Thin Strips Patents (Class 5/191)
  • Patent number: 11197793
    Abstract: There is described methods of monitoring a patient on a bed. An exemplary method includes receiving one or more sensory outputs from sensors associated with the bed, analysing the one or more sensory outputs and determining a plurality of features of the patient therefrom, and receiving the plurality of patient features and determining a health assessment by inputting the patient features into a statistical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ably Medical AS
    Inventors: Jørn Refsnæs, Arve Voldsund, Cato Alexander Bjørkli, Leila Yousif Circhirillo, Kjell Are Furnes
  • Patent number: 10258527
    Abstract: A latticed patient-hoisting device for a hospital bed and methods of its use for lifting, moving, turning and positioning of hospital patients. Embodiments of the device have a plurality of vertical and parallel straps running parallel to the patient's body from head to feet and a plurality of horizontal straps perpendicular to the vertical straps. The ends of the horizontal straps are removably attached to one or more rails of a hospital bed by a loop. The device is placed under a patient, and the patient is moved by drawing one or more ends of one side of the horizontal straps and attaching those ends to one or more rails on the same side of the bed. In embodiments, one or more horizontal straps may be detached from a rail or repositioned along it to provide access to a particular area of the patient's body for patient care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Taina Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10143605
    Abstract: A support arrangement and corresponding method, is provided for supporting a user in a seated invalid appliance, the arrangement comprising a support member and at least one reconfigurable connection arrangement arranged to enable connection of the support member to the appliance and the application an adjustable tensile load to the support member. The connection arrangement may comprise a bridging element configured to extend between the support member and the appliance, such as a clip or hook. The hook or clip may be S-shaped or C-shaped in cross section. The connection arrangement may be received in an aperture or recess provided in the support member and/or the appliance to bridge the gap there between. The invention is particularly suited for use with wheelchairs or seated sports appliances for a disabled user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Roma Medical Aids Limited
    Inventor: John Pitt
  • Patent number: 10098473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptive sleeping system which makes it possible to adapt the resilient capacity at various positions to the anatomy and/or position of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: CUSTOM8 NV
    Inventors: Karel Jozef Van Brussel, Hans Lieve Jos Druyts, Tom De Wilde
  • Patent number: 9814323
    Abstract: To provide a bottom for a bed apparatus that can make the user feel comfortable when lying on the bed apparatus. The bottom for a bed apparatus, which is height adjustable and is mounted on the top of a bed apparatus, comprising a plurality of parts each formed of a resin plate having a thickness, including a back bottom, a hip bottom, a knee bottom and a foot bottom. Of the parts, essential parts are joined by connecting parts, and the connecting parts are formed of the same material with, to be thinner than, and integrally with, the essential parts, and, depressed portions are formed on the top surface of the bottom around the center in the width direction of the bottom, and a plurality of passage holes are perforated in the depressed portions from the top surface to the undersurface of the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Nomura, Yuji Nakano, Tatsuya Shimada, Eita Hirai, Takeshi Yanagihara, Takaki Matsumoto, Dan Kageyama, Shinnosuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 9789019
    Abstract: The disclosed adjustable backrest provides a plurality of generally horizontal straps arranged from the top to the bottom of the rigid back shell to provide anterior to posterior support and comfort for a patient. Generally speaking, the generally horizontal straps provide variably adjustable tension straps that allow for precise positioning of the patient to reduce or remove pressure points from the patient's thoracic to sacrum region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Comfort Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven DuFresne
  • Patent number: 9635949
    Abstract: To provide a bottom for a bed apparatus that can make the user feel comfortable when lying on the bed apparatus. The bottom for a bed apparatus, which is height adjustable and is mounted on the top of a bed apparatus, comprising a plurality of parts each formed of a resin plate having a thickness, including a back bottom, a hip bottom, a knee bottom and a foot bottom. Of the parts, essential parts are joined by connecting parts, and the connecting parts are formed of the same material with, to be thinner than, and integrally with, the essential parts, and, depressed portions are formed on the top surface of the bottom around the center in the width direction of the bottom, and a plurality of passage holes are perforated in the depressed portions from the top surface to the undersurface of the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Nomura, Yuji Nakano, Tatsuya Shimada, Eita Hirai, Takeshi Yanagihara, Takaki Matsumoto, Dan Kageyama, Shinnosuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 9072387
