Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

Abstract: A portable, unitary, lightweight, weather-proof support mat to reduce physical stress on a user caused by standing, sitting or kneeling on a hard surface for prolonged periods. The support mat provides a non-slip surface and an integral handle opening. The support mat is manufactured of rubber or other resilient material and may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A cushioning element has a first gelastic cushion element made from a flexible, resilient, gel cushioning media having shape memory. The first gelastic cushion element has a first hub section, and a first spoke and a second spoke. Each spoke has a proximal end that extends from the first hub section. Each distal end and the spoke area between the distal end and the proximal end does not interconnect to the other spoke, and/or a second gelastic cushion element having a second hub section and corresponding spokes. Each distal end is positioned near and/or contacts the second gelastic cushion element. At least one of the first hub section, the first spoke and the second spoke is capable of buckling beneath a protuberance that is located on the object.

Abstract: A mattress (10) comprises a support base (12) defining an interface surface (14) at the top thereof and a softer compressible layer (22) overlying the interface surface. The thickness of the support base varies along a longitudinal direction such that the interface surface (14) defines a concave laterally extending channel between first and second support surfaces (16,20) for the upper and lower halves of a user's body respectively, and the compressible layer (22) substantially follows the profile of the interface surface (14). The mattress (10) is particularly useful for a pregnant woman who can comfortably lie on her back, side or front.

Abstract: A selectively contoured single unibody foam piece for use as a layer in a cushioned load bearing structure has a first zone with a first surface topography having distinct support properties from a second zone with a second surface topography. The zones of differing topography are formed in the surface of a single, unibody piece of foam by applicable foam cutting techniques. Patterned removal of foam material from a single piece creates zones with different density, ILD or other load bearing properties with different support and feel characteristics. A single unibody component in a responsive flexible support structure has distinct zones with distinct support characteristics, the zones corresponding in location with the anticipated loads and loading patterns of a flexible support device in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a mattress that has tourmaline discs attached to the mattress. The mattress is an egg-crate mattress which has at least two different elevations, an upper elevation and a lower elevation. The mattress is made-up of foam. The tourmaline discs are attached to the mattress with glue in a plurality of the lower elevations of the egg-crate mattress. The mattress can also have magnets attached in a plurality of the lower elevations.

Abstract: A mattress which increases the surface area contacting the patient's skin, and which conforms evenly to the skin over the skin/surface interface. A mattress includes a flat layer of foam that is temperature sensitive and which has rate-dependent deflection which provides maximal hysteric dampening and maximal tissue/surface interface contact. Different stiffnesses of foam are used under key areas to allow support and at the same time to allow the tissue to reach mechanical equilibrium. The maximal surface contact will apply constant low pressure to the tissues, thus reducing the shear force and the risk of tissue injury.

Abstract: An elongate convoluted cushion supports a recumbent human body. The cushion comprises an elongate rectangular body defined by seven rectangular, longitudinally spaced zones comprising alternating support zones and comfort zones. The support zones provide a first amount of support. The comfort zones provide a second amount of support. The first amount of support is greater than the second amount of support.

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 foam mattress pad of adjustable size has an initial predetermined length, width and thickness. The pad is provided with punched areas or holes, preferably in rows or columns forming a guide for cutting or tearing away strips of foam material to decrease the size dimensions of the pad. In a preferred embodiment, the holes are formed in rows or columns in the base of troughs between peaks of a convoluted surface of the mattress pad. The holes in the troughs may be separately punched or cut before or after the foam is convoluted. Preferably, the holes in the troughs are formed as the foam is cut by the band knife blade during one pass between convolute rollers. Longer projecting fingers are applied to some portions of the convolute roller to achieve the holes in the bases of the troughs.

Abstract: A portable, flexible cushion disclosed utilizes layers of different foam plastic materials secured together at contacting faces. The cushion combines closed cell and open cell foam plastic material features and a hinged construction providing reversibility and can be used in right angle and flat end to end applications. Optionally, vibrators are received in openings in the panels for therapeutic purposes. Different combinations of the closed and open cell materials are particularly suitable for wet or dry applications.

