Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck coupled to the frame and a communication network located on the bed has at least two modules connected to the network, at least one of those modules being able to provide an alarm message to the bed communication network.

Abstract: An inflatable bed is adapted for use with a sofa, and includes an upper inflatable pad unit disposed on and connected to a lower inflatable pad body, and having a bridging unit that is misaligned from the lower inflatable pad body in a vertical direction and that has a bottom surface adapted to face a seat surface of the sofa when the bridging unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa. Two auxiliary inflatable pad bodies are attached respectively on opposite lateral ends of the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit. Each auxiliary inflatable pad body is adapted to fill a space between the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit and a corresponding arm of the sofa when the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety restraint device for a bed for a motor vehicle to protect the bed's occupant during a crash situation without damaging the frame of the bed. The restraint device attaches to the bed with a pivot bolt. The pivot bolt also pivotally connects the side slat of the bed frame and a pivot bracket.

Abstract: An mobility assistance device providing support for a user on a bed or similar furniture is disclosed. The mobility assistance device may include a support member that can be coupled to a piece of furniture and a support handle that is movable in a substantially vertical direction relative to the support member. The support handle is movable from an operating position to a stowed position. A locking mechanism may secure the support handle in the raised operating position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety guard that can be easily and temporarily installed upon an existing infant changing table. The guard generally includes a number of lateral supports that can be positioned over the width of the changing table. The distal ends of these supports each include a hinge that permits it to be hooked over the edge of the changing table. The opposite ends of the supports are secured to a netting. With the distal ends secured about the edge of the table, the netting is positioned adjacent the opposite edge at a 90° angle to the table surface. In this position, the guard effectively prevents an infant falling off the side of the table.

Abstract: A support structure includes a mattress, a bottom sheet, at least one side guard and at least one positioning assembly. The mattress has a plurality of bladders. The side guard is disposed on any one lateral side of the top surface of the mattress. The positioning assembly can fix the side guard to the mattress. The side guard can protect two sides of a bedded person and prevent the bedded person from falling from the mattress. When the side guard is pushed by an external force, the bedded person does not fall into the vertical gap.

Abstract: A mattress system has a cover, a crib, and a fluid bladder system. The crib surrounds the perimeter of the fluid bladder system and the cover overlies the top surface of the crib and fluid bladder system. The fluid bladder systems provide at least one conventional bladder therapy to a patient positioned on the mattress system. The fluid bladder system interconnects to the crib to not form a hammock effect so the crib functions as a restraint. The fluid bladder is also designed to bottom out to form an exterior cavity. A second cushion is inserted into the exterior cavity and positioned so the crib continues to function as a restraint. The second cushion provides a therapy to the patient that is different from the fluid bladder system.

Abstract: Medical device with a patient tunnel lined by a lining and a patient couch that can be moved into and out of the tunnel and accommodated in a recess in the lining enclosing the sides of the patient couch, with the patient couch having a clearance from the lining when fully withdrawn from the tunnel, with an element that can be moved against a resetting force being provided at both sides in each case in the area of the recess near to the couch, it being possible for said element during a vertical movement from a lowered position into the completely withdrawn position or at the start of the inward movement to be deflected by the patient couch against the resetting force to a position separated from the patient couch by a narrow gap or to a position abutting against the patient couch.

Abstract: Bed, comprising a lower frame (1) and an upper frame (2) with a supporting surface for a mattress, and where the upper frame (2) is connected to the lower frame (1) so that the upper frame can be raised and lowered in proportion to the lower frame by means of one or more adjusting means (5, 6) driven by an electric motor. In order to prevent squeezing between the upper and lower frame when the upper frame is lowered, the bed is provided with anti squeezing means. These comprise a light source and a receiver positioned in a corner of the lower frame. The light source sends a light beam which follows the lower frame all the way around and runs just above the top side of the lower frame. When the light beam is interrupted the control unit reacts by cutting off the current for the motors.

