Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.

Abstract: An automatic air nozzle includes a valve adapted to engage with a peripheral side face defining the air path inside the inflatable object. A linking element has a first end operably connected to the valve and a second end. A motor is operably connected to the second end of the linking element so as to drive the valve to move linearly relative to the inflatable object to open/close the air path automatically.

Abstract: An infant mattress includes a core and a cover. The core is made from a resilient material and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is inclined with respect to the bottom surface and includes a depression. The cover covers the core and includes a mesh-like material that forms an inclined hammock over the depression. The head and torso of an infant are placed on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression cavity. The external ends of the openings may connect to an air or aerosol source to inject air or aerosols into the depression cavity. The core may be coated with an impermeable water-proofing layer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.

Abstract: A mattress comprises one or more cavities disposed within the mattress. A filter assembly is removably mounted within the cavity at a first distance from the mattress' upper surface. One or more channels are disposed laterally within the mattress and connect the cavity to the mattress sidewall so that intake air is allowed in and exhaust air can escape. In one version an aroma assembly is also removably mounted within the cavity. Within the channels there may be disposed one-way valves to allow air to flow only in a first direction or a second opposite direction so that exhaust air is not mixed with intake air. A fitted sheet used in combination with the mattress may include a sleeve corresponding in size and location to the cavity, where the sleeve is made from an odorless washable material. The sleeve may be retained within the cavity by a plastic ring.

Abstract: An inflatable component (4) for an alternating pressure mattress (1). The inflatable component has at least two inflatable cells (15). Each cell (15) has at least two opposite edges (23, 24) and at least part of one of two opposite edges is free and lies within an outer peripheral edge of the component. The inflatable component (4) may be formed from two layers of material joined together along predetermined lines to define the cells. The inflatable component may include two or more groups of cells, each connected to a respective air inlet (19, 20). The inflatable component may be comprised in a mattress.

Abstract: A bed mattress support apparatus and method includes a fluid filled bladder or multiplicity of bladders to vertically support a rigid platform. The rigid platform provides a suspended surface to support a mattress, foam pad, or other mattress-like device. A frame surrounds the bladder to prevent lateral movement of the bladder. Motion limiting features control vertical displacement of the platform.

Abstract: A patient support surface comprises a cover defining an interior region, a modifiable support layer situated in the interior region and having at least one air bladder, and a sensor layer situated in the interior region and having at least one sensor configured to detect a physiological parameter of a patient atop the patient support surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet, an endless surrounding belt, and a plurality of pull belts. The surrounding belt cooperates with the top and bottom sheets to define an inflatable space. The surrounding belt has a bow tie shaped cross-section and includes vertically opposite upper and lower hollow portions. The upper hollow portion has a first surrounding surface confronting the inflatable space and connected to a periphery of the top sheet. The lower hollow portion has a second surrounding surface confronting the inflatable space and connected to a periphery of the bottom sheet. The pull belts are disposed in the inflatable space. Each of the pull belts has opposite top and bottom edges connected respectively to the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system may include a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad, and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads. The system may further include a pair of walls extending between the head-end assembly and the foot-end assembly. The walls may include inflatable members.

Abstract: This invention relates to mattresses such as a pressure relieving mattress and in particular ones for profiling beds. The mattress comprises a base portion 11, a carriage portion 12, an upper portion 13 and an inflatable pressure relieving underlay 14 disposed between the carriage 12 and the upper portion 13. The facing surfaces 15 and 16 of the base portion 11 and the carriage portion 12, respectively, are coated with a low friction material so that the two slide easily relative to one another. This sliding movement is restricted to longitudinal relative movement by the engagement of co-operating formations 17, 18. The combination provides particularly flexible mattress arrangement which also avoids the problem of the leg section of the mattress kicking upwardly when a profiling bed is articulated.

Abstract: An inflatable resting mattress designed for indoor and outdoor use, which allows a user to support his head within a facial aperture while lying in a prone position. The facial aperture includes several breathing tubes designed to allow a user to maintain normal breathing. Three support pillows are provided for a user to place under his head, lumbar and legs to support proper spine alignment while lying in a prone position. These pillows are adapted to secure to the body mat to prevent slippage.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is provided including an encasing housing a base layer and a patient support layer in a cavity of the encasing. The base layer has a foam base member and foam side panels connected to the base member. The patient support layer is provided above the base layer and has a plurality of sections or zones. In one embodiment the plurality of sections is made of an inflatable component, and another of the plurality of sections is made of a non-inflatable component. In an alternate embodiment, each of the sections contains an inflatable component. In one embodiment, the zones of the patient support surface include a head zone adjacent a head of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, a seat zone adjacent the head zone, and a knee zone between the seat zone and the foot zone.

