Ventilated Or Permitting Substantial Air Passage Patents (Class 5/724)
  • Patent number: 11819136
    Abstract: Antiviral-treated fabric layers for mattress assemblies includes a silver halide and liposome carrier. Additionally, the envelope encapsulating a cushioning material can include an antiviral-treated fabric. The antiviral-treated fabric can include silver halide and a liposome carrier, wherein the liposome carrier is a vesicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Sheri L. McGuire
  • Patent number: 11678748
    Abstract: Upholstery support arrangements for conditioned furniture are disclosed herein. A representative arrangement, such as for a ventilated bed, comprises an upholstery support structure having a support platform that defines a support plane, for supporting an upholstery item, the upholstery support platform having a first array of apertures that allow a flow of air through the support platform; the upholstery supported on the support platform (e.g., a mattress) having a bottom face facing the support platform and including a second array of apertures positioned to allow the flow of air through the bottom face into the upholstery; wherein a periodicity of the first array of apertures and a periodicity of the second array of apertures are matched to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Pure-Development 1 B.V.
    Inventors: Barry Van Doornewaard, Michiel Maria Augustinus Steegmans
  • Patent number: 11622635
    Abstract: Mattress assemblies that provide user comfort and increased airflow generally include a viscoelastic thermally conductive infused polyurethane foam top layer; a composite comprising a bottom layer, a molded viscoelastic middle foam layer, and a perforated top viscoelastic foam layer, wherein the molded viscoelastic middle foam layer comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially parallelpipedal bodies, wherein each parallelpipedal body includes an opening extending from a bottom surface to a top surface and is separated from an adjacent parallelpipedal body by a V-shaped notch, and wherein the perforated top viscoelastic foam layer comprises a plurality of perforations extending from a bottom surface to a top surface thereof, wherein at least a portion of the perforations overlies the opening in the parallelpipedal bodies; and a base core layer, wherein the composite overlies the base core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Sheri McGuire, Lindsey Sieber
  • Patent number: 11399634
    Abstract: A method of assembly and a product upon which a person may lie down that includes a mattress cover fitted onto a mattress cover to envelop same. The underside of the mattress cover has a projecting lip that bounds a recessed cavity that accommodates an adjustable mechanism, which is actuated to raise of lower head or foot portions of the mattress. The lip contains filler material such a foam and overlaps sides of the adjustable mechanism to conceal same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: BedJet LLC
    Inventor: Mark Darius Aramli
  • Patent number: 10533808
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for storing and releasing heat having the steps of thermally contacting thermal transfer fluid to a mixture of foam and phase change material for a time sufficient for the material to change from a first phase to a second phase during a time when electricity rates are at a first price point; maintaining said material in the second phase until electricity rates are at a second point, wherein the second point is higher than the first price point; and thermally contacting the thermal transfer fluid to the composite in the second phase for a time sufficient for the material to change from the second phase to the first phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Dileep Singh, David M. France, Wenhua Yu
  • Patent number: 10065545
    Abstract: A foam part (5, 105, 205, 305), in particular for a vehicle seat, includes several comfort tubes (50, 150, 250, 350) facing a user. Several of the comfort tubes (50, 150, 250, 350) respectively comprise a hole (55, 155, 255, 355, 60, 160, 260, 360) or several holes (55, 155, 255, 355, 60, 160, 260, 360). At least one of the holes (55, 155, 255, 355, 60, 160, 260, 360) is embodied as a blind hole (60, 160, 260, 360).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventor: Laurent Hugues
  • Patent number: 10019884
    Abstract: A safety care system is for use with a supporting device that is provided with a surface for a person to lie thereon. The safety care system includes a safety control device. The safety control device includes a breathable lining and a control module. The breathable lining is used to cover the surface for the person to lie thereon. The control module receives a signal that is associated with the person, and separates the breathable lining and the surface in response to receipt of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: En-Chiuan Liou
  • Patent number: 9167909
    Abstract: A mattress core has front and rear ends that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction and further has opposite sides that are spaced apart in a lateral direction. The core includes a firmer lower core section having a top surface that follows an undulating pattern. The undulating pattern is non-uniform and non-symmetric in the longitudinal direction, is uniform in the lateral direction, and includes at least one hill, at least one valley and at least one plateau. The core further includes a softer upper core section that overlies the lower core section. The upper core section has a bottom surface that follows the undulating pattern and contacts the lower core section's top surface to provide a common mating interface that follows the undulating pattern. The interface includes at least one hill, at least one valley and at least one plateau.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Richard R. Cappadona, Igor Zunkovic
  • Patent number: 9015883
    Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bedgear, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene Alletto
  • Patent number: 8997287
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a pressurized air source, a dehumidifier, and a support surface including a topper having a vapor-permeable surface. The dehumidifier is configured to selectively treat pressurized air communicated to the dehumidifier from the pressurized air source and communicate the treated pressurized air to the vapor-permeable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lanning, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 8990987
