Abstract: A furniture drive includes a control device, an electromotive adjustment drive, and a manual control with a manual operator control unit which is connected to the control device via a cable for activating the adjustment drive via a first transmission path for operator control commands. The furniture drive further includes an adapter which is coupled to the control device to establish a second transmission path for operator control commands.

Abstract: A medical surgical wound support device comprising a flexible support garment designed to be worn by a patient, the flexible support garment having an inner surface that comes in direct contact with the patient and an outer surface facing outward from the patient, a plurality of permanent magnets embedded within the flexible support garment, each of which is oriented such that its north magnetic pole faces the outer surface, a rigid base component, that has an outer surface facing upward from a support on which the rigid support structure rests, a plurality of permanent magnets embedded within the outer surface of the rigid base component, each embedded magnet oriented such that the north magnetic pole faces the outer surface; and a repelling magnetic force originating from the outer surface of the flexible support garment and the outer surface of the rigid base component such that a portion of the patient wearing the flexible support garment is elevated a controllable distance above the rigid base component.

Abstract: A method of assembling an insulation batt includes coupling a first stiffening layer to an insulation layer; coupling a second stiffening layer to the insulation layer; and compressing the insulation layer between the first stiffening layer and the second stiffening layer. The method can further include stacking a plurality of compressed insulation batts; and placing a strap around the plurality of compressed insulation batts.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a patient support system includes a patient support device having extension chambers and a deck including extendable side deck portions. Upon caregiver selection, the side deck portions extended and retract by inflation and deflation of the extension chambers to provide an extended patient support surface.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein include a cellular cushioning system comprising a first matrix of void cells, and a second matrix of void cells opposing the first matrix of void cells, wherein one or more peaks of each void cell in the second matrix is attached to one or more peaks of each void cell in the first matrix, and wherein the void cells of the first matrix have a higher cell resolution than the void cells of the second matrix. In another implementation, a method of manufacturing a cushioning system includes molding a first matrix of void cells, molding a second matrix of void cells, the void cells of the first matrix having a higher cell resolution than the void cells in the second matrix, and attaching peak surfaces of the void cells of the first matrix and peak surfaces of the void cells of the second matrix together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bed with extendable and retractable extensions. An articulating bed having four sections that articulate in conventional manner is provided. Two side extensions are provided that allow the deck width to be increased in width. Each extension has four pieces that act in unison and that are pivotally connected. The pivotal connections can be made of tabs formed from the side tubes of the respective sections. The first and fourth pieces have extension members that extend into preferably about half way through cross tubes of the first and fourth respective deck sections. The extension members can have glides that assist in the movement within the cross tubes. Pins can be provided to allow for rapid adjustment of the side extensions. Accessories can be removably pinned to the side extension for rapid removal.

Abstract: A pad, in particular for a mattress in the nursing care and hospital sector has a liquid-impermeable and elastic lower layer and a liquid-permeable and elastic upper layer arranged on the lower layer. The lower layer and the upper layer are surrounded by an outer casing, which has a liquid-impermeable outer casing lower part facing the lower layer and a liquid-permeable outer casing upper part facing the upper layer. The pad is very comfortable to lie and/or sit on and has a high degree of breathability. Moreover, the pad is easy to clean and can accordingly be reprocessed frequently. The pad can be easily and economically retrofitted to improve the lying comfort and the breathability of existing mattresses.

Abstract: An improved method and system for monitoring a user's sleep is provided. The method includes monitoring, using one or more sensors of a bed, biological signal data of a user; determining, by a processor, a sleep phase of the user according to the biological signal data; and providing, on a data interface, a sleep cycle report, determined at least partially according to the sleep phase of the user.

