Abstract: The safety bumper is useable with a child's bed. The safety bumper is receivable by and placeable on a mattress, and comprises a fitted mattress engaging portion and a bumper portion. The mattress engaging portion includes a ring-like underside surface engaging portion for engaging the underside surface of the mattress. The mattress engaging portion defines an opening. An endless side surface engaging portion is provided for engaging each of the first and second opposed side surfaces, and the first and second opposed end surfaces of the mattress. An elastic member is capable of extending chordally along the underside surface of the mattress between a pair of opposed points of the endless side surface engaging portion. The bumper portion comprises an endless ring capable of being disposed adjacent to the first and second opposed side surfaces, and the first and second end surfaces of the mattress.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method including a bed and a therapeutic mattress having a cover therefor. The bed has a frame and a therapeutic mattress with a plurality of inflatable air chambers; a cover on the mattress has a generally planar extent sufficient for covering at least a portion of the mattress; a plurality of spaced apart bolsters extend upwardly from the top surface of the cover adjustably connected and oriented generally parallel to a periphery of the mattress; a plurality of connectors is positioned on the cover and are engageable with the mattress and/or the bed frame to thereon secure the cover; the plurality of bolsters includes at least two bolsters sufficiently spaced apart along a lateral periphery of the mattress to therebetween leave a gap to aid ingress and egress of a person, and at least one bolster positioned along the foot of the mattress.

Abstract: A safety bed rail for preventing an individual from falling out of a bed including a frame of sufficient width to span a width of the bed and having left and right portions adjustably connected by a releasable latch defining a plurality of discrete frame widths corresponding to standard bed sizes. A bed rail panel is attached to one side of the frame and extends up from the frame a sufficient height to extend above a mattress placed over the frame. The frame includes side flanges that engage sides of one of the mattress and an underlying mattress support of similar width to the mattress with frame disposed between the mattress and the support. The flanges are widthwise adjustable to adjust the width of the frame over a limited distance with the latch connecting the left and right frame portions in a selected position.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a primary barrier that defines an effective blocking area, and a rigid auxiliary barrier that cooperates with the primary barrier to increase the length and height of the effective blocking area.

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: Method and apparatus for assisting transfer into and out of a bed by a handle for engagement by a person seeking to transfer into or out of a bed, with the handle positioned aside the bed, and accompanied by a member for counteracting torque exerted by the handle when a person is seeking to transfer into or out of a bed; the torque is counteracted by an elongated member associated at a right angle with respect to the handle and an elongated tube for positioning the handle under a mattress.

Abstract: A bed having supporting elements for supporting the bed on a floor and a mattress support device for supporting a mattress. The mattress support device is provided with a support member that has two transverse bars extending transversely. A safety side part is supported at the support member so as to be moved between a rest position in which it is located below the lying surface and an upright position in which the safety side part extends at a side of a lying surface. An upper surface of the support member defines a mattress support plane and upper faces of the transverse bars are substantially juxtaposed to the mattress support plane.

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 baby crib pad that consists of a plurality of segments that are attached together on the outside of the baby crib. Each of the individual segments is provided with two or more padded vertical flaps that extend inside the crib between adjacent balusters and are secured around the individual balusters of the crib. Each of the flaps is permanently secured along one side of the flap to its associated segment that is located on the outside of the baby crib and an opposite open side of each of the flaps is provided with a fastener whereby the open side of the flap secures to the segment, thereby forming a padded sleeve that extends around a baluster of the baby crib.

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 net assembly secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the area.

Abstract: A hospital stretcher includes a patient support deck having an upwardly-facing patient support surface, and at least one sideframe adjacent to a first side of the stretcher, and movable between (i) a first raised position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a first adult patient-restraining height, (ii) a second fully-raised position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a second pediatric patient-restraining height greater than the first adult patient-restraining height, and (iii) a third out-of-the-way down position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed below the patient support surface. Sideframe locking mechanisms are provided for selectively locking the at least one sideframe in the first adult patient-restraining raised position and the second pediatric patient-restraining fully-raised position.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety device used in an infant crib or playpen to protect its occupant from the individual hard (typically) wood vertical support posts (i.e., slats). A padded cushion is fastened around the entire crib slat, and has a solid, vertical support piece which is used to stabilize the pad in an upright, fixed position at all times. The safety support piece (i.e. stabilizing object) prevents an infant or toddler from pushing down on the pad and using it as a step to climb out of the crib.

