Abstract: A furniture blanket assembly for covering one or more users sitting on or adjacent to an article of furniture includes a cover that is comprised of a deformable material and the cover is positionable over an article of furniture. A blanket is coupled to the cover. The blanket is positionable over a user when the user sits on or adjacent to the article of furniture to warm the user. Moreover, the blanket has a length and a width of at least 180.0 cm to accommodate a pair of users.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, or the like, include control systems with one or more image, radar, and/or laser sensors to detect objects and determine if a likelihood of collision exists. If so, the control system controls the speed and steering of the patient support apparatus in order to reduce the likelihood of collision. The control system may be adapted to autonomously drive the patient support apparatus, to transmit a message to a remote device indicating whether it is occupied by a patient or not, and/or to transmit its route to the remote device. The remote device may determine an estimate of a time of arrival of the patient support apparatus at a particular destination and/or determine a distance of the patient support apparatus from the particular destination.

Abstract: Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Abstract: A device positioned near a user provides support to the user in sitting and standing positions. The user can move from sitting to standing, without assistance, even if the user is relatively weakened. The device includes (1) a base and tower, and provides support to the user when in-between; (2) a personal support coupled to the tower, and operated by a user control, such as a wheel or a motor. The tower can include padding or knee support so the user can lean against the tower.

Abstract: A central bed having a longitudinal bed frame and a bed section mounted to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a home position aligned with the bed frame and an away position.

Abstract: A patient support system for supporting a patient includes a core support structure which includes supportive foam. The support structure has an upper surface and a lower surface. A radar apparatus, including at least one antenna situated beneath the upper surface and spatially separated therefrom, is adapted to emit a pulse which travels through the support structure and is reflected, by either the upper surface or a surrogate thereof, as a reflected signal back to the radar antenna. The emitted pulse and reflected signal comprise a ranging signal. The patient support system also includes circuitry that determines a life parameter of the core support structure as a function of at least the ranging signal. The patient support system also includes an RFID tag having a memory. The RFID tag is in communication with the circuitry.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for supporting the neck and head of a user for airway management are described. The apparatus can include a base support section, which can rest on a supporting surface, a front side, two opposing sides and a back side with the base support section being dimensioned between about 25-26 inches in width, between about 16-17 inches in depth and about 6 inches in height with a separate and removable and replaceable head/neck support section.

Abstract: There is provided a patient support that may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be useable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

Abstract: A cooling pillow generates a gust of cooled air when compressed. A solid, resilient, compressible foam block forms a core of the cooling pillow. A phase change material layer adhered to a surface of the foam block. Holes can be formed in the foam block to enhance the feel of the pillow and to improve the speed at which air is displaced when the cooling pillow is compressed. A pillow protector encloses of lightweight breathable material encloses the foam block. The pillow protector prevents the foam block and cooling layer from being abraded during insertion and removal from a pillow case. The pillow case encloses the pillow protector, which in tour holds the foam block and cooling layer. The pillow case has a breathable surface. The breathable surface is oriented to overly the cooling layer. A performance material can be used to form the breathable surface. To use the cooling pillow, the cooling pillow is oriented with the cooling layer and the breathable surface facing upward.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable head supporting apparatus. In the illustrated examples, a garment encases the adjustable head supporting apparatus. The apparatus may include a contoured head element, a contoured shoulder element, and at least one connecting member connectable to each of the head element and the shoulder element. The at least one connecting member may be configured to link the head element and the shoulder element such that the at least one connecting member facilitates displacing the head element and the shoulder element to adjust spacing between them and the at least one connecting member. Displacement of a first end of the head element and displacement of a first end of the shoulder element can be independent of displacement of a second end of the head element and a second end of the shoulder element. The head element and the shoulder element may be encased within a fabric garment.

Abstract: There is provided a patient support that may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be useable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a base, a controller, and a barrier having at least one electrical device. The base includes mounting structures for releasably mounting the barrier to the base. A first electrical connector is in communication with the at least one electrical device and mounted to the barrier. A second electrical connector is in communication with the controller and mounted at one of the mounting structures for connection with the first electrical connector when the barrier is mounted to the base at the mounting structures.

