Abstract: Convertible, multi-functional furniture is disclosed that has at least a standard configuration and a converted configuration, the standard and converted configurations providing different uses for the convertible furniture.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position is disclosed. The foldable massaging bed cushion has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one or more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A mattress insert including a substantially flat bottom surface configured to rest on a mattress and a concave portion formed in a support base opposite the flat bottom surface. The concave portion includes a recessed area between a head rest area and a leg rest area. The head rest area and leg rest area are at opposite ends of the concave portion. The head rest area and the leg rest area have a height greater than the recessed area such that the infant's head and legs are elevated. The substantially flat bottom surface of the support base extends from the head rest area to the leg rest area.

Abstract: A supporting device for a bed, placed on a bed plate, on top of or below a mattress, comprises a head-end inflatable bag, shaped like a triangular prism and placed at a determined position close to a head end of the bed plate, a foot-end inflatable bag, shaped like a triangular prism and placed at a determined position close to a foot end of the bed plate, and a compressor for inflating the head-end and foot-end inflatable bags. A person lying on the bed plate is supported by the head-end and foot-end inflatable bags on the upper body and the legs, respectively, assuming a sitting position upon inflating thereof and returning to a lying position upon deflating thereof.

Abstract: A body support for positioning beneath a patient undergoing endotracheal intubation is dimensioned to extend beneath the patient's torso and head while in a substantially upward-facing prone position. An inflatable bladder is adapted to elevate the patient as the bladder is inflated and thereby expands. An expandable headrest is positioned for placement beneath the patient's head. The headrest further includes a head support air bladder which is operative to elevate the patient's head as the head support bladder is inflated and the headrest expands. A source of compressed air is in selective fluid communication by way of valve means with the torso support bladder whereby the patient's torso/head position may be altered to achieve optimal anatomical alignment of the patient's larynx for intubation. The valve means are preferably electromechanical valves which are actuated by thumbswitches located on a housing which is snap-fit to the top of the intubation handle.

Abstract: A patient incline device includes an incline ramp and a centerline spinal support located on a base member. The incline ramp supports the upper torso and head of a patient such that the upper torso and head are elevated with respect to the base member. The centerline support is located adjacent the inline ramp for contact with a central portion of the patient's back located adjacent the spine to elevate the central back portion. According to one embodiment, the incline ramp and the spinal support are inflatable. The width of the spinal support is less than that of the incline ramp to define lateral spaces along opposite sides of the centerline support to receive the arms and side portions of the patient for lateral extension of the chest wall.

Abstract: A mattress insert including a substantially flat bottom surface configured to rest on a mattress and a concave portion formed in a support base opposite the flat bottom surface. The concave portion includes a recessed area between a head rest area and a leg rest area. The head rest area and leg rest area are at opposite ends of the concave portion. The head rest area and the leg rest area have a height greater than the recessed area such that the infant's head and legs are elevated. The substantially flat bottom surface of the support base extends from the head rest area to the leg rest area.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. The multiple position air mattress system can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated and an inclined bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress. In the inclined bed position, the degree of elevation of the second mattress can be finely adjusted by increasing or decreasing the inflation level of the bellows unit. A fourth inflatable member may be positioned on the top side of the second mattress to support the lumbar section of the user's body. A fifth inflatable member may be positioned under the user's leg to provide adjustable elevation of the legs.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A compact free-standing reclining bed lounge, expanding a product line marketed under BedLounge®, is made with a removable fabric slip-cover enclosing foam and fiber padding covering a basic seat structure formed from air-core plastic sheet material utilizing “living” hinges and reinforced by fabric webbing. The lounge is portable, sturdy, light-weight and free-standing, requiring no external support such as a headboard or wall, and provides reclining capability over a wide range, easily adjustable by a user while seated. A cam-lever gripping mechanism, in a slidable assembly on a pair of rear support columns, normally holds the lounge fixed at the previously selected inclination. To readjust the inclination, the user, by pulling a control strap, temporarily releases the gripping and allows the inclination to be readjusted by shifting of the user's body position and weight.