Abstract: A pillow includes a first main face having an essentially planar main surface. This planar main surface includes a head receiving recess. The second main face of the pillow, located opposite the first main face, includes a plurality of extending fingers arranged in rows, wherein the fingers extend such that a base of the finger is located closer to the first main face than is the tip (or free end) of that finger. The fingers are of a length such that the finger tips essentially lie on a common plane which is essentially parallel to the essentially planar main surface of the first main face. Several recesses are defined in the area between a finger and the surrounding, adjacent fingers of the second main face. In particularly preferred embodiments of the pillow, the recesses between adjacent fingers extend through the pillow so as to provide vent holes through the pillow in the area of the head receiving recess.

Abstract: A continuous rotary method for surface shaping of resilient material such as synthetic foam. Three dimensional surface geometries of well defined and arbitrary shapes are obtained by pressing foam against a die roller to compress some foam portions to a reduced thickness against raised portions of the die and extrude other foam portions into depressions of the die, and cutting away the extruded portions. The compressed portions return to an uncompressed state after passage against the die roller and form raised areas on the foam surface around depressions corresponding to the cut away portions of foam.

Abstract: A device for relieving the skeletal muscles, especially for the neck and lumbar vertebrae, comprises a mat of foam material with transverse ribs projecting on the upper side and most of the ribs standing obliquely towards the foot side and a foam pillow with transverse ribs projecting on the upper side and most of the ribs standing obliquely towards the head side. The divergently oblique transverse ribs of both foam sections stretch the spine in two opposite directions and increase the space between the vertebrae to release and soothe pinched nerve ends and overstressed disks.

Abstract: A cushioning structure which is a three-dimensional multiple woven texture formed of a surface layer portion and an intermediate layer portion, characterized in that (i) protuberances are formed on one side or both sides of the surface layer portion at least unidirectionally and have an average height of 2 to 15 mm, an average width of one side of the protuberance being 2 to 30 mm; and that (ii) said intermediate layer portion is formed of one layer or by laminating two or more layers, said layer having a plurality of communicating hollow portions which are arranged in parallel unidirectionally. This cushioning structure is excellent in air permeability, cushioning properties, durability and washability, and is therefore useful as various cushioning materials.

Abstract: A load bearing structure with a base and an array of load bearing members, each load bearing member having the general form of a cantilevered beam and made of a resilient material, and having a tip, generally front and back faces, and a bottom, the bottom for interengaging the load bearing member and the load bearing structure. The beam generally increases in thickness from tip to bottom, and both faces are generally planar. The plane of the face and of the back join at an angle .beta., and the plane of the back is disposed to the plane of the bottom at an angle .alpha..

Abstract: A foam mattress pad of adjustable size has an initial predetermined length, width and thickness. The pad is provided with punched areas or holes, preferably in rows or columns forming a guide for cutting or tearing away strips of foam material to decrease the size dimensions of the pad. In a preferred embodiment, the holes are formed in rows or columns in the base of troughs between peaks of a convoluted surface of the mattress pad. The holes in the troughs may be separately punched or cut before or after the foam is convoluted. Preferably, the holes in the troughs are formed as the foam is cut by the band knife blade during one pass between convolute rollers. Longer projecting fingers are applied to some portions of the convolute roller to achieve the holes in the bases of the troughs.

Abstract: A foam mattress made up of a number of segments each of which includes a sheet-like base member and a plurality of discrete spaced apart foam elements extending from a face of the base member wherein the elements have been integrally formed in a single molding operation along the base member. The segments are joined to one another at their respective bases to form a core from which the elements extend from opposite sides.

Abstract: A waterbed structure, in which added lumbar support is provided by a padded cover atop the bag (which also provides extra thermal insulation and padding). The padded cover includes a sheet of convoluted foam which covers essentially the full length of the mattress. This sheet of convoluted foam is stiffened, over the middle part of the mattress length, by a complementary piece of convoluted foam which is mated with it. The increase in thickness caused by having two pieces of convoluted foam face-to-face is relatively small. Thus, this arrangement provides extra firmness under the torso, while maintaining an essentially flat upper surface.

