Abstract: Systems and methods of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions can be provided. The helmet can include an outer shell, an outer liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell, and an inner liner disposed within and coupled in spaced opposition to the outer liner. A polymer liner can be coupled to the inner liner and can at least partly separate the outer liner and the inner liner. Pads and dampers can also couple the outer liner and inner liner and provide for and control omnidirectional movement of the liners relative to each other.

Abstract: An inflatable patient support includes a top panel defining a first perimeter and a bottom panel defining a second perimeter. The second perimeter of the bottom panel is coupled to the first perimeter of the top panel. An internal wall is coupled between the top panel and the bottom panel to define a first chamber and a second chamber. The internal wall defines at least one passage therethrough that allows fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are inflatable.

Abstract: Multi-layer cushion supports are described which may generally comprise a first support having a first contact surface for contacting a portion of a body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface. The second support may be filled with a second gas or liquid which is relatively more viscous than the first gas or liquid. In particular, the first support may be filled with a volume of air and the second support may be filled with oil which is less than the volume of air.

Abstract: An inflatable neck pillow is disclosed comprising a generally C-shaped inflatable pillow that approximates the shape of a human neck, wherein the pillow includes an air valve for inflating and deflating the same and means for securing the pillow within the compartment of a garment with a stowable hood. The pillow preferably has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is longer than the lower portion, with an indentation or narrower portion between such that the pillow remains securely in place when inserted into the storage compartment of a garment collar.

Abstract: An adjustable height seat post including supporting means connectable to a bicycle frame, a quill associated with said supporting means and having a head suitable to clamp rails of a bicycle saddle, hydraulic adjusting means, associated with said supporting means, for lifting or lowering said quill in a desired position selected by the user, said hydraulic adjusting means including a cylindrical chamber inside which a piston assembly is foreseen, and valve means, suitable to selectively open or close an hydraulic path through said piston assembly for selectively lock or unlock the position of said piston assembly relative to said cylindrical chamber, and the valve means comprise at least a valve body, associated with said piston assembly, which is selectively rotatable from an open position, in which the hydraulic path is open, to a closed position in which the hydraulic path is closed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved impact absorption padding for a contact sports helmet, for contact sports such as football, hockey and lacrosse, which incorporates a plurality of air pockets formed from a resiliently flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. At least some of the air pockets enclose a coil or spring. The coil or spring is also resiliently flexible over a wide range of temperatures, and oriented to compress in the general direction of impact to absorb a substantial portion of the energy before it is transferred to the head of the player. The coil or spring is also sized and shaped to return the air pocket to a desired thickness and shape after an impact. The air pockets may be arranged to substantially cover the outside of a contact sports helmet shell as a layer of impact absorption padding. A second inner layer of impact absorption padding may also be provided inside the contact sports helmet shell.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with an inflatable bladder having a rear surface and a support surface opposite the rear surface is provided. The subassembly includes a seat climate control system having an air duct. An air duct tunnel is formed in the inflatable bladder and extends from the rear surface to the support surface. The air duct tunnel cooperates with the air duct to supply climate control air to a seating surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an inflatable air cushion with at least one pressure indicator, the cushion including an outer side and at least one chamber, the at least one chamber made up of one or more films that are joined, thereby forming one or more airtight chambers, the cushion furthermore including a valve opening for connecting an air supply line, the valve opening being accessible from the surface of the cushion. The invention furthermore relates to a method of inflating such an inflatable cushion with pressure indicator.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. A seat bladder is disposed between a support and trim material face. The bladder is positively pressurized when the seat is unoccupied. An elastomeric reservoir is operably coupled with the seat bladder via a fluid line, wherein fluid moves to and pressurizes the reservoir when a passenger is seated on the seat. A rigid containment unit is configured to house the reservoir and limit expansion of the reservoir.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of providing a bed using a plurality of interchangeable adjustable firmness springs to provide localized comfort and support to the user of the bed. The plurality of interchangeable springs may have a plurality of different firmnesses to provide customizable local comfort to a user. The foam springs are color coded based on the firmness associated with the foam spring. The foam springs have markings and/or health devices attached to an end of the foam spring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a strut assembly for use with a vehicle. The strut assembly has a shock absorber having a shock absorber tube, a lower spring seat, a tubular member and a coil spring. The lower spring seat supports one end of the spring and includes a tubular member having an inner wall surface, and is configured to receive the shock absorber tube therein. The lower spring seat has an annular member extending radially outwardly from the tubular member with a surface for supporting the one end of the coil spring thereon. The tubular member has a portion constructed to deform and collapse in response to a predetermined excessive force experienced by the shock absorber.

