Heating And Cooling Devices Patents (Class 5/284)
  • Patent number: 11278125
    Abstract: A topper (38) for a bed extends in longitudinal and lateral directions and includes a fluid flowpath (60) for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet (62) to an outlet (64). The flowpath is configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region (50) of the topper. A bed which includes the topper has a blower (72) connected to the topper inlet for supplying air (88) to the flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Rachel L. Williamson, Timothy J. Receveur, Christopher R. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 11155190
    Abstract: A vehicle seat heater is provided in a vehicle seat. This vehicle seat heater includes a first heat generator, second heat generator, and controller. The first heat generator is disposed in a first area of the vehicle seat supporting an occupant. The second heat generator is disposed in a second area not being in contact with the occupant or being less pressed by the occupant than the first area is. The controller controls current application to the first heat generator in a manner such that a heating temperature zone of the first heat generator is a direct heat transfer temperature zone close to a body temperature of the occupant, and also controls current application to the second heat generator in a manner such that a heating temperature zone of the second heat generator is a radiation heat transfer temperature zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mio Furui, Kou Komori, Takaaki Hyoudou
  • Patent number: 11103081
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: PPJ, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Reid Sherman, Philip Woods McCarty, Horace Robert Eskridge, III, Chuan-Hang Shih
  • Patent number: 11064812
    Abstract: A bed system includes a ventilated bed with a thickness and a breathable material configured to enable airflow therethrough; a support structure having a plurality of hollow elongated arms integral with each other, each of the plurality of hollow arms having openings in gaseous communication with an airflow channel disposed within the plurality of hollow elongated arms; and a plurality of fans in gaseous communication with the airflow channels. The airflow is directed from the plurality of fans through the airflow channel and plurality of hollow elongated arms, and through the thickness of the ventilated bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventors: Charles Thornburg, Natali Thornburg
  • Patent number: 10842288
    Abstract: A person support system is disclosed that includes cooling features to provide focal cooling to a subject supported by the person support system. Embodiments of the person support system include a longitudinal frame having at least one side rail, a deck position on the longitudinal frame, a support pad positioned on the deck, and a cooling source thermally coupled to the deck. The deck is a thermally conductive material. The cooling source draws heat from a portion of the support pad, through the top surface of the deck, and through the deck thereby cooling the portion of the support pad. The cooling source may be positioned in the side rail or directly to a bottom surface of the deck. Cooling systems that are removeably coupleable to person support systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence Bedel, Andrew David Clark, Kirsten Emmons, Charles A. Lachenbruch, David Lance Ribble
  • Patent number: 10258163
    Abstract: A mattress configured for placement on a foundation that has forced air ventilation with a plurality of air vents on the upwardly facing side of the foundation. The foundation providing a first flow of air having a first temperature and a second flow of air having a second temperature, the mattress defining a first plurality of air flow paths configured to direct the first flow of air toward a first occupant of the mattress and a second plurality of air flow paths configured to direct the second flow of air toward a second occupant of the mattress. The mattress being configured so that air from the air vents is permitted to pass through the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Stickler
  • Patent number: 10226134
    Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, John Terech, Dusko Petrovski
  • Patent number: 9988818
    Abstract: A rooftop rainwater drainage assembly that is at least partially concealed from view from an exterior of a dwelling. In particular, the rooftop drainage assembly can include an opening spout secured to a roof deck region of a dwelling, and an elongated downspout having a first region disposed between an exterior wall and an interior wall of the dwelling and secured to the opening spout, thereby at least partially concealing the downspout from view from both the interior wall and exterior wall of the dwelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: James Tanghongs
  • Patent number: 9974394
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a climate controlled bed or other seating assembly comprises an upper portion or mattress having at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within the fluid distribution member. In some embodiments, the internal passageway terminates at or near a bottom surface of the upper portion or mattress. The bed or other seating assembly additionally includes one or more inlays or interlays or intermediate layers, or components thereof, positioned between the upper portion and a foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, David Marquette, Robert Vidojevski
