Abstract: Cover element for mattresses comprising a rectangular surface of elastic wire material (1) where a fastening system comprising zipper sides (2, 6) is arranged around the end edges, such that the cover element may be attached opposite at least one additional cover element with identical fastening system, where the starting points (4) and ending points (5) for the glider sides with glider (3) on the cover element are opposite the corresponding starting points (7) and end points (8) for the box sides on the additional cover element and vice versa.

Abstract: A mattress system offering combinations of comfort and support comprising at least two modules, positioned side-by-side along their longest dimension to define at least two recumbent user areas the modules comprising depressions accomodating removable inserts of differing firmness. The mattress system provides an immense array of combinations of firmness and support, allowing each user to adjust, to a very wide degree, the comfort, firmness and support beneath their upper body, lumbar area, and lower body. The adaptable structure of the mattress system also allows the individual user to customize his/her side of the bed and easily change his/her side of the bed as his/her preferences change. Additionally, the construction increases the longevity of the bed, because components may be replaced one at a time as deemed necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable mattress cover assembly for the formation of a protective cover capable of completely encasing a mattress. The disposable mattress cover assembly comprises a first and a second layer that are combined together by means of cooperating joining means in order to form the protective mattress cover. The disposable mattress cover assembly of the present invention can find a variety of applications wherein moisture vapour permeability combined with liquid imperviousness are desirable, combined with easy of use.

Abstract: A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise three cushioning components: a base, a body support cushion, and a foot cushion insert. A removable fabric cover envelops the mattress assembly. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removably envelops the assembled cushioning components.

Abstract: A system for sleep surface adjustment is described. The sleep surface is provided by a sleep support system that is configured for at least two users. The sleep surface of the sleep support system is supported by at least two fluid chambers whose pressure is independently adjustable. The fluid chambers are surrounded by an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls; each wall has in interior and exterior surface. The system for sleep surface adjustment generally comprises a topper pad and a base pad. The topper pad is positioned above the fluid chambers and extends between the exterior surfaces of the side walls. The base pad is positioned below at least one of the fluid chambers and is used to raise that fluid chamber to a desired height if necessary.

Abstract: The allergen-inhibiting encasing for receiving objects contaminated with respirable fine and extremely fine dust, house dust, moulds and allergens, e.g. excretions of house dust mites, together with air, especially bedding and/or upholstery of all kinds, comprising at least a web of woven fabric or a nonwoven and a mechanical closure, such as a zip fastener, in a configuration blocking the passage of allergens and extremely fine particles. The encasing is characterized in that the web includes a fabric which is coated with polyurethane-acrylate copolymer foam and is equipped with increased density, by calendering, up to a degree of filtration of almost 100% for particles smaller than 1 &mgr;m. Also, the zip fastener is sealed on the inner face of the encasing by overlapping with a sealing strip comprising at least three plies of fabric.

Abstract: A composite mattress is comprised of a rectangular intermediate base with four upper sidewalls extending vertically above the base adjacent the edges of the base forming an upper cavity, four lower sidewalls extending vertically below the base adjacent the edges of the base forming a lower cavity, a spring mattress comprised of a plurality of coil springs individually encased within material pockets positioned in the lower cavity below the base, an air mattress comprised of a plurality of adjustable air cell units formed with independent air cells positioned in the upper cavity above the base, and a cover encasing the entire composite mattress.

Abstract: A cover for a tight top mattress includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a border panel. A zipper connects the border panel to either the upper or lower panel. At least one of the upper of lower panels is a quilted foam and fabric assembly which is dimensioned and configured as a pillow top. The upper, lower and border panels define an enclosure for closely fitting and receiving the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support system is provided with side bolster features for improved patient safety and control. A multi component mattress includes a resilient foam core having associated therewith two side bolsters of a less compressible resilient material. Each side bolster forms two peaks with a saddle therebetween to prevent a patient from rolling off the mattress while still providing direct entry and exit access to the mattress. A foam topper may be applied across the top of the exposed core and the upper portion of the side bolsters. Such topper may include parallel ridges, as well as perpendicular segmentations to improve pressure dispersion. The total coverage topper or upper layer surface adds to usable patient support area for the mattress while otherwise minimizing the pressure from the less compressible bolster elements.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a first section of foam material forming the head section of a mattress, a second section of foam material forming, the central section of the mattress, and a third section of foam material forming the foot section of the mattress. The second section of foam material has a load responsive characteristic different from the load responsive characteristic of the first and third sections. The central section may be replaced by an inflatable air chamber.

