Abstract: A blanket comprising a blanket panel having an interior region, a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer perimeter. A throat aperture is positioned in the interior region of the blanket panel, wherein said throat aperture provides open communication between the first and second major surfaces of the blanket panel. The aperture is of a sufficient size to allow the obstruction to be positioned in the throat aperture in a manner such that the obstruction can pass through the throat aperture from one major surface of the blanket panel to the other. A channel extends from the throat aperture to the outer perimeter of the blanket panel. The channel has an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the channel provides open communication between the outer perimeter of the blanket panel and the throat aperture to allow the obstruction to be passed through the channel and positioned in the throat aperture.

Abstract: There is a support module for a posture support device such as a bed mattress. The module comprises upper and lower frames (3A, 3B) connected together by linkages (3C, 3D) which in use of the module within the support device are adapted upon activation by an external control (3H, 3J) to displace the frames (3A, 3B) between a collapsed configuration and a spaced apart configuration so that the posture support device can be adjusted between a soft support and a firm support.

Abstract: A dual cushion body support system includes a relatively thin, elongate, substantially flat, top cushion and a relatively shorter base cushion that is configured to underlie and elevate a central part of the top cushion to provide upwardly arched support to a person lying in a prone, face down position to comfortably elevate the upper back and shoulders of the person for gently stretching, positioning and exposing muscles of the neck and back for treatment such as massage. The top cushion serves as flexible pad and as a protective cover that drapes the underlying base cushion and relies on the base cushion to provide a properly arched body support contour. An end portion of the top cushion that drapes beyond the length of the base cushion is provided with an upstanding forehead support formation to assist in comfortably supporting the person's head; and, the top cushion is sufficiently flexible to permit its being rolled up for ease of transport and for compact storage.

Abstract: A pressure reducing backrest cushion with selective pressure point relief features at least two air bladders, and a foam outer layer covering the air bladders. Each air bladder consists of an impervious to air sheet material which surrounds an open celled compressible foam material. Attached to the air bladder is an air flow tube and attached to the air flow tube is a flow control element. When the flow control element is open air from the atmosphere is able to communicate with the interior of the open celled compressible foam material through the air flow tube in combination with the flow control element. The open celled compressible foam material is of such a characteristic that once it is deformed it tends to regain its original shape, thus filling the air bladder with air, if the flow control element is open.

Abstract: A bed-rail protective cover for protecting a long-term care patient in a bed having a bed-rail from injuries resulting from contact with the bed-rail. The protective cover includes: an inner surface and an outer surface composed of a material, flexible and non-abrasive, material which is substantially resistant to penetration by an appendage of a person with a fill material between the inner and outer surfaces. The cover fill is sufficient to absorb impacts to the cover and reduce risk of injury to a patient resulting from impacting a bed-rail. The cover further includes a top edge of extending sufficiently over a bed-rail to prevent a patient from inadvertently poking an appendage between the bed and the bed-rail or through a gap between two covers. A securing flap extending from the top edge overlaps and fastens to a bottom edge when the cover enfolds the bed-rail. Securing flap fasteners are located where risk of inadvertent contact with them is reduced.

Abstract: A personal support device adapted for permitting a pregnant woman to lie on her stomach or abdomen even during the third trimester of pregnancy is formed of an inflatable mattress with an isolated section defined by a cylindrical wall. A portion of the outer membranae of the mattress extends into the isolated section to form a cavity for receiving and supporting the abdomen. Clearance holes in the cylindrical wall permit the isolated section to breathe, thereby permitting the cavity to expand and contract to maximize both the support and the comfort of the woman.

Abstract: A split lockable hinge for a baby bed containing a first hinge wing, a second hinge wing and a lock. An outer and inner legs respectively extend downward from the first and second hinge wings. The lock comprises a plurality of receiving holes on the first hinge wing, a plurality of hooking slots on the second hinge wing which can engage the engaging pin which can be inserted through the receiving holes and the hooking slots, and a plurality of elastic members. The first hinge wing is locked to the second hinge wing by the engagement of the engaging pin to the hooking slots of the second hinge wing by the elastic force of the elastic members. The operation of the split lockable hinge is easier and more stable. The structure of it is easily made. It is easier to arrange the cloth of the baby bed and the volume of the collapsed bed is reduced after collapsing because the rod members can rotate about their long axes. With the split lockable hinge, the jumping dismantling action will not occur.

Abstract: A mat cover is constructed of an upper and lower panel having a mat therebetween, and a pillow containing pouch overlaying the upper panel, with the pillow containing pouch defined by a folded flap attached to the top edge and side portions of the lower panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pillow (1) and a mattress (6) the anatomical shape and rigidity of which help to combat pathological lordosis of the forward convex curvature particular to the cervical region and spondylitis in the dorsal region of the vertical column. The pillow (1) consists of two rounded lobes (2) and (3) with an anatomical shape for resting the head when the body is lying down in an antero-posterior position. The mattress is rectangular in shape and its anatomical shape and rigidity allow for perfect posture of the vertebral column in a dorsal or lateral recumbent position, thus guaranteeing decompression of the vertebral discs, which is an essential factor for combating spondylitis.