  • Patent number: 9930971
    Abstract: The invention is a mattress insert comprising supporting blocks (10, 12, 14) made of a foam material and arranged on a base body, said supporting blocks (10, 12, 14) are formed integrally with the base body, and said supporting blocks (10, 12, 14) comprise first supporting blocks (10) arranged with spacings from one another, and second supporting blocks (12, 14) arranged in the spacings, wherein a height of the second supporting blocks (12, 14) relative to the base body is lower than that of the first supporting blocks (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventors: András Péter Dóczi, László Mihály Pálinkás
  • Patent number: 9913546
    Abstract: A support cushion for converting a temperature difference into an electrical voltage is provided. The support cushion includes a body supporting portion, a heat dissipating portion comprised of a thermally-absorbent material and positioned adjacent to the body supporting portion, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements that are positioned and configured to convert a temperature difference between the body supporting portion and the heat dissipating portion into an electric voltage at a charging port. Methods of converting a temperature difference into an electric voltage are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly Wood Chandler
  • Patent number: 9408475
    Abstract: A support cushion for providing individualized heating and cooling to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes a body supporting portion, a plurality of thermoelectric elements positioned and configured to selectively provide heating or cooling of the body supporting portion, and a heat dissipating portion that is comprised of a thermally-absorbent material and is operably connected to the thermoelectric elements. Methods of controlling a surface temperature of a support cushion are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Mikkelsen, Kelly Wood Chandler
  • Patent number: 9333136
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a cushion, a cover arranged over a top side of the cushion, and a sensor unit. The sensor unit is coupled to the cover and arranged to underlie a patient supported on the cover. The sensor unit includes a sensor configured to detect conditions near the interface of a patient's skin with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Gibson, Keith R. Kubicek, James N. Hoffmaster, Timothy J. Receveur, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 9265356
    Abstract: An apparatus for caring for infants, having, an infant body support structure, an air nozzles mounted on infant body support structure, and located at the end or sides of infant body support structure, above the space designated to the head of the infant, to provide an air flow of disinfected air parallel to a part of the bottom designated to support the back and the head of the infant, to protect the infant from airborne infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Glazman
  • Patent number: 8769737
    Abstract: An infant bed system having a base, a mattress with a top surface having a half-pipe indentation, the mattress is shaped and sized to be snugly placed atop the base, legs that extend downwardly from the base, and raised side walls that extend upwardly from the side wall of the base. A vibrating component in the base is adapted to provide vibrations to the mattress. A speaker produces womb sounds or heartbeat sounds. A control panel on the base allows for turning on and off of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Michael D. Duggins
  • Patent number: 8407835
    Abstract: This invention is a sound-insulating enclosure that contains at least one bed, in which one or more people sleep, wherein the configuration of this enclosure automatically changes from a more-closed configuration to a more-open configuration over time, or vice versa. These changes in configuration can be in response to sounds or can occur in a pre-programmed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Patent number: 8122540
    Abstract: A bed headboard is provided having output ports for directing individually adjustable airflows towards different areas of the headboard. A headboard comprises a headboard upper portion and an overhang disposed proximate the headboard upper portion. The overhang further includes a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces, defining an overhang compartment. A blower is provided in the overhang compartment. A plurality of output ports are provided in fluid communication with the blower and extending through the overhang bottom surface. The output ports may be adjustable to regulate the direction of airflow therefrom and/or volume of airflow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Furniture Traditions, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Ardis
  • Patent number: 8122539
    Abstract: An apparatus for climate control and entertainment, as well as a system for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort are disclosed. The apparatus affords the ability to control ambient conditions while at the same offering enhanced entertainment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Osvaldo Miranda