    Abstract: A suspension device (510?) for a bed base or a seat, comprising an upper section fitted with a top plate capable of supporting a mattress, a lower section (520?) adapted to be attached to a bed base, said lower section being connected to the upper section by a suspension means, a mobile element (540?), which is movable relative to the suspension device so that said mobile element can be shifted at least between a first position and a second position for modifying a stiffness of the suspension device. The mobile element (540?) is fitted with at least one first elastic body which is configured to deform elastically when the mobile element is brought from one position to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: TOURNADRE SA STANDARD GUM
    Inventors: Jacques Lobry, Pascal Lobry, Géraud Cailley
  • Patent number: 8959678
    Abstract: An all truss foundation unit, method of making the foundation unit, and a foundation unit kit. The foundation unit is formed of multiple cross trusses interconnected by bridging top and bottom side rails. This results in a flat surface on both the top and the bottom of the foundation unit. The kit is formed of a plurality of the trusses and four side rails, with the trusses and side rails being oriented together with their longitudinal dimensions aligned in a generally parallel orientation and with at least some of their flat sides in contact with one another. When the foundation unit is constructed, a truss locator guide is provided on at least two of the side rails, and the cross trusses are oriented in a parallel, spaced relationship in accordance with the truss locator guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rock Island Industries
    Inventor: Martin Schulz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8719980
    Abstract: This invented multiple-phase dynamic cushion comprises a frame, at least a driving source, at least a transmission assembly, and clusters of plural strips interleaved in parallel. Taking a two-phase embodiment as an example, the two-phase strips interleave with each other, in parallel, to form the cushion's surface and alternate their tensions in turn; when one phase's strips periodically tighten to support the user's body, the other phase's strips will loosen, allowing the user's body covered by the loosened strips to take a rest, averting a pressure-ulcer risk. The driving source is energized by an altering energy, making the two strip groups alternate in loosening and tightening states periodically in turn. This invention can be converted into a portable dynamic chair when the four holes on the bottom of its four corners are inserted with legs; it can also be converted into a dynamic support for a lying human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: John Yanhao Chen
  • Patent number: 8464373
    Abstract: A bed has a number of parallel slats arranged at a distance from each other. The slats form a substantially horizontal plane, and in areas near the ends of the slats, the slats are fixed to a frame, with the central portion of the slats forming the lying surface of the bed. The slats, in areas between the central portion and the ends, are bent at least two times in each of the areas, and the stiffness of the slats is higher within an area about the middle of the central portion than at the ends of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Olof Wranne
  • Patent number: 8185985
    Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface includes an integral attachment mechanism, wherein portions of the load bearing surface attach to each other to secure the load bearing surface to a support structure. In one embodiment, a molded elastomeric strip includes a tab that wraps around a support structure frame member, and a receptacle that receives and retains the first portion. The load bearing surface may be formed from a plurality of molded elastomeric strips, each having a tab extending around the frame member and an opening receiving the tab. The strips may be oriented to reduce creep by aligning the crystalline structure of the elastomer in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann
  • Bed
    Publication number: 20090217454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed (1) primarily consisting of a number of parallel slats (2) arranged at a distance from each other. The slats (2) form a substantially horizontal plane, said slats (2), in an area near the ends (2a, 2g) of the slat, being fixed to a frame (3) and the central portion (2d) of the slats forming the lying surface of the bed. The slats in the areas (2b, 2f) between the central portion (2d) of the slats and the ends (2a, 2g) of the slats are bent at least two times in each of said areas and the stiffness of the slats is higher within an area about the middle of the central portion (2d) thereof than at the ends (2c, 2e) of the central portion (2d) .