Abstract: A body support such as a mattress is provided formed of a top layer, an intermediate layer and a base layer. Optional side supports are also provided. Each of these layers and optional side supports are formed of different polyurethane and/or latex foam compositions. Maximum and average peak pressures are minimized by having the intermediate layer of the mattress or other body support be formed of high resilience foam, such as foam with between forty-five and sixty-five percent resilience factor. This intermediate layer is also provided with a greater density than typical prior art body supports, with a density of between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: In one preferred form there is provided a mattress (10) for a bed. The mattress (10) includes an upper layer (12) formed from visco elastic foam material of a first kind; an intermediate layer (14) formed from visco elastic foam material of a second kind; and a lower layer (16) formed from foam material of another kind. The intermediate layer (16) is provided between the upper layer (12) and the lower layer (16). The upper layer (12) and the intermediate layer (14) have a combined thickness of at least 50 mm. The lower layer (16) has a thickness of at least 70 mm.

Abstract: In order to provide a mattress that has punched holes of the same number and the same area as conventional products, is easy to contract thanks to efficient application of shearing stress to the punched holes of the mattress without the need of corrugation forming, and will neither deteriorate in strength nor increase the number of processing steps compared to conventional products, as well as a bed device using the mattress, a mattress 10 has such a structure that the (core of) foot section 18 is formed with a plurality of linear shaped holes 28 that are penetrated at regular intervals in the thickness direction of the foot section with the orientation of the linear-shape inclined relative to the width direction of mattress 10, and the plurality of holes 28 are arranged in the mattress 10 in a staggered layout when viewed from top.

Abstract: The present invention is of foam mattress constructions made and engineered foams which contain additives for improved mechanical and thermal properties. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure and inventions, there is provided engineered foam for use as a layer in a foam mattress construction having multiple layers including a top layer of foam and at least one additional layer of foam, and a coating of phase change material applied to a top surface of the top layer of foam. Surface application of phase change material to a top surface of a top layer of foam of a foam mattress provides more efficient transfer of heat away from a body on the mattress and reduced heat accumulation at the body-mattress interface.

Abstract: A patient support includes a bladder layer with a plurality of bladders, a pneumatic supply system, and a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with pneumatic supply system. The tubes are coupled to and guided by the bladder layer so that the tubes and bladder layer may remain in close registry when being handled, for example, either during the assembly process or cleaning process.

Abstract: A mattress (22) having a foam core (8) completely extends to the perimeter edges of the mattress wherein side walls (15) of the foam core are compressed inward and held in place using a preferably non-woven strip of fabric (21) or similar non-elastic or non-stretchable material that is wrapped around the side walls of the foam core. A method of wrapping the foam core allows corners (5) of the foam core to be formed under the inward pressure of the non-woven fabric, thereby creating a strong perimeter for the mattress that prevents outward pressure against the sidewalls created by the downward pressure of an individual lying on the mattress from flattening of the mattress by providing more upward pushback against the individual. An optional layer of micro-coil springs (2a) may be located within the foam core to provide more buoyancy and springiness in the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress-bearing hospital bed comprises a hospital bed body on which a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners are installed and a mattress structure which comprises a silicone layer with straight grooves thereon, a polyurethane film covering the silicone layer, and a velvet fabric layer whose one surface is melt to the plane bottom of the polyurethane film covering the silicone layer and other surface contacts the hospital bed body by means of the hook-and-loop fasteners in order to attach the mattress structure to the hospital bed body.

Abstract: A mattress comprises an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The mattress further includes first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and between the first and second opposing side surfaces. A core section is formed by the upper and lower surfaces and first and second opposing core section side surfaces and third and fourth opposing core section side surfaces and an extension extends outwardly from a side surface of the core section. The extension is fixedly connected to or integral with the core section and the extension provides the upper surface with a greater area than the lower surface. The extension is capable of supporting a user without a support structure being positioned below the extension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.

Abstract: An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a transparent or translucent padding material and a transparent or translucent covering surrounding the core.

Abstract: A cover for a mattress for supporting a patient is adapted to provide a generally smooth top surface over the mattress while still accommodating the movement of portions of the mattress or changes in thickness of the mattress, for example, when turning the patient.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement includes a mattress and a bed covering. The bed covering includes a top component adapted to cover a top surface of the mattress and a drape coupled to a perimeter portion of the top component and arranged to extend downwardly along a side wall of the mattress.