  • Patent number: 7971289
    Abstract: A portable self-contained bed-on-demand system is presented which includes a portable collapsible self-contained storage bed and support assembly and a portable self-contained peripheral support system, or headwall, adapted to the bed that supplies medical-grade power, ventilation, and an oxygen treatment system. The bed-on-demand system duplicates, in a self-contained package usable outside a hospital environment, the critical facilities provided to a patient in a traditional hospital room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Emerg, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Payne, Michael Carmagnola, Jr., Byron Scott Creasy
  • Patent number: 7818835
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Christopher Guy Coward, Mark Stephen James Beard, Peter Charles Stacy, David George Whyte
  • Patent number: 7673353
    Abstract: A bed enclosure comprises a frame having a pair of end frame members. Each of the end frame members includes an arched top portion and straight vertical portions extending downwardly from the arched top portion. The frame includes longitudinal frame members on front and back sides of the frame that are coupled to end frame members wherein the frame includes a bottom frame used to receive a mattress. A pair of roll-up sidewalls each having a handle for rolling up or rolling down the sidewalls to gain access to an interior of the bed enclosure, each sidewall includes plurality of longitudinal rails that is coupled to the frame. The end of each rail is received in respective slots formed in the frame members and each of the sidewall resembles accordion walls which permits a user to enter or exit the bed enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Majid Khodabandeh
  • Patent number: 7555792
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Christopher Guy Coward, Mark Stephen James Beard, Peter Charles Stacy, David George Whyte
  • Patent number: 7181786
    Abstract: The invention being submitted pertains to a bed, consisting of a bedstead (1) and a mattress (2), whereby an air-conduction unit (4) is integrated in the bedstead. Along one or more lateral walls (3) of the bedstead (3), side ducts (6) are provided with lateral escape ports (5) for the out-flow of air from the air-conduction unit (4). Additionally, a mattress air-chamber (10) is provided with the upper escape ports (8) for the discharge of air from the air-conduction unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Guenther Schoettle
  • Patent number: 6826792
    Abstract: An air mattress device includes an air mattress member, and a temperature regulator coupled to the air mattress member with a hose, to supply the regulated air into the air mattress member via the hose. The temperature regulator includes a casing disposed in a housing, a heat exchanging member disposed in the casing, to exchange heat with the air flowing into the casing. A heat dissipating device is disposed in the housing, a heat exchanger includes two conductors disposed between the heat dissipating device and the casing, to transmit heat between the heat dissipating device and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Jeng Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 6568006
    Abstract: A heated air mattress for providing a warm and soft air mattress. The heated air mattress includes an air mattress having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. Each of the walls of the air mattress is substantially flexible. An air valve for filling the air mattress with air is coupled to the top wall and extends into an interior of the air mattress. A tube for carrying water into the air mattress is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The tube is positioned in the air mattress. Each of the first and second ends of the tube extends outwardly through the front wall of the air mattress. The portion of the tube within the air mattress is securely attached to an inner surface of the top wall. Each of the first and second ends of the tube is fluidly coupled to a water heating and pumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jayne M. Hyland
  • Patent number: 6446290
    Abstract: An arrangement for ventilation of a cot, cradle, carrycot or perambulator carrycot, comprising a substantially flat bottom, closed side walls extending vertically upwards from the bottom, and a substantially open top, and also a head end and a foot end. At least one of the closed side walls is equipped with at least one ventilation aperture at the head end of the cot or carrycot, close to the bottom of the cot or carrycot at a level that is above any mattress that might be placed therein, or the bottom of the cot or carrycot is equipped with such an aperture, with a corresponding opening or slit in the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Karl Gidtske
  • Patent number: 6148457
    Abstract: A bed having a hard sleeping layer with a conduit embedded in the layer. The layer rests on a thermally insulating layer. The conduit loops across the surfaces. A steam generator directs steam through the conduit to warm the bed. The steam passes to a condensor which condenses the steam and passes the resulting water back to the steam generator. Operation of the steam generator is controlled by a thermostat. A sight gage permits observation of the level. An arrangement is provided for flushing the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Tae Ho Sul