Abstract: A device to alleviate lower back pain, aligning the spine in the lumbar region, stretching the spine and reducing inward curvature of the spine which is an integral, elongate, symmetrical ovoid-section rigid sheet on which the user lies in a supine position, device opening upward to receive the individual, spanning the back of the user from the buttocks to the shoulder blade area. The device, upon the user lying supine on the device, forms an air pocket formed between the user's lower spine and the surface of the device. Raising his/her knees to the chest and then lowering the feet, puts the user in a therapeutic position, the lower spine being forced down against the surface of the back due to the vacuum formed. This action applies a stretching pressure and pulls the spine down, allowing the vertebrae in the spine to align, due to the shape of the device.

Abstract: Dual-modal-shaping capability is added as a new feature in bed lounges of the type having a fabric slip-cover enclosing foam padding on a main structure formed from plastic sheet material. User adjustment is provided for back tilt, head-rest tilt and height, arm-rest spacing, and back support location. Modal transition is provided by an internal mechanism that interlinks the two arm-rests via a weighted lock-pin that locks the arm-rests in place for normal use but that can be disengaged by merely inverting the bed lounge so the lock-pin drops out from the linkage gravitationally, thus allowing the arm-rests to be folded out to convert to an overall flat modal-shape that can be conveniently stored, e.g. under a bed or hanging in a closet.

Abstract: The patient positioning aid assists a caregiver in rotating and positioning immobile patients. Such patients require periodic movement to prevent the development of ulcers. Conventional methods use rolled blankets or pillows to support such patients. Such improvizations are often crushed by the patients, especially by bariatric patients. The present invention has a strong resilient foam core which resists compression by a patient, yet also has a yielding surface foam layer which avoids trauma to the patient's skin. The cover is removable for cleaning, waterproof, and utilizes an anti-slip, high friction coating on the bottom which resists sliding on the bed. In addition, handles on the caregiver side of the aid assist in the maneuvering of the aid to position it properly.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: A body support device includes a base section with a wall ergonomically contoured to conform generally to the portion of the human back between the head and lower torso as it reclines in a posture intermediate prone and supine positions. The contoured wall further supports a user in seated and supine positions. The base may also include a cavity disposed at the end of the base that receives an object. A cap connects to the base to cover the cavity and secure the object therein. In addition, a connecting member may be used to connect multiple support devices together at a desired angle. A protective cover may also be used to prevent damage to the body support device.

Abstract: An MPU sends pieces of information supplied by the input signals from a hand switch to a semiconductor memory device and the memory device stores these pieces of information. These pieces of information are: input points of an operation start signal and an operation end signal to a bottom drive unit; input points of a drive start signal of each bottom and a drive end signal of each bottom or a bottom drive time, information on lift-up or lift-down of each bottom; input points of a drive start signal and a drive end signal to a frame drive unit, information on lift-up or lift-down of a frame; and the type of an operated button of a hand switch. The data about bottoms is stored for both the back bottom and knee bottom.

Abstract: A system used for the prevention of positional plagiocephaly in which an infant receiving member includes an infant supporting surface, a first portion, and a second portion. An inclined member is positioned at least partially under the first portion of the infant receiving surface such that the first portion of the infant receiving surface is inclined.

Abstract: A bed apparatus having a base and two inflatable members for elevating the torso and legs of a user is provided. The inflatable members are removably attachable to the base and can be selectively spaced apart, making the bed spatially adjustable. The extent to which a user's body is elevated is controlled by inflation of the inflatable members, making the bed vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled intubation mat includes laryngoscope-mounted controls. A body supporting mat is positioned beneath the patient undergoing endotracheal intubation and is dimensioned to extend beneath the patient's torso and head while in a substantially upward-facing prone position. An inflatable bladder is positioned between the base and the mat board which is adapted to elevate the mat board with respect to the base as the bladder is inflated and thereby expands. An expandable headrest is affixed to a top surface of the mat board and is positioned for placement beneath the patient's head. The headrest further includes a head support air bladder which is operative to elevate the patient's head as the head support bladder is inflated and the headrest thereby expands. A source of compressed air is in fluid communication with the torso support bladder and the head support bladder by way of an air distribution manifold.