Abstract: A foam mattress pad, and process for production, having a bottom surface, a convoluted top surface and apertures extending through the pad randomly placed in relation to the convoluted pattern of the top surface. The convoluted top surface of the pad comprises a repeating pattern of peaks and troughs wherein at least two peaks are in proximity to each other without a valley therebetween adjacent the same number of proximate valleys without a peak therebetween. The distance between proximate peaks is the same as the distance between proximate valleys. The mass of the proximate peaks combine to create an additive effect in supporting the user's body and the proximate valleys allow for increased air flow between the supporting proximate peaks.

Abstract: A bedding structure, including an innerspring mattress and a padded cover (enclosing the mattress) which provides added postural support (as well as extra thermal insulation and padding). The padded cover includes a sheet of convoluted foam which covers essentially the full length of the mattress. This sheet of convoluted foam is stiffened, over the middle part of the mattress length, by a complementary piece of convoluted foam which is mated with it. The increase in thickness caused by having two pieces of convoluted foam face-to-face is relatively small. Thus, this arrangement provides extra firmness under the torso, while maintaining an essentially flat upper surface. This cover structure can be retrofitted to existing innerspring mattresses.

Abstract: A mattress having a top surface component and a spring component. The top surface component comprises multiple layers. The first layer is the cover material for enveloping the entire mattress. The second layer is a fiber material covering the entire top surface of the mattress. The third layer is convoluted foam subtending the fiber layer and having a plurality of peaks for supporting the fiber layer in a no load condition. The fourth layer is a backing material for the convoluted foam layer. The peaks of the convoluted foam layer compress either completely or partially when a weight is applied and return to their original no load position when the weight is removed. The compression and return action of the peaks of the convoluted foam layer exercise the fiber layer preventing the matting thereof and cause the movement of air to keep the fiber layer dry.

Abstract: A device constructed of resilient foam material for positioning a prematurely born infant. The device comprises an infant-supporting layer having a head end, a foot end, and an upper surface with a central torso area. A pair of lateral members are attached to the upper surface of the infant-supporting layer to bound the torso area on each side. A transverse member is secured to the upper surface of the infant-supporting layer at the foot end. The upper surface of the infant-supporting layer around the torso area is convoluted to provide air and additional cushion to the head and shoulders of the infant. A foot member is attached on the transverse member between the torso area and the foot end. An infant may be placed in the device in the supine, prone or fetal positions.

Abstract: A double bed arrangement having a combination mattress including a liquid filled side and a non-liquid filled cushion side. A compressible foam tray holds the non-liquid cushion side in a first portion or half of the tray with the liquid-filled cushion being located in a second portion or half of the tray. Preferably, the liquid filled cushion comprises a plurality of water filled tubes. A first waterproof liner covers the foam tray and a second waterproof liner covers a bottom surface, side surface, and at least a peripheral portion of the top surface of the non-liquid filled cushion.

Abstract: A mattress overlay cushion including three distinct zone sections with the intermediate zone section extending a greater distance longitudinally than the other two zone sections. Each zone section has a convoluted surface with a protuberance arrangement distinct from that of the others. A first and a second zone section feature a plurality of rounded peaks. Rounded peaks in the first zone are arranged in a plurality of transversely extending rows of individual peak members separated by valleys with the rounded peaks in each transversely extending row being offset transversely with respect to a longitudinally adjacent row. A plurality of peak members in the second zone are arranged in sets with each of the peak members within a particular set are joined at a base portion in a region above a maximum depth of the valleys such that adjoined peak members extend diagonally within each set. Thus, valleys are transversely positioned between adjacent sets of diagonally extending adjoined peak members.

