shorter than the fixed width of the bed and including first and second elongate pillows tethered together in parallel orientation by an intermediate member for providing concurrent support at front and back sides of the individual.

Abstract: An equalizing pressure control system for connection to at least two pressure zones of a body support. The equalizing pressure control system ensures that an object will be slowly and safely lowered to a static position in the event of a sudden failure of an external pump or a supply pressure to the at least two pressure zones.

Abstract: An inflatable lifting device is disclosed for lifting the rectal area of a patient laying on a mattress. The inflatable lifting device is an inflatable U-shaped bladder with an air port to supply air into the bladder and a tether to maintain the U-shape of the bladder. The inflated bladder creates a cavity sized for the easy insertion and removal of a bedpan under the patient. The inflatable lifting device may be positioned on top of an upper surface of the mattress or within the mattress just below the upper surface.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing elastic sheet comprises a single sheet of elastic material having a flat sheet-like base portion and a large number of semispherical protrusions integral with and projecting from one surface of the flat base portion. The semispherical protrusions are arranged in direct contact with one another such that every adjacent three or more of the semispherical protrusions jointly define a valley therebetween. The sheet-like base portion has a large number of breathing holes formed therein, each of the breathing holes being located at a position corresponding to the position of one of the respective valleys. A cushion pad produced from the elastic sheet, a sole insert and a shoe in which the cushion pad is incorporated are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable, wedge-shaped incline mattress that is inexpensive, portable, easily inflated or deflated, and effectively relieves Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in adults and infants by elevating the head while lowering the feet relative to the stomach. It also allows for side sleeping, stomach sleeping and rolling over to change sleep positions while still in the head-elevated position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed comprising a mattress with a plurality of air chambers arranged in a grid, each chamber being equipped with at least one air connection. The bed is also equipped with a plurality of controllable valves, each valve being assigned to one of the air chambers and several sensors. A control unit is connected to the sensors and controls the valves individually in accordance with the output signals of the sensors. In addition, the inventive bed comprises an air source that is connected to the valves.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes an inflatable pad and a flap attached to the inflatable pad. The flap engages a patient such that the flap is worn by the patient. The flap may be attached to a front end of the pad and include a pair of spaced notches for receiving the legs of a patient. The flap may be further attached along side edges to a top sheet of the pad such that the transfer device is worn by the patient as a pair of shorts. Alternatively, the flap may be attached to a back end of the pad and include an upper portion having a pair of spaced openings for receipt of the arms of a patient. The flap may further include a pair of opposite side panels for encircling the torso of a patient as a vest.

Abstract: A device for a cot or child's bed comprises a mattress support mounted on springs. Actuation means is provided to roll and/or rock the mattress support on the springs such that the side portions and/or the end portions of the mattress support repeatedly rise and fall. The actuation means could, for example, comprise a linear actuator, a swash plate mechanism or an air bag.

Abstract: A tray/cushion assembly (10) holds a drink container (13) positioned in a cup holder recess (14). Handles (16) and (17) facilitate the carrying of the cushion (10) as a tray. The tray may be an inflatable tray rolled up and housed in transport container when deflated. The container may be two parts coupled together.

Abstract: The air cells are attached detachably to the base members. By this, it is possible to set up the size or the arrangement of the air cells. For example, in a hospital, it is possible to change easily and inexpensively the air cells on a bed according to the patient's height, the body shape, the state, or the condition of affected part. Thus, it is exceedingly advantageous for dispersing the pressure added to the body.

Abstract: Pregnancy support pillows provide support to a pregnant woman lying on her side. A head support, back support, thigh support, and stomach support are connected end-to-end in a C-shaped configuration. The back support is curved. A cover encloses the supports and defines a hollow between the cover and the supports. The supports define first, second, third, fourth, and fifth air chambers, respectively. Each air chamber has a separate valve in fluid communication with it. A pocket is attached to the cover adjacent to the thigh support and receives the stomach support when the stomach support is deflated. Padding fills a portion of the hollow between the cover and the supports.