Abstract: A crib selectively serving as a baby bed and also as a playpen includes a bed floor member and respective panels enclosing the periphery of the bed floor member (13). At least one panel (12) is height-controllably supported by a base support (20) that also supports the bed floor member. In case of using the crib as a baby bed, the panel (12) is brought to a low position for enabling a mother or the like to readily care for the baby. In case of using the crib as a playpen, the panel is brought to a high position for safety reasons. The height of the bed floor member is also adjustable between high and low positions by adjusting the base support, which for example includes pivotable, tiltable or removable leg frame members.

Abstract: A seat cushion inflation system, for periodically shifting the body weight / of a person seated on the cushion. The seat cushion comprises four inflation chambers which are separately inflatable. An inflation cycle is a sequence of inflations and deflations whereby the chambers are inflated alone and in combination with other chambers, and then are deflated, with a time delay between every step.

Abstract: A corner guard for reinforcing an edge or corner of a mattress of a bed is disclosed. The corner guard is constructed from a flat sheet of material formed into two flat panels intersecting to define a 90 degree primary angle, wherein the panels together further define interior areas facing the mattress and exterior areas facing away from the mattress. Each panel has a tab extending therefrom at right angles toward the interior. Each tab also has a fin extending therefrom toward the primary angle. Fastener openings are provided in each fin and tab. At the intersection of the base of each fin, tab, and panel is a circular cut-out. The corner guard can be punched and formed from metal or molded from polymer.

Abstract: A device for moving a person to and from a seated position including a frame, an auxiliary arm having first and second ends and extending laterally outwardly from the frame, a first pivotal connection between the frame and the first end of the auxiliary arm, a lifting arm having first and second ends, a second pivotal connection between the first end of the lifting arm and the second end of the auxiliary arm, a first motor connected between the frame and the auxiliary arm, and a second motor connected to the lifting arm.

Abstract: A length of impact absorption material has a configuration including a channel closed at the top and open at the bottom of substantially uniform width of less than one eighth of an inch. The portion of the configuration above and exteriorly adjacent to the top end of the channel is at least a quarter of an inch thick. An interior portion and an exterior portion of the configuration are laterally opposed to each other upon either side of the channel. A length of absorption material possessing this configuration is positioned upon the vertical leg of an L-shaped steel rail of a metal bed frame, which is approximately one tenth of an inch thick, such that the top edge of the rail meets the closed top end of the channel. The top portion and uppermost portion of the exterior portion of the length of absorption material provide cushioning for the top edge of the rail.

Abstract: A corner guard for a mattress box spring having a one piece bottom flange extending perpendicular to a curved upright side wall. The flange has a notch centrally located for permitting flexing of the wall in opposite directions and a reduced thickness center section of the wall which permits further flexing of the side wall. The bottom flange is provided with additional securing area for stapling or nailing to overcome stress fracture of the box spring frame.

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 pillow having a storage pocket sized for retaining a packaged condom is provided. The storage pocket is located in the center of one side of the pillow, and is integrally formed with a seam running across the pillow face so that the pocket is substantially hidden from view. The pocket is sized such that a stored condom can be easily retrieved, yet small enough so that the packaged condom will not fall out, even when the pillow is shaken.

Abstract: A baby diaper changing station comprises a base structure and a support platform hingedly coupled to the base structure. An insulative surface of plastic material is mounted in a trough defined by the support platform and includes a curved portion which extends into the trough to receive a baby. A handle is positioned in the support platform and also extends into the trough opposite the insulative surface. The curved portion extends into the trough and slopes inwardly and transversely to define a space to receive the handle to thereby prevent interference with the handle and to maintain an effective depth in the trough.

Abstract: A sectioned pillow having two pillow covers, which are connected by a fabric tether, inner pillows, and a decorative pillow case for each of the tethered inner pillow covers. The tether prevents separation of the two pillows beyond a predetermined maximum distance. The space created between the two pillows provides a cradle for the head in a supine sleeping position. In a prone sleeping position, the space between the two pillows acts as an air channel allowing for the free flow of air to and from the sleeper's nose.

Abstract: A playyard system includes a playyard structure and a canopy. The playyard structure is partially covered by the canopy which channels heat outward to provide improve shading and ventilation. Sides of the playyard structure have mesh panels with removable covers to further control shading and ventilation. Accordingly, the playyard system has improved thermal characteristics. Furthermore, the canopy allows visibility and easy access to the interior of the playyard structure.