Abstract: A mattress for supporting a reclining body. The mattress includes a resilient top member having a top region possessing uniform displacement parameters and also includes resilient supporting means supporting the top member with variable displacement. The combination of members with uniform displacement parameters over members with variable displacement parameters enables the mattresses to support the body in alignment and with uniform low pressure.

Abstract: A multiple chamber self-inflating pad having a fluid impervious first chamber defined by a first flexible panel and an intermediate panel in which a first resilient member is disposed and to which the resilient member is bonded. An orifice is provided to control inflation or deflation of the first chamber. A second flexible panel is selectively bonded to the intermediate flexible panel preferably to form a gap or pocket into which a second resilient member may be removably disposed. Preferably, the first resilient member is an open cell foam while the second is constructed from closed cell foam. Alternative embodiments include the creation of a fluid impervious second chamber either fluidly linked to the first chamber or to the environment, alternative resilient materials, inclusion of radiant barriers, and the like.

Abstract: A multiple chamber self-inflating pad having a fluid impervious first chamber defined by a first flexible panel and an intermediate panel in which a first resilient member is disposed and to which the resilient member is bonded. An orifice is provided to control inflation or deflation of the first chamber. A second flexible panel is selectively bonded to the intermediate flexible panel preferably to form a gap or pocket into which a second resilient member may be removably disposed. Preferably, the first resilient member is an open cell foam while the second is constructed from closed cell foam. Alternative embodiments include the creation of a fluid impervious second chamber either fluidly linked to the first chamber or to the environment, alternative resilient materials, inclusion of radiant barriers, and the like.

Abstract: An improved air mattress includes an inflation air pouch located on one side of the air mattress for pumping air into the air mattress. The inflation air pouch is made from an air impermeable upper layer and an air impermeable lower layer bonded together on the periphery by high frequency fusion. There is a sponge layer located inside the inflation air pouch. A one way first check valve is located between the upper layer and the sponge layer. An one way second check valve is located on one side of the inflation air pouch. The second check valve has another end located in the air mattress. When to inflate the air mattress, an user compresses the inflation air pouch with hands on the first check valve. Air in the inflation air pouch is squeezed and flows towards the second check valve and through the air passage to enter the air mattress for inflation. By contrast, when user's hands release from the first check valve.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion is disclosed, having features that allow deflation of the cushion to be controlled. The cushion includes an inflatable bladder having a support therein and a valved exhaust tube in fluid communication therewith. An indicator coupled to the exhaust tube indicates when fluid is exiting the exhaust tube. When sat upon, the cushion deflates only by a preselected amount. This allows the cushion to be consistently and easily deflated to a predetermined inflation height.

Abstract: An air pad having a plurality of foam filled air chambers interconnected by at least one air passage connecting at least two of the air chambers to one another. The air passages are also filled with foam whereby the flow of air from one air chamber to another due to impact is restricted. The pad is manufactured by radio frequency welding of two layers of plastic film to one another about a foam body to join the plastic film in the area surrounding each of the air chambers.