    Abstract: A layered cushion that may be fully disassembled for easy cleaning is disclosed herein. The sleep system is durable and fire retardant. The layered cushion may include a foam layer, a layer of void cells, and a cover. The foam permits fluids to move freely there through and contours to a user's body to maximize comfort and reduce interface pressure. The reticulated foam layer resists compression set and thermosetting. The layer of void cells also permits fluids to move freely there through and provide additional support to the user's body. The individual void cells of the void cell layer are perforated to allow the transmission of fluids there through. The cover couples the other layers together to form the layered cushion and prevents the layers from deteriorating. The cover is removable to permit cleaning each of the layers independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Skydex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Thomas Wyman, Daniel Antonio Feighery, Eric William Sugano, Peter Foley, Thomas Manney, Collin Metzer, Gerald Michael Buchen, John Marcel Danis
  • Publication number: 20150082549
    Abstract: In one preferred form there is provided a mattress (10) for a bed. The mattress (10) includes an upper layer (12) formed from visco elastic foam material of a first kind; an intermediate layer (14) formed from visco elastic foam material of a second kind; and a lower layer (16) formed from foam material of another kind. The intermediate layer (16) is provided between the upper layer (12) and the lower layer (16). The upper layer (12) and the intermediate layer (14) have a combined thickness of at least 50 mm. The lower layer (16) has a thickness of at least 70 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Simon CAIRNS, Michael MORTIMER
  • Patent number: 8984690
    Abstract: A side rail assembly for supporting an edge of a mattress includes a layer of a polyurethane foam comprising an open cellular structure, wherein the open cellular structure comprises about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, a hardness of about 35 pounds-force to about 100 pounds-force, and a density of about 1.2 pounds per cubic foot to about 2.0 pounds per cubic foot, wherein the layer is configured to be disposed about a perimeter of an inner core of the mattress and is configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core through the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher F. Chunglo
  • Patent number: 8966689
    Abstract: A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: John McGuire, Saurabh Chhaparwal, Wade Daniel Palashewski, Kody Karschnik
  • Patent number: 8950028
    Abstract: An infection control bedding product such as a pillow, duvet, mattress, cushion or such like having a sealed cover and having a deformable filling material, may comprise a liquid impermeable air permeable microbial barrier vent. The vent includes an oleophobic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane extending past the perimeter of the aperture and a nonwoven layer extending past the perimeter of the aperture. A gasket may be bonded to the PTFE membrane, the nonwoven layer and the cover to form a liquid impermeable seal rendering the infection control bedding product liquid impermeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Pneuma Pure I.P. Limited
    Inventors: William Navan, David Woolfson
  • Publication number: 20150026897
    Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core comprising a base core layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces, and at least one comfort layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces disposed on the top surface of the base core layer; a side rail assembly disposed about a perimeter of the inner core; and a plurality of air channels extending from a central region of the inner core to the side rail assembly configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher F. Chunglo
  • Patent number: 8935821
    Abstract: A bedding apparatus may include a frame, a fabric cover, and a liquid containment member. The frame may include first and second members coupled to a base for pivotable motion relative thereto between first and second positions. The base may define an opening surrounded by the first and second members when the first and second members are in the first position. The fabric cover may be coupled to the first and second members and may be maintained in a taught condition by the first and second members when the first and second members are in the first position. The liquid containment member may be disposed below the cover and includes sidewalls and a bottom wall attached to the sidewalls. The sidewalls are attached to the base and extend through the opening. The sidewalls may include a mesh material allowing fluid-flow therethrough. The bottom wall may include a liquid-impermeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Phoenix Design, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly M. Obriot
  • Patent number: 8910334
    Abstract: A patient support includes a layer of fluid pressurized bladders, the bladders each having a chamber and an upwardly facing surface for facing and supporting a patient, and a cover over the layer of fluid pressurized bladders. Respective bladders in at least a group of the bladders each have a resilient body in its respective chamber to reform the shape of the respective bladder when a compression load on the respective bladder is removed wherein the pressure in the respective bladders is generally maintained without a powered supply of air. The cover has an upwardly facing patient surface and a bladder layer facing surface, with the patient surface for forming a patient support surface on the support, and the bladder layer facing surface for lying on the upwardly facing surfaces of the bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Patrick Gaudreau Wong, Sylvain Lacasse, Sebastien Viger
  • Publication number: 20140359939
    Abstract: Embodiments of mattress systems comprise a mattress base, a multifunctional foam layer having a substantially planar top side and a non-planar bottom side contacting a top side of the mattress base, and wherein at least one air passage is present in spacing formed between the top side of the mattress base and the non-planar bottom side of the multifunctional foam layer, and a thermo-regulating gel layer affixed to at least a portion of the top side of the multifunctional foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stuart Carlitz
