Abstract: An inflatable portable ledge apparatus comprises an inflatable platform having a plurality of transverse baffles and a plurality of longitudinal baffles. There are a plurality of suspension straps connected to the inflatable platform. The suspension straps are connected the inflatable platform so that a load on the inflatable platform is distributed across all the suspension straps when the portable ledge apparatus is anchored at a single point.

Abstract: A collapsible bed frame includes a first lateral bar unit, a second lateral bar unit, and a longitudinal supporting bar unit. The first and second lateral bar units are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The first lateral bar unit includes a first coupler to removably couple with a first end of the longitudinal supporting bar unit. The second lateral bar unit includes a second coupler to removably couple with a second end of the longitudinal supporting bar unit. The collapsible bed frame also includes first and second longitudinal bar units. The first longitudinal bar unit is rotatably connected with the first ends of the first and second lateral bar units. The second longitudinal bar unit is rotatably connected with the second ends of the first and second lateral bar units.

Abstract: Disclosed are connectors and collapsible bed frames. A collapsible bed frame includes first and second frame units disposed side by side. Each of the first and second frame units comprises a plurality of bar units with adjacent bar units rotatably connected with each other. A collapsible bed frame also includes an inner lateral bar unit disposed between the first and second frame units, and rotatably connected with the first and second frame units. During contraction and expansion, the first frame unit, the second frame unit and the inner lateral bar unit remain substantially on a first plane defined by a top surface of the collapsible bed frame when it is expanded.

Abstract: New forms of sand-resistant towels, mats, and other textiles, devices, systems and methods are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a beach towel or mat with an inherent sand guard at its edge, and around its periphery, is provided. In other aspects, the guard comprises an internal inflatable skeleton, optimized to demark a home base and prevent small children from wandering from a play area on or about the home base. In still other aspects, the towel or mat is configured for packing and toting by folding and rolling techniques, and the towel or mat presents specialized packing, toting and other devices, such as a sealable pocket(s), reversible self-holding strap(s) and a shoulder strap(s), when so folded and rolled. In several embodiments, the profile and component material(s) of the towel or mat are also specialized to prevent the influx and retention of sand and other loose ground particles.

Abstract: A low air loss mattress to provide a variable pressure to an individual who is confined to a bed. The mattress has an air plenum and a motor driven blower to inflate the air plenum. The blower is housed within a pull-out and interchangeable pump cartridge that is received within a pump cartridge receptacle inside the mattress. The pump cartridge is removable from the pump cartridge receptacle to permit the blower to be repaired or replaced without having to discard the mattress. Ambient air is supplied to the blower by way of a tuned air pump inlet path that winds between a pair of sound absorbing blocks. Air is blown front the blower to the air plenum by way of a tuned air manifold that is located inside the mattress to inflate the air plenum. Bluetooth compatible sensors located inside the mattress are responsive to physical parameters to which the mattress is subjected.

Abstract: A pillow may include a pillowcase having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, and first and second opposing sides extending between the first end and the second end. The pillowcase also may include first and second end chambers respectively adjacent the first and second ends, a medial chamber between the first and second end chambers, and baffles extending between the first and second opposing sides and defining the first and second end chambers and the medial chamber. The pillow also may include a pillow insert within one of the first and second end chambers, and the medial chamber.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a drop down sleeper cabin for a motor vehicle, comprising: a sleeping surface, the sleeping section comprising an extendible surface covered with a mattress; and a cover panel, the cover panel having a moveable engagement system to lock the cover panel to the sleeping surface, wherein the sleeping surface is moveable from an upper position engaging the cover panel to a lower position disengaged from the cover pane and wherein the sleeper cabin provides a storage space when in the upper position and a human-sized sleeping area when in the lower position.

Abstract: A patient positioning device facilitates the placement of a patient in the prone position on the bolsters of a medical table or bed more quickly. The patient positioning device facilitates the surgeon's removal of their arms from underneath the patient once the patient has been properly positioned in the prone position on the medical table or bed (e.g., without shifting the patient out of place). Additionally, the patient positioning device inhibits (e.g., prevents) the surgeon's arms from coming into contact with the patient's skin.

Abstract: A play yard comprises two brackets, two rail members, two support frames, a central member, a plurality of connecting members and a latch mechanism. The rail members are pivotally connected to the brackets. Each of the support frames comprises two upper support members and a lower support member. The upper support members are pivotally connected to the brackets. The lower support member is pivotally connected to the upper support members. The connecting members are pivotally connected to the central member and the lower support member. The latch mechanism is configured to lock or unlock the connecting members. When the latch mechanism locks the connecting members, the rail members, the upper support members, the lower support member and the connecting members are unfolded. When the latch mechanism unlocks the connecting members, the rail members, the upper support members, the lower support member and the connecting members are able to be folded.