Abstract: An fluid channeling system that comprises a series of elongated chambers having a rectangular cross section. Each of these chambers is disposed adjacent to the other and extends parallel to the other in either a single layer configuration or a two layer configuration. There is at least one fluid such as air, helium, or an air helium combination disposed within these chambers. The fluid enters these chambers through at least one fluid intake valve which is in fluid communication with these chambers. Helium has particular properties that make it conducive for this type of an application. Helium is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, in addition, Helium can diffuse through many materials commonly used in laboratories such as rubber and PVC. Therefore, if the present invention uses Helium, the materials used in creating this device must reflect these properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting and monitoring the distance between a patient and a reference point on an inflatable air mattress and for controlling the air supply to that mattress in relation to such distance. The patient distance sensing system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, an inflatable air mattress positioned atop the bed frame with the upper surface of the inflatable air mattress forming a patient support surface, an air supply operable to provide controlled variations in air supply, and a series of patient distance sensing devices. Such devices including a heterodyning proximation detector, a force responsive distance sensing device, and a light responsive sensing device. Each device is operable to act separately or cooperatively in maintaining a therapeutically beneficial patient support surface through variable control of the delivery of inflation pressure to the air mattress.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air-volume in both mattress-type foam and traditional coil spring cores interactively, obtaining a wide variety of levels of density and indentation force deflection (IFD or spring-back force). Foam core modulation is used to soften or harden the upper surface of the combined two elements to form enhanced-comfort support surfaces. The combinations include multiple chambers of which at least one is filled with self-inflating foam. In most configurations of the present invention, the chambers are completely sealed and are not air communicable with each other. Each chamber is fitted with a valve used to selectively withdraw air from it—but never to pressurize it by adding air forcibly. The combinations of core layers include traditional coil spring cores that may or may not be completely enclosed in their own enclosure. When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, its surface softens uniformly, density increases while its IFD value drops.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air volume in foam cores of cushioning support devices and any other support apparatus using foam or similar materials. The foam core can be incrementally modulated to realize an infinite number of comfort levels as to softness and support firmness. The core consists of self-inflating open-cell flexible polyurethane foam and is completely sealed within an enclosure fitted over it, with one or more valves installed in the side walls which communicate with the outside air. Through the valves air is selectively withdrawn from the foam core, allowing the foam's density to increase. The invention uses relatively inexpensive foam, but through air volume modulation achieves a tactile feel of supreme softness for the user, without giving up the necessary firmness to support the body, as happens with very soft foam (bottoming-out or hammock-effect). When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, the surface of the core will soften uniformly while maintaining its support firmness.

Abstract: A mattress is provided for use with a bed deck having a recess. The mattress includes a mattress section configured to define a patient rest surface and a mattress section support configured to support the mattress section.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. One or more air passageways are formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. Each passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness (IFD) are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic or latex foam feel hence greatly reducing pressure points and increasing comfort.

Abstract: A self-inflating mattress includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core and a flexible, airtight covering that encloses the core. One or more drain valves extend through the covering and are communicably connected an interior of the mattress. The valves are opened for exhausting air from and at least partially collapsing the core and for allowing a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air and expand. The valves are closed for maintaining a selected air pressure within the core. A vacuum unit may be sealably interengaged with a valve to exhaust air from the mattress and deflate the foam core.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. An air passageway in formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. The passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic feel.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress capable of being folded or rolled into a small compact unit and unfolded or unrolled to a relatively flat or partially contoured body supporting condition. The mattress is comprised of an inner foam core of the type capable of being rolled or folded. An outer flexible and foldable fabric cover surrounds the foam core. Moreover, air spaces are formed in the foam core to allow a self-inflating when a valve on the mattress is opened. The mattress is air impervious and will remain inflated when the valve is closed. This construction also allows a deflating when the mattress is compressed and the valve is again opened. The mattress is characterized in that the major part of the upper surface area is provided with a plurality of closely spaced apart recesses formed in both the cover and the foam core and thereby define corresponding raised portions or projections between each of the recesses.

Abstract: A self-inflatable mattress is formed from an open pore foam core and one or more layers of dual melt film. Initially, a layer of dual melt film is placed on top of the open pore foam block such that the side with the lower melting temperature contacts the foam core. A non-stick, heat transferable buffer layer is then placed on top of the film and heat and pressure are applied, preferably through a roller, causing the bottom surface of the film to stick to the top surface of the foam core. The edges of the top sheet are also adhesably attached to the sides of the core using a pair of heated side pressure rollers. Lastly, the cushion is inverted and a second, or bottom, sheet of dual melt film is placed on top of the foam core and attached to the bottom surface and the sides in a similar manner. Finally, a valve, which may be either oral, or one way, is attached to the side of the mattress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic seat or bed for reducing the likelihood of decubitus ulcers, which can form in the skin surrounding a weight-bearing bony protrusion. The seat or bed includes one or more compressible supports in a cushion that can be moved between a compressed, relaxed, or inflated state to relieve pressure from the skin surrounding the bony protrusion to increase the blood flow or stimulate the blood flow through the area surrounding the bony protrusion.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: An air mattress structure includes a mattress body including a sponge layer having a first face and a second face, a first line low density polyethylene layer laminated on the first surface of the sponge layer, a first nylon layer laminated on the first line low density polyethylene layer, a second line low density polyethylene layer laminated on the second surface of the sponge layer, and a second nylon layer laminated on the second line low density polyethylene layer. Thus, the air mattress structure consisting of the above-mentioned elements has a simple construction, and is transparent so that a user can see the inflation and squeeze of the sponge layer.