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Olof Wranne
  • Patent number: 7467426
    Abstract: A body support for providing a beneficial effect has a frame and a first and a second plurality of flexible parallel bands, which are interdigitated. A primary shaft rotatably mounted in a frame can tighten and slacken the first plurality of bands. This can be done by having the shaft wind and unwind the first plurality of bands or by appropriately positioning a camshaft or the like at one edge of the body support surface to adjustably hold each of the first plurality of bands there. In the latter case the shaft provides a plurality of support locations at the first edge of the support surface that are moved, in order to alternately tighten and slacken the first plurality of bands. Other disclosed apparatus and methods can tighten and slacken the second plurality of bands as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventors: Robert G. Jarmon, Nicholas A. Jarmon
  • Publication number: 20080172799
    Abstract: A suspended matrix support structure has a perimeter frame which supports a flexible matrix formed with intersecting flexible members, the ends of which are supported by the perimeter frame. Edges of the flexible members are held within channels which form a frame about the flexible matrix. In one embodiment, the perimeter frame is constructed of foam with contoured features which support the frame of the flexible matrix. The flexible members of the flexible matrix extend across the expanse within the perimeter frame to provide a flexible support structure which can be used as a mattress, mattress foundation or both in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Eugen Constantinescu, Bernhard W. Kuchel
  • Patent number: 7269865
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a sofa with a flip-up deck. The sofa has a sofa frame with a back, a front, and a pair of opposed arms. The deck is rotatably coupled between the pair of opposed arms at a position intermediate the front and the back. Further, the deck is adapted to move between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: H. Keith James, Dennis E. Arft
  • Patent number: 6877195
    Abstract: An assembly for construction into a casket bed frame for supporting a body. The casket bed frame includes a rectangular frame formed of a pair of first rails and second rails wherein a plurality of corrugated metal strips extend between the second rails. The rails of the metal frame advantageously interlock at their ends to form the rectangular frame without the use of tools. A plurality of lances are spaced along each of the second rails and are configured to extend through holes in the ends of the corrugated strips for easy attachment of the strips to the second rails. The rectangular frame may be further reinforced, and the stretcher springs supported, by a pair of stretcher supports that each have crimped ends configured to extend over and embrace the first rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edmond P. Guillot
  • Patent number: 6868565
    Abstract: A bed including user adaptable sleep support structure is disclosed, the support structure having a frame and a plurality of flexible support straps anchored between side members of the frame in selected spaced relationships relative to one another, a number of unsupported areas of different widths thus being defined between selected adjacent straps. Adjusting buckles are located at each of the support straps accommodating individual length adjustment of each strap. The support straps together provide the sole body weight support in the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: David J. Frey
  • Publication number: 20040221390
    Abstract: A bed including user adaptable sleep support structure is disclosed, the support structure having a frame and a plurality of flexible support straps anchored between side members of the frame in selected spaced relationships relative to one another, a number of unsupported areas of different widths thus being defined between selected adjacent straps. Adjusting buckles are located at each of the support straps accommodating individual length adjustment of each strap. The support straps together provide the sole body weight support in the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: David J. Frey
  • Patent number: 6799342
    Abstract: A body support that can prevent bed sores (decubiti) has a first frame with a first plurality of parallel bands, and a second frame with a second plurality of parallel bands. The first plurality of bands is interdigitated with the second plurality of parallel bands. A driver can reciprocate the first plurality of parallel bands, and the second plurality of parallel bands. The driver produces relative motion between the first and the second plurality of parallel bands. A replacement band can be attached end to end with a selected one of the bands of the first and the second plurality of parallel bands. Then the selected one of the bands can be pulled in a direction to insert the replacement band into a position originally occupied by the selected one of the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Robert G. Jarmon
  • Patent number: 6584627
