Including Plural, Separately Inflatable, Distinct Gas Containing Compartments Patents (Class 5/710)
  • Publication number: 20090165212
    Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide an integral air mattress capable of preventing caving-in. To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an air mattress consisting of three sheets 1 to 3 stacked and airtightly sealed at their circumferential portions, the mattress comprising: first-layer air cells 6a and 6b consisting of tubular air cells formed widthwise by the first and second sheets 1 and 2; and second-layer air cells 8 consisting of tubular air cells formed widthwise by the second and third sheets 2 and 3, wherein the first-layer air cells 6a and 6b and the second-layer air cells 8 are arranged so as not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. The overlying first-layer air cells 6a and 6b are set at low pressure so as not to cause bedsores easily, while the underlying second-layer air cells 8 are set at high pressure so as not to cause caving-in easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: MOLTEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oonishi, Syunji Hama, Hidekazu Okazaki
  • Patent number: 7546650
    Abstract: A surgical table includes a horizontal patient support with a base extending therefrom and supporting the patient support at a desired height. The surgical table also includes an adjustment platform positioned upon the patient support. The adjustment platform includes a plurality of expansion members adapted to selectively adjust the relative position of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: James J. Yue
  • Patent number: 7536740
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jann E. Swartz
  • Patent number: 7536739
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Poulos
  • Patent number: 7530128
    Abstract: An inflatable pad includes an inflatable pad body having a transparent surrounding layer that cooperates with a first outer layer and a transparent second outer layer to define an inflatable space. The inflatable space is divided by an interlayer unit into a first inflatable space portion disposed adjacent to the first outer layer and provided with tubular reinforcing units therein, and a second inflatable space portion disposed adjacent to the second outer layer and in fluid communication with the first inflatable space portion via a through hole unit in the interlayer unit. A ball body is disposed movably in the second inflatable space portion. The inflatable pad serves as a bed when the first outer layer is disposed above the second outer layer and as a playing device when the second outer layer is disposed above the first outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Hsin-Tsai Wu
  • Patent number: 7509698
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Poulos
  • Patent number: 7509699
    Abstract: An apparatus for placement under a sleeping bag useful in leveling or controlling the attitude of the sleeping bag includes a plurality of chambers, some of which extend along a longitudinal length of the leveling camping pad with respect to each other, and wherein some of which are adjacent to each other and extend along a width of the apparatus, and wherein the width is perpendicular with respect to the length, and wherein at least four of the plurality of chambers include a valve for adding or removing air from each of the chambers without affecting a quantity of air in the remaining chambers. A preferred modification includes a continuous upper chamber that extends over the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Eugene Lee Tresenfeld
  • Patent number: 7500280
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hospital bed (10) including a force sensor (24) or scale apparatus configured to detect the weight of a patient (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Dixon, Jeffrey R. Welling, James R. Stolpmann, Andrew F. Skinner
  • Patent number: 7480952
    Abstract: An inflatable body including first and second fluid impervious major panels, each having an outer surface, an inner surface and a perimeter, and further including a fluid impervious intermediate panel having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. A first perimeter portion of the intermediate panel is joined to the inner surface of the first major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof, and a second perimeter portion of the intermediate panel, which is generally opposed to the first perimeter portion, is joined to the inner surface of the second major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof. The first and second major panel perimeters are joined to each other, defining a primary enclosure having first and second chambers separated by the intermediate panel, and at least one sealable orifice in fluid communication with the environment and at least one chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Paul Nickerson, Philip R. Hitch
  • Patent number: 7464422
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable device for rotating bed-ridden patients from their back to their side with little or no assistance from the care provider. The device comprises of a base material, a plurality of elongated air chambers interconnected on the base material consisting of five independent air chambers configured to lie beneath the patient in a secured manner that allows the air chambers to function between the patient and a bed like supporting surface. The device rotates the patient, functions as armrest, acts as a cushion support for the patient to lie against while on their side or on their back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Bobie Kenneth Townsend
  • Publication number: 20080289102
    Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: WOODLARK CIRCLE, INC.