Abstract: A self-inflating mattress which comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, a foam and a check valve, wherein, the foam is disposed inside the first chamber. The check valve is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber, and air is allowed to flow only from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A mattress structure (30) having a plurality of side-by-side lower support elements (50), a layer of material (54) underlying the lower support elements (50), and a plurality of side-by-side upper support elements (52) overlying and being supported by lower support elements (50) is described. The upper support elements (52) are connected by a plurality of tethers (128) to the layer of material (54), with the tethers (128) extending between adjacent lower support elements (50). Each of one of the upper support elements (52) and lower support elements (50) is an inflatable air bladder with specified sets of air bladders defining tube set zones (142, 144, 146). The pressure of the zones (142, 144, 146) is controlled by an air pressure system (170).

Abstract: A pressure reducing cushion with selective pressure point relief features at least two air bladders, and a foam outer layer covering the air bladders. Each air bladder consists of an impervious to air sheet material which surrounds an open celled compressible foam material. Attached to the air bladder is an air flow tube and attached to the air flow tube is a flow control element. When the flow control element is open air from the atmosphere is able to communicate with the interior of the open celled compressible foam material through the air flow tube in combination with the flow control element. The open celled compressible foam material is of such a characteristic that once it is deformed it tends to regain its original shape, thus filling the air bladder with air, if the flow control element is open.

Abstract: A self-inflatable mattress is formed from an open pore foam core and one or more layers of dual melt film. Initially, a layer of dual melt film is placed on top of the open pore foam block such that the side with the lower melting temperature contacts the foam core. A non-stick, heat transferable buffer layer is then placed on top of the film and heat and pressure are applied, preferably through a roller, causing the bottom surface of the film to stick to the top surface of the foam core. The edges of the top sheet are also adhesably attached to the sides of the core using a pair of heated side pressure rollers. Lastly, the cushion is inverted and a second, or bottom, sheet of dual melt film is placed on top of the foam core and attached to the bottom surface and the sides in a similar manner. Finally, a valve, which may be either oral, or one way, is attached to the side of the mattress.

Abstract: A passive-motion having a support surface provided by a plurality of bellows-like or bladder-like cells which are sequentially or independently inflatable and deflatable to alter the configuration of the support surface continuously to cause a person seated on the support surface to continuously and instinctively adjust the additude of his spinal column and associated muscles.

Abstract: A thermal regulating cushioning device for heating and/or cooling is provided. The thermal regulating device comprises a flexible, deformable outer membrane being adapted to sealably receive a liquid-like material therein. A foam core is disposed within the flexible, deformable outer membrane wherein the foam core has a dimension substantially coincident with the outer membrane. A liquid-like material is sealably contained within the flexible, deformable outer membrane and saturating the foam core with the liquid material being at least partially circulatable through the foam core wherein the cooperation of the saturated foam core and the sealable flexible membrane provide a uniform, thermal regulating medium and structural support such that the cushioning device is readily, uniformly deformable when a load is applied thereto. An external heater and/or cooler circulates the liquid through the cushioning device.

Abstract: An air pad having a plurality of foam filled air chambers interconnected by at least one air passage connecting at least two of the air chambers to one another. The air passages are also filled with foam whereby the flow of air from one air chamber to another due to impact is restricted. The pad is manufactured by radio frequency welding of two layers of plastic film to one another about a foam body to join the plastic film in the area surrounding each of the air chambers.

Abstract: A camping mat in which the upper surface has a plurality of air insulating chambers to provide a reduction in body heat loss of the user. The mat may be configured as either a sleeping mat or a camping chair, or combination thereof, and may be of the self-inflating type with open-cell foam inside a waterproof and airtight envelope. Two pads of flexible foam are in the envelope and the upper pad has a plurality of pad cavities or pad apertures which, upon the assembly of the mat, cause the formation of the air insulating chambers.