    Abstract: A webbed frame includes a plurality of first and second straps mounted on a frame body to form a net. Each of the first and second straps has two opposite end sections trained on the frame body. A plurality of spaced apart retainers are fixed on the frame body. Each of several adjuster units includes a connector mounted slidably on a respective one of the retainers and connected to a respective one of the first and second straps. An adjusting bolt threadedly engages and extends through the connector, and has an abutting end that abuts against the frame body such that rotation of the adjusting bolt results in concurrent movement of the connector and the respective one of the first and second straps so as to adjust tension of the net on the frame body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Yen Yang
  • Publication number: 20030106154
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a bendable bottom member of a bed capable of being lifted in the back bottom member and/or the leg bottom member, etc, used for the bendable portion between the back region and the waist region and/or between the wasit region and the leg region, in which a plurality of bars are disposed side by side and connected bendably with each other to allow the whole extent of the connected bars to be shortened and extended and to be curved, so that it can be curved at a moderate curvature more suitable for the bending posture of a human body lying on the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6564402
    Abstract: A foldable bed frame device has a leg support frame, a flexible rectangular net disposed on the leg support frame, and a plurality of elastic fastening buttons. The flexible rectangular net has a plurality of through apertures. The leg support frame has a plurality of leg devices and a plurality of connection rods. Each connection rod is connected to two of the leg devices. Each leg device has a telescopic tube, and a connector disposed on the telescopic tube. Each connector has a round hole to match the corresponding through aperture of the flexible rectangular net. Each elastic fastening button has a click post inserted through the corresponding through aperture of the flexible rectangular net and inserted in the corresponding round hole of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 6434804
    Abstract: A casket bed comprises a rectangular bed frame formed from a pair of side rails, a pair of end rails, a plurality of cross braces spanning between the side rails and a plurality of bed straps spanning between the end rails. The cross braces are adjustably movable along the side rails. The bed straps have first ends directly connected to one of the end rails. Each cross brace includes a plurality of locators thereon each of which receives a bed strap and locates the bed strap side-to-side on the bed frame. The side and end rails are formed from beams L-shaped in cross-section which overlap at the corners of the frame; at each corner, one of the beams has a tongue which cooperates with its horizontal leg to receive therebetween the free edge of the horizontal leg of the other beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Cornet, Steven A. Ferragut, C. David Hayes, Roger L. Reuss
  • Patent number: 6272705
    Abstract: A bed frame for invalids for alleviating and preventing bedsores. The bed frame for invalids includes a frame. The frame includes a perimeter portion having a first side bar, a second side bar, a first end bar and a second end bar. The bars are integrally coupled together such that the perimeter portion generally has a rectangular shape. The perimeter portion comprises a plastic material. Each of a plurality of leg members is integrally coupled to and extends downwardly from one of the side bars. Each of the leg members has a free end adapted for positioning on one of the parallel support members of a first bed frame. A supporting means supports a body on the frame. The supporting means extends transversely across and is securely attached to the perimeter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Wilma Fay Jones
  • Patent number: 5878451
    Abstract: Box spring with plastic band support for mattress consisting of a frame (1) and a set of bands (2) made of extruded plastic positioned one by one so as to enclose the frame (1), tightened mechanically under a specific tension and joined at their ends by heat sealing, the majority of the bands being arranged transversely on the frame (1) but with some bands longitudinally arranged and interlaced with the former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Rafael Kerpache Lumine
  • Patent number: 5701653
    Abstract: A method of assembling a furniture box spring frame comprises the steps of:providing at least two truss-assembled side panels comprising the steps of providing a top beam, a bottom beam, a first end piece, a second end piece and a plurality of connector plates;positioning the top beam, the bottom beam, the first end piece, the second piece and the plurality of connector plates on a template; and assembling the top beam, the bottom beam, the first end piece, the second piece and the plurality of connector plates into a panel by compressing the pieces together;providing a plurality of connecting members and a plurality of slats;interconnecting the at least two sides panels with the plurality of connecting members such that the at least two sides panels are spaced apart and generally parallel to each other, andattaching the plurality of slats in notches across a top surface of the at least two sides panels which define a plurality of notches with diverging sides, to form a generally planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Alpine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny L. Rupe