Abstract: A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress for example, is provided in one embodiment. The apparatus comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15°, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the hardness of a mattress based on an operator's lying position or an operator's side lying position and a device are disclosed. The device comprises: a base, having hollow platforms that have support legs; a lifting device, below the hollow platforms; a mattress body, disposed on the base and comprising a bed surface, a bed bottom, flexible support units, and gravity sensors, through holes being disposed in the bed bottom and corresponding to the lifting device, the flexible support unit being constructed by a first flexible member female-connected with a second flexible member; and a control device, connected with the lifting device and the gravity sensors, wherein the control device determines that the touching number of the gravity sensors is greater, equal to or less than a preset value and therefore automatically adjusts the hardness of the mattress.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient on an examination table is provided. The patient support apparatus includes at least one chamber having at least one opening for supplying a filler, a connection unit for connecting the at least one chamber to a regulating unit, and the regulating unit for regulating a quantity of the filler within the at least one chamber. In an embodiment, the patient support apparatus has a pressure sensor for capturing a sensor value of a pressure, and a processing unit which is so designed as to compare the sensor value with a threshold value.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient on an examination table includes at least one chamber, a connection unit and a regulating unit. The at least one chamber has at least one opening for supplying a filler. The connection unit connects the at least one chamber to the regulating unit. The regulating unit regulates a quantity of the filler within the at least one chamber.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion for reducing pressure on body parts of a person positioned on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a force sensor. The cushion includes a controller for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to air pressures that tend to reduce the interface pressures sensed by the force sensors. A pressure reduction method includes varying the inflation pressure in a first air bladder cell while measuring the sum of the interface pressures exerted on all or a plurality of the air bladder cells, re-pressurizing the first cell to that air pressure for which a minimum total interface pressure was obtained, repeating this process for the remaining air bladder cells.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include cushioning assemblies with thermoplastic elements encapsulated in thermoset providing customizable support and airflow. A cushioning assembly for a cushion provides cushioning and support for a user. Thermoplastic elements are encapsulated within a thermoset matrix to provide additional support at specific sections of the cushion. The shape and location of the thermoplastic elements may be configured to provide the support and cushioning characteristics desired by a user. The thermoplastic elements may include air passageways in communication with the outside. In this manner, support is provided precisely where needed for the user, the weight and expense of the cushion is reduced by eliminating expensive redundant support, and the heat and humidity that can cause user discomfort is reduced.

Abstract: A support cushion including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite top surface, a layer of flexible foam having plurality of cells defining a reticulated cellular structure, the reticulated cellular structure cells comprising a skeletal plurality of supports through which substantially open cell walls establish fluid communication between interior of the cell and interiors of adjacent cells, the layer of flexible foam having density no less than about 30 kg/m3 and no greater than about 175 kg/m3, and hardness of no less than about 20 N and no greater than about 150 N at 40% indentation force deflection measured at about 22 degrees Celsius, the layer of flexible foam comprising visco-elastic foam having at least one material property responsive to temperature change in range of 10-30° C., and layer of polyurethane foam located beneath layer of flexible foam, the layer of polyurethane foam having hardness of at least about 50 N.

Abstract: Mattresses for cots and infant beds include a mattress core having first and second faces. Each face is overlayered by a comfort layer and a cover layer. The mattress core includes a relatively firm core layer and a relatively soft core layer. Suitably, the firm core layer includes an array of helical springs or a foamed polymeric or fibrous material.

Abstract: A patient support including a pressure adjustable mattress system. The pressure adjustable mattress system includes a support surface and a controller to control the pressure of the support surface.

