Having Uniform Firmness, Changeable By User Patents (Class 5/697)
  • Patent number: 11013344
    Abstract: A mattress and adjustable foundation selection system and process generally includes a mattress having a pressure sensor pad configured to detect localized pressure changes on a sleeping surface as a function of a subject lying on the mattress optionally while the comfort of said mattress is adjusted by means of one or more fluid filled chambers; an adjustable foundation adjustably supporting the mattress and configured to change the mattress from a planar configuration to a non-planar configuration; and a display for displaying a contour map associated with the localized pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: NATIONAL BEDDING COMPANY, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Keith E. Mackey
  • Patent number: 11006764
    Abstract: A pocket spring mattress arrangement, such as a bed arrangement, having adjustable firmness is disclosed. The mattress arrangement includes a pocket spring mattress having a plurality of pocketed units of coil springs individually arranged in pockets formed of a casing material. The mattress has at least two parts of which at least one is a compactable part. Further, at least one elongate actuation member extends perpendicular to a compacting direction for the compactable part(s), corresponding to a width or length direction of the mattress, and is embedded within the mattress between two of the parts. The actuation member is moveable in the compacting direction to expand or contract at least one of the one or more compactable part(s) of the mattress. Elastic elements may further be provided to contract one or more of the compactable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Starsprings AB
    Inventor: Bengt Hager
  • Patent number: 10742140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a innovative magnetic tension lock(MTL) control system which guides the MagLev module in both vertical and horizontal movement. The MagLev module moves on its inherent magnetic force and is guided by the MTL control system. The MagLev module with MTL control system can be used in products of various applications. It can be made at efficient cost to perform unique function. It can provide magnetic cushioning, which is great for seat, bed and other body-supporting furniture. It can also be applied as a cushioning layer against outside impact, thus it can be mounted onto the surface of heavy duty equipment or even the vessel sailing in icy water. It functions on its magnetic energy for load capacity and only requires compact battery power for its MTL control system. Thus it saves energy and reduces impact on the environment. It can replace the traditional MagLev module that runs on electricity otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Kang Yao, Nan An
  • Patent number: 10709257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-function mattress composed of MagLev suspension, stretched net surface and adjustable underneath elastic cushion modules for optimized body contour-fitting and head-shoulder-neck massage by the motorized roller. This mattress design provides a unique solution to achieve the best body contour-fitting with a simple structure. The MagLev suspension technology helps generate the best support for the entire body during the sleep. It also provides comfort and relaxation that is associated with the sleep-cool technique, which is achieved through the underneath hollow structure. This mattress can be made at efficient cost to perform multi-function. The energy-efficient design also reduces its impact on the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: Kang Yao, Nan An
  • Patent number: 10357114
    Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid in fluid cells having a spring bias. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: WCW, INC.
    Inventor: John Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9119479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body support assembly comprising a layer having a passage, a pump positioned to create a flow of fluid through the passage, a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the flow of fluid based on the signal. Preferably, the layer comprises visco-elastic foam. In one embodiment, the parameter corresponds with a firmness of the layer (e.g., a temperature of the layer). A heat exchanger can be used to alter (e.g., heat or cool) a temperature of the fluid. The present invention further provides a method of controlling a firmness of a body support comprising sensing a sensed value of a parameter (e.g., temperature) of the body support, establishing a desired value of the parameter, comparing the sensed parameter to the desired value, and adjusting the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC
    Inventors: Tom D. Mikkelsen, Kelly W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 8893336
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8613119
    Abstract: An adjustable mattress comprises a carrier and a foundation. The carrier has a bed surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of first flexible members and second flexible members distributed in the carrier. One of the first flexible members and one of the second flexible members are encased in a flexible support unit. The bottom of the carrier is disposed on the foundation. The two bearing points in a stretchable direction of the first flexible member contact the bed surface and the bottom surface respectively, and one end of the second flexible member protrudes from or is concealed in the bottom surface of the carrier. The foundation has a moving plate and a lifting device. The moving plate can be lifted by the lifting device to an active position to support weights from the bed surface with the first flexible members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8516635