    Inventor: David T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080289114
    Abstract: A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Viard
  • Publication number: 20080271253
    Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress has two sets (A, B) of cells, which are inflated and deflated cyclically and in sequence, to provide alternating support for a patient. Each set (A, B) has central transverse cells (11a, 11b) and side forming cells (14a, 14b). The central cells (11a, 11b) provide a central region for the patient. The side forming cells (14a, 14b) protrude, when inflated, higher than the central cells, to act as side barriers preventing rolling of the patient off the mattress. At each side of the mattress a plurality of the side forming cells (14a, 14b) of both sets (A, B) is present, these cells inflating and deflating with the respective central cells (11a, 11b), so that the side barrier effect is provided by the two sets (A, B) cells alternatingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Brian F. Pile
  • Patent number: 7444704
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce L. Phillips, Juan L. Gonzalez, Kevin W. Bendele, Michael R. Oliva
  • Patent number: 7444703
    Abstract: The invention here provides a support, in particular a mattress or a part of a mattress, that preferably has a number of layers (11, 12) of elastic tubes (13). The tubes (13) of each layer (11 and 12) extend parallel to one another. The tubes (13) of different layers (11, 12), however, extend in a preferably crosswise manner to one another. Due to the elastic tubes (13), the inventive support or mattress provides a high degree of sitting and lying comfort with amazingly simple means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas GmbH + Co. Technik + Innovation KG
    Inventor: Klaus Jansen
  • Patent number: 7441294
    Abstract: A set of inflatable, tubular, and concentric tubes or air bladders are placed in a bedding or seating product and adjusted to meet the preferences of a user. The tubes are arranged concentrically with the innermost tube defining an aperture at the center of the product. The tubes are connected to air supply hoses that are inflated through activation of an electronically controlled air pump. The flow may be controlled by solenoid or other valves. The user via a remote may control the inflation of one or more of the tubes to provide the optimum level of comfort to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 7434283
    Abstract: A mattress or another type of support surface which allows for discrete manipulation of the pressure on a supported body. The present invention includes resilient fluid cells having a spring bias, grouped to allow adjustable dynamic control of the pressure exerted on various locations of the body support. Each of the fluid cells has a multiple port air distribution system, either integral to the fluid cell or attached to the fluid cell. The multiple port air distribution system includes ports and allows for the control of intake flow, outflow, and sound. A harnessing system is attached to the ports of the multiple port air distribution system and interconnects the fluid cells in a pattern desired by the user. The harnessing system controls the directions and flow volume of air into the fluid cells creating selected zones. The harnessing configuration is customizable to a particular patient. The fluid cells are held together by a casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: M.P.L. Limited
    Inventors: John W. Wilkinson, John C. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7426766
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Adroit Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford E. Gammons
  • Patent number: 7424760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a body support and comfort device. The device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort and support layer to the body support device. The body support and comfort device also includes at least one comfort layer shaped and arranged to substantially cover a surface of the inflatable bladder that is to interact with a user. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort of the surface comfort device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 7415738
    Abstract: A patient transfer mattress includes a plurality of inflatable segments each including holes in a bottom sheet to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the segment to facilitate sliding of the segment along an underlying surface. The segments include attachment members, such as snaps, belts or hook and loop fasteners, adjacent peripheral edges of the segments, for connecting the inflatable segments to each other. The segments may also include fasteners for attachment of an accessory across an upper surface of the segment. Preferably, the mattress segments also include corner straps for engagement with a mattress support member to limit relative movement between the transfer mattress and the mattress support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Patient Transfer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Weedling, James E. Weedling
  • Patent number: 7409735
    Abstract: A person support surface comprises a multitude of inflatable cells. The cells are inflated and deflated to adjust an interface pressure between the person support surface and a person supported by the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, John P. Biondo, Reed N. Wilcox, David T. Schwanemann, Douglas E. Borgman, John D. Miller, David J. Ulrich, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7406734
    Abstract: An air inflation cushion with cells having helical edges comprises a lower sheet; an upper cushion portion adhered upon the lower sheet; the upper cushion portion including at least one air inflation cell; each air inflation cell having an approximate rectangular cross section and being supported by four helical edges for enhancing the structure of the cell; upper ends of the helical edges being formed as rectangular upper planes; the four helical edges dividing the air inflation cell into four lateral surfaces; a lower portion of each lateral surface being formed with a convex cambered protrusion; and an air tap at one of the cells and extending from one of the helical edges. The air inflation cushion is made of black rubber. The cell is extended with a communication trench which causes two adjacent cells are communicated to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Mai, Chin-Sheng Mai
  • Patent number: 7406736
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stand alone integrated mattress. The system has a self-contained mattress unit, at least one inflatable bladder, at least one fluid source, at least one dispersion unit and at least one control unit. The self-contained mattress unit has at least a head section and a foot section, and is capable of converting from a horizontal position or an inclined position to a chair-like conformation. There is at least one inflatable bladder in each section of the self-contained mattress unit. There is also at least fluid source. In addition there is at least one dispersion unit in each section and each dispersion unit provides a fluid, obtained from the fluid source, to a conduit which directs the fluid into the inflatable bladder positioned in the section of the dispersion unit. The control system is positioned in one of the sections and interconnected to each dispersion unit to control the dispersion of the fluid to the inflatable bladders in each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7398573
    Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes an adjustable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover, Kerry J. Mensching
  • Publication number: 20080148483
    Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Lydia B. Biggie, Timothy Perez, David M. Genaro
  • Patent number: 7389554
    Abstract: A high-profile air sleep system having a pair of air posturizing sleep surfaces which may be individually inclined and air adjusted comprises an air posturing module having an outer module mattress case. A first case section extends medially along a length of said mattress case to define a first movable posturing section, and a second case section extends along a length of said mattress case to define a second movable posturing section. A third fixed module case section is included in said mattress case below the first and second posturing sections. A first air chamber is carried in the first and third case sections, and a second air chamber is carried in the second and third module sections to provide first and second posturizing module sections with individually elevatable posturizing sleep surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Comfortaire Corporation
    Inventor: Eric S. Rose
  • Publication number: 20080134442
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Liao Qiu Hui
  • Publication number: 20080134440
    Abstract: An air inflation cushion with cells having helical edges comprises a lower sheet; an upper cushion portion adhered upon the lower sheet; the upper cushion portion including at least one air inflation cell; each air inflation cell having an approximate rectangular cross section and being supported by four helical edges for enhancing the structure of the cell; upper ends of the helical edges being formed as rectangular upper planes; the four helical edges dividing the air inflation cell into four lateral surfaces; a lower portion of each lateral surface being formed with a convex cambered protrusion; and an air tap at one of the cells and extending from one of the helical edges. The air inflation cushion is made of black rubber. The cell is extended with a communication trench which causes two adjacent cells are communicated to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Mai, Chin-Sheng Mai
  • Publication number: 20080127423
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ADROIT DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Clifford E. Gammons
  • Patent number: 7380302
    Abstract: A bolster for resisting rolling of a person off of a mattress, comprising a lateral cushion adapted to be disposed proximate and parallel to an edge of the mattress, and a tensile portion having a means for attachment to said lateral cushion, providing a distributed tensile force to resist a laterally outward displacement of the lateral cushion, the tensile force being transmitted beneath the mattress having a force vector downward and inward. Both the lateral cushion and the mattress may be inflatable, and preferably a pair of lateral cushions, interconnected by a tensile sheet below the mattress, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Scott Technology LLC
    Inventors: Edward Gilchrest, Jr., George E. Reihm
  • Patent number: 7380300
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Patent number: 7376995
    Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Woodlark Circle, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080115288
    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. One of 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 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. A foam mattress is provided in the head zone, and an air mattress having a plurality of individual air cells fluidly interconnected is provided in the foot zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Poulos
  • Publication number: 20080109962
    Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Cheng Chung Wang, Kenneth Wang
  • Publication number: 20080109963
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Wang, Kenneth Wang
  • Patent number: 7367073
    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 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 extends generally the length and width of the first compartment and is attached to the first compartment through a perimeter seal that is recessed from the periphery of the air mattress. The second compartment is tufted and may also contain a layer of resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Patent number: 7360266
    Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. The multiple position air mattress system can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated and an inclined bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress. In the inclined bed position, the degree of elevation of the second mattress can be finely adjusted by increasing or decreasing the inflation level of the bellows unit. A fourth inflatable member may be positioned on the top side of the second mattress to support the lumbar section of the user's body. A fifth inflatable member may be positioned under the user's leg to provide adjustable elevation of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Victor M. Kasatshko
  • Patent number: 7353556
    Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes an adjustable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover, Kerry J. Mensching
  • Publication number: 20080078023
    Abstract: An airbed (20) that is variable in size. The airbed includes a principal bladder (22) and one or more extension bladders (24, 26). The principal bladder (22) may be inflated and used as an airbed. The extension bladders (24, 26) may remain deflated, or one or more of the additional bladders may be inflated to increase the total size of the inflated portions of the airbed (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jason T. McClintock, Jordan G. Rockstad, Luke E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7334279
    Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible air tight bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible air tight top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral heat or ultrasonic weld sealing along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral sealing lines and spaced lines of continuous sealing which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each air chamber is individually and selectively fillable with pressurized air and thus capable of localized pressurization within the chamber. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur V. Oprandi
  • Publication number: 20080040860