  • Patent number: 8893329
    Abstract: A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: Dusko Petrovski, Barry Steele, Michael Brykalski, John Terech, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 8887332
    Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bedgear, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Alletto
  • Publication number: 20140317856
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include cushioning assemblies with thermoplastic elements encapsulated in thermoset providing customizable support and airflow. A cushioning assembly for a cushion provides cushioning and support for a user. Thermoplastic elements are encapsulated within a thermoset matrix to provide additional support at specific sections of the cushion. The shape and location of the thermoplastic elements may be configured to provide the support and cushioning characteristics desired by a user. The thermoplastic elements may include air passageways in communication with the outside. In this manner, support is provided precisely where needed for the user, the weight and expense of the cushion is reduced by eliminating expensive redundant support, and the heat and humidity that can cause user discomfort is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Noel Group LLC
    Inventor: Michael Allman
  • Patent number: 8869329
    Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material and a translucent covering surrounding the core. The core is visible through the translucent covering, and the covering includes a translucent fabric having a rip stop pattern woven therein. One of the padding material and the translucent covering is impregnated with a color change composition. The color change composition is changeable from an initial color to an activated color. The activated color is visible through the translucent covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: MTJ American LLC
    Inventors: Timothy W. Shelby, Mark Kiser
  • Patent number: 8856993
    Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 8832888
    Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core comprising a base core layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces, and at least one comfort layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces disposed on the top surface of the base core layer; a side rail assembly disposed about a perimeter of the inner core; and a plurality of air channels extending from a central region of the inner core to the side rail assembly configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher F. Chunglo
  • Publication number: 20140250603
    Abstract: A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a plurality of mesh openings and a bearing frame. The net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is 2 to 6 times the diameter of the warp and the weft. The ratio of the sum of the areas of the mesh openings with respect to the area of the net-shaped fabric is 35% to 78%. The diameter or the inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is less than 1.5 mm. The diameter of the warp and the weft is less than 0.55 mm. The thickness of the net-shaped fabric is less than 1.1 mm. At least two edges of the net-shaped fabric are connected to two opposite edges of the bearing frame, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Xiading WANG
  • Patent number: 8806686
    Abstract: A seat cushion includes a cushion pad that is formed of breathable plastic foam, a breathable skin that is integrally layered on a front surface side of the cushion pad, and a non-breathable membrane-like film that is interleaved therebetween. The seat cushion includes a breathing hole formed in the film. The breathing hole extends from a back surface side of the cushion pad and passes through the cushion pad to penetrate the film. The breathing hole is formed while the cushion pad and the film are melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kawasaki, Yukio Ishihara, Masao Tada, Ryoichi Wakayama
  • Publication number: 20140208521
    Abstract: A mattress includes top and bottom foam layers. A bottom surface of the top foam layer and a top surface of the bottom foam layer include protrusions and recessions. The protrusions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer protrude into the recessions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer, and the protrusions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer protrude into the recessions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer. The most protruded surfaces of the protrusions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer are separated from corresponding surfaces of the recessions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer by a channel, but there is no channel between most protruded surfaces of the protrusions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer and corresponding surfaces of the recessions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: KINGSDOWN, INC.
    Inventor: John Farnham
  • Patent number: 8776292
    Abstract: A pillow having a resilient pillow body with a sound transmitting passageway extending through the pillow to bring sound from outside the pillow through an inlet in the side of the pillow to an outlet in the central area of the top of the pillow so that a person using the pillow, with his ear on the outlet, can hear the sound. The passageway has an inlet section leading from the inlet into the pillow which section forms an exponential acoustic horn to amplify and clarify the sound transmitted by the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Richard T. Ryan, Paul Regan
  • Patent number: 8769746
    Abstract: A support surface assembly for a sleeping person that comprises a rigid frame with an upper edge for supporting an air-permeable layer and an air-permeable layer that is fixedly joined to the upper edge in a desired tension, such that the upper edge is entirely covered by the outer perimeter of the air-permeable layer. The air-permeable layer comprises a lattice grid structure such as a mesh material, a netting or a web-like material. The outer perimeter of the air-permeable layer is joined to the frame at the side wall or at the bottom wall of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Airnettress Ltd.