Abstract: An increased height inflatable support system consisting of two or more vertically stacked chambers. Such a support system can have one or more stabilizer bars attached to said support system, to help keep said support system from rolling over. In addition, the present invention introduces the concept of using a support chamber to provide additional strength at junctions between said vertically stacked chambers. Additionally, fabric, padding, or flocking may be added to one or more surfaces of an upper chamber to improve overall support system comfort.

Abstract: A detector detects a position of a siderail relative to a portion of a bed.

Abstract: A bed enclosure includes a bed which is adapted to move up and down relative to a resting surface beneath the bed, and an enclosure which encloses at least the occupant portion of the bed. The enclosure is adapted to move up and down with the bed. Another embodiment of a bed enclosure includes a bed and an enclosure which comprises a plurality of panels. At least one of the panels is removably attached to the enclosure.

Abstract: An enclosure bed apparatus including a frame having legs connected to an upper structure, and a canopy affixed to the frame so as to define a three dimensional space therein. The upper structure includes side bars and end bars arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. The canopy includes a pair of sleeves at opposite sides of a top thereof which respectively receive the side bars of the upper structure therein. The canopy has vertical sleeve members extending downwardly so as to receive portions of the legs therein. The canopy has a pair of horizontal sleeves extending outwardly from a top thereof suitable for receiving respective end bars therein. The frame is arranged so as to be exterior of the three dimensional space defined by the canopy.

Abstract: The present invention is a photodisplaying crib bumper which is positioned in the interior walls of a crib and allows such things, as, photographs and drawings to be removably displayed therein.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

Abstract: A bed air bag deterrent apparatus for deterring a bed occupant from getting out of bed without assistance of a caregiver, including a deterrent device mounted on a bed frame and activated by a detection system to deter or delay the bed occupant from getting out of bed, a detection system having a detector for detecting when the bed occupant is attempting to get out of bed, and a control mechanism to for controlling the detection and deterrent systems. The deterrent device has an inflatable air bag mounted on the long side of a horizontally displaced rectangular support frame that is positioned on the horizontal surface of a bed frame. The detection system includes transmitters, sensors and pressure-sensitive bed occupancy pads for detecting the bed occupant. The control mechanism includes a bed occupancy monitor and audio system.

Abstract: A bolster system for a patient support surface is provided comprising two “L”-shaped inflatable bladders configured to be positioned along the head end and left and right sides of the patient support surface, stabilizing members such as foam extending downwardly from the inflatable bladders configured to be positioned between the patient support surface and the rails of the bed, a removable bolster sheath adapted to cover the inflatable bladders and stabilizing members, and a sheet configured to extend underneath the patient support surface and thereby anchor the bolster system in place. The bolster system is particularly adaptable to therapeutic patient support surfaces comprising alternately inflatable bladders that provide percussion, vibration, and/or rotational therapy to patients.

Abstract: A computerized controller that limits the movement of a patient lifting device, wherein the controller is operated in a normal mode to sense the lateral rotation of a lifting arm that lifts patients and the linear displacement of extendable support legs for said lifting device and the angular diversion of said support legs. The controller inhibits movement of said lateral rotation of a lifting arm in response to the linear displacement and the angular diversion of the support legs to prevent tipping the lifting device. The same controller may be operated in a bypass mode to override the normal mode wherein the patient lifting device may be operated during a setup and breakdown operation to permit construction and disassembly of the patient lifting device.

Abstract: A bed air bag deterrent apparatus for deterring a bed occupant from getting out of bed without assistance of a caregiver, including a deterrent device mounted on a bed frame and activated by a detection system to deter or delay the bed occupant from getting out of bed, a detection system having a detector for detecting when the bed occupant is attempting to get out of bed, and a control mechanism to for controlling the detection and deterrent systems. The deterrent device has an inflatable air bag mounted on the long side of a horizontally displaced rectangular support frame that is positioned on the horizontal surface of a bed frame. The detection system includes transmitters, sensors and pressure-sensitive bed occupancy pads for detecting the bed occupant. The control mechanism includes a bed occupancy monitor and audio system.