Abstract: A box spring or other cushioning member for laying a mattress thereon which has a padded fabric cover over the upper wall and peripheral side walls to present a finished appearance and to provide protective padded surfaces for those handling such box springs or other cushioning members. The padded fabric cover is releasably secured to the box spring or other member, and it includes an upper fabric panel as well as a padded fabric peripheral side wall panel whose upper peripheral edge is sewn to the peripheral edge of the upper fabric panel. The padded fabric peripheral side wall panel extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper fabric panel and terminates in a free peripheral edge which overhangs the lower wall of the box spring or other member.

Abstract: A safety crib sheet and a safety crib sheet mattress assembly to reduce the risk of infant smothering and strangulation. Pieces of material are sewn such that the resulting sheet can not be installed or dislodged from the mattress without substantially destroying the sheet or deforming the mattress. In one embodiment, a mattress is formed in two subsections coupled along a fold line. The mattress must be folded in half along the fold line to install or dislodge the sheet. In another embodiment, a conventional crib mattress is used with a sheet that covers a substantial portion of the underside of the mattress and is sufficiently unelastic that the mattress must be significantly bent at least at the corners to permit the sheet to be installed or dislodged.

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

Abstract: A mattress cover for use with air inflated mattresses that includes an integral hand check tunnel formed as part of the cover. The cover includes a top, a bottom, and sides extending between the top and bottom. Openings are formed along the longitudinal sides of the cover and permit access to an enclosed tunnel that extends between the sides of the mattress cover. Flaps are attached to the sides of the mattress cover over the openings along with devices for selectively opening and closing the openings. A caregiver can verify proper inflation of an air mattress placed within the cover by opening the flaps and extending a hand into the tunnel. The cover can be used with a single air inflated air mattress with the tunnel overlying the mattress, in a dual configuration where one air mattress is placed over the other with the tunnel being placed between the mattresses, or with an air mattress placed upon a foam base with the tunnel being placed between the mattress and foam base.

Abstract: A mat member is divided into a plurality of mat members and those divided mat members are individually wrapped in a middle bag respectively, to form middle mats 7 and 8 and these middle mats 7 and 8 are adjacently wrapped in an outer bag to form a finished mat. Whereby, the middle mats 7 and 8 wrapped in the outer bag 9 are individually separated, which is made easily to take out and accommodate in the outer bag and causes to lighten the burden of a nurse for removing or putting the finished mat, and since the finished mat comprises the middle mats wrapped in double i.e. in middle bags individually and in an outer bag, any excreta is not penetrated to the mat members, by which instant cleaning of the finished mat can be carried out to lighten the burden of the sick and the nurse.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mattress, the support assembly comprising compressible blocks having individual degrees of firmness, and a sleeve defining spaced-apart pockets holding the blocks therein, the sleeve positioning the blocks adjacent one another and the sleeve being composed of a material having a slippery outer surface permitting individual compression of the blocks so that each compressible block moves in a vertical direction independently of adjacent blocks to enable at least two-dimensions of firmness zoning.

Abstract: A split support configuration mattress is provided including a mattress having a core element disposed therein and an upper portion defined over a top surface of the mattress core element. The upper portion includes a closure mechanism selectively permitting access to an interior volume thereof. The upper portion is divided along its length so as to define two substantially equal halves. A plurality of insertable auxiliary support elements are provided for selective combination and insertion into each half of the upper portion. As such, a split support configuration mattress is provided. Moreover, the dimensions of the individual auxiliary support elements are such that they may be easily stored, unstored, and interchanged by the mattress user.