Abstract: A convertible baby or infant bed in combination with a play mat and diaper changing station assembly comprising a rectangular central padded section contiguous with hinged members along each side of the rectangular central section, the hinged members pivoting upward to adjoin other proximal hinged members by means of a hook and loop fastener or other means of attachment, the assembly being adapted to fold into tote form and provided with a shoulder strap for ease of carrying.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system includes a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad and a pair of reinforcing end members. The system also includes a torso assembly, a leg assembly and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads and reinforcing members.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the position of an infant while sleeping features a shell assembly including a base panel having two longitudinal sides and two lateral sides, an end wall extending generally upwardly from one of the lateral sides, two side walls extending generally upwardly from the longitudinal sides, a shell cover comprising an outer surface and conforming generally to the shell assembly, and a removable positioner insert disposed atop the base panel and comprising left and right nacelles attached to an insert base and separated by a distance selected to accommodate the width of an infant placed between the nacelles, to inhibit lateral motion of the infant while sleeping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically adjusting patient platform support height in response to patient related events. Sensor data is accessed from sensors that are monitoring a patient resting on a support platform that is a specified height above floor level. It is detected from the accessed input data that the patient is attempting to exit the patient support platform. The height of the support platform is lowered from the specified height to a lower height to reduce the potential fall distance of the patient in response to detecting that the patient is attempting to exit the support platform. In some embodiments, a support platform is rapidly lowered to essentially floor level in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Corner guards suitable for use with a bedding assembly and providing a degree of fire resistance. The corner guards may contain fire/flame resistant (FR) polymeric reagents, flammable polymeric reagents combined with one or more FR agent or have an FR coating. Additionally, the corner guards may have effective FR properties while substantially maintaining the mechanical properties that allow the corner guard to support and protect the edges of upholstered furniture, such as a foundation or sofa. The corner guards arise, at least in part, from the realization that flare ups occurring during the test about the combustion of an FR foundation, result from high burn temperatures causing the corner guard to melt and the subsequently combustion of the melted polymeric material.

Abstract: A crib bumper for use in a baby crib is presented. The crib bumper includes at least one bumper section of dense non-absorbent material. The crib bumper may include a plurality of bumper segments abutting each other lengthwise to extend the length or width of a crib. The crib bumper may include a cover having an aperture through which a crib bumper section or crib bumper segments may be placed inside the cover. The cover may be formed of a washable material and may include a mechanism for closing the aperture to prevent the crib bumper from slipping out of the cover. In addition, the cover may include one or more connectors for connecting the cover to the crib.

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprises a frame, a tent supported by the frame, and a mattress cover for preventing access to a mattress from the interior of the tent.

Abstract: A bed frame attachable transfer bar device preferably includes a rail attachment member, a turnbuckle, a second rail attachment member and a transfer bar. The rail attachment member includes a first lengthwise member and a first rail engagement member attached to one end of the first lengthwise member. The second rail attachment member includes a second lengthwise member, a second rail engagement member and a transfer bar receiver. The second rail engagement member is attached to one end of the second lengthwise member. The transfer bar receiver is attached to the second rail engagement member and the second lengthwise member. The rail attachment member is attached to the second rail attachment member with the turnbuckle. The transfer bar preferably includes a hand ring and a support post extending downward from the hand ring. The support post is sized to be received by the transfer bar receiver.

Abstract: A human hand mimetic and pediatric support system device to provide comfort, positioning aid, sense of security and support for infants, especially premature infants or other users lacking full mobility. This device consists of a cavity in the shape of a human hand (glove/mitten) partially or totally filled with a freely flowable material and closed at the cuff. An optional extension to the cuff mimics an arm/forearm to provide extra length, weight and/or flexibility of usage. This device provides continual gentle pressure and subtle restraint by mimicking the touch of a human hand and conforming to the contour of the body. The device may be used directly touching the skin, is washable without disassembly, and it does not interfere with medical or other equipment. It may be used under or over the body of the infant (excluding the face) or to secure external items in place such as pacifiers, bottles, paperwork, toys, tubes, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is a fall-prevention device for the backrest of a hospital bed, wherein fall-prevention devices are configured on both sides of the backrest rack which inclination angle can be adjusted. The fall-prevention device includes fall-prevention racks that are coupled to the both sides of the backrest rack of the hospital bed. The fall-prevention rack is located within the siderail and supported by a support member. The other end of the support member is activated by a linking rod that is pivotably connected to the siderail on one end and to the main bed frame on the other end. When the backrest rack is in flat position, the level distance between the linking rod and the backrest rack is the longest, thus the support member of the linking rod is unable to support the fall-prevention rack upward.

