Abstract: A mattress embodying a removable exterior top and interchangeable segments (e.g. foam) positioned above a mattress base support portion and below the removable exterior top. The removable exterior top may be replaced with new or different removable exterior tops. Also, users have the ability to vary softness (i.e., firmness) or other characteristics (e.g., foam component construct) across the mattress by arranging or rearranging the interchangeable segments located directly below the removable and interchangeable mattress top. An exemplary base support portion may include a heavy duty pocketed inner-coil unit for motion transfer support and increased airflow.

Abstract: A disinfecting cover for use in disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support includes a thin barrier membrane drapable on top of the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient support, and a peripherally-extending edge terminating between the peripherally-extending side of the resilient support between the weight bearing upper surface and the bottom surface of the support. The thin barrier membrane comprises an anti-microbial disinfectant, and being non-fibrous, and impervious to the transfer of fluid from the first main surface to the second main surface. The thin barrier membrane comprises a thickness operable to maintain the weight distribution of a patient on the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support substantially the same compared to the weight distribution without the thin barrier membrane.

Abstract: A mattress, mattress foundation, upholstered furniture article and/or filled furnishing article for use in residential and institutional occupancies includes outer removable cover that incorporates a mechanism to visually communicate that the outer removable cover has been opened and the internal components of the mattress, mattress foundation, upholstered furniture article or filling furnishing article has been potentially tampered with. Also disclosed are covers having resealable closing system and a tamper evident seal, and methods for providing an outer removable cover assembly for an article of furniture.

Abstract: A system and method for a reversible sheet. The fitted sheet has a top layer with an inner side and an outer side and a bottom layer with an inner side and an outer side. The top layer is coupled to the bottom layer by a sealed top edge, a sealed base edge, and a sealed bottom edge. The sealed base edge is perpendicular to the top edge and the bottom edge. The top layer and bottom layer each have a flap portion which has an open flap and an open end edge. A mattress is inserted into the open end edge. The front end of the mattress is secured into the open flap of either the top or bottom layer. This secures the fitted sheet around the mattress. A child cannot pull the fitted sheet away from the mattress because the fitted sheet surrounds the mattress.

Abstract: Bedding assemblies useful in the management of incontinence are provided herein. Preferred bedding assemblies include a top wicking layer, an electrical circuit configured to detect the presence of moisture, an absorbent layer, and a waterproof layer. Assemblies are configured to signal to a receiving device which in turn can communicate an alarm signal or be operably coupled with a notification device. Assemblies can include mattress overlays, mattress covers, and mattresses.

Abstract: A method for reducing a cushion footprint for long-term storage may include inserting a foam core into a plastic cover, subsequently applying a vacuum to the plastic cover, and, while under the vacuum effect, sealing the plastic cover, and its contents. A device providing the vacuum effect may include a surface having protruding sections connected to non-protruding sections via tapered sections. A cushion may include an at least 20 density high resiliency foam core, and a fabric cover that includes (a) a combination of polyester and spandex and/or lycra, (b) nylon to which a thin water resistant material coating is applied, and/or (c) polyester fabric including raised anti-slip polyvinyl chloride dots, other portions of the polyester fabric at which the dots are not positioned having applied thereto a polyvinyl chloride coating. The device may compress the foam core while housed in a fabric cover, housed in the plastic cover.

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.

Abstract: The present technology provides an encasement comprising a fabric cover formed of bed bug impervious fabric. The encasement comprises an opening with a zipper mechanism disposed therein and operable to close the opening. The encasement also comprises a barrier attached to the fabric cover, extending along and opposite the zipper tracks. The encasement also comprises a channel between the barrier and said zipper tracks that receives a portion of the zipper head and becomes an enclosed channel when said zipper tracks are mated together. The channel has a confined space of a size to thwart bug movement along the channel.