  • Patent number: 5894615
    Abstract: A bed pad has embedded in it a circuit of continuous tubing. Portable heating and refrigerating means are operatively connected to a second tubing circuit by quick disconnect couplings. Electrical control means are selectively operated to heat or cool the liquid in said second tubing circuit. Thermostatic controls may optionally be applied to both the heating and refrigerating means. This has particular use in surgical operating rooms for raising and lowering the temperature of the patient. It is also useful in the recovery room, hospital and or convalescent home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Marvin J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5881410
    Abstract: A plane heater is mounted on the lower surface of an air mat having a function of preventing bedsore, and the temperature of a patient is maintained via an air layer of the air mat. A time delay caused by heating via the air layer is adjusted through prediction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Teikoku Hormone MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 5642539
    Abstract: A multi-function healthful bed including a bed frame, a bottom bed board, an upper bed board, air valves, a blower, two mufflers, an eccentric motor, four elastic feet supporting four feet of the bed frame, four swayable rods placed on four corner feet of a support plate, a massage bar, an air percolating plate, and a pillow. Air valves fixed in the upper bed board allow air to flow from an air chamber around the body of a user. Warm or cool air may be circulated. The massage bar also includes air valves. The eccentric motor sways the entire bed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Shang-Tai Kuo
  • Patent number: 5555579
    Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress having a network of grooves at the top covered within a soft covering layer, a control box, a water piping arranged within the network of grooves and connected to hot and cold water reservoirs inside the control box, the control box having a semiconductor chip controlled by a control circuit to heat the hot water reservoir and to cool the cold water reservoir, and hot and cold water pumps respectively controlled by the control circuit to send water from the hot or cold water reservoir to the water piping in regulating the temperature of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wu
  • Patent number: 5499410
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a mattress to a mattress base comprises a lower coupling element, which can be attached to the mattress base, and an upper coupling element, which can be attached to the mattress, which lower coupling element and upper coupling element can be mechanically connected to one another. To facilitate the making of said connection, said upper coupling element and lower coupling element can be coupled in various positions which are offset with respect to one another. Furthermore, upper coupling element and lower coupling element can also be coupled electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Koninklijke Auping B.V.
    Inventor: Bernardus A. T. F. Assink
  • Patent number: 5430900
    Abstract: A bed comprising a base having an internal area into which a heat source, in the form of a hot water pipe system is installed, and mineral powder which together with the heat source, fills the internal area of the base and provides a top sleeping surface for the bed. When heated the bed emits far infrared rays which can be absorbed into the human body during sleep. It is thought that a bed of this type would have various therapeutic uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Sung-Jul Kim
  • Patent number: 5416935
    Abstract: A surface air conditioning device includes a plurality of passages through a support surface which overlies a closed volume in which temperature conditioned air is supplied; each passage is provided with a pressure actuated flow control valve which is normally closed to prevent loss of conditioned air through the associated passage; pressure contact with the valve effects opening thereof to allow conditioned air to flow through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Rosa L. Nieh
  • Patent number: 5387181
    Abstract: A lounge chair accommodating an occupant in a reclining position while exposing him to a stress-relieving environment. The chair includes a couch whose frame supports a bed formed by an array of parallel dowels contoured to define an intermediate posterior region having extending therefrom a front thigh and leg region and rear back and head region. The bed contour is adjustable to conform to the natural contours of the occupant. The couch is mounted on a base and is angularly adjustable thereon. Supported on the frame below the bed is a water trough contoured to define an intermediate sump section having extending therefrom front and rear waterfall sections, each provided with a set of deflectors so situated as to cause the flowing water to cascade into the sump section. Coupled to the trough is a pump supplying water to the input of the front and rear waterfall sections, the water collected in the sump section being returned to the pump and recirculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Robert J. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5251347