Abstract: A cushion system for supporting a body such as a seated person at risk of developing pressure sores. An array of one or more foam members is biased such that each foam member exhibits a substantially constant force per unit area when supporting the body. The bias may be passive, by choice of foam characteristics, and additionally, may be applied actively by providing a gas to the foam and controlling the pressure of the gas in response to the pressure conditions at the interface with the supported body.

Abstract: A portable dock seal including a bottom portion adapted to be positioned on a surface, two side walls extending upward from opposing sides of the bottom portion at an angle of at least 20.degree. and less than 90.degree. relative to the bottom portion, and end walls interconnecting the bottom portion with the side walls. Preferably, the bottom portion, side walls, and end walls form an outer shell made from a flexible material (e.g., vinyl-coated polyester fabric), and the outer shell encloses a flexible core material. The flexible core material includes both a resilient material (e.g., open cell polyurethane foam) and a flexible material (e.g., strips of the same type of material as the outer shell). The outer shell includes vent openings to allow air to exit and enter the seal when the seal is compressed and released. The seal can also include a handle secured to the outer shell and adapted to be engaged by a user to facilitate lifting of the body member. A flexible tether can be secured to the seal (e.g.

Abstract: A fluid-filled mattress with firmness adjusting air bladders is provided wherein the individual bladders may be individually inflated and deflated to provide precise firmness adjustment. Further, a computer control of the bladders may be utilized to adjust the firmness of the air bladders.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable, anatomically contoured mattress includes an elongate body supporting member that has a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core and a flexible covering that encloses the core. The body supporting member further includes a contoured recess formed in an upper surface of the body supporting member and extending laterally relative thereto. The recess accommodates the breasts of the female user lying face down on the body supporting member. The recess also accommodates the shoulder of a user lying sideways on the mattress. One or more valves are connected communicably to the core and extend through the covering. The valves are opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and, alternatively, to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed, to draw in air and expand. The valves are closed for maintaining a selected air pressure within the core.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow top includes a fabric case with an inflatable bladder contained therein. The inflatable bladder is coextensive with the fabric case, and the mattress upon which it is secured. The bladder may be inflated by a conventional air pump with a pressure control, or it may be self-inflating. The self-inflating bladder includes a compressible foam material filling the bladder and having memory to return to an expanded condition. An inlet valve on the bladder permits air to enter the bladder as the foam material expands, thereby filling the bladder with air. An exhaust valve is provided to permit adjustment of the air pressure within the bladder.

Abstract: A seat cushion with a carrying handle has a multi-cellular foam interior structure for holding and releasing air encased within an air impermiable covering and at least one valve member secured to the covering and having a conduit extending through the covering into the foam. The handle may span a front indented portion in which the valve is located so as to span the valve. The cushion may have a second valve permitting air to enter into but not exit from the foam so as to re-inflate the cushion gradually. The first valve permits air to exit the foam when it is open while a compressible force is applied to the foam. Thus, when a person sits on the cushion and opens the valve, air within the cellular structure of the foam is expelled in accordance with the force applied and the foam is shaped to that of the user's compression applying members. The second valve permits re-inflation of the cushion gradually if the user fails to open or actuate the first valve when removed from the cushion for an extended time.

Abstract: A thermal regulating cushioning device includes a flexible, deformable outer membrane and a foam core contained therein having a dimension substantially coincident with the outer membrane. A liquid-like material is sealably contained within the outer membrane and saturates the foam core with the liquid-like material being at least partially circulatable through the foam core. The cooperation of the saturated foam core and the sealable flexible membrane provide a uniform, thermal regulating medium and structural support such that the cushioning device is readily, uniformly deformable when a load is applied thereto.

Abstract: Self-inflating mattress for outdoor and camping use having a body chamber which contains open cell foam for supporting the body and legs of a person resting thereon, and air chambers positioned to the sides of the body chamber for cradling the person and preventing him from rolling off the mattress. The body chamber is reduced in width in the lower back region, and the air chambers extend into that region to provide additional lower back support.