  • Patent number: 5645321
    Abstract: A plane for the seat of armchairs, divans, chairs and similar furniture having a framework for the support of a plurality of belts forming the plane of the seat. The framework includes two lateral sections that each have a protruding tongue, provided with fixing U shaped elements oriented surrounding the tongue. Each belt passes outside the U shaped sections and is then folded up backwards and inserted between the tongue and the U shaped element so that the tension exerted by the belt presses the U shaped element in order to block the end of the belt against the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Giuseppe Seroldi
  • Patent number: 5553338
    Abstract: A lying support such as a bed comprising upper and lower layers of mutually parallel spaced-apart wooden slats and an additional layer of slats positioned between the upper and lower layers. The upper and lower layers of slats are fastened to at least two spaced elastic bodies, which may each comprise upper and lower fabric covered cushion bodies, by straps. Each slat of the additional layer may pass through apertures in the elastic bodies or may be held by straps connected to one or more cushion bodies on one side of the slat only. Selective dimensioning and positioning of the slats in the additional layer permits the lying support to conform in an optimum manner to different parts of a human body and to a light or heavy body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Lokosana AG
    Inventor: Gunther Amann
  • Patent number: 5544943
    Abstract: A seat construction for upholstered furniture is presented and a method of forming the same and includes a rectangular frame with webbing attached in the form of lateral strips positioned across the frame. Spaced therebelow are webbing strips which are positioned longitudinally along the frame. When a person uses the seat, the upper webbing strips allow maximum stretching and contact the second webbing strips, which are less stretchable and more supportive, to provide a luxurious feel and maximum comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Matrex Furniture Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter E. Durling
  • Patent number: 5448789
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bottom structure for a bed having a lifting mechanism and plural parallel bottom strips connected sequentially by elastic strips, thus allowing the bottom to be bent. The elastic strips are curved in areas not in contact with the bottom strips so that the bottom structure can be adjusted in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Company Limited
    Inventor: Kunito Shirai
  • Patent number: 5388290
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bottom structure for a bed having a bottom lifting mechanism, comprising plural parallel bottom strips; each of the bottom strips being sequentially connected to allow bottom bending; and each of the bottom strips, having a tenon formed in the longitudinal axial direction of the bed on one of the faces to be face-to-face with the adjacent bottom strip, and having a mortise formed in the opposite face, so as to be loosely engaged with the tenon of the adjacent bottom strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Company Limited
    Inventor: Kunito Shirai
  • Patent number: 5377369
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bottom structure for a bed having a bottom lifting mechanism, comprising parallel bottom strips, each strip having coupling grooves, located in the opposing faces of the bottom strips in the longitudinal direction, the strips being sequentially connected by coupling members. Each coupling member has portions corresponding to the coupling grooves at both ends of the coupling member which are incorporated as components of the bottom structure of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Company Limited
    Inventor: Kunito Shirai
  • Patent number: 5369826
    Abstract: A bottom structure of a bed having a bottom formed so as to be bendable by a series of parallel strips mutually sequentially connected such that the strips are shorter in width on the side away from the sequentially connected side. In this way the bottom structure of the bed allows a portion of a bed bottom to be bent in a large curvature, thus is provided a bed which is comfortable and highly adaptable for patients of various body sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Company Limited
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5280658
    Abstract: An insert for a bed with a rigid support frame comprises a slat grating formed of spring slats extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bed. Each of the slats includes an upper and a lower strip of substantially equal length disposed on top of one another. The strips are spaced apart by elastic form bodies. Elastic support bodies are disposed below said lower strips for supporting the insert on the rigid frame. The support bodies are disposed below the ends of the lower strips and below the center of the for supporting the slats. Advantageously, the form bodies and support bodies at the ends of the slats are formed integrally as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Herbert Sigl