Abstract: A pillow, mattress pad, mattress pad and pillow system, and mattress are provided having a plurality of zones for providing a selected distribution of pressure across different parts of a sleeper's body. The pillow has a first zone of elasticity for supporting the head of a sleeper and an integral second zone of elasticity for supporting the neck and upper thoracic spine, said pillow comprising a firm high resistance foam lower portion and a viscoelastic foam upper portion matingly contoured to the lower portion and internally sealed to the lower portion along a surface of predetermined curvature.

Abstract: A bed chair apparatus has a user support surface which includes a back section 1, a seat section 14, a lower leg section 15 and a foot section 16 that are configured to articulate relative to each other. The support surface is configurable in a bed configuration in which the support surface is substantially flat and in a chair configuration in which the foot section 16 is disposed beneath the seat section 14. Some embodiments of the apparatus require only a single actuator 30.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bidirectional valve design that provides for more rapid deflations/evacuation of fluid flow and in one example includes a valve body, a spindle piston movably coupled in a bore of the valve body and an electronically controllable motor that moves the spindle valve between a fluid evacuation position and a fluid fill position. In one example, the spindle piston includes piston structures on ends of a threaded rod. In another example, a mattress system is disclosed that employs the valve and a fluid source to provide quick evacuation of air from a patient support. In another example, the valve is coupled to an alternating pressure block valve which is then coupled to a patient support.

Abstract: A mattress comprises an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The mattress further includes first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and between the first and second opposing side surfaces. A core section is formed by the upper and lower surfaces and first and second opposing core section side surfaces and third and fourth opposing core section side surfaces and an extension extends outwardly from a side surface of the core section. The extension is fixedly connected to or integral with the core section and the extension provides the upper surface with a greater area than the lower surface. The extension is capable of supporting a user without a support structure being positioned below the extension.

Abstract: Cushioning constructions for mattresses or chair cushions are given comfort features for severely immobilized patients. Otherwise, the problem is that, sit or lie still long enough and awful sores may develop. The cushioning constructions hereof are formed of plural or multiple layers of resilient materials of dissimilar softness/firmness and, moreover, these layers are partitioned into multiple zones across the layers of likewise dissimilar softness/firmness. Such features include soft sinking spots for the pelvic area in mattresses or for the counterpart ischium support zone in seat cushions. In distinction, firm and soft juxtapositions are provided for the upper thigh region in mattresses or in the counterpart femoral support zone in seat cushions. Conversely, firm lateral rails for mattresses or counterpart lateral wings for cushions of chair backs are provided where the concern is with Huntingdon's disease patients, who are largely immobile but periodically convulse at times.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of furniture, and in particular to a cushion or mattress suspension element 101, 201, . . . , 901 comprising a compressible core 102, 202, . . . , 902 of flexible material and presenting at least one compression axis Z, and also comprising two bearing parts 103, 203, . . . , 903 of material that is substantially more rigid than the material of the compressible core 102, 202, . . . , 902, with at least a first bearing part being connected to one end of the compressible core 102, 202, . . . , 902 and at least one second bearing part being connected to an end of the compressible core 102, 202, . . . , 902 that is opposite along the compression axis Z, and with each bearing part presenting an outer bearing area 103a, 203a, . . . , 903a that is substantially perpendicular to said compression axis Z and, in at least one direction perpendicular to the compression axis Z, that is substantially larger than the compressible core 102, 202, . . . , 902 in its relaxed position.

Abstract: An adapter mattress for a dental chair is disclosed, comprising a flat upper surface and a lower surface with a suitably curved profile to adapt to the curvature of a dental chair, so that the upper surface of the mattress is disposed according to a horizontal plane, converting the dental chair into a surgery couch.

Abstract: A mattress includes top and bottom foam layers. A bottom surface of the top foam layer and a top surface of the bottom foam layer include protrusions and recessions. The protrusions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer protrude into the recessions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer, and the protrusions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer protrude into the recessions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer. The most protruded surfaces of the protrusions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer are separated from corresponding surfaces of the recessions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer by a channel, but there is no channel between most protruded surfaces of the protrusions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer and corresponding surfaces of the recessions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid absorption and distribution enhancement (FADE) product comprises at least one flow media layer, and at least one superabsorbent polymer layer.