Abstract: A infant positioning kit assembly for positioning an infant in a supine position while in a crib includes a mattress cover that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The bottom wall has a mattress aperture extending therethrough for inserting a mattress into the mattress cover. An elastic band is attached to and is coextensive with a perimeter edge of the aperture and a first mating member is attached to the top wall. An attachment member is configured to be worn by an infant and a second mating member is attached to the attachment member. The second mating member is releasably attachable to the first mating member to retain an infant in a selected position on the mattress cover. The first and second mating members comprise hook and loop couplers.

Abstract: A mattress encasement made of bug impervious fabric provides a zipper opening for removal of the mattress. A foam pad is stitched at an end of the zipper closure such that when the zipper is located at or near the end, a channel is provided to prevent or obstruct the escapement of bed bugs via the channel and out from a mattress encased by the mattress encasement.

Abstract: A mattress, in particular for use in the care and hospital sector, has a base layer and a top layer arranged thereon. The top layer is formed by a resilient knitted spacer fabric, which is covered by a top layer cover. The top layer cover has a liquid-impermeable top layer cover lower part and a liquid-permeable top layer cover upper part. The mattress allows simple and frequent reprocessing.

Abstract: An improved encasement for a mattress which thwarts the escapement of bed bugs from a mattress through the encasement and which thwarts the encroachment of beg bugs through the encasement into the mattress. An elongated opening is provided in the encasement which is selectively closed by a zipper associated therewith. The encasement includes a flap secured to the lower side wall portion of a side of the encasement which is positioned inwardly of the zipper for retarding or preventing the escapement of bed bugs through the zipper. Hook and loop fasteners are also provided at the end location for further preventing the escapement of bed bugs from the mattress through the encasement and preventing the encroachment of beg bugs into the mattress through the encasement.

Abstract: A mattress cover and bed bug barrier combination formed of a fabric mattress cover having walls that define an enclosure with an elongated opening extending in at least one of the walls, a zipper attached to the cover for closing the elongated opening, the cover having seal regions laterally adjacent the distal portion of the zipper, a seal element secured to each of the seal regions, an external barrier flap having a first part fixed to the cover, and a second part foldable from an open position where it is spaced apart from the seal elements to a closed position where it is folded down to overlie and seal against the seal elements, and thereby provide a barrier to travel of bed bugs inwardly or outwardly of the cover through the distal portion of the zipper when the zipper in its closed state.

Abstract: An enclosure for preventing certain organisms from escaping from an item susceptible to infestation into the surrounded environment and for preventing certain organisms from entering the item susceptible to infestation from the surrounding environment. The enclosure is defined by a flexible sheet material defining an interior space. The enclosure comprises a slit-like opening formed in the flexible sheet material through which an item susceptible to infestation can be inserted into the interior space defined by the enclosure.

Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.

Abstract: An improved encasement for a mattress which thwarts the escapement of bed bugs from a mattress through the encasement and which thwarts the encroachment of beg bugs through the encasement into the mattress. An elongated opening is provided in the encasement which is selectively closed by a zipper associated therewith. The encasement includes a flap secured to the lower side wall portion of a side of the encasement which is positioned inwardly of the zipper for retarding or preventing the escapement of bed bugs through the zipper. Hook and loop fasteners are also provided at the end location for further preventing the escapement of bed bugs from the mattress through the encasement and preventing the encroachment of beg bugs into the mattress through the encasement.

Abstract: An encasement includes a cover, an opening provided at an end of the cover, a closure mechanism coupled to the cover for selectively closing the opening and an encasement seal provided at an end of the opening, the encasement seal including a base coupled to the cover and a flap, the flap being movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the encasement seal provides an outer cover for a portion of the closure mechanism at the end.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A baby diaper-changing pad cover for covering a traveling baby diaper-changing pad includes a front member, a first side member connected to the front member, a second side member connected to the front member, a top member connected to the front member, a bottom member connected to the front member and a back member connected to the first side member, the second side member, the top member and the bottom member. The traveling baby diaper-changing pad can be removed and inserted into the baby diaper-changing pad cover, and the front member includes a slit to insert and remove the traveling baby diaper-changing pad.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fabric cover configured to substantially surround a mattress is disclosed. A zipper is coupled to the fabric cover and configured to provide an opening in the fabric cover. The zipper is further has a zipper pull and is configured to be opened and closed by movement of the zipper pull. A zipper anchor is also configured to secure the zipper pull in a position causing the zipper to be substantially closed.