    Inventor: Shlomo Abadi
  • Patent number: 8745798
    Abstract: A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a mesh opening, and a bearing frame wherein the net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft interwoven in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Xiading Wang
  • Patent number: 8745793
    Abstract: A mattress system includes a core mattress and a mattress cover. The core is made from a resilient material with a top surface that may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The removable mattress sheet covers the core and includes a breathable material that forms a hammock over a depression in the top surface. The subject rests at least partially on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the mattress depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression. 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 a fire retardant, impermeable water-proofing or gas impermeable layer. A ventilator may be adapted within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ubimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Bensoussan
  • Patent number: 8745784
    Abstract: There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Talley Group Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Cole, Richard Taggerty
  • Patent number: 8739339
    Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: King Koil Licensing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. McKay, David J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140143955
    Abstract: A mattress and a laid bedding for a bed are disclosed. The laid bedding is configured such that a mattress in which split cores are freely combined is laid and filled in a box-like closed bottom frame composed of a bottom and an edge erected on a peripheral portion of the bottom. In the mattress, there are three types: a mattress composed of a latex layer, a urethane layer and a low-resilience urethane layer; a mattress composed of an extremely fine fibrous resin layer in which extremely fine fibrous resin is three-dimensionally intertwined and welded together, a urethane layer and a latex layer; and a mattress composed of an extremely fine fibrous resin layer in which extremely fine fibrous resin is three-dimensionally intertwined and welded together, a urethane layer and a low-resilience urethane layer. Each of the mattresses is composed of three or six cores according to size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Sealy Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki NISHIMURA, Tadanori KUBO, Taiji TAKAYAMA, Tomofumi YAMAGUCHI, Noriyuki GONDA
  • Publication number: 20140068869
    Abstract: A patient support includes a plurality of stacked layers of cushioning material, at least two of the layers comprising foam, each of the at least two layers having a different firmness, and at least one of the layers comprising a gel-based cushioning layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Tyler Scott Wright, Parikshit Atre, Prachi Jain
  • Publication number: 20140059780
    Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Stephen F. Peters, Mike Brubaker
  • Patent number: 8646134
    Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bedgear, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene Alletto, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140033440
    Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions includes various mattress constructions with improved air flow characteristics, and in particular mattress constructions which induce or control air flow when force is applied to the mattress support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. TYREE
  • Publication number: 20140033441
    Abstract: Air conditioned mattresses have a core and at least one encasement configured to receive a conditioned flow of air into the encasement and to allow conditioned air to flow out of the encasement to a sleep surface of the mattress. Additional conditioned air conducting layers are provided in combination with the encasement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. MORGAN, Eric Marshall Tevault, David Michael Moret, Evelyn Elizabeth Fenlon, Paul Watkins, Jeff Vanderslice
  • Patent number: 8615832
    Abstract: A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a mesh opening, and a bearing frame. The net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft interwoven in a vertical direction. An interweaving point of the warp and the weft is fastened by a fixed connection. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is 2-6 times the diameter of the warp and the weft. The ratio of the area of an opening of the mesh opening to the area of the mesh opening is 35% to 78%. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is less than 1.5 mm. The diameter of the warp and the weft is less than 0.55 mm. The thickness of the net-shaped fabric is less than 1.1 mm. At least two edges of the net-shaped fabric are hanging between two opposite edges of the bearing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Xiading Wang
  • Patent number: 8607380
    Abstract: A lightweight bed assembly kit includes slats and runners adapted for connection to each other at spaced apart locations to form a grid. A U-shaped channel member is adapted for connection to the grid to form a support frame. A covering constructed to form a substantially smooth sleeping surface for an adult human is sized and shaped to be disposed on a top surface of the support frame. A method of assembling a lightweight bed includes arranging runners and slats transversely to each other and connecting the runners and slats together to form a grid. A U-shaped channel member is connected to the grid to form a support frame. A covering constructed to form a substantially smooth sleeping surface is mounted on a top surface of the support frame. A second support frame can be connected to the first support frame by another U-shaped channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Inteplast Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leo Yih Lang Chang, Phillip Wu
  • Patent number: 8607390
    Abstract: A bedding apparatus may include a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a frame. The first fabric layer may allow passage of fluid therethrough. The second fabric layer may also allow passage of fluid therethrough. The second fabric layer may be connected to the first fabric layer to form a gap therebetween. The frame may engage at least one of the first and second fabric layers and retain the first and second fabric layers in a taut condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Secure Beginnings, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly M. Obriot, Julie Andreae
