Abstract: A seat cushion is disclosed that can be easily attached to, and removed from, a chair or seat utilizing a mesh seat bottom. The removable seat cushion includes a collection of downwardly extending engagement members that engage the mesh upon insertion through voids in the mesh. In certain applications, the seat cushion is formed from a vertically lapped fibrous batt.

Abstract: A pad is described comprising a padding layer and at least one sheet layer adjacent to the padding layer. The sheet layer is formed from a web of very fine fibers. The padding layer provides support for the patient. The sheet layer comprises a fabric material that is comfortable for the patient to use. The padding layer and the one or more sheet layer(s) exhibit a particular combination of properties such as high strength and high fluid absorption and retention properties. The pad provides a means for either adjusting a patient within a bed or for transferring a patient from one bed to another bed or medical table. The pad may also be used as part of a stretcher or separately as a bedroll. The pad may optionally contain gripping components and drapes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dry hydrotherapy to a reclined human subject in a home or commercial environment. The systems include an enclosed tub with an external support frame and an internal operational frame. The enclosed tub includes a multi-layer cover upon which the human subject may recline to receive the hydrotherapy. The cover includes an open netting layer attached to a perimeter edge of the tub for supporting the weight of the user and a pliable waterproof layer positioned over the netting for containing the liquid used in the hydrotherapy while still transferring the massaging force of the liquid to the user. The liquid is directed under pressure against the underside of the cover with a moveable liquid jet source positioned on a track within the tub. A liquid circulation system cycles the liquid through the tub enclosure in the process of providing the dry hydrotherapy. A sleep system includes a selectively inflated air mattress.

Abstract: A seat cushion is disclosed that can be easily attached to, and removed from, a chair or seat utilizing a mesh seat bottom. The removable seat cushion includes a collection of downwardly extending engagement members that engage the mesh upon insertion through voids in the mesh. In certain applications, the seat cushion is formed from a vertically lapped fibrous batt.

Abstract: An arm rest for furniture or other chair or seating applications is described. The arm rest includes a cushion member, a frame component, and an optional covering or protective layer. In certain applications, the arm rest is formed from a vertically lapped fibrous batt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dry hydrotherapy to a reclined human subject in a home or commercial environment. The systems include an enclosed tub with an external support frame and an internal operational frame. The enclosed tub includes a multi-layer cover upon which the human subject may recline to receive the hydrotherapy. The cover includes an open netting layer attached to a perimeter edge of the tub for supporting the weight of the user and a pliable waterproof layer positioned over the netting for containing the liquid used in the hydrotherapy while still transferring the massaging force of the liquid to the user. The liquid is directed under pressure against the underside of the cover with a moveable liquid jet source positioned on a track within the tub. A liquid circulation system cycles the liquid through the tub enclosure in the process of providing the dry hydrotherapy. A sleep system includes a selectively inflated air mattress.

Abstract: A bed pad is described comprising a padding layer and at least one sheet layer adjacent to the padding layer. The sheet layer is formed from a web of very fine polyethylene fibers. The padding layer provides support for the patient. The sheet layer comprises a fabric material that is comfortable for the patient to use. The bed pad provides a means for either adjusting a patient within a bed or for transferring a patient from one bed to another bed or medical table. The bed pad may also be used as part of a stretcher or separately as a bedroll. The bed pad may optionally contain gripping components and drapes.

Abstract: A seat cushion is disclosed that can be easily attached to, and removed from, a chair or seat utilizing a mesh seat bottom. The removable seat cushion includes a collection of downwardly extending engagement members that engage the mesh upon insertion through voids in the mesh.

Abstract: A bed pad is disclosed comprising a padding layer and at least one sheet layer adjacent to the padding layer. The padding layer provides support for the patient. The sheet layer comprises a fabric material that is comfortable for the patient to use. The bed pad provides a means for either adjusting a patient within a bed or for transferring a patient from one bed to another bed or medical table. The bed pad may also be used as part of a stretcher or separately as a bedroll. The bed pad may optionally contain gripping components and drapes.