Abstract: A bed comprises a bed frame and a bed deck supported by the bed frame. The bed deck comprises a step deck, including a lower deck, an upper deck, a side wall connecting the lower deck to the upper deck, and a recess defined by the lower deck and the side wall. The side wall at least partially surrounds the recess. A mattress comprises a safety mattress extending across the lower bed deck and having air cells including air cells resting on the upper bed deck.

Abstract: A bed mattress is provided for employing a plurality of cushion elements to be arranged in different portions of the mattress divided corresponding to the user's body parts and have appropriate elasticity for the corresponding part of the user's body, which comprises a mattress frame with an enclosing wall of elastic material for providing a mounting space therein; a plurality of cushion elements disposed in the mounting space and forming a mattress body together with the mattress frame; a side pad covering the periphery of the mattress body; and upper and lower cover pads with outer edges fastened respectively to the top and bottom edges of the side pad to enclose the upper and lower surfaces of the mattress body.

Abstract: An adjustable firmness mattress assembly is disclosed which comprises a duvet, a first section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, a second section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, and a cover for enclosing the first and second sections with the cover having a top surface and the duvet adapted for being positioned on the top surface of the cover.

Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.

Abstract: A cushioning device includes a base support, and a number of cushioning members selectively and changeably attached onto the base support and selectively arranged to various structure by the users themselves. The cushioning members each may include such as a hexagonal cross section and arrangeable to various patterns, and each may include one or more perforations for air circulating purposes. The cushioning members may be attached to the base support with such as a hook-and-loop fastening device. The base support includes a pattern for engaging with the cushioning members and for allowing the cushioning members to be arranged to the predetermined positions according to the pattern.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck. The mattress includes a foot portion having an adjustable length.

Abstract: A bed mattress including an outer casing adapted to house one or a plurality of different supportive materials within said casing (1) in distinct transverse regions wherein fixed supportive materials (7, 9, 11) are provided at the top and bottom regions of said mattress corresponding to the head and foot regions of a user; and an intermediate region so formed between is provided with a transverse assay of fixed supportive materials (11) having vacant regions between adjacent materials, wherein said outer casing has a plurality of ports (4) corresponding to said vacant regions which are adapted to facilitate the ready insertion, removal and/or replacement of one or more auxiliary supportive materials (10) so as to allow the user to vary the supportive quality of said intermediate region of said mattress.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to knockdown mattresses. More particularly, the present invention relates to mattresses that can be assembled and disassembled by the end user. The present invention when assembled or reassembled presents a visual impression to the end user looks like a conventional “factory assembled” mattress. The invention further provides for a modular mattress assembly kit that can be shipped by express delivery services while taking up far less volume than a conventional mattress.

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

Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.

Abstract: A mattress includes a liquid impermeable layer and at least one anti-microbial layer. A support core with expanded polystyrene beads is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a frame mattress comprising a frame (1) with a spring inlay (3) surrounded by the frame, and a material (2) over the spring inlay, together with a reversible mattress (5), arranged for abutting the material (2), and a cover (7) enveloping the reversible mattress (5) and at least partly the frame (1), characterised in that the material (2) is at least partly detachable and that the spring inlay (3), constituting a principally form stable unit, is reversibly arranged in the frame (1).

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: An air mattress assembly is provided herein, which mainly contains an air mattress, a blanket member, and a mattress cover. The blanket member is laid flatly on top of the air mattress, which contains a heating wire, a cotton blanket, and an insulating cover. The heating wire is layout on and embedded inside the cotton blanket which is in turn wrapped air-tightly inside the insulating cover. A plurality of snap-on devices are configured on a side and along the perimeter of the insulating cover. The mattress cover covers the blanket member and the air mattress, and has a same number of snap-on devices corresponding to those on the blanket member. These snap-on devices join to those on the blanket member so as to position and attach the blanket member to the mattress cover.