Abstract: A pneumatic element including: a first, a second, and a third air chamber which are coupled to one another, the first air chamber being coupled to the second air chamber by a weld joint and the second air chamber being coupled to the third air chamber by another weld joint; and an overflow area, which is arranged within the weld joints along a longitudinal axis of the pneumatic element, for a pneumatic communication between the air chambers. Each of the air chambers has a first state in which a pressure inside the air chambers corresponds to a pressure outside of the air chambers and a second state in which the pressure inside the air chambers is greater than the pressure outside of the air chambers. Furthermore, a flow opening is provided for a pneumatic communication between the overflow region and the second air chamber in the first state.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a cushion with active seating capacity, the cushion having a sitting portion and a rigid material to maintain the sitting portion.

Abstract: A cushion device including a first material layer is attached with a first plurality of viscoelastic members. A second material layer is attached with a second plurality of viscoelastic members. A material wall surrounds the first material layer and the second material layer. A first fill material is disposed between the first material layer and the second material layer.

Abstract: A method and device adapted to be worn on the head of a user comprising: at least one inflatable band, one of a proximity sensor, inertia switch, or gravity type switch, a gas releasing device which causes the inflatable band to inflate when the proximity sensor or inertia switch is actuated, whereby when the device is worn on the head of the user is automatically activated in the case of a fall or impact to cushion the head of the user.

Abstract: An adjustable pad that can have a substantially level top regardless of the slope or configuration of the surface it is placed upon. The adjustable pad can have a sheet coupled with one or more support members. The support members can be formed or adjusted to account for the slope of the surface. The adjustable pad can be used to change a child's diaper, as a sleeping pad, or for other desired reasons, regardless of the configuration of the surface.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion, in particular for a vehicle seat, has an upper and a lower film wall and at least one longitudinal welded seam. The upper and the lower film wall in the collapsed installed state of the pneumatic cushion bear against one another and form a flat structure which is defined to the side by longitudinal side edges. The longitudinal welded seam of the film bladder is provided in a film region between the two longitudinal side edges of the pneumatic cushion.

Abstract: A bicycle seat adjustable device includes an outer tube with an inner tube movably inserted therein and a piston is connected to the inner tube. A valve control device includes an outer path tube in the inner tube, and a lower end of the outer path tube is connected to the piston and a top end of the outer path tube extends toward the inner tube. A movable piston is movably mounted to the outer path tube. An outer oil room and an inner air room are defined between the inner tube and the outer path tube. A valve unit is connected to the inner path tube to form an inner oil room and a path which communicates with the outer oil room and the inner oil room, and controlled by the valve unit. The inner tube and the inner path tube increases the travel distance of the hydraulic oil.

Abstract: A vertical springing device to allow the vertical springing and absorption of vibrations of a first telescopic element, in particular connected to the seat-part of a seat, with respect to a second fixed element, in particular connected to the base of the seat, comprises adjustment means of the elastic type, disposed inside the first telescopic element and able to adjust in height the level of the first telescopic element with respect to the second fixed element, and a springing mechanism, for the vertical springing of the first telescopic element with respect to the second fixed element.

Abstract: A boat seat is pivotably hingedly attached along a line parallel to its front edge to a supporting member spaced below the boat seat with shock-absorbing resilient padding located in the spacing between the underside of the boat seat and the supporting member. Preferably the padding is slidably adjustable and also can be removed and replaced with padding of different durometers as necessary for differing conditions.