Abstract: A bed scroll is a bedding mat that is able to coil inwards from its left side and its right side. The bed scroll has a first coiling portion and a second coiling portion, which are integrated into the bed scroll and are positioned opposite each other across the bed scroll. The bed scroll is designed to be thermally insulative, organically-impermeable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. The bed scroll can also be embedded with a topical medication that treats a user's ailments and can have a plurality of massaging protrusions that stimulate the user's skin to prevent pressure ulcers.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: An adaptable surface system including a plurality of individually adjustable surface units and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor corresponds to one of the adjustable subsurface units and is positioned to measure an amount of pressure exerted upon the subsurface unit. The system also includes a controller that receives a first pressure value from a pressure sensor, compares the value to a threshold, and adjusts the height of the first subsurface unit based on the comparison. The controller also receives a second pressure value from a second pressure sensor, compares the second pressure value to the threshold, and adjusts the height of a second subsurface unit based on the comparison.

Abstract: A mattress and a laid bedding for a bed are disclosed. The laid bedding is configured such that a mattress in which split cores are freely combined is laid and filled in a box-like closed bottom frame composed of a bottom and an edge erected on a peripheral portion of the bottom. In the mattress, there are three types: a mattress composed of a latex layer, a urethane layer and a low-resilience urethane layer; a mattress composed of an extremely fine fibrous resin layer in which extremely fine fibrous resin is three-dimensionally intertwined and welded together, a urethane layer and a latex layer; and a mattress composed of an extremely fine fibrous resin layer in which extremely fine fibrous resin is three-dimensionally intertwined and welded together, a urethane layer and a low-resilience urethane layer. Each of the mattresses is composed of three or six cores according to size.

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: Compositions and methods for making a novel liquid gel mixture comprising at least one flexible polymer carrier, parachlorobenzotrifluoride, optional thermally-conductive materials, and optional performance-enhancing additives; using the liquid gel mixture for making surface-infused layers on layering substrates; and using combinations of surface-infused gel layer and layering substrate in cushioning foams and mattresses. Layering substrates are surface-infused with a liquid gel mixture and may be compressed to increase the penetration depth of liquid gel mixture into the substrate layer surface. This compositions may be used in mattresses, mattress topper pads, pillows, bedding products, furniture upholstery, pet beds, medical cushioning foams, seat cushions and backs, automotive foam, sports cushioning, transportation cushioning, headrests, arm rests, personal protective equipment, toys, and the like.

Abstract: A mattress comprises an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The mattress further includes first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and between the first and second opposing side surfaces. A core section is formed by the upper and lower surfaces and first and second opposing core section side surfaces and third and fourth opposing core section side surfaces and an extension extends outwardly from a side surface of the core section. The extension is fixedly connected to or integral with the core section and the extension provides the upper surface with a greater area than the lower surface. The extension is capable of supporting a user without a support structure being positioned below the extension.

Abstract: A child containment device and a mattress support assembly for a child containment device providing a generally flat mattress configuration under load of a child supported thereon; a multi-paneled mattress for a child containment device allowing repositioning of mattress panels between an expanded state and a compact state, and wherein in the expanded state, structural couplings maintain the mattress in a generally flat configuration; and a chamfered corner arrangement for resisting curling of a mattress for a child containment device.

Abstract: A patient support surface or mattress has a coverlet defining an interior region and a core situated in the interior region. An interface pressure sensing sheet assembly is provided in the interior region. Above the core and beneath the coverlet, the sheet assembly has a lattice of longitudinally extending straps and laterally extending straps that are made of an interface pressure sensing material. The lattice has gaps through which the coverlet presses against the core. The laterally extending straps are provided over relatively high pressure zones of the core, such as a heel, sacral and/or occiput zone, and are not provided over other zones of the core.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.