Abstract: A changing pad cover having two generally parallel vinylized/fabric layers spaced-apart and four upright sides connecting each spaced-apart layer. One or both ends of the cover may have its raised sides contoured-shaped on its upper edge to allow for the upper layer of the cover to conform to the contoured upper surface shape of the pad. The cover is secured at one end with a closure device such as a hook and loop fastener. The vinylized layer comprises a clear liquid impermeable layer, which is superimposed in a face-to-face relationship with an underlying fabric material. The fabric material has decorative visual art indicia depicted on the fabric material. The cover may optionally include a heating pad and/or a vibrating pad in an underlying relationship to the fabric material of the upper portion of the cover or integral to the fabric material. An alternative embodiment includes the top and sides of the cover only.

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: An air mattress apparatus includes a first mattress section which contains a number of first flotation-bottle-reception chambers which are separated from each other by first stitches. First mattress section closure means enable access to inside the first flotation-bottle-reception chambers. First flotation bottles are received in the first flotation-bottle-reception chambers through the first mattress section closure means. A second mattress section is connected to the first mattress section. The second mattress section contains a number of second flotation-bottle-reception chambers which are separated from each other by second stitches. Second mattress section closure means enable access to inside the second flotation-bottle-reception chambers. Second flotation bottles are received in the second flotation-bottle-reception chambers through the second mattress section closure means. The air mattress apparatus can be used as a floating raft on water or as an air mattress on land.

Abstract: A mattress cover, especially for hospital mattresses prevents the ingress of liquids to the mattress core. The mattress cover includes an opening to allow the cover to be put on, and taken off, a mattress core. The opening is closed by a zip fastener (10). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener (10) are mounted on a substrate which is impermeable to fluids. Preferably the substrate is coated with a polyurethane material (14). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener are directed inwardly towards the mattress core and the substrates act to cover the zip fastener when closed, thereby substantially preventing the ingress of fluids through the zip fastener. The opening is also provided with a cover flap which is constructed so that there are no exposed puncturing joins (such as are generated by stitching) which would allow the ingress of liquid.

Abstract: A set of sheets includes an upper sheet with a top panel and a lower sheet with a bottom panel. In conjunction, the upper and lower sheets are sized, structured and configured to enclose a mattress. A waterproof panel is positioned between the upper sheet and the top of the mattress to protect the mattress from damaging exposure to moisture and liquids, including bodily fluids. In several embodiments, the upper sheet and waterproof panel are removable for washing and changing thereof while the lower sheet remains fitted to the mattress, thereby avoiding the need to lift or move the mattress when changing the sheets. The waterproof panel may be independently removable to selectively control air permeability of the sheets, and particularly the upper sheet.

Abstract: A high-profile air sleep system is disclosed having an air posturizing sleep surface wherein the system comprises a base fabric cover layer, a plurality of resilient blocks overlying the base fabric cover layer, and a middle fabric cover layer overlying resilient blocks. A plurality of air chambers is carried above the middle fabric cover layer, and a resilient pad overlies the air chambers. A top fabric cover layer overlies the resilient pad. The foam blocks provide a cushion for the air chambers and the air chambers provide an upper air posturizing sleep surface. A first closure fasts the base cover layer and the middle cover layer; and a second closure fasts the middle cover layer and the top cover layer together whereby an integral high-profile sleep system is provided with an upper air sleep surface which can be adjusted to provide optimum sleep posture. The air posturizing air chambers are arranged side-by-side and generally coextend with the entirety of the middle, top, and base fabric cover layers.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to support at least a portion of a body thereon. The apparatus includes a base portion and a three dimensional engineered material, the three dimensional engineered material and the base cooperate to provide support for the body.