Abstract: A mattress assembly comprising an innerspring, a top mattress cover over the upper surface of the innerspring, a bottom mattress cover over the lower surface of the innerspring, layers of insulating and cushioning material sandwiched between the mattress covers and innerspring, and a peripherally extending border strip around the entire periphery of the mattress assembly between the peripheral edges of the top and bottom mattress covers which is releasably secured in place, whereby the border strip can be readily unfastened and removed for access to inner portions of the mattress assembly for inspection and repair. When in place, the releasable border strip of this invention appears to be permanently connected to the peripheral edges of the top and bottom mattress covers and an extension thereof.

Abstract: The mattress includes a main assembly, a pair of bolsters, and a bottom assembly. The main assembly is adapted to overlay the conventional mattress of the bed, and has opposing longitudinal sides, and comprises a plurality of cells that are selectively inflatable for moving the patient in the preselected ways so as to prevent the patient from having the skin breakdowns. The pair of bolsters are replaceably attached to, and extend along, the opposing longitudinal sides of the main assembly, and are inflatable, and when inflated, form barriers that prevent the patient from falling off the bed when the patient is turning. The bottom assembly is adapted to overlay the conventional mattress of the bed and underlie the main assembly, and when inflated, forms a static air space between the main assembly and the conventional mattress of the bed that prevents the patient from bottoming out on the low side of the turning, while suspending the patient in the cushion of static air if the power to the main assembly fails.

Abstract: A mattress cover, for use on an air inflatable mattress which reduces the risk of bed sores in long term patients. The cover has a top sheet and side sheets attached to opposite edges of the top sheet. The length of the top sheet, in a laid-flat state, is greater than the length of the side sheets attached to the top sheet. This allows the cover to closely follow the undulating nature of the inflatable cells of the mattress, and zero pressure may be achieved. The cover may also comprise end sheets, an outer skirt, and a base portion. The present invention also provides a method of making cover, which comprises the step of stretching the side portions, while the top sheet is in a substantially unstretched condition, and then joining the side sheets in their stretched condition to the top sheet.

Abstract: A container element for a furniture item, including at least one thin-walled closeable support element being fillable with air or the like from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the element forming support structure and/or a cushion for a piece of furniture as an arm-chair, a sofa, a bed or the like.

Abstract: A unitary mattress assembly comprises a plurality of coil springs interarranged to define a single innerspring core having a generally rectangular shape in plan. The core has a first portion which is sized to accommodate a first sleeping person and comprises coil springs having a first preselected compressive strength. Adjacent to the first portion is a second core portion sized to accommodate another sleeping person and having coil springs of a different compressive strength than the springs of the first portion. By the foregoing construction, a mattress may be manufactured having a single innerspring core but having two regions of differing firmness to suit the particular preferences of two people.

Abstract: A modular mattress having a plurality of innerspring modules with a peripheral border strip extending around the periphery between the top mattress cover and the bottom mattress over. The border strip is connected to one or the other of the top or bottom mattress covers by sewing, and to the other by releasable connecting means such as a zipper. A fabric flange extends from the peripheral edge of both the top and bottom mattress covers, with a Velcro strip or the like along the free edge of each fabric flange. Each innerspring module has a side wall strip of material along its outwardly facing side wall with an upwardly extending flap having a cooperative Velcro strip along its free edge to releasably connect to the Velcro strip on the fabric flange of the top mattress cover, and a downwardly extending flap having a cooperative Velcro strip along its free edge to releasably connect to the Velcro strip on the fabric flange of the bottom mattress cover.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a first section of foam material forming the head section of a mattress, a second section of foam material forming the central section of the mattress, and a third section of foam material forming the foot section of the mattress. The second section of foam material has a load responsive characteristic different from the load responsive characteristic of the first and third sections. The central section may be replaced by an inflatable air chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mattress cover that is resistant to liquid migration. The cover top has an unbroken surface, that is, a surface without a stitch line or needle holes in that part of the cover which may be subjected to body fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the mattress cover top is secured to a mattress cover bottom by a tooth-type zipper. A bridge strip is bonded to the cover top, and a zipper top component is stitched to this bridge strip. The cover top's edge is folded to form a protective flap, and the zipper top component is also sewn to the upturned portion of the flap, as well as the bridge strip so the bridge strip allows the upturned flap and zipper top component to be connected to the cover's inner side through the bridge strip. When the zipper top component and zipper bottom component are locked together, the protective flap on the top cover overlays both the locked zipper and the stitch line created by stitching the lower zipper to the bottom cover.