Abstract: Adjustable mattress assemblies are described in which a mattress incorporates regions where additional pressure reduction is adjustable via pliable fluid bladders filled with a gas or fluid. Such areas of the mattress where additional pressure reduction is desired may include regions of the mattress which support areas of the body which may be particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers such as the heels, sacral regions, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of cradle frames and cushions are described herein. A cradle frame includes a connection assembly, a support assembly, and a gear assembly. The connection assembly is configured to couple the cradle frame to a structure. The support assembly includes two side sections, and a middle section that is curved and positioned substantially between the two side sections. The gear assembly is coupled to the adjustment assembly for controlling the positioning of the support assembly. A cushion has a contoured upper side, and one or more opening in the middle part of the cushion on the underside.

Abstract: A bedding system for a mattress includes a mattress cover. The mattress cover has an exterior surface, an interior compartment and an opening sized and shaped to allow insertion of the mattress into the cover. The opening is preferably reclosable. The cover is sized and shaped to receive the mattress inside it such that when the covering material snugly envelopes the mattress, it follows the contours of the sides and panels of the mattress. The mattress cover includes a plurality of cover fasteners disposed along a first side portion, a second side portion, a head portion and a foot portion. The system includes a first sheet with a plurality of sheet fasteners that engage the plurality of cover fasteners. When the sheet is overlaid onto the mattress cover and each of the sheet fasteners engages one of the plurality of cover fasteners, the edges and panels of the sheet aligns with the panels of the mattress.

Abstract: A single mount, dock supported hammock frame that is removably securable to a pre-existing dock post. A first end of the hammock frame is configured to pivot about the connection with the dock post. A hammock can then be secured to opposing ends of the frame and positioned over a body of water near the dock when in use. The frame rises vertically from the dock and horizontally away from the mounting post to secure a hammock from above the hammock, allowing the hammock to freely swing over the water surface.

Abstract: Knitted fire barrier fabrics for use in forming a flame retardant article having a core include, for example, a plurality of flame-retardant yarns formed non-uniformly around a circumference of a knitting textile cylinder in a knitting process so as to define the knitted fire barrier fabric having at least one differential zone of material in a longitudinal direction of the knitting textile cylinder, and wherein the knitted fire barrier fabric being disposable on the core so that the at least one differential zone of material of the knitted fire barrier fabric providing a differential protective capacity to at least one selected portion of the flame retardant article.

Abstract: The multiple pod pillow system according to the present invention may be configured as a headpiece multiple pod pillow system a central pod, a first pod, and a second pod. Each of the pods may be independent and self-contained relative to the other pods. The multiple pod pillow system may also include hand straps or attachment fixtures that allow for the optional connection of one or more additional extension pods. The aforementioned hand straps and the aforementioned attachment fixtures may attach to the one or more additional extension pods. The one or more individual pods of the multiple pod pillow system may be configured, alone or in combination, to support the weight of the head and keep the neck at a height that will keep it in line with the spine when the user is sleeping on user's back or side.

Abstract: A sofa bed includes a mattress frame, a back frame, two arm frames and two cross beams, two arm frames are connected by the two cross beams, wherein the mattress frame and the back frame are rotatably pivoted. The inner side of the arm frame is disposed with a linking mechanism. The linking mechanism has a front connecting piece, rear connecting piece and a bridge connecting piece. Two ends of the bridge connecting piece are respectively pivoted to the front connecting piece and the rear connecting piece. The bottom end of the front connecting piece is pivoted to the arm frame. The bottom end of the rear connecting piece is pivoted to the arm frame. The linking mechanism has a front connecting piece, rear connecting piece and a bridge connecting piece.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck. A footboard is removably coupled to the frame. A compression therapy module is located inside the footboard or is mounted to a foot section of the frame. A sleeve port is pneumatically coupled to the compression therapy module and is located on the foot section. The sleeve port is configured for attachment to at least one tube extending from a compression sleeve worn on a limb of a patient. Control circuitry is coupled to the frame and is operable to control functions of the patient support apparatus and to control the compression therapy module. A graphical display screen is coupled to the control circuitry and displays user inputs that are selected to control functions of the patient support apparatus and the compression therapy module.