Abstract: An adjustable pillow (1), which includes a casing (2) and a closable opening (12) to access the interior of the casing (2) where a plurality of small pillows (17) are contained. The small pillows (17) have filling (26) that provides support to the pillow (1) that is adjustable. The adjustment process involves a single variable of adjusting the quantity of small pillows (17) contained within the pillow (1) interior. This process allows incremental and simultaneous adjustments to the firmness, density, height and size of the pillow (1). Small pillows (17) are unique in shape, filling density and materials that allows them to self-adjust within the pillow (1) interior, creating a unified group of level filling (26) for the pillow. Small pillows (17) provide pleasing increments of adjustment that accommodates a wide range of sleeping positions and comfort preferences.

Abstract: Disclosed are collapsible beds and bed frames. A collapsible bed frame includes first and frame units disposed side by side and connected with each other at their proximal sides. Each of the first and second frame units comprises a plurality of bar units. Adjacent bar units are connected with each other and rotatable with respect to each other along one or more axes each substantially perpendicular to a first plane defined by a top surface of the collapsible bed frame when it is expanded. The first and second frame units can contract and expand while remaining on the first plane and while connected with each other.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base, a patient support surface, and a reference sensor arranged to sense inclination of the support structure. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and operable to propel the patient transport apparatus. A handle assembly is operable by a user to control operation of the drive system. The handle assembly comprises a handle movable relative to the base and a position sensor arranged to sense positioning of the handle. A controller is coupled to the reference sensor and the position sensor, and is adapted to control the drive system in response to signals received from the reference sensor and the position sensor.

Abstract: A bedding system includes a box layer having a duct and an inlet. The duct has a passageway that is in communication with the inlet. A capacitor layer includes a cavity that is in communication with the passageway. A mattress layer includes a bottom surface and a top surface that defines a sleep surface. A hole extends through the top and bottom surfaces and is in communication with the cavity. A central vacuum system includes a power unit, a pipe having a first end that is connected to the power unit and a second end connected to an outlet and a hose having a first end that is connected to the outlet and a second end that is connected to the at least one inlet.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing patient therapy protocols are disclosed. The system includes a patient support apparatus for supporting a patient, a first input device for use by a first caregiver, a second input device coupled for use by a second caregiver, a location system for determining a location of the first caregiver, and a therapy management system. The therapy management system receives a location of the first caregiver and a selection of a patient therapy protocol, which includes a location requirement. The therapy management system then determines whether the first caregiver location input signal satisfies the location requirement before initiating the selected patient therapy protocol or notifying the second caregiver if the location of the first caregiver does not satisfy the location requirement.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base supported by caster assemblies with each caster assembly comprising a stem, a caster wheel, and a caster wheel axle. A patient support surface is coupled to the base and is configured to receive a load. One or more load sensors are integrated with at least one of the stem, the caster wheel, or the caster wheel axle for measuring the load. One or more of the caster assemblies can be coupled to a steering motor, which controls orientation of the caster assembly. A controller can control the steering motors based on analyzing the measurements of the load sensor. The load sensors can produce measurements indicative of both vertical load and non-vertical load applied to the caster assembly. The controller can also analyze the measurements of the load sensor to determine the load received by the patient support surface by negating the non-vertical load.

Abstract: This invention relates to a repositioning device that is used for treating orthopedic conditions, diseases and injuries in infants, including plagiocephaly. The repositioning device comprises a wrap and a side support that, during use of the repositioning device, allows for the passive rotation of an infant's neck, gradual elongation of an infant's head and stretching of an infant's musculoskeletal system.

Abstract: An ergonomic pad includes a bladder formed of a pliable material and a granular material disposed within the bladder and at least partially filling the bladder. A port is coupled to the bladder and configured to enable evacuation of air from the bladder. The bladder also includes a sealable opening distinct from the port to add or remove the granular material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regimen mattress. The regimen mattress includes a layer. The layer includes at least a cavity having an opening. At least a function foam block or a replaceable foam block is disposed in the cavity through the opening.

Abstract: A climate control system provides the desired climate conditions of temperature and humidity at a contact surface of a multi-layered structure. The climate control system includes a heating mechanism disposed between one or more foam layers of structure and configured to deliver heat to the contact surface and a separate cooling mechanism disposed in the foam layers. The cooling mechanism includes at least one fan assembly, air channels and reticulated foam layers configured to draw air away from the contact surface toward the bottom of the structure. An operational control system is used to control the heating mechanism and cooling mechanism to achieve the desired climate conditions on the contact surface in accordance with a desired time-based climate control algorithm.

Abstract: A patient lifting assembly includes a first housing that is coupled to a vertical support surface to be positioned adjacent to a user's head when the user is lying in a bed. A first cable is retracted or extended outwardly from the first housing. A first handle is coupled to the first cable and the first handle can be gripped by a user to urge the user toward the head of the bed. A second housing is coupled to a vertical support surface to be positioned adjacent to a user's feet when the user is lying in the bed. A second cable is retracted or extended outwardly from the second housing. A second handle is coupled to the second cable and the second handle can be gripped by a user to urge the user into an upright, seated position.