    Abstract: A hospital bed has an articulated patient support surface with four air outlet housings mounted thereon at spaced locations. An air supply arrangement supplies temperature-controlled air to an air outlet opening in each of the housings. Associated with each housing is an elongate tubular fabric diffusion member having an O-ring which encircles one end thereof and is removably received in a circumferential groove in the air outlet opening. Each diffusion member can be tucked completely into its housing when not in use. Each housing has a cap movable between open and closed positions with respect to the air outlet opening, and an arrangement yieldably urging the cap toward its closed position. A valve arrangement is provided below two of the housings in order to automatically discharge fluids which happen to enter the air supply system through the air outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hopper, Louis A. Haddock, Jr., John S. Messner, Larry W. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5146633
    Abstract: A therapeutic, portable bed includes an electric water heating system attached to and disposed within a base member of the bed, a hollow headboard which functions as a water tank, a serpentine configured water pipe extending through a concrete plate of the base member, and a cotton pad member containing mugwort herb, disposed on a laminated paper cover on the concrete plate, whereby the bed can be easily moved and a vapor from the cotton pad can warm and treat the human body lying on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventors: Yong Hak Kim, Soon Ja Kim
  • Patent number: 5101823
    Abstract: An apparatus for sun bathing, which includes an inflatable floor portion substantially rectangular in nature for supporting the length of a user lying on one's back or stomach; a continuous inflatable side wall portion rising the height above the floor portion and attach integral thereto, the side portion having a head rest portion, likewise inflatable for allowing the user to rest his head on that portion of the head rest portion while placement upon the position within the apparatus. For purposes of use, the apparatus is more particularly suitable for using on a hard surface, and to be filled with a predetermined quantity of fluid such as water in order to maintain the user cool during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Gary Smith
  • Patent number: 5102189
    Abstract: A ventilated seat, in which air is flowed through a duct by means of a fan, and the air is effectively applied to an aromatic in a tray placed in the duct so as to emit a good smell from an air outlet hole on the surface of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Funitaka Saito, Masami Akiyama
  • Patent number: 5067771
    Abstract: A cushion stadium seat organization is provided, wherein a plurality of seat frame legs mount a first padded circular seat, with a plurality of backrest frame legs mounting a circular backrest member, wherein the backrest member and seat member are coextensively aligned relative to one another in a second folded inter-relationship, with the seat and backrest frame legs pivotally mounted relative to one another. A handle structure is provided at upper terminal ends of the seat and back rest that are aligned for transport and securement of the organization. A modification of the cushion stadium seat includes a heated, selectively inflatable seat chamber, as well as an inflatable cushion backrest chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Christopher M. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5058227
    Abstract: A humidifier is provided which lies beneath a bed or other article of furniture. The humidifier is of very shallow height, being much less in height than the length and width. The humidifier includes an open frame resting on the floor, and a sheet of plastic material lying over said frame and on said floor. A pool of water is supported by the plastic sheet material within the frame, and a fan is supported from said frame above said pool of water for moving air across the open surface of said pool of water and out from under said bed or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: George Schoenfelder
  • Patent number: 4937903
    Abstract: A bed covering apparatus comprising a foot board (1) and L-shaped support arms attached to an outside surface of the foot board and above a mattress (8). A quilt (2) is supported by the long arm portion of the L shaped arms (11) and tucked under the mattress by means of side pieces. An air recirculating unit is provided on the foot board (1) with a heater (24) for heating the air space (21) between the mattress and the quilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Dormair Limited
    Inventors: Cyril B. Joly, David N. B. Joly
  • Patent number: 4903353
    Abstract: An apparatus for suspending bedclothing which comprises a rectangular cross frame, four supporting posts extending downwardly from corners of the rectangular cross frame, a pair of wires from the cross frame, grasping members connected to one ends of the chains, a pair of rods disposed in the underside of the bedclothes whereby the bedclothing hangs by the chains for relieving the occupant from the weight of the bedclothing and treating various regions of the body of the occupant on the bed. In addition, the occupant of the bed can used light emitting members which may operate as a sauna, and TV and video cassette sets supported by the supporting post thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Ki Dong Park