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to controlling the inflation and deflation either collectively or individually of individual rotational (turn-assist) bladders to allow a patient caregiver to obtain easy access to the patient's body that is positioned toward the rotational (turn-assist) bladders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James H. Price, Steven Doehler
  • Patent number: 7322059
    Abstract: A therapeutic hospital bed including a base supporting a rotatable carriage. A patient support surface is supported by the rotatable carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Hornbach
  • Publication number: 20070289067
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a mattress system and a method to decrease pressure applied to a patient. The mattress system has an analyzer that receives the measurements regarding the geometry of the mattress and the pressure of the bladders within the mattress. With that data, the analyzer compares those measurements and transmits a pressure signal to a pressure provider device. In response to the pressure signal, the pressure provider device alters and/or maintains the pressure in the bladders to decrease the chance of bottoming out and/or decrease the pressure applied to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Buchanan, Roland E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7308725
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a therapeutic bed comprising a mattress. The mattress has a fluid cushion and a fluid pump. The fluid cushion has a fluid support surface, a retractable/deployable bolster, and a closure mechanism. The fluid support surface has a top surface designed to receive a patient thereon. The closure mechanism corresponds to the retractable/deployable bolster and allows the retractable/deployable bolster to be deployed or retracted. When the retractable/deployable bolster is deployed the retractable/deployable bolster protrudes from the top surface and is positioned about a portion of the patient's perimeter. When the retractable/deployable bolster is retracted the closure mechanism is positioned over the retractable/deployable bolster to prevent the retractable/deployable bolster from protruding from the top surface. And the fluid pump provides a fluid to the fluid cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Cazzini, Roland E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20070277320
    Abstract: A design and method of manufacture for a conforming air cell device to be used for seating, vibration and shock isolation, custom fitting and other applications. Interconnected air cells are formed from two thin sheets of highly resilient thermoformed plastic, so that once inflated, the air cells readily conform to the shape of the user while equalizing pressure from cell to cell. The manufacturing method simultaneously thermoforms both halves of the cell structure, followed immediately by joining these halves while still at the material's forming temperature. The result is a relatively complex matrix of air cells, interconnecting passages and one or more inflation features in a single manufacturing process, greatly simplifying the manufacturing process over previous methods. The design and method of manufacture result in an extremely lightweight, flexible and compactable system that quickly inflates and deflates, and can easily be taken and used anywhere it is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Massmann
  • Patent number: 7296314
    Abstract: A support surface (10) is disclosed which includes a foam perimeter (18), a truncated-triangular shaped core (19), a foam topper (21), and a coverlet (22). The foam perimeter includes an interior well (25) defined by a floor (26), a top surface (27), and at least two diverging side walls (28). The core is comprised of a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped, inflatable air cells (31). Each air cell has a bottom wall (32), a top wall (33), two side walls (34), and two end walls (35). The ends walls diverge from each other as they extend from the bottom wall to the top wall so that each air cell has a generally trapezoidal shape along its lateral length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Encompass Group, LLC
    Inventors: Charles C. Wyatt, David Buchicchio
  • Patent number: 7293740
    Abstract: A crewmember rest support system (10) includes a berth mattress (32). A support structure (34) is coupled to and supports the berth mattress (32). A pneumatic system (36) is coupled to the support structure (34). The pneumatic system (36) includes an inflatable member (100) that has one or more inflatable states. A pump (102) actuates the inflatable member (100) and articulates a portion of the support structure (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Riccardo Defilla, Luigi Crocco, Simone Messeri
  • Patent number: 7287289
    Abstract: Patient support pads that form a part of conventional surgical tables are removed and replaced with pads that provide three dimensional volumetric pressure redistribution. The pads are releasably secured in overlying relation to conventional frame cushions that overlie the frame of a surgical table. Three pads are provided, one each for the head, torso, and foot section of the table so that the articulation of the table is not compromised by the pads. The pads not only prevent or inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers during surgery but also provide therapeutic, curative treatment of the patient's dermis and epidermis by redistributing pressure without distorting or compressing soft tissue. A dual hose bifurcated manifold system connects each inflated pad to its contiguous inflated pad so that pressure applied in any one section of the surface is transmitted and redistributed over all of the inflated pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Hagopian
  • Patent number: 7269866
    Abstract: An air bed with a stable supporting structure comprises a periphery sheet, a top sheet, and a bottom sheet. A middle sheet separates the air bed into an upper air-chamber and a lower air-chamber, an outer extending strip separates the upper air-chamber into a peripheral air-chamber and an upper main air-chamber, a first set of extending strips is provided in the upper main air-chamber, a second set of extending strips, which is welded to the middle sheet and the bottom sheet, is provided in the lower air-chamber, and an oblique extending strip is provided around the periphery of the second set of extending strips and is welded with the periphery sheet and the bottom sheet to separate the lower air-chamber into a lower main air-chamber and a peripheral auxiliary air-chamber. The lower main air-chamber is a space which has a shape of an inverse cone and receives air therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Bestway (USA) Inc.
    Inventor: Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 7266852
    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. The bottom panel of the mattress has a plurality of perforations that permits the use of the mattress as a patient transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Woodlark Circle, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Davis