Abstract: There is shown a see through side shield for use in a hospital bed which prevents a patient from becoming entrapped between a bed rail and a mattress. The see through side shield includes a hand that snugly fits over a lateral rail of the bed rail, typically the top lateral rail. The see through side shield further includes a partition that extends to cover a vertical opening between a top lateral side edge of the mattress and the bottom lateral rail of the bed rail. The partition is mounted to at least one lateral rail of the bed rail using a tightly fitting clamp. To permanently mount the partition, the clamp is riveted to the bed rail. Typically, the see through side shield is transparent being made of a polycarbonate material.

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 bolster system for a patient support surface is provided comprising two “L”-shaped inflatable bladders configured to be positioned along the head end and left and right sides of the patient support surface, stabilizing members such as foam extending downwardly from the inflatable bladders configured to be positioned between the patient support surface and the rails of the bed, a removable bolster sheath adapted to cover the inflatable bladders and stabilizing members, and a sheet configured to extend underneath the patient support surface and thereby anchor the bolster system in place. The bolster system is particularly adaptable to therapeutic patient support surfaces comprising alternately inflatable bladders that provide percussion, vibration, and/or rotational therapy to patients.

Abstract: There is shown a see through side shield for use in a hospital bed which prevents a patient from becoming entrapped between a bed rail and a mattress. The see through side shield includes a hand that snugly fits over a lateral rail of the bed rail, typically the top lateral rail. The see through side shield further includes a partition that extends to cover a vertical opening between a top lateral side edge of the mattress and the bottom lateral rail of the bed rail. The partition is mounted to at least one lateral rail of the bed rail using a tightly fitting clamp. To permanently mount the partition, the clamp is riveted to the bed rail. Typically, the see through side shield is transparent being made of a polycarbonate material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact-cushioning device, which is designed to prevent injury when an occupant, confused or otherwise, falls from a height. This may be a bed or bunk, gurney or examination table. The device generally comprises an impact-reducing cushion. This cushion may be air filled or of a variety of impact absorbing materials. Also provided is a means of displacing the cushion to intercept the falling individual before he or she strikes the floor. The departure of the individual from the bed is detected by signals that are generated when one or more edge pressure switches are actuated simultaneously with signals from one or more light beam sensors. Signals thus generated are processed through an electronics module and passed to a solenoid valve. When the valve opens, gas from a canister is passed to a telescoping device. This in turn displaces the cushion. Thus a protective barrier is placed between the bed occupant and the floor.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a patient support including a body pivotally coupled to the patient support. A biasing mechanism is configured to align a longitudinal axis of the body in a generally horizontal position extending away from the patient support.

Abstract: A crib bumper pad comprises an upper and lower barrier portion conjoined centrally by a zipper. The lower barrier portion is a plurality of non-removable, rectangular-shaped reinforcement plates encased within cloth and having a zipper on its top edge. The upper barrier portion is comprised of padding. Within the padding is a cloth-lined cavity with a sealable aperture whereby a removable reinforcement plate can also be inserted therein to provide for a sturdy barrier between a child and the crib's bars. The upper barrier portion attaches to the crib by a plurality of double straps. Additionally, the upper barrier portion connects to the lower barrier portion and crib by means of a zipper and a plurality of single securment straps. Also provided on the upper barrier portion is a securable releasable member whereby a pacifier may be placed thereon and attached thereto to prevent loss or misplacement of the pacifier.

Abstract: An enclosure for a crib or playpen includes a dome-shaped top and a box-shaped bottom structure for completely enclosing the interior of a crib or playpen. The enclosure includes a flap in the dome-shaped top to allowing a parent or guardian to easily place a child in or remove a child from the crib or playpen. The enclosure also has features which prevent a child from opening the flap.