  • Patent number: 5233709
    Abstract: A bedstead may be constructed of longitudinal spring bodies and transverse slats. Fastening straps may be connected to the spring bodies and the straps may be loops, slots or holes configured to receive the slat ends. The straps may also include a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: N&H Sarl
    Inventor: Yves Horry
  • Patent number: 5170521
    Abstract: A portable sleeper is provided for a truck and comprises at least four anchors connected to the posts at the four corners of the cab or to the bed of a pickup truck. A flexible generally rectangular flat, webbed support surface is connected at its four corners to the anchors by means of a belt buckle coupling so that the portable sleeper can be selectively tensioned into a taut support surface on which the user of the vehicle may recline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Robert W. Light
  • Patent number: 5075912
    Abstract: Impressions for a bed having slats and spring supports for applying differing upwardly directed forces to bottom surfaces of different ones of the slats are taken while a user of the bed is in a recumbent position on an under mattress of an impression taking bed supported by slats. Slats of the impression taking bed are supported by springs of the type which support the slats of the bed to be used. The vertical position of differing ones of the spring supports of the impression taking bed are modified to a position compatible with the user while the user is on the impression taking bed. The vertical position is modified with respect to an initial adjustment position of the springs for slats of the impression taking bed. The amount of which the vertical position was modified for the springs of the impression taking bed is recorded to enable the vertical position of the spring-like support means of the bed to be used to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Vieux Chene Expansion Sarl
    Inventors: Pierre Elmalek, Guy Nathan
  • Patent number: 4928334
    Abstract: A fabric web having a high modulus of elasticity is used as a spring element in an upholstered article such as a seat or a bed. The fabric web is joined to a metal rod serving as a frame member of the upholstered article by an end portion of the fabric web, which is folded on itself over the metal rod to provided folded and unfolded layers that are united together by means of a heat-fusible resin film. The heat-fusible resin film is held against the inner surface of the folded end portion of the fabric web and fused by high-frequency welding. The folded end portion of the fabric web is protected by the intermediary film against damage which would otherwise be caused by abrasive contact with a rust layer on the metal rod. The film sandwiched between the folded and unfolded layers has opposite ends folded and fused over the unfolded layer of the fabric web for reinforcing marginal edges of the fabric web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Kita
  • Patent number: 4837878
    Abstract: A reclining member includes a carrier frame with longitudinal support parts (1,2) at the sides and a reclining surface which is at least partially yielding in a springy or elastic manner. Straps (3,4) extending consecutively are fastened at the side longitudinal support parts (1,2) of the carrier frames transversely to their longitudinal direction. The straps (3) are fabricated of non-extensible material at least in their longitudinal direction, while the straps (4) are elastically extensible in the same direction. The non-extensible straps (3) are constructed so as to be of differing lengths for adapting the reclining surface to the body portion of a reclining person, so that supports at different levels in the regions A to J of a reclining person are present (FIG. 2) which are required for an optimum reclining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Hermann Huemer
  • Patent number: 4827543
    Abstract: A rest structure supported by support elements, with or without interposing mattresses and/or cushions, formed from a succession of hollow rod-shaped bodies disposed parallel to each other and sustained on cross-members which intersect them and to which they are removably connected by couplings inserted in said rod-shaped bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventors: Achille Castiglioni, Ernesto Zerbi, Giancarlo Pozzi
  • Patent number: 4827544
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a reclining and lying means comprises a lath grating (14) formed from a plurality of transverse laths (13) which is arranged on a support structure (10,20) having at least two longitudinally oriented, spaced longitudinal beams (spring bodies) (12, 12'; 22, 22') acting resiliently at right angles to their loading and which are assembled into a structural unit with approximately regularly arranged spring elements (13) and lath grating (14) operatively connected by a cover which holds the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Husler-Liforma Entwicklungs AG
    Inventor: Balthasar Husler