  • Patent number: 4867230
    Abstract: A convection blanket for warming persons lying thereon. The preferred embodiment has four layers, two outer insulating layers, and two inner layers of metallic foil. The inner metallic layers minimize heat loss across the length of the blanket. A unique pattern of pinholes in the top layers allows a larger volume of warm air to exit the blanket at the end opposite the air supply hose. All layers are stitched intermittently to avoid distension of the blanket, without defining clear channels, assuring uniform distribution of air within the blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Gene Voss
  • Patent number: 4641387
    Abstract: An enclosure for a bed to provide protection for patients who would have otherwise required soft restraints to prevent self injury. The enclosure is formed of a supporting framework and an associated covering provided with suitably arranged zippered areas for achieving access to the patient from the exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: St. Vincent Medical Center
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bondy, Judith A. East, Christina M. Rizzo
  • Patent number: 4591693
    Abstract: A combination elongate soft resilient foamed polymer body, so constructed and configured as to lie along the side of the body of a human user, and a heater enclosing the polymer body, the heater being formed of fabric and including electrically insulated resistance heating lines extending substantially the length of and along the sides of the foamed polymer body, for warming a human user during sleep is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Carl A. Pike
  • Patent number: 4559656
    Abstract: A bed uniformly distributes the weight of a bed-ridden patient to minimize the occurrence of bedsores. The bed comprises a frame and a plurality of support assemblies mounted on the frame. Each support assembly comprises a plurality of elongate support slats extending transversely of the fore-aft direction, and a pair of transversely spaced lever modules carrying opposite ends of the slats. Each lever module comprises a plurality of levers which are so mounted as to be swung in response to the downward action of heavier portions of the patient, whereupon opposite ends of the levers swing upwardly to transfer some of that weight to the lighter portions of the patient's body. The levers disposed on one side of the bed are rotatable relative to the corresponding levers on the opposite side of the bed, whereby the support slats may assume positions inclined relative to horizontal and thereby maintain a greater degree of contact with the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Dale Foster
  • Patent number: 4525884
    Abstract: This invention relates to sun beds. In the described embodiment the bed has an elongate base (1) which is generally flat but has a rim (2) of inverted U-form. The base (1) is covered by a dome (4). The base (1) has a frame with a plurality of vents (11), while the dome has a vent formed in a blister (9). The vents are positioned such that solar action generates convection currents which will draw air in through the base vents as hot air escapes through the dome vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Derek C. Tolley
  • Patent number: 4491721
    Abstract: An electric bed heating device for attachment to the understructure of a bed for supplying heat to a sleeper includes an electric heating element mounted below a metallic plate thermally insulated on its upper side and having a lower face shaped to radially downwardly direct heat. In one embodiment the heating element is directly supported by vertical fins extending downwardly and radially outwardly from the lower face of the plate with the fins and heating element being exposed. In another arrangement a serially slit lower metallic plate is spaced below the first mentioned plate to allow flow of air therebetween. The lower plate supports an electric heating element in the path of the air flow. The slits in the lower plate form offset air inlet and outlet openings. The plates are aligned and attached to the bed structure by a central fastener binding the plates together. The upper face of the lower plate is roughened and blackened to enhance heat absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Ralph A. Davis
  • Patent number: 4468825
    Abstract: A system for removing oxygen from and around hospital beds for reducing the fire danger. A manifold having a plurality of sections is connected to and is supported from the frame. The sections are connected together by flexible joints and include a connection for attachment to an exhaust. A first plurality of suction tubes is connected to the manifold with their ends positioned adjacent the mattress for removing oxygen from and around the mattress. A second plurality of suction tubes is connected to the manifold and extend downwardly for removing oxygen from beneath the bed. Suction cups may be connected to the ends of the first suction tubes positioned adjacent the mattress. The suction cups are positioned adjacent the sides and the bottom of the mattress and are supported from the frame and springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: James R. Hobbs