Abstract: A portable infant protective bed for protecting an infant especially when sleeping in close proximity to a sleeping adult is disclosed. The bed is sized to accommodate an infant and is provided with a resilient bumper member around the perimeter of the bed. The resilient bumper is provided with spring-loaded switch activation members as part of an alarm assembly that is so configured to sense if an adult rolls on to the bumper member, the alarm either sounds a loud alarm or vigorously vibrates the bumper member, or both, if desired.

Abstract: A timer for use with a hospital bed including an indicator and a reset button.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact-cushioning device, which is designed to prevent injury when an occupant, confused or otherwise, falls from a height. This may be a bed or bunk, gurney or examination table. The device generally comprises an impact-reducing cushion This cushion may be air filled or of a variety of impact absorbing materials. Also provided is a means of displacing the cushion to intercept the falling individual before he or she strikes the floor. The departure of the individual from the bed is detected by signals that are generated when one or more edge pressure switches are actuated simultaneously with signals from one or more light beam sensors. Signals thus generated are processed through an electronics module and passed to a solenoid valve. When the valve opens, gas from a canister is passed to a telescoping device. This in turn displaces the cushion. Thus a protective barrier is placed between the bed occupant and the floor.

Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, bedding and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Abstract: A bed enclosure for use with a hospital bed having a frame is disclosed having a shell and a skeletal structure configurable between an open position providing access between the interior and exterior of the shell and a closed position in which the shell forms a complete enclosure. Various pockets, pouches and slots formed in the shell are disclosed to facilitate display of documentary information, retention of personal items, access to controllers, passage of I.V. tubes, and receipt of bumpers or cushions. The bed enclosure is adapted to facilitate vertical adjustment of the intermediate frame relative to the frame of the bed and articulation of the articulating deck of the bed.

Abstract: A bed air bag deterrent apparatus for deterring a bed occupant from getting out of bed without assistance of a caregiver, including a deterrent device mounted on a bed frame and activated by a detection system to deter or delay the bed occupant from getting out of bed, a detection system having a detector for detecting when the bed occupant is attempting to get out of bed, and a control mechanism to for controlling the detection and deterrent systems. The deterrent device has an inflatable air bag mounted on the long side of a horizontally displaced rectangular support frame that is positioned on the horizontal surface of a bed frame. The detection system includes transmitters, sensors and pressure-sensitive bed occupancy pads for detecting the bed occupant. The control mechanism includes a bed occupancy monitor and audio system.

Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, beddings and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Abstract: A liner which is attachable to an infant bed of the type having side walls to prevent the infant from falling out of the bed, the liner having one or more breathable side walls which, in use, extend about the inside walls of the bed, an open top, top attachment means to attach the liner to an upper part of the side walls of the bed, a generally open bottom, and bottom attachment means to attach the liner to a bottom part of the bed and/or the bed mattress.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a patient support including a body pivotally coupled to the patient support. A biasing mechanism is configured to align a longitudinal axis of the body in a generally horizontal position extending away from the patient support.

Abstract: A baby play mat with protective enclosure comprising a mat and one or more bumpers circumscribing the perimeter of the mat. The bumpers comprise fastening means on the top and bottom surfaces. The perimeter of the mat also comprises fastening means. The bumpers are securely and removably attached to the perimeter of the play mat to form a protective tier defining an interior cavity. Additional layers of bumpers can be fastened to the top of the first protective tier to increase the height of the enclosure. Additional mats can be joined together to increase the width of the play area.

Abstract: An inflatable baby cushioning apparatus for restricting the movement of infants. The inflatable baby cushioning apparatus includes an inflatable baby cushioning apparatus comprising a pad. The pad includes a peripheral edge and a plurality of tubular members. Each of the plurality of tubular members includes a pair of ends and a peripheral wall extending therebetween.

Abstract: A lightweight, simple, foldable changing table is disclosed, which can be easily carried and utilized to provide a safe and clean platform on which a child can be laid, in any setting, including a floor, the ground, or the like. The portable changing table comprises a table member having first and second foldable portions, which may be unfolded to an extended position to provide a surface on which the child may be laid, and may be folded and secured in the folded configuration, for storage and transport. A convenient carrying strap is provided for carrying the table on one's shoulder or slung over the handle of a stroller, for example. Advantageously, the inventive portable changing table is foldable into a very compact configuration, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: This invention provides an aid to pediatric physicians and caregivers to lay an infant in incline position for use in treating various physical conditions or diseases, including gastroesophagic reflux (“GER”). The device allows for positional treatment of infants without the need for a special wedged shaped pillow or mattress. The invention allows for fast and easy access to the infant in case of urgency, but still avoids the possibility of the infant releasing himself. The device can be removed for washing or replacement of a new device, depending upon the size of the infant. The device allows the infant to be laid prone, supine, or laterally.