  • Patent number: 4798414
    Abstract: A special chair with embodiments providing means for prevention and treatment of back disorders by both static and dynamic operational modes comprising an integral seat and back assembly composed of multiple articulating hard surfaced segments floating on and supported by a plurality of elastic tension cords, some having oval shaped cams attached thereto. The elastic tension cords are suspended in parallel and attached to transverse members which are connected to left and right chair sides all of which are assembled in an arrangement to automatically adjust contoured and proper support to the lower and middle back regions in accordance with the weight and body bulk distribution of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Inventor: Vincent Hughes
  • Patent number: 4752981
    Abstract: A device comprised in combination of a lath support, with at least one means for receiving one flexible lath end, and a bearing to be secured to the bed frame, which has at least one pin which fits into the one of at least two cavities lying above one another in said lath support, in such a way that adjusting the height of a flexible lath relative to said bed frame becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Luc Salens
  • Patent number: 4644596
    Abstract: A bed includes a support structure having longitudinally extending bearing beams on which a spring member rests. The spring member includes a plurality of side-by-side modules, each having upper and lower resilient, flexible strips held apart by a plurality of spacers. The spacers are offset from the bearing members so that the upper strip of each module hold the modules together to allow limited independent movement. A pad and a removable fabric cover is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Liform AG
    Inventor: Balthasar Husler
  • Patent number: 4638517
    Abstract: An improved bed structure comprising a rectangular main frame including two supporting members forming the opposing lengthwise sides of the frame, a pillow portion disposed between the front ends of the supporting members, an arcuate portion disposed between the middle of the supporting members and secured there with a plurality of fixing seats which are disposed on the supporting members, and an end portion which is disposed between the lower parts of the supporting members. The mattress body consists of a plurality of pads and is disposed on the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Ming Cherng Tsai
    Inventors: Yan Y. Yang, Chu H. Tsair
  • Patent number: 4573226
    Abstract: An insert for a piece of lounging furniture comprising a frame and a plurality of resilient slats of different elastic properties spacially arranged for forming a slat grate, the slats being arranged in at least two superposed rows and staggered in relation to one another in a horizontal and in a vertical direction, wherein the slats of the upper row have greater elastic resilience than the slats of the lower row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventors: Franz Wittmann, Karl Wittmann
  • Patent number: 4567615
    Abstract: The arrangement comprises mounting supports for the spring slats, insertable in the longitudinal beams of the bedstead, with two upper spring-slats serving as a support for the mattress and undulating spring-slats situated below them. A tiltable holding part having four receptacles for the spring-slats is fitted on a plug of the mounting support. Below the plug there is a resilient bearing pad enabling the holding part to deflect vertically. The upper spring-slats are bent convexly upward and have a broadened cross-section in the middle. By means of the undulating lower spring-slats, a progressive spring action is achieved. There is no sagging of the mattress in the region of heavier parts of the body, optimum spring action being ensured nonetheless. It is possible to divide the bedstead into zones of differing degrees of firmness by selectively providing mounting supports with only upper spring-slats or with additional lower spring-slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Matra AG
    Inventor: Hansruedi Fanti
  • Patent number: 4477935
    Abstract: A mattress support system including a support frame, tubular air springs and mattress support slats extending between pockets formed at a top surface of sleeves surrounding bladders of the tubular support springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Inventor: Gordon D. Griffin
  • Patent number: 4278288
    Abstract: A structure for a chair comprising a pair of substantially identical modular units each consisting of at least a pair of parallel bowed arcuate ground support members each shaped substantially as an arc of a circle and maintained in spaced relationship parallel to each other at their end by a cross-bar member to which are attached spaced apart stretched elongated flat bands or straps of plastic material, leather or fabric disposed substantially along the chord of the circular arc formed by the support members. Two basic modular units are longitudinally intermeshed together and angularly disposed to form a chair having a back supporting area and a seat supporting area defined by the exposed chordal straps of each modular unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventor: Sacha Thebaud