Abstract: A self-contained gatching mattress having a gatching mattress sleep deck, a first air bladder cushion, a second cushion material, a control box having an air pump system and a manifold, a conduit distribution unit, a sliding bridge, and a cushion material positioned above the sliding bridge and the control box. The sliding bridge forms a gap area for conduits to extend from the control box to the conduit distribution unit which decreases the chances of the conduits being kinked or altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to patient's positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is providing including an encasing housing a base layer and a patient support layer in a cavity of the encasing. The base layer has a foam base member and foam side panels connected to the base member. The patient support layer is provided above the base layer and has a plurality of sections or zones. In one embodiment the plurality of sections is made of an inflatable component, and another of the plurality of sections is made of a non-inflatable component. In an alternate embodiment, each of the sections contains an inflatable component. In one embodiment, the zones of the patient support surface include a head zone adjacent a head of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, a seat zone adjacent the head zone, and a knee zone between the seat zone and the foot zone.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress has a body and a coverlet. The body is hollow, is inflatable and has a top, a sidewall and at least one first engaging member attached to the sidewall of the body. The coverlet is mounted detachably on and covers the body and has at least one second engaging member attached to the coverlet and corresponding respectively to and detachably engaged respectively with the at least one first engaging member on the body. The coverlet is mounted tightly on the body and would not be shifted by persons' movement on the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.

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: A device for lifting a person from a supine position into a raised supine position or sitting posture. The device comprises at least one U-shaped inflatable structure which defines a hollow and a flexible membrane which is attachable to the device. The membrane is extendable over at least a portion of the hollow to provide a support surface for the person.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable mattress and coverlet used to reduce and treat decubitus ulcers. The mattress is an air inflatable mattress and is particularly adapted for use on a bed in a hospital, nursing home, health care facility or the like. The air inflatable mattress has a series of apertures on the top allowing small amounts of air to pass through to the underside of the coverlet. According to one aspect of the invention the coverlet is placed over the top of air inflatable mattress in the central portion thereof between the head of the bed and the foot of the bed. The coverlet is of sufficient length to extend under the weight bearing portions of the patient. The coverlet has as a first layer a moisture wicking fabric, such as a polyester, and on one side of the moisture wicking fabric there is attached a microporous polymeric member which allows air from the mattress to pass through the coverlet to the patient. Adjacent the polymeric member is another layer comprising a spacer fabric.

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 lateral positioning device for pelvic treatments suitable to support a patient in a defined lateral position includes a vacuum mattress. The vacuum mattress includes an upper body support attachable to an upper body portion of the patient, and a lower body support attachable to a lower body portion of the patient. A region between said upper and lower body support is formed such that when the vacuum mattress is attached to the patient, both a front pelvic side and an upper pelvic side of the patient are exposed.

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: An alternating pad comprises a first set and a second set of alternately inflatable cells. Both sets of inflatable cells are supplied with air from a pump via a rotary valve. A sensor is positioned under the pad to receive pressure exerted by a patient upon movement and to be compressible relative to the applied pressure. Any change in patient position or movement will cause an alteration in the airflow in the sensor pad tube and will reduce or increase the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer. Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump and increases or decreases the air flow to the cells to alter the amplitude of the cells and also controls the timing of the rotary valve to change the timing of the inflation and deflation cycle.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed, including a deck comprising openings that accommodate removable modules.

Abstract: An inflatable item includes a hollow body and a valve is connected to the hollow body. The valve is a bladder which has an inlet from which air is introduced in the bladder, and an outlet through which the air is introduced into the hollow body. A tubular insertion is engaged with the inlet and has a passage defined therethrough. A bouncing member is mounted to the tubular insertion so that the user compresses the bladder to push the air in the bladder into the hollow body and the bouncing member bounces the bladder back to original status. The hollow body can be inflated by repeatedly compressing the bladder. A cap removably seals the inlet after the inflatable item is inflated.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: An endboard such as a headboard or a footboard for a patient support is provided. The endboard is suitable for use in connection with care equipment, a service supply, and a service line operably coupling the service supply to the care equipment. The endboard includes at least one line support.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate generally to the manufacture and assembly of mattresses, and comprise an interlocking system used to join foam support rails together to form a support frame about the perimeter of a mattress cover and/or a banding system for securing the support frame in place with respect to the mattress cover. The interlocking system generally comprises interlocking mechanical coupling portions at the ends of each support rail, allowing the ends of the support rails to be joined together to form a support frame without hard corner blocks that might reduce mattress comfort. The banding system comprises banding flaps that enwrap the support rails and attach them to the mattress cover. This allows for improved structural integrity during the assembly process, since the support frame is securely held in place.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress comprises a support system having upper and lower inflatable support chambers arranged in a substantially vertical manner and an inflatable headboard chamber arranged in a substantially perpendicular manner to the upper and lower inflatable chambers. Each inflatable support chamber comprises a top layer and a bottom layer. The inflatable mattress may further comprise an inflatable reinforcing chamber disposed between the upper and lower inflatable support chambers and attached to the lower inflatable support chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable device comprising a substantially fluid impermeable bladder is disclosed. The fluid controller comprises an electrically powered pump positioned at least partially within a profile of the bladder. The fluid controller is coupled to the inflatable bladder and is adapted to permit air to exit the bladder through the fluid controller and to be provided to the bladder through the fluid controller.

