Abstract: A moisture control system includes a moisture control coverlet (10) and a fluid pump (18). The moisture control coverlet (10) includes a fluid pathway therein for moisture removal fluid. The fluid pump (18) is coupled to the fluid pathway for pumping fluid out of the fluid pathway by negative pressure at a fluid pump rate. The fluid pump rate can be adjustable and/or can be greater than 1 CFM.

Abstract: Systems for patient support, imaging, or transport include a modality with a support surface configured to support a patient thereon, a converter associated with the modality, the converter being configured to receive relatively low-volume high-pressure air from a source of the relatively low-volume high-pressure air and to convert the relatively low-volume high-pressure air into relatively high-volume low-pressure air, and an air flow device configured to receive the relatively high-volume low-pressure air from the converter and provide an air flow function to the modality using the relatively high-volume low-pressure air.

Abstract: A neck pillow for supporting the head of a user comprises left, right, and rear portions so as to be generally U-shaped. The neck pillow may include an inner frame which may be made of a material more rigid and denser than an outer material of the pillow so as to provide support. The left and right portions may include a chin support or protrusion so as to increase user comfort. Pillows according to the present disclosure may also include anchor points on each side for adjustment of the degree to which a closure mechanism attached to a connector such as a drawstring can be tightened. A closure mechanism which may be attached to the drawstring portions may include internal components that can prevent or make more difficult disconnection via horizontal force, and may also include magnets for connection of the left and right sides thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for metal bed stays designed primarily for usage on bunk beds, but which could be used on any type bed wherein the metal bed stay includes a horizontal portion upon which the mattress or a supporting Bunkie board would rest having opposing ends wherein each end is fastened to an opposite left and right bed side rail. The bed rail includes a horizontal cross piece which could be of any shape, but may be round, having opposing ends having an upward vertical leg on each end including a 90 degree bend portion with a thickened portion above the bend along with a transition area which transitions to a flattened portion which is wider so as to receive a plurality of apertures therein through which fasteners pass in order to attach the vertical leg portion to the inside surface of the opposing left and right bed side rails.

Abstract: A patient support, such as a mattress, includes a plurality of inflatable bladders. Depth sensors are included in the support that measure the degree of penetration of a patient into the mattress. An air pressure sensor is also included that measures the pressure inside at least one bladder. A suitable inflation level of the mattress is determined by monitoring the rate of change of the depth with respect to air pressure as the bladder is either inflated or deflated. By detecting an inflection point in the graphical relationship of the depth and pressure outputs, a suitable inflation point for the bladders is determined that reduces interface pressures experienced by the patient, yet does not overly sink the patient into the mattress to a degree of discomfort. Analyzing the outputs of the depth and pressure sensors can also be used to detect a patient's heart rate and respiration rate.

Abstract: The infant crib with safety measures integrated therein is an item of furniture adapted for use with a child. The infant crib with safety measures integrated therein comprises a crib, an end cabinet, and an entertainment center. The infant crib with safety measures integrated therein is designed to sit directly on a supporting surface such that the severity and risk of a fall are reduced. The interior surfaces of the pen of the crib are lined with a silicone gel padding that reduces the probability of an impact injuries. The silicone gel padding further reduces injury risk by discouraging chewing along the edges of the infant crib with safety measures integrated therein. The end cabinet provides storage space for used near the infant crib with safety measures integrated therein. The entertainment center is a collection of stimuli that aid in a child's development.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or impermeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.

Abstract: A comfort device comprising a plurality of elongate inserts is disclosed herein. The comfort device can include one or more compartments configured to store the plurality of elongate inserts. The plurality of elongate inserts can have a length and a cross-section, where the cross-section has a cross-sectional area and a plurality of dimensions. The length of the inserts can be at least eight inches and at least eight times a greatest dimension of the cross-sectional area. The comfort device can include one or more openings and fastening mechanism corresponding to the one or more openings. The plurality of elongate inserts can generate tensional force in response to a force applied to the comfort device, thus providing improved elasticity for the comfort device.