Abstract: A moldable batt is disclosed that comprises a fire-retardant cellulose, a fiber component, and a binder component. In one version of the invention, the fiber and binder components are provided as a conjugate fiber material. The batt is compressed and heated to form panels or other products that are particularly useful in the office furniture industry.

Abstract: A molded finished part includes a finish insert (172) with a finish disposed upon a front insert side and a body portion of the molded part. The insert (172) has a substantially rigid yet resilient layer of moldable material. The layer has opposing front and back insert sides. The part body portion has a body surface that corresponds to the back insert side. The body portion is also formed of moldable material. Further, the body surface and the back insert side are melded together in a substantially indistinguishable interface.

Abstract: An assembly of air heaters and reciprocally movable air driven staking tools is provided for use in the assembly of pieces using thermally softenable and pressure deformable studs. The air heaters and air driven staking tools are assembled in a supporting structure through which air is circulated to cool the staking tools to limit adhesion of hot softened material to the working face of each staking tool. The air heaters and air driven staking tools are individually selectable and controllable to meet the requirement of each workpiece to be hot staked. The method of operating the hot staking assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat staking apparatus includes a workpiece support and a moveable support plate having a planar surface spaced from the workpiece support. A plurality of extensible components are supported on the support plate by holders that slideably engage the planar surface in a manner allowing horizontal adjustment in an infinite number of directions within a given area on the plane. The extensible components include staking tools configured to heat stake a workpiece located on the workpiece support. The hot staking apparatus further includes a plurality of adjustable hot air heater assemblies, one for each extensible cylinder. Each hot air assembly includes a holder adjustably secured to the support plate. The holder includes opposing members, one of which is spring-loaded for removably releasably engaging and holding the respective hot air heater assembly.

Abstract: An upholstering apparatus is provided including a frame, a work-supporting plate operably mounted on the frame including a nest configured to support a sheet of upholstery material, especially fabric, and a substrate. A clamp on the frame is configured to rubbingly press the substrate against the upholstering material. In a first embodiment, a plurality of edge fold assemblies are located around the nest, each including a first subassembly having an edge fold blade operably attached to the work-supporting plate, and a second subassembly operably attached to the clamp for engaging the edge fold blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying a composite tape on an elongated molding is provided. The apparatus includes a reciprocatable carrier for carrying the molding, a composite tape applicator adapted to apply a pair of parallel strips of composite tape to the back of the molding, and a release-paper-adhering tape applicator adapted to apply release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper on the composite tape. The composite tape applicator includes a composite tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting an expended strip of composite tape from a supply of the composite tape, and a pressing roller for pressing the composite tape securely onto the molding. The release-paper-adhering tape applicator includes a second tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting a section of the release-paper-adhering tape from a supply of the release-paper-adhering tape, and a pressing member and a heater for securely bonding the section of release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper of the composite tape.

Abstract: A staple forming and driving apparatus utilizes bulk wire as the starting material. The apparatus has a fixed anvil block and movable forming and driving blocks. The anvil block contains an anvil about which a staple is formed and a stripper member which is normally biased to the extended position covering the anvil block. A forming block has a pair of projecting camming surfaces which, when it approaches the anvil block, causes the stripper member to recede. After the stripper has been cammed back, wire enters the anvil block across the anvil unit until it contacts the opposite side. The forming block continues to advance until a centrally disposed pressure foot contacts the wire holding the wire in place against the anvil. A forming blade on either side of the pressure foot continues to advance, cutting the wire and bending it around the anvil to form a staple.

Abstract: An assembly of air heaters and reciprocally movable air driven staking tools is provided for use in the assembly of pieces using thermally softenable and pressure deformable studs. The air heaters and air driven staking tools are assembled in a supporting structure through which air is circulated to cool the staking tools to limit adhesion of hot softened material to the working face of each staking tool. The air heaters and air driven staking tools are individually selectable and controllable to meet the requirement of each workpiece to be hnot staked. The method of operating the hot staking assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An upholstery wrapping apparatus and method using a mold having a flexible lip around the open top of the mold cavity so that as a substrate and covering therefore are pushed down into the cavity, the lip deflects and then snaps back to force the flexible margin of the upholstery to wrap around to the back side of the substrate.