Abstract: A pump assembly for an inflatable structure comprises a blower unit disposed in a housing configured to move air in a single direction from an inlet in the housing to an outlet in the housing. A connector is in communication with the housing outlet. The connector is adapted to connect the pump assembly to an inflatable structure to allow inflation and deflation of the inflatable structure. A base is provided with first and second valve bodies positionable in the base for selective movement between inflate and deflate positions. The first valve body aligns the housing outlet in communication with the connector and the second valve body aligns the housing inlet with atmosphere in the inflate position. The second valve body aligns the connector in communication with the housing inlet and the first valve body aligns the housing outlet in communication with atmosphere in the deflate position.

Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a pillow and mattress based upon an empirical measurement of an individual's pillow selection criteria, mattress selection criteria and sleep characteristics. A system incorporating the principles of the method are also disclosed.

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: A patient support (10, 14) includes a source of pressurized air (64), a bladder (30), a valve (66) in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air (64) and to the bladder (30), a pressure sensor (28) in fluid communication with the bladder (30), and a controller (26) responsive to a pressure signal from the pressure sensor (28). The controller (26) may determine a rate of change of pressure within the bladder (30) and may store historical pressure data.

Abstract: An air-inflated mattress, comprising a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, wherein said shroud band connects the top and bottom layers together to form an inflatable bladder; further comprising a middle layer below said top layer sealed to the top layer. The mattress may also comprise a middle shroud band and an inner shroud band, a plurality of joint spots welded on the bottom side of the top layer, alternatively arranged with anchor separators and a plurality of joint spots welded between the shrouds and means to pass air between the bladder and a plurality of half-sealed sub-chambers created by the joint welds, which slows the spreading speed of the air to the bladder and the chambers, so that the air mattress is even and level and the supporting strength of the air mattress is greatly improved.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: An airbed with an integral sleeve. After deflation of the airbed, the airbed is rolled or folded into a tight formation, and the sleeve is extended around the airbed for storage. The sleeve may be a flat fabric material that is attached to a seam of the airbed, for example by welding. The sleeve includes drawstrings or cords for tying and tightening the sleeve around the airbed. A handle may also be provided for carrying the stored airbed once the sleeve is in place.

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 inflatable pad includes an inflatable pad body having a top layer, a bottom layer, and an annular surrounding layer interconnecting the top and bottom layers and cooperating with the top and bottom layers to define an inflatable space. A plurality of tubular reinforcing units are disposed in the inflatable space of the inflatable pad body. Each reinforcing unit has an annular outer surface having opposite polygonal attaching areas that face respectively the top and bottom layers of the pad body. A periphery of each of the polygonal attaching areas is attached fixedly to a corresponding one of the top and bottom layers of the pad body.

Abstract: A health care air bed having a mattress. The mattress includes several support air cells which are assembled at intervals on the mattress and are mutually connected with each other. Furthermore, a spongy mat is laid on the mattress so as to provide a level surface for the bed. A mouth is utilized for extracting and inflating air. The mouth is assembled at a side of the mattress. The support air cells are divided into five strips which support the neck, back, waist, hip and leg of human body respectively. This invention is applicable to a single air chamber or a double air chamber. The mattress for queen size and king size beds have two separate air chambers. In accordance with physiological characteristics of the human body, this invention designs support points at an interval so that the neck, back, waist, hip and leg of the human body can be effectively supported that is helpful to a person's health and extends human life.

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: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly having at least one air chamber, and an electric air pump unit disposed on the bedstead assembly. The air pump unit includes a centrifugal pump device for performing initial inflation of the air chamber, a diaphragm pump device for performing subsequent inflation of the air chamber, and a control valve operable to allow for and interrupt fluid communication between the centrifugal pump device and the air chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress assembly having a peripheral frame disposed around an upper periphery of the mattress forming an upper tubular periphery that provides a contiguous support surface. The peripheral frame is secured along two seams so that it is flat, smooth, and immovable. The seam where the peripheral frame is connected to the side layer creates a circumferential, horizontal indentation or groove giving the mattress an appearance that mimics a traditional two-layered pillow-top mattress. The components of the inflatable mattress assembly are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes a first chamber, a pack, and a fan and motor received in the pack. The pack has an air intake connected to the outside of the first chamber and a first air outlet connected to the inside of the first chamber. A first valve for opening and closing the first air outlet is received in the pack. Air is pumped by the fan and motor from the outside of the first chamber through the air intake and the first valve and then into the first chamber from the first air outlet.