Abstract: The earthquake-proof sleeping place comprises a base frame with arcuate guiding tubes. From each guiding tube, an arcuate supporting bar may be telescoped. The supporting bars may are connected by a longitudinal bar and form a protective frame therewith. Two protective frames can be raised out from the guiding tubes from opposite sides to close above the bed. The protective device requires little space since the base frame is mostly arranged under the bed. Moreover, it provides high stability and supporting safety. An earthquake sensor causes the protective device to be triggered, in which event the protective frames come up.

Abstract: A cushioning cover (10) that is initially planar in form is wrapped around a bed frame leg (56). An upper tongue (20) is inserted into and through an upper slot (26). In like fashion, a lower tongue (24) is inserted through a lower slot (28, 30). The tongues (20, 24) have enlarged portions (e.g. 38, 40) that function to lock the tongues (20, 24) into the slots (26, 30). When the cushioning cover (10) is placed on a bed frame leg (56) it provides an outwardly directed wall of cushioning material that will absorb a striking blow imposed on it by a person's toe or toes.

Abstract: A crib apparatus comprises at least one side rail connected to a frame along a bed surface for enclosing the bed surface. A positioning mechanism is provided at each of the side rails for positioning a respective side rail. Each of the positioning mechanisms includes a handle component, a rotatable lock spindle attached to a respective side rail, and a locking component slidably receiving the vertical lock spindle. The handle component is connected to the lock spindle so that it can rotate the lock spindle from a lock position to a release position in order to allow one of the lock pins to be released from the locking component. Each of the positioning mechanisms allows its respective side rail to be positioned in an uppermost position so that a top portion of the side rail is vertically higher than the bed surface, and in a lowermost position so that the top portion of the side rail is substantially at or below the bed surface.

Abstract: A system for inexpensively placing an active fall-protection system in a floor is described. The floor is tessellated with large octagonal tiles and smaller square tiles. Each large octagonal tile contains a sodium azide-loaded airbag that expands, upon detonation, to 18 cm tall. Each square tile contains an infrared proximity detector and a differentiation. Upon accelerating approach of a large enough infrared-emitting object (such as a falling human body) the square tile detonates the four adjacent octagonal tiles. In this manner, the airbag tiles are deployed over the area of the floor destined to be impacted. Since the detectors respond to accelerating, large infrared-emitting objects, the floor tiles will not deploy during normal activities.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.

Abstract: A cubicle bed, including a horizontal non-steel bed frame having a rectangular perimeter including a head end, a foot end parallel to the head end, and two parallel sides between the head end and the foot end; the frame adapted to support a bed mattress; a footboard extending vertically from the foot end, and including a non-steel footboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel; a headboard extending vertically from the head end, and including a non-steel headboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel; a pair of opposed sideboards extending vertically from the parallel sides, each of the sideboards including a non-steel sideboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel, with at least one of the substantially transparent mesh panels being releasably attached to the sideboard frame; the footboard, headboard and sideboards being joined together in cooperating relationship to define a barrier about the perimeter of the horizontal bed frame.

Abstract: A system for inexpensively placing an active fall-protection system in a floor is described. The floor is tessellated with large octagonal tiles and smaller square tiles. Each large octagonal tile contains a sodium azide-loaded airbag that expands, upon detonation, to 18 cm tall. Each square tile contains an infrared proximity detector and a differentiation. Upon accelerating approach of a large enough infrared-emitting object (such as a falling human body) the square tile detonates the four adjacent octagonal tiles. In this manner, the airbag tiles are deployed over the area of the floor destined to be impacted. Since the detectors respond to accelerating, large infrared-emitting objects, the floor tiles will not deploy during normal activities.