Abstract: The pillow stiffener has an elongated cushion with a large rounded shape; two elongated arms each having a small rounded shape and being connected to and extending away from a long side of the elongated cushion. A flexible dull-finished web extends between the arms for retaining the arms at a fixed relationship with each other and with the elongated cushion. A joiner having the mentioned small rounded shape extends between and joins the extremities of both arms. Both arms and the joiner define with the elongated cushion a stabilizing rim around the dull-finished web for better retaining the pillow stiffener to a pillow. In another aspect, the pillow stiffener is made of a pair of flexible air-impermeable sheets and the elongated cushion, the arms and joiner form a single inflatable chamber.

Abstract: An assembly, system, and method particularly adapted for a magnetic resonator apparatus in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning system. Provided is a restraining assembly supportable by the supporting assembly and including at least a system that is selectively operable for positioning and restraining at least a portion of the body to be imaged, thereby optimizing image quality.

Abstract: A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the interior of the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location; a heater warms the pressurized air. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads. The controller governs the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulates the duration of time that each valve is open.

Abstract: An inflatable bed assembly having an inflexible cover that has one or more inflatable body support enclosures to receive one or more inflatable mattresses in a fully or nearly fully deflated state through a slit. Each mattress has a valve which is aligned with valve openings of the inflatable body support enclosures allowing them to be inflated while they are within the cover. The cover has internal dimensions that is less than or substantially equal to the corresponding external dimensions of the maximally inflated mattresses to restrict the inflatable mattresses from expanding. The bed is enhanced by inserting padding in a removable mattress padding enclosure attached to the top of the first inflatable body support enclosure.

Abstract: An inflatable body including first and second fluid impervious major panels, each having an outer surface, an inner surface and a perimeter, and further including a fluid impervious intermediate panel having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. A first perimeter portion of the intermediate panel is joined to the inner surface of the first major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof, and a second perimeter portion of the intermediate panel, which is generally opposed to the first perimeter portion, is joined to the inner surface of the second major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof. The first and second major panel perimeters are joined to each other, defining a primary enclosure having first and second chambers separated by the intermediate panel, and at least one sealable orifice in fluid communication with the environment and at least one chamber.

Abstract: An antidecubital underlay pad (10) having a receiving casing with a top side of the casing and a bottom side of the casing, the casing being segmented along a plurality of segmentation axes (13) to form underlay segments (12), such that the underlay segments are provided with a molded body filling comprising a plurality of molded bodies and are bordered by segmentation lines running along the segmentation axes, wherein the segmentation lines have multiple changes in direction in their course along the segmentation axes (13) and at least the top side (16) of the casing is designed to be elastic at least in a supporting area and is prestressed by the molded body filling (20).

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 for external control (14, 22 or 28). 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: 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: A inflatable product for an inflatable body includes a casing with an airway adapted to communicate with an interior of the inflatable body, and a resilient element movably positioned inside the casing to define with the casing a space therebetween. An on/off switch is adapted to connect to an air pump,A driving element is movably positioned inside the casing to be in response to the movement of the resilient element so as to selectively activate the on/off switch to activate the air pump. A recoil element is positioned around the driving element and has a distal end which is abutted against the resilient element, The spring is compressed/decompressed when the resilient element moves in response to pressure inside the inflatable body so that activation/deactivation of the on/off switch is controlled via the movement of the resilient element as well as the compression of the spring.

Abstract: A baby soothing apparatus that is an inflatable, hollow cube made from a single, homogeneous layer of flexible material and the can be used to soothe a baby by being held by an adult user sitting on the inflatable device. As the apparatus is cubical, a more stable base is provided for individuals who have trouble balancing on an exercise ball. Within the cube, the top and bottom surfaces of the cube are thicker to limit their flexibility, while the side surfaces are thinner to allow them to flex outward when an individual is using the apparatus.

Abstract: An arm support system (2), for stabilizing and ergonomically supporting the arm (14) of a breast feeding mother (10) whilst cradling an infant (3) in the traditional suckling position. The arm support system (2) comprising a sleeve (12) for surrounding the user's arm an arm support (4) including: a base (6) for engaging the thigh; and an upper surface (20) for supporting the arm and a temporary attachment means (16, 18) for attaching the sleeve (12) to the arm support (4). The arm support (4) can be an inflatable and deflatable.

Abstract: An inflatable chair cushion comprises an inflatable bag and a compressor for inflating and deflating said inflatable bag having a switch controlled by a user, so that said user is assisted in getting up and sitting down.