Abstract: A portable mat system for receiving and retaining a mattress thereby reducing movement of the mattress and thereby protecting the mattress. The inventive device includes a first sheet, a second sheet having three sides attached to the first sheet forming a pocket with an open end, a lip attached to the second sheet adjacent the open end, a flap attached to the first sheet, a length of Velcro attached to the flap and a back side of the first sheet, an aperture is within the second sheet for receiving an air valve of an air mattress, and a handle attached to the back side of the first sheet. The lip is sewn to the inside portion of the second sheet for retaining the mattress within the pocket. When the user is finished using the present invention, the user simply rolls the invention, with or without the mattress within, into a cylindrical shape and then engages the Velcro. The user then may transport the invention in the storage position by grasping the handle.

Abstract: A pet bed includes a core of soft bedding material and a porous cover mounted over the bedding material. An opening is formed in the cover for receiving a removable porous cartridge. The cartridge is filled with any of a number of agents such as deodorants and insect repellents such as cedar wood chips. A retainer such as a pouch is provided between the cover and the bedding material for fixing the cartridge in a central location over which a pet rests.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for placing a cover or coat on a mattress spring core assembly. The cover has a first cover portion and a second cover portion. Each cover portion is generally padded and has an attached annular skirt for covering the sides of the spring core assembly. The cover portions are fitted with fasteners having hook shaped ends which extend away from the attached cover and protrude inwardly for attaching the top and bottom cover portions to the top and bottom portions of the spring core assembly. After the first and second cover portions are attached to the spring core assembly, the annular skirts are connected together to completely enclose the spring core assembly.

Abstract: A mattress assembly system tailored by an individual whereby the individual may select the specific components which will be assembled into an individualized mattress assembly. The system includes a selected comfort module selected by an individual from a group of interchangeable comfort modules and a selected support module for supporting the individual selected by the individual from a group of interchangeable support modules. A module carrier carries the selected comfort and support modules once they have been selected.

Abstract: A mattress is provided with elevated chest support region and an arm well to reduce sleep disturbance in a person in the prone, sublime or side position. Said mattress is further provided with a firm zone at the foot of the mattress to assist persons transitioning onto and off of the mattress. An adjustable cover for said mattress is provided as is an improved method for packaging said mattress and cover.

Abstract: A mattress having an innerspring or other cushioning assembly and a mattress cover over both oppositely facing bearing surfaces thereof, the mattress covers each having a peripheral fabric flange extending therefrom in the direction toward the other along and around the peripheral side wall of the mattress, such flanges each being secured to the inner cushioning assembly along and around its peripheral side wall, with a plurality of pads, a urethane foam cushioning layer, and the like sandwiched between each mattress cover and the respective bearing surface of the inner cushioning assembly it covers. The invention comprises openable and closable access means to the sandwiched materials when in its open position, including a zipper assembly or other comparable releasable fastening device extending around the periphery of the fabric flange to which separated upper and lower peripheral portions of each flange are connected.

Abstract: An aircraft seat cushion comprises a foamed plastic supporting body consisting of a lower supporting part, an upper sitting part, the lower sitting part being detachable from the supper surface of the supporting part, and a detachable flameproofing layer covering the upper surface of the sitting part and the edges of the sitting and supporting parts, and a flameproof layer covering the entire lower surface of the supporting part so that the cushion is encapsulated in the flameproof layers.

Abstract: A portable mattress system has a mattress unit, a control unit, and a control panel. The mattress unit has a plurality of sleeves with transverse openings which each receive an elongate bladder, and has in a foot section a recess that can receive the control unit. A coupling arrangement detachably operatively couples the control unit to the mattress unit. The control panel is flat and thin and is coupled to the control unit by a cable. An arrangement is provided to support the mattress unit on the control unit when the mattress unit is in a deflated condition, and the control unit has rotatable wheels and a handle for facilitating easy transport of the entire mattress system to or from a bed.