Abstract: A pillow is disclosed for securely maintaining a user at a predetermined angle from a flat surface. The pillow includes an angled member having a triangular shape. The pillow further includes a securing member and means for connecting the securing member to the angled member at a first apex thereof. Upon connecting the securing member to the angled member, a user is positioned against the angled member and is secured thereto by the securing member and the user is maintained at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating a portion of the torso of an infant. The apparatus includes a main structure having a first planar surface and a second adjacent planar surface. The first planar surface is oriented at an angle of at least ten degrees from horizontal. The second planar surface is substantially horizontal. The apparatus also includes straps and a crotch support for retaining the infant against the main structure. The first planar surface includes a head indentation for placement of the infant's head within. The head indentation prevents the misshaping of the head, which the infant may be susceptible to from prolonged exposure to lying on his back.

Abstract: A reflux wedge for supporting an infant suffering from acid reflux is disclosed. The reflux wedge includes a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side. In addition the reflux wedge includes a torso support section providing a substantially flat incline of approximately 25 to 45 degrees to receive and support the torso of the infant in a prone position. The torso support section is located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main body. The reflux wedge also includes a head support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving and supporting the head of the infant. An arch runs down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the infant and encouraging protraction of the shoulders. A crater is optionally located on the bottom side for receiving an infant in a supine position.

Abstract: An inclination adjusting means for the backrest of a bassinet is provided, which comprises a bedplate, a backrest, a supporting rod and a band. The bedplate and the backrest are integrally formed in one component and are connected together via plastic hinges. The supporting rod is pivotally connected to the bedplate with a centrally-protruding portion passing through the sliding slot of the backrest. The band is tied in the middle of the centrally-protruding portion of the supporting rod and the free end of the band is suspended and drooped out of the backrest so that a user can easily draw out the band from the rear of the backrest. When a user intends to raise the backrest, he/she can lift the backrest with his finger passing through a semicircular hole provided on the rear portion of the backrest so that the protruding portion of the supporting rod 3 can slide to the lowest point along a slopping slot.

Abstract: An articulating knock-down frame and an improved cover design for a chair. The frame includes a pair of separate generally U-shaped frame portions, one being a seat and the other a backrest, and a pair of generally L-shaped connectors adapted for a telescopic fit with the U-shaped portions. The U-shaped frame portions are champfered about their ends to ease installation of the cover and to prevent tearing. An optional feature is also shown to facilitate disassembly, and this is a spring-loaded break joint in one or both of the U-shaped frame portions. The cover fits over the frame and holds the component parts in assembly. The cover includes a top panel section sewn against a bottom panel section, and a side panel section sewn therebetween to form an enclosure for holding an integral cushion.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting an infant is provided. The cushion includes a pad that may be formed of a resilient foam material. The pad includes a lower surface and an upper surface oriented at an acute angle thereto such that the upper surface is inclined relative to a support surface. The acute angle formed thereby may be between 20° and 30°. The cushion may be received within a polyester casing, but may simply include a top panel to be disposed on the pad's upper surface. The cushion includes at least one positioning member, but preferably two positioning members, with means for releasably fastening to the top panel to support the infant. Preferably, the positioning member includes a filaform strip for releasably attaching to a fabric material such as 100% polyester tricot and is formed of a resilient foam material.

Abstract: There is provided a back support system of three foam members serving as a piece of recreational or therapeutic furniture. The three foam support members each have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and a triangular shaped when viewed from their sides and vary in size. The unique triangular shape of each of the three members enables the pieces to be assembled in a variety of positions depending upon the desires of the user. For example, one of the triangular pieces may be positioned to fit underneath the back and head area of the user while the second member may be placed under the legs of the user to lift the knee area and the third and smallest member may be placed under the lower leg area to keep the feet in an elevated position. Each cushion is made of a resilient foam polymeric material that is covered with a protective fabric.

Abstract: A cushion/backrest including an integrated reading lamp tethered at the end of a flexible member is disclosed for providing the user with a source of light for reading or watching television. The cushion may also include built in massage motors for providing the user with a massaging action to the back. Controls for adjusting the massaging action and the reading lamp may be incorporated in an armrest.