Abstract: A mattress cover, especially for hospital mattresses prevents the ingress of liquids to the mattress core. The mattress cover includes an opening to allow the cover to be put on, and taken off, a mattress core. The opening is closed by a zip fastener (10). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener (10) are mounted on a substrate which is impermeable to fluids. Preferably the substrate is coated with a polyurethane material (14). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener are directed inwardly towards the mattress core and the substrates act to cover the zip fastener when closed, thereby substantially preventing the ingress of fluids through the zip fastener. The opening is also provided with a cover flap which is constructed so that there are no exposed puncturing joins (such as are generated by stitching) which would allow the ingress of liquid.

Abstract: An easy-change mattress safety sheet system has a top panel that is completely removable and a bottom base that covers the underneath and four sides of a mattress. The base is designed to secure the top panel in place. The top and bottom panels are secured by a simple attaching means that covers the entire perimeter of the top plane of the mattress. The top panel can be completely removed from the base of the sheet by unfastening the simple attaching means. Removal of the top panel can be easily accomplished without disturbing the mattress, sheet base or crib bumpers. The sheet is secure on the mattress and will not allow entanglement of the child in the fabric.

Abstract: When hospital mattresses are to be disinfected or washed, measures must be taken to prevent the washing water from penetrating through the cover to the mattress. These special measures to make closures in the form of e.g. zippers, button closures or snap closures liquid-tight, may be tape or the like. To avoid these difficulties and drawbacks, the closure according to the invention may be constructed as a strip (9), which may be secured directly to the cover (3). Then, the strip (9) and the cover (3) may be cut to form an opening (8) through which the mattress (1) may be inserted. The subsequent closing takes place by means of a slidable strip (6) which may he applied and locked to the first strip (9). The strips (6, 9) are welded together at the ends to form an end closure (7). This results in a strong and liquid-tight closure so that the mattress may be washed/cleaned in a washing machine.

Abstract: A bed including a flexible air-inflatable bladder embraced by a flexible inextensible shroud. The shrouded bladder may be encircled by a surround to define the outer periphery of the resulting mattress construction. An inextensible layer can be peripherally attached to the upper edge of the surround.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet structure (10) comprises a front sheet (11), a net-like backing sheet (12), and sewing threads (14) for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions (13) between the front and backing sheets. Paddings (15) such as cotton, wool or the like can be stuffed through net clearances of the backing sheet into bag portions surrounded with sewing threads to form bulges (11b) at desired locations on the front surface of the front sheet. Thus, a quilted multilayer sheet structure (17) having bulges on the front surface thereof can be easily produced.

Abstract: A cover assembly designed and structured to protectively enclose a mattress of the type used in medical facilities such as on hospital beds, stretchers, gurneys, etc. A casing is formed from a flexible, high strength, water impermeable material which is resistant to rupture or abrasion and which has characteristics which facilitates its use in the environment of a hospital or other medical facility. The casing includes a reinforcement assembly in the form of one or more flexible material panels, which may be formed from a material similar or identical to that from which the casing is formed and which are attached to different elongated outer walls of the casing so as to extend over a mid-portion thereof and be aligned substantially with a mid-portion of a body supported on the mattress, thereby providing supplementary support to the body so as to resist the mid-portion of the body sinking excessively into the mattress.

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: A patient supporting surface for use with a conventional operating room table having at least one pad for supporting a patient, wherein the pad has a chamber for containing a quantity of fluid. The chamber is a dual-layer, urethane envelope having an upper and lower portion. The fluid contained within the chamber is a deformable and pressure compensating, radiolucent fluid. The chamber and the fluid are cooperatively adapted to maintain the patient in a fixed position while substantially minimizing the interface pressure and shear force between the pad and the patient. A cover sheet may be removably attachable about the fluid-filled chambers and comprises an entry for selective access to the fluid-filled chambers.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for providing a more restful and supportive nights sleep to a user. The mattress assembly includes a mattress core assembly and a support member that has a generally planar base having an upper surface for supporting the mattress core assembly. The mattress core assembly is positioned on the upper surface of the base.