Abstract: A linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) foam and methods of making the same are described. The LLDPE foam has a maximum operating temperature of about 220° F. The LLDPE foam can also have a density in the range of from 0.6 to 10.0 lbs/ft3. The LLDPE foam can be manufactured in part by processing an LLDPE resin in order to create a long branch molecular structure in the LLDPE resin without crosslinking or otherwise adversely affecting the thermoplastic properties of the LLDPE resin.

Abstract: A stowable harness system for a vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat has a storage area under a horizontal seat portion that pivots to provide access. The harness system includes a belt system for a child restraint. During use, the harness system is disposed on the vehicles seat. When stowed, the harness system is contained in the storage area.

Abstract: A bus seat is provided. The bus seat includes a backrest frame having a curve in part and a lumbar support coupled to the backrest frame by the curve. The bus seat also includes a horizontal seat that is pivotable from a seat position, where a seat frame is locked onto a base frame, to a stowed position. The bus seat is provided in a modular configuration to allow multiple backrests to be used for the bus seat. The backrests may include changeable seat belt configurations and child restraint system configurations. The bus seat also includes a seat belt retractor having a vertical configuration and a horizontal configuration for retracting and extending the seat belt.

Abstract: A mattress having a foam core is provided. The foam core may include a channel along two or more sides of the foam core. Spring coils in the channel(s) provide increased localized support proximal the outer edge of the mattress. The spring coils may be conventional spring coils or individually pocketed spring coils. In certain alternatives, the spring coils may be replaced by foam different than the foam core; such difference may include foams having a higher indentation force deflection (IFD) rating. The mattress may have a foam core that is provided with an undercut filled with a foam insert where a higher IFD foam is provided in the undercut.

Abstract: A bus seat is provided. The bus seat includes a backrest frame having a curve in part and a lumbar support coupled to the backrest frame by the curve. The bus seat also includes a horizontal seat that is pivotable from a seat position, where a seat frame is locked onto a base frame, to a stowed position. The bus seat is provided in a modular configuration to allow multiple backrests to be used for the bus seat. The backrests may include changeable seat belt configurations and child restraint system configurations. The bus seat also includes a seat belt retractor having a vertical configuration and a horizontal configuration for retracting and extending the seat belt.

Abstract: The present application provides a cushion having a core layer and a quilt support/comfort layer. The core layer may comprise innersprings, foams, air cells, or combinations thereof. The support/comfort layer comprises a sleep layer that simulates a conventional quilted fabric layer. The sleep layer includes a thick, comfort fabric and a backing fabric, which backing fabric may be the same as the thick, comfort fabric. The sleep layer is formed by coupling the thick, comfort fabric to the backing fabric to form a plurality of individual pockets in which micro spring coils are placed. The micro spring coils have less uncompressed height than conventional innerspring coils. The sleep layer coupling is formed by spot coupling without using a metal needle to stitch the layers together. In other words, the spot coupling may comprise an adhesive or weld.

Abstract: A foam mattress is provided having a body facing surface comprising a first foam layer on a first spring layer formed of a plurality of individual pocketed spring coils. A second foam layer formed of a reticulated foam supports the first spring layer. The foam mattress further having a bottom layer of conventional foam. The foam mattress is surrounded by a foam casing that has at least one vent formed in the casing. The first spring layer causes air to flow from the second foam layer through the vents.

Abstract: A sleeper sofa having a bridge joint to inhibit bowing between frames in a sleeper position is provided although other folding articles are contemplated. The sleeper sofa has a first frame section and a second frame section foldable/pivotable from a first sitting position to a second sleeping position. When in the sleeping position, the bridge joint extends under and between the first and second frame section to provide support to inhibit bowing at the junction between the first and second frame section. The bridge joint includes a pivot axle and an anti-buckling member coupled to a pivot guide having a track. The anti-buckling member travels in the track as the first and second frames are unfolded about the pivotal axle.

Abstract: A multiple strand pool noodle is provided. The multiple strand pool noodle has at least two strands formed of extruded foam where each of the strands has a first end and a second end. The first ends of the strands are contained in a first end member and the second ends of the strand are contained in a second end member. A length of the strands extends between the first and second end members. The strands are movable with respect to each other along the length.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a flotation device suited to teach beginner swimming techniques or provide enjoyment in an aquatic environment while providing flotation to at least a portion of the swimmer's body. The flotation device for aiding a swimmer in a body of water may comprise a body formed from an extruded foam and comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side rail, a second side rail, a leading lateral surface, and a trailing lateral surface, and wherein the extruded foam is a flexible cellular foam. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the flotation device.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a flotation device suited to teach beginner swimming techniques or provide enjoyment in an aquatic environment while providing flotation to at least a portion of the swimmer's body. The flotation device for aiding a swimmer in a body of water may comprise a body formed from an extruded foam and comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side rail, a second side rail, a leading lateral surface, and a trailing lateral surface, and wherein the extruded foam is a flexible cellular foam. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the flotation device.