Abstract: An adjustable-length gas spring comprises a housing and a piston rod led out of the latter, on which a piston is disposed, dividing the housing into two partial housing chambers. Provision is made for a valve for the partial housing chambers to be connected with each other, the valve comprising a valve-operating lever, which is arranged pivotably at right angles to its longitudinal direction and a valve seat of which, when the lever is pivoted out of a position of rest into a position of opening of the valve, can be lifted off a seal, while forming a gap that connects the partial housing chambers with each other.

Abstract: An active shock-absorbing boat seat system has a seat system mounted to the boat deck through an active shock absorber. Sensors monitor both the shock to be passed from the deck to the seat as well as the shock actually received by the seat after passing through the shock absorbing system. A controller monitors the shock levels and provides a continuing control signal to the shock-absorbing unit to control the response of the shock-absorbing unit during the duration of the shock. The control system can provide for adjustment of various operating parameters for the system, including initial position of the seating system, overall ride stiffness, maximum allowable shock, and other parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shock absorbing suspension system supporting a seat on a floor of a vehicle. The suspension system includes a hydraulic bag filled with a liquid and coupled to support the seat on the floor, the hydraulic bag having a valve orifice. The suspension system also includes a reservoir partially filled with liquid, having a lower orifice, an upper orifice, and a baffle positioned adjacent the lower orifice to impede the liquid from escaping through the upper orifice. An adjustable valve has an internal passageway communicating with the hydraulic bag via its valve orifice and the reservoir via its lower orifice to allow the liquid from the hydraulic bag to pass into the reservoir. The passageway can be made sufficiently small to dampen motion of the seat toward and away from the floor. The reservoir includes a supply of gas in direct communication with the liquid, the gas being compressed when the liquid enters the reservoir through the valve, thereby providing a spring.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a pneumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated assembly includes a casing made of a flexible resilient material, such as rubber or polyurethane, a coiled tension spring sleeved on the casing for biasing the casing to move toward a retracted position, and a coiled spacing spring interposed between the tension spring and the casing for preventing any wall of the casing from being clamped between any two adjacent turns of the tension spring. When a compressed fluid is applied to the interior of the casing, the casing extends.

Abstract: An adjustable leveling suspension unit for vehicle shock absorbers having an external coil compression spring in cooperation therewith in the general manner of the MacPherson type strut assembly. The adjustable leveling unit includes a seat for the coil spring which is slidable on the shock cylinder, a collar and sleeve combination on the shock cylinder in position to support the seat and to slide the seat to different positions on the shock cylinder when necessary to correct for spring sag and restore the shock absorber to its desired position, and a guide or key to hold the spring seat against rotation while being moved on the shock cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated clutch booster utilizes a seat accumulator incorporated in a vehicle seat suspension circuit for a source of fluid pressure when the normal clutch booster fluid supply pump is not operating thereby providing hydraulic assist to operate the vehicle's clutch upon initial start up.

Abstract: A hydraulic seat cushioning device comprising a cylinder body and a piston has a concentric post-like upward projection in the cylinder body with a cylindrical surface in which there are a pressure fluid port and a vent port. An annular valving element closely slidably surrounding the post-like portion covers those ports when in a normal position but uncovers the vent port when above that position and uncovers the pressure fluid port when below it. The piston is so connected with the valving element as to move independently thereof in a lower portion of its stroke, but through the remainder of the piston stroke the valving element is constrained to move with the piston.

Abstract: A seat assembly in which a seat is mounted on a vibration damping mounting including a variable rate spring in the form of a fluid filled and pressurized pouch disposed between two rigid members capable of relative rotation, vertical movements of the seat which result in relative rotation of the two rigid members towards each other being arranged to compress the pouch and increase the area of contact of the pouch with the rigid members.

Abstract: An air damped seating particularly for devices and vehicles comprising a control chamber, an air chamber, both of variable volume, and a damping duct. The control chamber is provided with an air inlet flange and a valve, and is connected to the air chamber by a connection pipe. The damping duct is connected with one end portion to an air outlet opening of the air chamber and is tightly sealed on its other end portion. The length of the duct is defined by its radius, the excitation frequency of the oscillation to be damped, and by the mass to be damped, which is in connection with the chambers.