Abstract: A patient incline device includes an incline ramp and a centerline spinal support located on a base member. The incline ramp supports the upper torso and head of a patient such that the upper torso and head are elevated with respect to the base member. The centerline support is located adjacent the inline ramp for contact with a central portion of the patient's back located adjacent the spine to elevate the central back portion. According to one embodiment, the incline ramp and the spinal support are inflatable. The width of the spinal support is less than that of the incline ramp to define lateral spaces along opposite sides of the centerline support to receive the arms and side portions of the patient for lateral extension of the chest wall.

Abstract: An inflatable travel aid having an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole, and a least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device also configured to remove air from the inflatable arrangement.

Abstract: A massaging fluid filled bed. The massaging fluid filled bed comprises a bed having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a compartment disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. A plurality of grippers is disposed on the bottom surface. A plurality of massaging elements is disposed beneath the top surface. The bed is further divided into a headrest section, a backrest section, a body section, and a footrest section. An insulation layer is affixed to the bottom surface. A filler fluidly is provided to fill the bed with a fluid. The plurality of massaging elements are attached to a base layer provided within the bed in a way that allows some movements for the massaging elements. The top surface of the body and the backrest section comprises a plurality of inverted U-shaped members.

Abstract: The inventive cushions (5) for sitting, leaning or lying upon are essentially constructed of a pneumatic structure and of a covering that surrounds the pneumatic structure. The pneumatic structure consists of an enclosure (2) and webs (3) resulting in the formation of chambers (4). The pneumatic structure is pressurized whereby tensioning the covering so that the ribbed surface of the pneumatic structure can no longer be clearly perceived. In other embodiments, the cushions (5) are equipped with means for individual adaptation. They can also be supplemented with reinforcing and stiffening structures. Cushions (5) can be deformed or moved relative to one another by means of pneumatic actuators.

Abstract: A facial support cushion for supporting the face of a person lying in a prone position, wherein the cushion is an annular, generally torus shaped body having a hollow interior with a plurality of generally radially extending partitions extending across the interior of the body, dividing it into a plurality of individual chambers spaced sequentially around the body. Apparatus is connected with the chambers to sequentially expand and contract them in an alternating pattern so that some of the chambers are expanded to contact and support the face while other chambers are contracted to relieve the pressure exerted against the face by the other chambers, whereby the formation of pressure sores and other deleterious effects are avoided by periodically and temporarily relieving pressure exerted by the chambers against different areas of the face.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an inflatable knee pillow including a body having an outer fabric surface, and an inflation valve, wherein the body defines straps (preferably two pairs of straps) and encloses a bladder (an inflatable volume), and the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the bladder. When deflated, the pillow has a thin profile and can be folded into a compact configuration. The straps are releasably fastenable around a user's leg so as to position an inflatable portion of the pillow against the inside of the user's knee (for example, to cushion and separate the user's knees from each other while the user sleeps on his or her side with the pillow inflated). Preferably, the body includes two sheets of multilayer material shaped and attached together so as to define the straps and the bladder, and the pillow has releasable fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners) defined by or attached to the straps.

Abstract: A set of inflatable, tubular, and concentric tubes or air bladders are placed in a bedding or seating product and adjusted to meet the preferences of a user. The tubes are arranged concentrically with the innermost tube defining an aperture at the center of the product. The tubes are connected to air supply hoses that are inflated through activation of an electronically controlled air pump. The flow may be controlled by solenoid or other valves. The user via a remote may control the inflation of one or more of the tubes to provide the optimum level of comfort to the user.

Abstract: A lumbar support pillow for supporting the lumbar spine of a person. The support pillow includes a fillable elongate first chamber longitudinally configured to engage and support the person along the longitudinal axis of the person's lumbar spine in a manner substantially conforming to the natural curvature of the spine when filled. The pillow also includes a second chamber that extends downwardly and away from the first chamber on both sides of the first chamber; is independent of the first chamber, and is configured to engage and support the person in a region laterally adjacent to the person's lumbar spine.