Abstract: A conventional flexible polyurethane foam, made using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), having a bulk foam density in the range of 2.5 pounds per cubic foot or lower and having a foam hardness or IFD in the range of 10 to 90 lb/50 in2. The present invention is also directed to the method for the making thereof.

Abstract: A high resilience flexible polyurethane foam, made using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), having a bulk foam density in the range of 2.5 pounds per cubic foot or lower and having a foam hardness or IFD in the range of 10 to 40 lb/50 in2. The present invention is also directed to the method for the making thereof.

Abstract: A cart apparatus for transporting cargo items to and from a recreational location includes a base unit and a chair unit which are selectively assemblable for transport and disassemblable upon reaching a desired destination. The base unit includes wheels for rolling over varying terrains, and a support portion for stowage thereon of cargo items. The chair unit is foldable between collapsed and opened conditions. The base unit is formed with a receiving area for selective receipt of the collapsed chair unit. When assembled, the collapsed chair unit is matedly engaged in the receiving area of the base unit with the chair unit extending outwardly from the base unit to serve as a handle for controlling rolling and tilting operation of the base unit. When disassembled, the chair unit may be opened into the use condition, and the base unit may serve as a side table.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a flotation device suited to teach beginner swimming techniques or provide enjoyment in an aquatic environment while providing flotation to at least a portion of the swimmer's body. The flotation device for aiding a swimmer in a body of water may comprise a body formed from an extruded foam and comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side rail, a second side rail, a leading lateral surface, and a trailing lateral surface, and wherein the extruded foam is a flexible cellular foam. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the flotation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of low triphenyl phosphate, high phosphorous content aryl phosphates with high ortho alkylation as flame retardants in polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams or polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam formulations.

Abstract: An edge support for reinforcing an edge of a spring core is provided. The edge support includes a plurality of engaging members that are movable between flat and folded positions. In the flat position, an engaging member is generally aligned with the rest of the edge support. In the folded position, the engaging member extends laterally from the rest of the edge support. With the engaging members in the flat position, the edge support has a relatively thin thickness allowing the edge support to be rolled which may be beneficial for the shipping and handling of the edge support. During the assembling of the mattress, the engaging members may be moved to the folded position such that engaging members extend inwardly into the spring core between the spring coils of the spring core.

Abstract: A folding furniture structure for converting between a folded seating condition and an unfolded sleeping condition comprises a floor-supported base, and plural frame sections supported on the base. The frame sections include a first seat section fixed to the base in a horizontal orientation, a second seat section having one side pivotally connected to a forward side of the first seat section, and a seat back section pivotally connected to an opposite side of the second seat section. The frame sections are movable between the folded seating condition with the second seat section pivoted into overlying superposed face abutment to the first seat section and the seat back section extending angularly upwardly from the second seat section for use as a seat, and the unfolded sleeping condition with the second seat section and the seat back section aligned horizontally with the first seat section for use as a bed.

Abstract: A spring cushion assembly for a one-sided mattress includes a plurality of spring coils. Each spring coil has a length of spring wire formed at opposite upper and lower ends in respective upper and lower end turns and in an intervening coil extent therebetween. The spring coils are characterized in that the lower end turns of each coil is closed by a knot formed between the lower wire end and the coil extent. The spring coils are further characterized in that the upper end turn of a first selected number of the spring coils is open with the upper wire end unknotted to the coil extent and the upper end turn of a second selected number of the spring coils is closed by a knot formed between the upper wire end and the coil extent.

Abstract: A support module for a bedding foundation comprises two wire-form elements each a single length of wire configured to have a central bridge portion, two spaced legs extending in a common direction therefrom, and feet at terminal ends of the legs. The bridge portion the feet lie in parallel planes with the legs extending therebetween. The feet of one wire-form element are affixed to the bridge portion of the other wire-form element with the respective legs of both elements extending in a common direction and with the bridge portion of the one element and the feet of the other element in a common plane. The bridge portion of the other wire-form element is secured to a base of a bedding foundation and the feet of the other wire-form element and the bridge portion of the one wire-form element are secured to a support surface of a bedding foundation.