    Abstract: A mattress structure able to adjust elastic support forces comprises: a fixed plate, which has a plurality of flexible accommodating holes and a plurality of first flexible members and is fixed in the mattress body, the flexible accommodating holes are at the bottom of the first flexible members respectively; a moving plate, which has a plurality of second flexible member corresponding to the flexible accommodating hole, the moving plate is below the fixed plate; and a support plate, which is below the moving plate and has an air compressor at the bottom thereof, the air compressor has a plurality of air bags disposed between the support plate and the moving plate and a plurality of tubes connecting the air compressor with the air bags, the moving plate is thus moved up and down through that the air bags pump gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8499386
    Abstract: A body support assembly (326A) for supporting the body of a user of a massage device (10) includes a frame (334), a pad assembly (336) and a cover assembly (338). The pad assembly (336) is supported by the frame (334). The cover assembly (338) secures the pad assembly (336) to the frame (334). The cover assembly (338) includes a top cover section (360), a bottom cover section (362), and a section connector (364). The section connector (364) selectively moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the section connector (364) is in the open configuration, the top cover section (360) is not directly connected to the bottom cover section (362). When the section connector (364) is in the closed configuration, the top cover section (360) is directly connected to the bottom cover section (362). The cover assembly (338) can further include a middle cover section (366) that is connected to the top cover section (360) and the bottom cover section (362).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W Roleder, James Chenevey
  • Patent number: 8499389
    Abstract: In order to adjust the firmness of a shaped product in a targeted way, it is proposed to provide at least one section made of a thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, a temperature-regulating device placed in thermal contact with the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, and a control device for the temperature-regulating device configured to adjust the firmness of the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic by changing the temperature. Such a shaped product can be used as a seat base or bed support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Tobias Kirchhoff
  • Publication number: 20130145557
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Han-Chung HSU
  • Patent number: 8375492
    Abstract: The mattress structure comprises: a mattress body; a fixing plate, being firmly disposed in the mattress body and having a plurality of fixing holes; a moving plate, being disposed in the mattress body and above the fixing plate, the moving plate having a plurality of penetrating holes; a plurality of flexible members, being disposed on the surface of the top end of the moving plate; a plurality of fixing members, each of the fixing members having a fastening end and a connecting end; and a plurality of lifting devices, being disposed at the bottom of the moving plate, by means of the lifting devices driving the moving plate and the fixing members holding the flexible members, the flexible members being then compressed in order to adjust the flexible supporting forces of the mattress body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8328287
    Abstract: The chair structure comprises: a chair body, including a seat cushion and a back cushion; a fixing plate, being firmly disposed in the chair body and having a plurality of fixing holes; a moving plate, being disposed above the fixing plate, the moving plate having a plurality of penetrating holes; a plurality of flexible members, being disposed on the surface of the top end of the moving plate; a plurality of fixing members, each of the fixing members having a fastening end and a connecting end; and a plurality of lifting devices, being disposed at the bottom of the moving plate, by means of the lifting devices driving the moving plate and the fixing members holding the flexible members, the flexible members being then compressed in order to adjust the flexible supporting forces of the chair body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8245340
    Abstract: A chair structure is a chair body with seat cushion and back cushion and comprises: a fixed plate, which has a plurality of flexible accommodating holes and at least one first flexible member; a moving plate, which has at least one second flexible member corresponding to the flexible accommodating hole, the moving plate is below the fixed plate and has a distance with the fixed plate for moving; at least one lifting device, which is combined with the bottom of the moving plate, the moving plate and the second flexible member move up and down via the lifting device in order to let that the second flexible member penetrates through the flexible accommodating holes and protrudes out of the top surface of the fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20120198627
    Abstract: An adjustable bed (20) includes a base frame (30) and an occupant support system (32) operable in two or more modes of operation. A user control (90), which may be a rocker pedal (100) is capable of assuming at least two identities, each corresponding to one of the two or more modes of operation. A mode selector (122) allows a user to select an identity for the user control. Selection of the user control identity enables a user to use the user control to govern the mode of operation corresponding to the selected identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, Brian Mears
  • Publication number: 20120110744
    Abstract: The mattress structure comprises: a mattress body; a fixing plate, being firmly disposed in the mattress body and having a plurality of fixing holes; a moving plate, being disposed in the mattress body and above the fixing plate, the moving plate having a plurality of penetrating holes; a plurality of flexible members, being disposed on the surface of the top end of the moving plate; a plurality of fixing members, each of the fixing members having a fastening end and a connecting end; and a plurality of lifting devices, being disposed at the bottom of the moving plate, by means of the lifting devices driving the moving plate and the fixing members holding the flexible members, the flexible members being then compressed in order to adjust the flexible supporting forces of the mattress body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Han-Chung HSU