Abstract: A lymphatic pump apparatus for use under the thoracic cage of a human patient in a supine position. The apparatus comprises a mat which supports a pair of longitudinal lifting members positioned to be parallel to and on opposite sides of the spine under the angle of the ribs. The apparatus provides intermittent rib cage excursion, or anterior displacement of the ribs, to assist and increase lymphatic flow. Enhancement of lymphatic flow is beneficial in numerous disease states characterized by capillary leak and abnormal excursion of fluids and proteins into the interstitial spaces.

Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a cushion (1) with respect to the surface of a mattress or seat (12) of a bed/sofa (10) which has a headboard or backrest (13;113), comprising a strip of fabric (21) which is fastened to the cushion and one end of which is joined to a weight (22).

Abstract: An adjustable body support device for applying supportive pressure to spaced areas of the human body comprising two elongated resilient foam-like cushions adjustably joined for adjusting the spacing between them. The cushions may be provided with covers having pockets for holding hot or cold packs.

Abstract: A system for restoring the natural lordosis of the cervical spine is provided. The system comprises at least a base pillow having areas of varying thickness, and including a protuberance. A central portion of the base pillow preferably includes a depression for receiving a patient's head. A thicker edge portion provides support for the patient's neck, while the protuberance provides support for the patients thoracic vertebrae. A second pillow is positionable adjacent the base pillow to provide further elevation for the patient's head. The system may include yet another pillow having a size greater than the second pillow to provide still further elevation for the patient's head. The system may also include additional pillows having shapes smaller than, larger than, or in between the size of the other pillows. A method of using the pillows to treat a cervical spinal disorder is also provided.

Abstract: An anti-snoring pillow having a top pillow, a bottom pillow, and a covering is provided. The bottom pillow has a top surface angled with respect to a bottom surface. The top surface of the bottom pillow has a head-receiving cavity defined therein. The covering has a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. The top pillow is in the top section and the bottom pillow is in the bottom section. The middle section maintains the top pillow centered over the head-receiving cavity during use.

Abstract: A unitary pillow display appearing as different pillows of varying sizes, shapes, and textures. The single unitary pillow display appears formed of a number of individual and non-joined pillows, and mimics the contemporary decorating technique of stacking a plurality of different pillows on a furniture surface. Variations in the material of the pillow sham heighten the illusion by providing the possibility of radical differences in coverings of varying parts of the display. The sham may enclose the unitary display in a highly permanent manner, or it may have an opening, with optional closure means, to allow it to slip over the display. The display may have sleeping pillow recesses in the body of the display. The display may be provided with a wide variety of optional accessories, such as pockets and means for hanging storage of the display.

Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a cushion (1) with respect to the surface of a mattress or seat (12) of a bed/sofa (10) which has a headboard or backrest (13;113), comprising a strip of fabric (21) which is fastened to the cushion and one end of which is joined to a weight (22).

Abstract: An arrangement in passenger vehicles, that diverts the impact energy in impacts away from the passengers to the remaining mass of the vehicle thereby protecting the passengers, and in the same arrangement provides utilitarian access to the vehicle, such utilitarian access making it possible to both install multi-element contoured surround seats for passengers and the driver, and also a safety device for head-on collision protection that obviates the need for conventional seat belts and front impact airbags. An indo-skeletal structural arrangement proposed for the vehicle, provides further benefits by targeting the strength of the vehicle to protect passengers while minimizing other massive elements in the vehicle.

Abstract: A surgical table has an articulated leg section with accessory attachment rails on opposite sides thereof. A shoulder surgery attachment for the surgical table includes a chair back assembly having a base on one end thereof and a cooperating second connector at each of its sides. Each second connector is releasably attachable to its corresponding first connector. A pair of mounting blades are provided on opposite sides of the base. A rail clamp is positionable along the attachment rails to be fastened to each of the attachment rails to provide a first connector at each side of the leg section.

Abstract: A lumbar reinforcement device for supporting the lower back of a contacting human body, including two cushionable structures connectively separated by a center structure, wherein the cushionable structures define inner spaces which hold removable inserts containing a deformably cushionable supporting material, said cushionable structures being deformable upon contact with a human body and which moldably deform to the shape of the contacting human body to provide support thereto.

