Abstract: A pressure relief valve vent line mattress system utilizes a self-adjusting approach with a single air source to obtain in combination a low air loss feature for beneficial cooling and drying of a patient's skin. A single air supply source outputs a predetermined positive flow of air into one or more patient air support bladders. An air distribution manifold received within a mattress body receives and disperses overflow pressure routed thereto from the patient air support bladders via an air passageway having a first pressure relief valve with an established set point. A second pressure relief valve is associated with a pump return line adjunct to the constant air flow pump. The net effect is to disperse overflow pressure from the mattress bladders (tending to keep such bladders at a constant pressure) while providing low air loss through the mattress for patient cooling and drying effects, all utilizing a single air flow source.

Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.

Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.

Abstract: A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: Pressure relief for wheelchair patients is improved by use of a relatively higher density foam, such as 2.4 pounds per cubic foot or above and a 25 percent ILD characteristic of at least about 50 pounds, together with independently acting cube shaped segments. The segments have predetermined respective separation and rounded upper edges with a predetermined radius of curvature which is larger about the periphery of the wheelchair pad. A relatively lowered pad thickness of about 3 inches facilitates patient movement onto and off from a wheelchair cushion. A removable covering of laminated materials is stretchable so as to slide over the rounded edges of the segments and down into separations therebetween to maintain independent action of such segments during use with the covering. An upper layer of the covering comprises a base layer of woven fabric of elastic synthetic fibers. A lower layer of the covering comprises a water resistant coating of urethane generally at least about 1 mil thick.

Abstract: Automated pressure relief mattress support system including method and apparatus for supporting a bed patient comprising an air mattress construction having a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible air compartments or tubes which are connected to a pressurized air source and uniformly pressurized to an optimum air pressure to minimize interface surface pressure between a patient and the mattress. The system is of simplified economical construction and can be operated both passively and actively to minimize patient/mattress interface pressures and to roll a patient to right and left side positions, typically to selected angles of up to about 30 degrees for preselected times, with roll position air pressure set points in the mattress air tubes for particular roll angles of the patient being automatically established, based on patient body weight.

Abstract: Pressure relief for wheelchair patients is improved by use of a relatively higher density foam, such as 2.4 pounds per cubic foot or above and a 25 percent ILD characteristic of at least about 50 pounds, together with independently acting cube shaped segments. The segments have predetermined respective separation and rounded upper edges with a predetermined radius of curvature which is larger about the periphery of the wheelchair pad. A relatively lowered pad thickness of about 3 inches facilitates patient movement onto and off from a wheelchair cushion. A removable covering of laminated materials is stretchable so as to slide over the rounded edges of the segments and down into separations therebetween to maintain independent action of such segments during use with the covering. An upper layer of the covering comprises a base layer of woven fabric of elastic synthetic fibers. A lower layer of the covering comprises a water resistant coating of urethane generally at least about 1 mil thick.

Abstract: The pressure relief support system contains longitudinal air cylinders having wood slats extending across the air cylinders along the length of the air cylinders forming the shape of a mattress. Foam strips may be included on each of these slats to provide an improved pressure relief mattress system for optimal patient comfort.

Abstract: An adjustable pediatric incubator nest includes multiple pieces which may be selectively arranged by a caregiver to protectively partially enclose a pediatric patient on an upper support surface thereof without impeding caregiver access to patient. A resilient base member receives a pair of resilient. foam side wall members in a caregiver selected position to cradle a specific patient. Hook and eye complementary type securement features may be used, together with a fabric covering for the resilient base. The top of each side rail includes slits for the placement of smaller diameter patient treatment tubes or lead lines, to facilitate technical support of the patient in an intensive care environment. Segments formed across the top of the side rails between adjacent slits may be selectively cut out for the placement of larger diameter tubes.

Abstract: An adjustable chair support supplement has a foam material main body which is surrounded with a fabric covering and provided with straps for selected securement to the back of a chaise lounge or similar support. A fabric support pocket may be added for supporting the covered foam body to the top of a chaise lounge. The covered foam member forms a padded layer which may be selectively secured with the strap to different parts of the chaise lounge back so as to adjust supplemental user support as desired.

Abstract: A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and inter-relationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.