  • Patent number: 8607391
    Abstract: Pillow or mattress having a comfort layer (5) which is made of natural or synthetic latex, polyurethane foam or another elastic material. The comfort layer 5 is provided with interrupted incisions (6) through the layer 5, along mainly parallel lines 7, and the layer (5) forms at least a part of a jacket around a core (2) of the pillow or mattress that is stretched in a lateral direction (P) which is mainly transverse to the direction of the above-mentioned lines (7) in order to open the incisions (6) so as to form passages (8) through the comfort layer (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Willy Poppe
  • Publication number: 20130298335
    Abstract: A kit (100) for constructing a support surface (10) for a sleeping person. The kit (100) comprises: an air-permeable layer (20) having at least one pair of opposing layer-edge portions stretchable at least in the direction between the layer-edge portions (11, 12, 13, 14) to form the support surface; at least one pair of parallel opposing frame sections (30, 32, 34, 36) fixedly disposable at a distance therebetween for forming at least a portion of a frame (15) supporting the support surface; at least a first of said frame sections (30, 32, 34, 36) comprising a layer-edge engaging portion (31, 33, 35, 37) configured for fixedly engaging a corresponding layer-edge portion (11, 12, 13, 14); and a tensioning mechanism configured for moving the layer-edge engaging portion (31, 33, 35, 37) together with the layer-edge portion (11, 12, 13, 14) relative to the opposing frame section (30, 32, 34, 36) to at least partially tension the air-permeable layer (20) between the frame sections (30, 32, 34, 36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRNETTRESS LTD.
    Inventor: Shlomo Abadi
  • Publication number: 20130291311
    Abstract: A ventilating pad with buffer and elastic support is formed by connecting an underlying layer, a middle layer and a surface layer with one another, characterized in that the underlying layer is disposed under the middle layer, and the middle layer is disposed under the surface layer, and the middle layer comprises a plurality of elastic protrusions protruded from the top of the middle layer, and the surface layer is attached flatly with the middle layer and along the direction of the elastic protrusion of the middle layer, and a gap is formed between two adjacent elastic protrusions, such that a downwardly concave air passage is formed between the adjacent elastic protrusions, such that the application of the ventilating pad will not cause sweltering or discomfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Yu-Chieh Wang
  • Publication number: 20130283538
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include mattress assemblies and components employing passageways for ventilation and airflow. A mattress may contain a mattress core to provide cushioning and support. For example, the mattress core may comprise an innerspring, air bladder(s), and/or foam layer(s). A mattress assembly may include a foam base and/or at least one foam side support member to at least partially surround a mattress core to provide cushioning and structure. The foam base and/or at least one foam side support member may include at least one passageway for facilitating diffusion and air exchange between an exterior environment and an interior space of the enclosure containing the mattress core. In this manner, as stagnant air and humidity developing in the mattress core may be avoided or reduced from the mattress core, which may otherwise cause unhealthy conditions or unpleasant odors for users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Nomaco Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Thomas Young, Christopher Dean Page, Michael Allman, Mark Stearley, Brian Towne
  • Patent number: 8561233
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed infection control bedding product such as a pillow, duvet, mattress, cushion or such like having a sealed cover and having a resiliently deformable filling material, comprising a vent means in the cover, characterized in that the vent means comprises a filter medium including a filter membrane for the removal of particles of microbial size and wherein the filter medium also comprises a strengthening layer of material for providing mechanical strength to the filter medium whereby the filter medium allows air flow therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid while maintaining a barrier to particles of microbial size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pneuma Pure I.P. Limited
    Inventors: William Navan, David Woolfson
  • Patent number: 8539624
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly includes a seat cushion that has an outer surface with a first side for supporting an occupant in a seated position and a second side, which generally faces in an opposite direction than the first side. An air passage extends from the first side to the second side of the seat cushion. A support member has a first side that is configured to provide support to the seat cushion and a second side. the first side and the second side of the support member generally face in opposite directions. A distribution passage is in communication with the air passage and is formed at least in part by a recess formed at least in part in one of the first side of the support member and the second side of the seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: John Terech, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 8539627
    Abstract: A body position and pressure control apparatus is provided capable of highly accurately detecting body pressure distribution without causing a sense of discomfort for a sleeper, changing body positions, and distributing body pressure. The body position and pressure control apparatus has a mattress provided with a plurality of divided portions and supporting a sleeper, an elastomer sensor, and a body pressure adjuster controlling each of the divided portions based on an instruction from the elastomer sensor and thereby changing the body pressure distribution of the sleeper. The elastomer sensor has a sheet sensor main body and a calculator, the sensor main body having an elastomer sensor thin film, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of detectors corresponding to the divided portions provided between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Terawaki, Takeaki Yoshikawa, Hiroaki Ito