Abstract: An inflatable pad assembly includes a base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and an inflatable pad having opposite lateral layers, and a looped surrounding layer interconnecting the lateral layers, cooperating with the lateral layers to define an inflatable space, and connected to the base member. The looped surrounding layer has an outer leaning face that cooperates with the top surface of the base member to define a supporting area adapted to support a human body.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and a sealing layer. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to the base and extend outwardly from the base. Moreover, the plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication. The sealing layer is coupled to at least one of the base first and second layers. At least one of the sealing layer and the base defines a plurality of lock pockets, wherein each of the lock pockets is positioned between adjacent hollow cells for selectively controlling flow communication independently to each of the plurality of hollow cells within the cellular cushion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body support and comfort device. The device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort and support layer to the body support device. The body support and comfort device also includes at least one comfort layer shaped and arranged to substantially cover a surface of the inflatable bladder that is to interact with a user. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflatable device or a body support device, and, specifically, to an inflatable device including two or more fluid chambers. One embodiment of the device includes a first fluid chamber comprising a first outlet, and a second fluid chamber comprising an inlet, wherein the second fluid chamber is fluidly connected to the first fluid chamber by a one way valve arranged to allow fluid to pass from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber. The invention is also directed to a method of providing adjustable support.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes cushions which support a patient's thighs and lower legs and which have cut out areas in the areas of the patient's popliteal fossa at the back of the patient's knees. By avoiding contact with the popliteal fossa complications such as compression of the patient's nerves and blood vessels are avoided. This prevents the harmful effects of pressure on the popliteal fossa in loss of sensation in the lower legs and feet, and occlusion of blood and lymph vessels in the lower legs. A number of embodiment cushions are disclosed, some embodiments comprised of a relatively firm core foam material with a relatively softer viscoelastic foam in areas which are in contact with the patient's skin.

Abstract: A fluid-filled structure, such as a bladder, is disclosed. The bladder has a first surface and an opposite second surface that are peripherally joined to define various edges. The bladder encloses a fluid between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the edges may have a concave configuration, or the edges may have both concave and convex configurations. A shape of the bladder may be a tessellation pattern so that a plurality of the bladder may be efficiently.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a resilient layer having a lower portion and side walls shaped to generally mate with a recessed bed deck and one or more cells supported in relation to the resilient layer and generally within the recess. The cells have a low air permeability envelope and an inflation structure within the envelope. The inflation structure is configured to expand within the envelope when unloaded to cause the envelope to fill with air.

Abstract: An air inflation cushion with cells having helical edges comprises a lower sheet; an upper cushion portion adhered upon the lower sheet; the upper cushion portion including at least one air inflation cell; each air inflation cell having an approximate rectangular cross section and being supported by four helical edges for enhancing the structure of the cell; upper ends of the helical edges being formed as rectangular upper planes; the four helical edges dividing the air inflation cell into four lateral surfaces; a lower portion of each lateral surface being formed with a convex cambered protrusion; and an air tap at one of the cells and extending from one of the helical edges. The air inflation cushion is made of black rubber. The cell is extended with a communication trench which causes two adjacent cells are communicated to one another.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a first inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body. The first compartment having a top, a bottom, and sides and is composed of at least two layers of vinyl, one layer of vinyl forming the top of the compartment and the second forming the bottom. A second inflatable compartment is disposed on the top of the first inflatable compartment and is secured to the first compartment along a portion of the first inflatable compartment. The second compartment extends generally the length and width of the top of the first compartment and is of a size, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body. The second compartment is composed of at least two layers of vinyl distinct from the two layers of vinyl forming the first compartment. The second compartment is inflatable to give the top of the air mattress a soft, pillow-like appearance and feel.

Abstract: A transfer mattress is provided including a top sheet having a width, a length, and longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a bottom sheet having the same width, the same length, longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a plurality of perforations. The longitudinally oriented peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets are sealingly fastened to one another often by heat sealing. A plurality of baffles, each having a width and a length, are attached to an inner surface of the top sheet and an inner surface of the bottom sheet so as to be transversely oriented between the top sheet and the bottom. The baffles along with the widths of the top and bottom sheets define a radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall that is disposed between an edge of the baffles and the sealed peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: An inflatable item has a body. The body has a chamber therein, and defines an outer edge. An inlet is provided on the body and communicates with the chamber. A groove is cut from the outer edge of the body and extends for a depth into the body. A fold line extends from the outer edge to a portion of the groove.