Abstract: The upper seat part according to the instant invention is provided with several ridges 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 extending from its bottom part 1 upward, said ridges being approximately parallel to each other as well as transversal to the seating direction, whereby the forward ridges 2, 3 are inclined toward the front while the other ridges 4, 5, 6 are inclined toward the back. The ridges 2, 3 are equipped laterally, at their upper free ends with projections 7,8 extending approximately at a parallel to the bottom part 1 toward the back side while the ridges 4, 5, 6 inclined toward the back are provided with projections 9, 10, 11 laterally at their upper free ends, said projections extending also approximately at a parallel to the bottom plate 1, however toward the front, so that the projections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 partly cover the ridge intervals 12 and constitute a seating surface 13 together with the upper free ends of the ridges 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress cushion, wherein it consists of a cushion mattress not using metal components like coil springs, the mattress body (1) is composed of overlapping elastic surface layers (6) (7) on both sides of a core portion (3) consisting of synthetic resin moldings sandwiched therebetween. Accordingly, the mattress cushion is light and there is no problem of rusting. Also, the core portion (3) is composed of alternately upper and lower horizontal walls (22), (23) connected by adjoining vertical side walls (21) (21), and protrusions (27) are formed on each vertical side wall (21). Accordingly, the mattress cushion increases in strength and improves the ventilation and comfort of the user.

Abstract: A mattress has a core material (3) consisting of rigid foam material of a sufficient thickness, protective plates (4) (5) disposed on both upper and lower sides of the core material (3), and a surface layer material (6) (7) made of a cushioning material which is disposed on the protective plates (4) (5). At least one of the surface layer material (6) (7) is formed by disposing the second cushioning layer (11) consisting of semi-rigid cushioning material having an up-and-down face (13) on its surface on the first cushioning layer (10) made of flexible cushioning material.

Abstract: A mattress is formed with an upper variable firmness section covering a lower section of generally uniform firmness. The upper section is divided along its length into four transversely extending regions, namely, a head, an upper torso, a lower torso and a leg support region. The lengths of the regions approximate the average lengths of a preselected range of corresponding human body parts. Thus, the head support region approximates the length of a head and neck; the upper torso region approximates the length of the torso from the neck to the waist; the lower torso region approximates the length from the waist to the crotch; and the leg support region approximates the length of the legs from the crotch to the feet bottoms. Each region is of a substantially uniform firmness, but the firmness is varied from one region to another. Thus, the upper torso region is the firmest region; the head and lower torso regions are about of the same firmnesses and the leg support region is the least firm.

Abstract: A single layer mattress cushion formed of a common material throughout and having three distinct convoluted zones arranged along its length. The first zone is specifically configured for supporting the shoulder and head area of a person while the middle zone is specifically formed for supporting the torso area of a person and the third zone is specifically formed for supporting the feet and lower leg portion of a person. Each of the cushion's three separate sleep areas has a different compression modulus such that the middle zone provides a maximum dual level peak support for the torso area while the first zone section provides a mid-range support function to the head and shoulders of the person and the third zone section provides light and well ventilated support for the legs and feet of the user.

Abstract: An anti-snoring pillow which reduces the snoring by the user when sleeping by positioning the head of the user such that the degree of blockage in the user's breathing passageway is reduced. The anti-snoring pillow includes a base member which is preferably inclined and has a curved front edge which is lower in height than the rear edge. The upper surface of the base member adjacent the front edge has an elongated bolster secured thereto, which bolster is curved along its length to conform to the curved shape of the front edge of the base member. The bolster also includes a curved peripheral cross-sectional area for comfortable support of a user's neck. The bolster and the base member, and the choice of materials therefor act in conjunction to ensure comfort and also the positioning of a user's head so as to decrease the blockage of the user's breathing passageway when the user is in a back or in a side sleeping position.

Abstract: A pillow is of rectangular form having front and rear rolls (17,18) at its longer sides and side rolls at its shorter sides, upper and lower surfaces (15, 16) of the pillow having respective large, central recessed areas (19, 20) between the front and rear rolls, the rolls being interrupted by minor recesses (21, 22 21a, 22a30, 31) extending from respective sides of the pillow into the central recessed areas of the upper and lower surfaces respectively, the front and rear rolls forming on each surface a central main buttress and together with the side rolls forming four corner buttresses, side buttresses also being formed between pairs of adjacent corner buttresses respectively, the side buttresses tapering in width and height away from their respective associated sides of the pillow into a central recessed area (19, 20).