Abstract: A enclosure assembly with a support for a mattress of a bed to accommodate a person on the mattress, the enclosure assembly including a framework having connectors to secure the framework in an upstanding relation peripherally about the mattress, the framework including corner posts each extending a generally common distance above the mattress, and frame members spanning the corner posts. A net having inside and outside surfaces is supported on the framework and has at least one normally closed opening provided with a closure member which may only be opened from the outside of the net, thereby at least partially defining a “safe zone” about the periphery of the mattress. The enclosure assembly also comprises a coverlet which overlies the mattress and is removably interconnected along its periphery to the inside surface of the net, thereby further defining the “safe zone” about the mattress on which the person may rest without risk of falling off the mattress and harming themselves.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a stationary bed frame and a movable bed frame. A portion of the stationary bed frame is coupled to a portion of a plurality of actuator devices and a portion of the movable bed frame is coupled to a portion of the actuator devices. A power supply coupled to the actuator devices activates the actuator devices. At least one of the actuator devices comprises a safety switch to prevent unauthorized use of the actuator devices, and a toggle switch to elevate and lower at least one actuator of the actuator devices. A caregiver unlocks the safety switch, activates the actuator devices and guides a person transversely from one side of a mattress located on the movable bed frame to a second side of the mattress thereby permitting access to a portion of the person that was previously inaccessible.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: A safety bed apparatus has upper and lower panels which can be lowered below the level of the mattress for easy egress and ingress into the bed. A grooved track is mounted to each of the two bed posts, each having a grooved track mounted thereon and each having a pair of generally vertically extending parallel grooves therein. Each vertically extending groove has a plurality of downwardly angled grooves extending therefrom and ending with a generally vertical locking notch. The top and bottom entry panels each have a plurality of pins on the edges thereof which slide in the vertical grooves and into the angled grooves and locking notches to lock the top panel over the bottom panel in a raised position.

Abstract: An examination table including an actuatable patient surface comprising electronic components configured to adjust said examination table, a power supply to provide power to said electronic components and an electric power receptacle mounted to said examination table. A first electrical power cord is configured to connect said power supply to a first power source and a second electrical power cord is configured to connect said electric power receptacle to a second power source, wherein the electric power receptacle is grounded through said second electrical power cord. A conjoining connector is configured to attach the first electrical power cord to the second electrical power cord along the length of the cords.

Abstract: A bedframe for medical beds has a height-adjustable frame member and an obstruction detector on the height-adjustable frame member. The obstruction detector has a contact member which is displaceable, for obstruction detection, both upwardly and downwardly relative to the frame member. A sensor detects such displacement to stop movement of the frame member. The frame member may be a height adjustable lower frame member of a bedframe having also a height adjustable upper frame member. The bedframe also has a manually removable panel of its headboard and footboard, to allow access to a patient between columns carrying the height-adjustable upper frame member.

Abstract: A generally rectangular baby bed comprised of a vertical headboard, a vertical footboard, a pair of vertical side panels connecting from the headboard to the footboard, a flat horizontal supporting surface extending between the headboard and the footboard for supporting a mattress thereon, a pair of vertical side panels extending between the headboard and the footboard, a central vertical partition mounted between the side panels in parallel relation therewith and extending from the headboard to the footboard, the central partition being formed of an upper horizontal rail, a lower horizontal rail and a plurality of vertical rails which extend from the upper rail to the lower rail, a pair of opposed vertical slots located opposite each other on the inboard sides of the headboard and footboard for receiving therein the ends of the upper and lower horizontal rails, whereby the vertical partition is slidable vertically upwardly and downwardly in the vertical slots, rollers mounted at the ends of the horizontal ra