Abstract: This nursing bed has a fixed member forming a fixed bed surface of a bed portion on which a care receiver lies, a movable member which can be moved relative to the fixed member and forms a movable bed surface of the bed portion, and a movable member driving unit for driving the movable member. The fixed member has a plurality of slender parts each extending in the lateral direction or the longitudinal direction. The movable member has a mobile body which can be protruded upward relative to the fixed bed surface and also moved in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction via an interval between the plurality of slender parts by the movable member driving unit. The posture of the care receiver lying on the bed can be changed into his/her optimal position without difficulty.

Abstract: A bedding climate control apparatus that delivers, in a quiet manner, forced airflow from a fan/blower within a housing to selectively deliver tempered (heated via a thermal element) forced airflow and non-tempered (room temperature) forced airflow through a flexible air conduit to bedding. The thermal element imparts heat to temper the forced airflow and the heat deliver may be adjusted to maintain a constant set temperature by adjusting imparted heating power depending on backpressure changes in the forced airflow and ambient temperature.

Abstract: A connection system for use in joining structural members of a bed frame together. One of the structural members has a wedge and the other of the structural members has a cavity formed in a receiver. The wedge has a plurality of exterior surfaces that contact with a plurality of interior surfaces formed in the cavity. The wedge may be comprised of a plurality of wedge segments that enter into a plurality of openings in the receiver. The interfitting of the wedge into the receiver make a solid connection that is enhanced by weight of the bedding positioned thereon. The connection resists twisting forces as well as lateral and fore and aft forces.

Abstract: A fluid-fillable cushion comprises upper and lower layers, a first chamber and a second chamber and a discrete pressure distributing unit situated between the upper and lower layers, said pressure distributing unit providing a fluid connection between at least the first chamber and the second chamber. Such a cushion reduces leaks and allows controlled pressure equalisation between the chambers. Also disclosed is a process for making such cushions and seating products comprising such cushions.

Abstract: A hammock consisting of a reclining surface and two opposite tapering ends. Each end leading to a suspension, wherein the base surface of the hammock is fashioned as an open ellipse with pointed converging ends in the form of end pieces. The reclining surface comprises a roughly rectangular middle region, which is stitched at both transverse edges each time to an edge of a roughly triangular or circular segment shaped end piece, which leads to a suspension at its free, pointed end.

Abstract: A coil spring mattress and adjustable foundation assembly includes a coil spring mattress; and an adjustable foundation including a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section and/or the leg and foot section from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section. Likewise, the intermediate or seat section is configured to decrease in length upon articulation of the head and back section and/or the leg and foot section from an inclined position to a flat position or a decrease in length upon declination of any section.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation and process includes a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to the head and back section and the second portion is hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section. Likewise, the intermediate or seat section 20 is configured to decrease in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from an inclined position to a flat position or a decrease in length upon declination of any section.

Abstract: A manual lifting sling device including a bottom support portion, a rear side support portion, a left side retainer portion and a right side retainer portion, at least two lift handles, a left foldable portion, and a right foldable portion; wherein the manual lifting sling device is configured to be switchable between a standby state in the form of a sheet and an operation state in the form of a seat.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: Cushions include a chassis core having a rigid or semi-rigid base sheet; and a plurality of paired flat springs coupled to the rigid or semi-rigid base sheet, wherein each paired flat spring comprises a lower flat spring including a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a flexible arcuate member extending from the first terminal end to the second terminal end, and an upper flat spring including a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a flexible arcuate member extending from the first terminal end to the second terminal end, wherein the first and second terminal ends of the upper flat spring are fixedly attached to respective first and second terminal ends of the lower flat spring such that the upper flat spring is inverted relative to the lower flat spring. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the core chassis.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or non-permeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or impermeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.