Abstract: A wall padding having a core of open cell, low smoke, flame resistant polychloroprene and a cover of fire retardant vinyl on the core. The total padding having a flame spread index in the range of 0 to 25 and a smoke development index in the range of 0 to 450.

Abstract: A pressure reducing backrest cushion with selective pressure point relief features at least two air bladders, and a foam outer layer covering the air bladders. Each air bladder consists of an impervious to air sheet material which surrounds an open celled compressible foam material. Attached to the air bladder is an air flow tube and attached to the air flow tube is a flow control element. When the flow control element is open air from the atmosphere is able to communicate with the interior of the open celled compressible foam material through the air flow tube in combination with the flow control element. The open celled compressible foam material is of such a characteristic that once it is deformed it tends to regain its original shape, thus filling the air bladder with air, if the flow control element is open.

Abstract: A seating system is designed for self-adjusting pressure relief for use with wheelchairs and other generally confined seating arrangements. One or more support chambers filled with resilient foam and a fluid such as air are arranged on an upper support surface. Respective self-adjusting reservoirs are provided and arranged in fluid communication (such as through plastic tubing) with various of the chambers. As elastic band or similar is placed surrounding each respective reservoir, to compensate for, and reach equilibrium with, air pressure differences caused therein by the amount of force or loading received on the corresponding respective support chamber. The physical placement of the reservoir arrangements may be accommodated within an enclosing cover, so that an integrally formed self-contained wheelchair cushion or similar is provided with self-adjusting features, operative in respective zones of the support surface.

Abstract: A self-inflating air mattress includes an air chamber and a foam panel therein. The air chamber is defined by top and bottom sheet panels and a valve allowing air passage into and out of the air chamber. The foam panel includes apertures therethrough, and the top and bottom sheet panels are mechanically coupled directly together via the apertures in the foam panel. As a result, the foam panel need not be mechanically connected to the top and bottom sheet panels and improved air flow within the chamber results. Furthermore, by virtue of the direct mechanical coupling between top and bottom sheet panels distributed throughout the air mattress, the top and bottom sheet panels are limited in their relative spacing and the air mattress tends to better support any weight placed thereon, there being no pillowing of the air mattress in response to weight placed thereon.

Abstract: A water-tight and heat-insulating air mattress structure having an air valve and a body made up of upper and lower layers, first and second LLDPE layers, first and second aluminum foil layers, and a nylon layer sandwiched there-between. The upper layer is applied on the first LLDPE layer which can retard the encroachment of water, while the first aluminum foil layer which can prevent the heat from dissipation is laminated between the first LLDPE layer and the nylon layer. The opposite layers, the lower layer and the second LLDPE and second aluminum layers, are applied in the same order as the above layers, and thus laminating and sandwiching the nylon layer there-between to form an air mattress structure with the advantages of both water-tight and heat-insulating.

Abstract: A cushioning device comprising an envelope containing a fluid in which the envelope has a pressure relief valve and an intake valve to regulate the deformation of the envelope under the load and reformation of the envelope when the load is removed.

Abstract: An inflatable object, especially an air mattress, with a part acting as a pump and a part inflatable thereby. In the pump part there is a device for spreading its walls making it unnecessary initially to provide air via the user's mouth or a bellows. A particulate propellant material, which may also take the form of waste, is used. A propellant material is a material which can be compressed and which on decompression, with the introduction of air, increases its volume. To prevent propellant material particles from penetrating into the valve between the pump and the inflatable parts, an air-permeable wall is fitted in front of the valve.

Abstract: An inflatable mat has an upper fabric layer, a lower fabric layer, an airtight space formed between the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer, an inflation valve and an air duct located on the periphery of the airtight space such that the air duct is in communication with the inflation valve. The airtight space is provided with foam attached to the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer. The inflatable mat is inflated by injecting air via the inflation valve into the air duct through which the air is dispersed rapidly and uniformly into the airtight space. The inflated mat can be deflated so as to enable the mat to be folded for storage or shipment.