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprises a frame, a tent supported by the frame, and a mattress cover. Material covering two opposed upright end members of the frame and an upper support bar extending between the upright end members is connected to the tent by zipper connectors. A lower edge of the tent is likewise connected to an upper edge of the mattress cover with a zipper connector.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed comprises a frame having a horizontal eave portion, a horizontal base portion opposing the horizontal eave portion, and at least two vertical members upstanding from the horizontal base portion for supporting the horizontal eave portion. The frame collapses as an integral unit for storage and transfer. A canopy secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the area. The canopy includes see-through portions defined by dark colored mesh to enhance visibility therethrough and prevent glare. In one embodiment, the canopy includes a hermetically sealable chamber defining the patient area for quarantining the patient therein.

Abstract: A lateral confinement device for use in children's bed comprising a pair of units each consisting of a lateral mound and each mound having a blanketing part extending therefrom. In use, these blanketing parts overlap so as to adjust for width and, most importantly, the child sleeps on top of both blanketing parts so that its own weight holds the mounds at the selected distance. Additionally, hook and loop means insure that the position is maintained when the child is not in bed or during ingresses and egresses or when changing bedsheets and such.

Abstract: A bed monitoring system (1) includes a substantially rectangular bed (2) for supporting a user (not shown). Bed (2) is longitudinally extending between a bed head and a bed foot and has a periphery that is crossed by the user to move from the bed. Three spaced apart sensors, in the form of respective photo-electric receivers (6, 7 and 8), are mounted to bed (2) and are collectively responsive to the user crossing the periphery for generating a movement signal. Three generators, in the form of spaced apart photoelectric emitters (9, 10 and 11), are mounted to bed (2) for establishing a field in the form of respective beams (12, 13 and 14). These beams are detected by receivers (6, 7 and 8 respectively), and are changed by the user crossing the periphery along which the respective beam extends. Emitters (9, 10 and 11) are contained within a common housing with receivers (6, 7 and 8) respectively.

Abstract: Provided are protective pads which cover the balusters of a baby crib or protective gate/room divider, comprising a cushioning material and means for affixing the said pads to the tops and bottoms of individual balusters and for securing the pads about the balusters. The securing means comprise complementary strips of Velcro®.

Abstract: A footboard extension rail employs a modified side rail. The modification includes a stabilizer bar attached to a convoluted rail and a spring-biased locking mechanism. The stabilizer bar fits around a lower portion of the footboard. A conventional clamping arrangement is utilized to attach the rail to the bed frame.

Abstract: For use on a bed mattress, a baby protector having a mounting sub-assembly and a baby holding sub-assembly. The mounting sub-assembly has a central portion adapted to overlie the mattress, and adjustable length straps extending from the central portion on opposite sides down to fasteners (preferably snap hooks) for attachment to the bed rail. The baby holding sub-assembly has a short fabric strap affixed at one end to the central portion of the mounting sub-assembly, a snap hook on the free end of this strap, and a self-contained fastener (preferably a safety pin) on this snap hook for attachment to the baby's diaper.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.

Abstract: A side panel safety apparatus for a bed, and a related method comprises: a horizontal stabilizer for placement at least partially underneath a mattress of said bed; and a vertically-extending panel attached substantially perpendicularly thereto; wherein: placement of said horizontal stabilizer at least partially underneath said mattress secures said vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. One embodiment further comprises a cover covering both said mattress and said horizontal stabilizer. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising: said safety rail; wherein: said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person's body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet has a pair of roll guards mounted thereon to prevent a toddler or other person from rolling out of bed. Each roll guard is removably disposed in a slip cover mounted on the sheet by a flexible strip of material, which allows each roll guard to move between a first position atop the sheet and a second position beside the sheet with the roll guard hanging from the flexible strip. Each roll guard is securable in the raised position by the linking of fastener strips having hook and loop fasteners mounted on the slip cover and fabric loops mounted on the sheet. Each roll guard is removably mounted to the sheet via a zipper between the sheet and the flexible strip of material mounted on the slip cover. A plurality of elastic straps is mounted axially on the bottom of the sheet to help secure the sheet on a mattress.