  • Patent number: 7941882
    Abstract: The magnetic cushioning system is for use in a cushion, mattress or other cushioned article, the cushioning system providing adjustable firmness for the user. The magnetic cushioning system includes a plurality of magnetic supports enclosed within a cover. Each of the magnetic supports has a flexible shell having opposed upper and lower ends. A permanent magnet is disposed within the flexible shell and is positioned adjacent the upper end thereof. An electromagnet is disposed within the flexible shell and is positioned adjacent the lower end thereof. The cover has opposed upper and lower surfaces, the magnetic supports having the upper ends thereof secured to a lower face of the upper surface, and the lower ends thereof secured to an upper face of the lower surface of the cover. A controller is provided for selectively and adjustably controlling electrical power transmitted to each electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jeremy Robert Strozer
  • Patent number: 7934277
    Abstract: A mattress structure is a mattress body and comprises: a fixed plate, which has a plurality of flexible accommodating holes and at least one first flexible member; a moving plate, which has at least one second flexible member corresponding to the flexible accommodating hole, the moving plate is below the fixed plate and has a distance with the fixed plate for moving; at least one lifting device, which is combined with the bottom of the moving plate, the moving plate and the second flexible member move up and down via the lifting device in order to let that the second flexible member penetrates through the flexible accommodating holes and protrudes out of the top surface of the fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Han-Chung Shu
  • Publication number: 20100235997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20100154125
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an apparatus and method for compressing a mattress to a uniform firmness and providing a new or additional pillow top to the mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Fernando Fratovich
  • Patent number: 7458121
    Abstract: A health bed capable of adjusting the spine curve of a human body mainly comprises a plurality of elevators. Each of the elevators includes a lower plate having several upholders extending therefrom wherein a motor is fixed on the center of the lower plate and the axle of the motor is a screw engaged with the middle of a motor-driven base such that the motor-driven base can be moved upward or downward by a drive of the screw. The upholders support the motor-driven base is disposed above the lower plate and supported by upholders. A plurality of elastic objects is disposed on the motor-driven base in which the elastic object has a sense stick inside and the sense stick penetrates out of the bottom of the motor-driven base. A height sensor lateral the base may thus measure a downside movement of the elastic objects. The height sensor and the motor are connected to a control circuit that actuates the motors to drive the motor-driven bases upwardly to a desired height by receiving signals from the height sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Han-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7340788
    Abstract: A method for increasing the firmness of a pillowtop or any other soft mattress. The method includes providing a rectangular sheet of cotton fabric material having hook fasteners on one end and loop fasteners on an opposite end to attach the sheet of material around the mattress. The firmness of the mattress is increased by tightly wrapping the sheet of material around the mattress using the fasteners. The sheet of material is sized appropriately to fit entirely around the mattress with overlap. Preferably, the sheet of material is sized and manufactured for wrapping longitudinally around the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Christine M. Traub
  • Patent number: 7127763
    Abstract: Safety features for a crib mattress are described. One safety feature is designed to maintain airflow to a fan inlet despite the fan inlet being blocked by a mattress sheet. Another safety feature removes obstructions to airflow within the mattress so that air is dispersed more uniformly across the sleep surface which is formed by a taut sheet of fabric. Yet another safety feature is designed to help retain a fitted sheet on a mattress and make it difficult for the sheet to be inadvertently pulled off the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Schmid, John Simon, Steven R. Kunert
  • Patent number: 5896604
    Abstract: There is a support module for a posture support device such as a bed mattress. The module comprises upper and lower frames (3A, 3B) connected together by linkages (3C, 3D) which in use of the module within the support device are adapted upon activation by an external control (3H, 3J) to displace the frames (3A, 3B) between a collapsed configuration and a spaced apart configuration so that the posture support device can be adjusted between a soft support and a firm support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Leslie Hylton McLean
  • Patent number: 5857232
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device and a method to counter a potential cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A frame, fit to the dimensions of a crib or bassinet is equipped with an air permeable material that allows for the free flow of fresh air to an infant's mouth and offsets any exhaled carbon dioxide that lingers by the infant's air passages. The material is of a particular elasticity that an infant's weight does not cause the material to collapse on itself, thereby keeping the supply of fresh air retained in the material in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Habib Mahdavi