Abstract: A protective member, preferably an extruded plastic is used to enclose, at least partially, a component of a bed frame so as to provide protection against inadvertent injury to a user striking the otherwise sharp edges of the component. The components are normally a side rail and a center rail and the protective member is snapped fitted to that component by the presence of curved lips that at least partially encircle the external edges of the component. There are also ribs formed in the protective member and which position the protective member a predetermined distance away from the particular component. In the case of the center rail, the protective member is spaced away from the upper surface of the center rail so as to compensate for the lower position of that surface with respect to the head and foot cross members so that a box spring resting upon the side rails and the center rail is supported evenly and does not bow at its center due to a spatial difference between the center rail and the cross members.

Abstract: A rotating bed is provided that has a base with a mattress frame supported for rotation about a vertical axis. The mattress frame is divided into sections and can be converted into a chair-like configuration in one rotational position. In order to increase the stability of the arrangement in the chair position, at least one support leg is provided that either contacts the floor from the beginning or only makes contact with the floor when the stability limit without the support leg is exceeded.

Abstract: A patient support or bed is disclosed having a frame, a mattress, and a plurality of siderails. A detector is disclosed that detects a position of a siderail relative to a portion of the bed.

Abstract: A convalescent bed for safely restraining a bedridden patient includes a bed frame with a mattress that is raised and lowered by a hydraulic or electric lifting arm. The bed frame includes a pair of opposing guard rails one of which includes pivotally connected panels that may be deployed when the mattress is in the lowered position thereby providing a ramp on which a patient safely lands in the event he or she rolls off the mattress while receiving treatment.

Abstract: A crib shield system includes one or more panels to be used with crib. The panels are formed, at least in part, of a mesh-type material (e.g., an integrated padded mesh material) that includes openings too small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough. Further, the integrated padded mesh material may be used with one or more other apparatus (e.g., a blanket, a toy, etc.).

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprising a frame, a tent supported by the frame, and a mattress cover is disclosed. The frame employs a pair of opposed upright end members, an upper support bar connecting the upright end members, and an attachment bar connected to at least one of the upright end members which is movable up and down along a portion of the end member. The frame further includes a releasable fastener for fastening the attachment bar to the bed.

Abstract: The replaceable headboard or footboard cover of the invention comprises frontal and rearward exterior segments mended together to form a sleeve. The decorative frontal exterior extends along the front of the headboard or footboard and provides the appearance of an open curtain swag thus integrating the existing headboard or footboard into the room decor as modified by the headboard cover. The rearward exterior extends along the back of the headboard or footboard and forms a cap to secure the cover to the headboard or footboard without extraneous fasteners. A system for decorating a bed comprising a headboard and footboard cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bed siderail for a bed having a frame includes a flexible section to allow a portion of the siderail to flex upward.

Abstract: A crib safety net, which is securable to an open-top interior space of a crib, comprising one or more side panels coupled relative to each other, wherein the side panels form vertical panels of the crib safety net, wherein the side panels are capable of substantially covering the side walls of the open-top crib interior space, and wherein the side panels each include a top edge portion, and a bottom panel substantially perpendicularly coupled relative to the side panels, wherein the bottom panel forms a horizontal panel of the crib safety net, wherein the bottom panel is capable of substantially covering the support surface of the open-top crib interior space, and wherein the bottom panel is capable of being at least partially covered by a crib mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.

Abstract: Presently described are several alternate embodiments for shield devices to enclose and thereby prevent entrapment of objects in the interior space formed by elements of an adjustable bed in the raised position. Such shield devices may include physical barriers. In other embodiments, the shield may include optical sensors that provide rapid detection of intruding objects, thereby activating controls that preclude the further movement of the adjustable bed mechanism. In a further embodiment, an operative shield may be provided by means of a specially adapted controller configured such that only an authorized user can cause the adjustable bed to operate, thereby preventing the possibility that the bed could be operated while any object has intruded into the interior space.

Abstract: A mattress for use in hospital, nursing homes, and the like, incorporates hand supports with hand grips built into the sides of the mattress. Raised bolsters built into the top surface of the mattress adjacent to its lateral edges help to prevent the patient from falling out of the bed.