Abstract: Shaped bodies, containing at least one shaped body with an unstressed three-dimensional inherent volume form that has at least one integrated curved part and can be displaced and/or partially or wholly transformed into another three-dimensional volume form by means of an active element connected to the shaped body, using a variable force of pressure/tensile force.

Abstract: A back support provides a generally vertical and rigid panel removably installable along one edge of a bed, against which a person may brace his or her back or other body part as desired while reclining on the bed. The present support comprises a frame with two opposed legs extending therefrom, with the legs each having a ninety degree bend therein. The legs may thus be inserted horizontally between the mattress and box spring or frame of a bed, with the frame being held generally vertically at the edge of the bed. The legs also telescope within the ends of the frame for height adjustment, and pivot to lie coplanar with the frame for carriage and storage of the device. The frame includes a rigid panel thereacross, with the panel having a cushion removably secured thereto and facing the center of the bed when the support is installed on the bed. The cushion includes a series of pockets on the outer surface thereof, for the removable insertion of therapeutic articles (e.g., hot and cold packs, etc.) therein.

Abstract: A side bolster system is provided for use with a mattress having a first side and a second side. The side bolster system of the present invention includes a first side bolster configured to be positioned along the first side of the mattress, and a second side bolster configured to be positioned along the second side of the mattress.

Abstract: A shooting harness is described in which a back member is supported by shoulder suspension members from the shoulders and across the upper back region of a shooter. A leg restraining member extends from the back member and includes at least one knee segment positioned to engage at least one of the shooter's legs in the vicinity of the knee with the shooter in a sitting shooting position. The back member and leg restraining member together form a shooter encircling loop that provides a substantially stable brace about the shooter's upper back, torso, and at least one knee to stabilize the shooter in a sitting shooting position.

Abstract: A convertible foot stool including a pair of triangular padded sections hingedly coupled together for forming a footstool in a first orientation, a chair in a second orientation, and a recliner in a third orientation.

Abstract: An upholstered seat system for use on legless leisure chairs. The seat system has features that make it particularly useful on legless leisure chairs having cushioned backrests. The seat system has a seat cushion made of an upholstery fabric filled with a soft resilient material, and further having a flap extending from the back of the seat cushion for attachment to the front lower cross member of a legless leisure chair. The flap provides a flexible means of attaching the seat cushion to the backrest that enables the seat cushion to be folded for storage or transport. The seat system also provides two lower leg support options. One option is to have a two piece seat system including the seat cushion and an ottoman cushion. The other option is to extend the seat cushion to provide continuous support from a user's buttocks to the user's heels. The ottoman cushion can be made with a slip resistant underside. Also disclosed is how the seat system can be made with a multi-layer foam filling, or other fillings.

Abstract: An adjustable height storage chest with integrated cushioned backrest, which is used to extend the sleeping surface of a bed using connectors to secure it between the bed frame and headboard. Adjustable height is enabled by use of corner mounted legs, which can be positioned at a range of elevations using screw fasteners. The backrest is attached to a frame which is then connected to the chest to create a double-hung door for the chest which allows easy access to the storage area and an adjustable position backrest. Easy use of the backrest is afforded by a soft lift strap with and integrated release pull knob allowing single-handed raising and lowering of the backrest.

Abstract: A box seat provides for selected angular adjustment of a seat back, the seat back being collapsible into the seat base, thereby defining a closed container of compact configuration adapted to retain accessories for use with the box seat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for urging alignment of the spinal vertebrae of a user includes using a board member having a lengthwise axis and a top surface with a channel formed therein that is generally parallel to the lengthwise axis and with sufficient length and depth to receive the spinal vertebrae of a user therein. The board member has a first and a second convex portion formed generally parallel and symmetric to and proximate the channel. A first and a second concave portion are formed in the board member generally parallel and symmetric to and distal from the channel. The convex and concave portions have sufficient curvature for applying pressure to the skeletal structure of the rib cage of a user to urge the spinal vertebrae of the user into alignment in the channel when the user lies supine on the board top surface.

Abstract: A prop to hold a patient on his/her side while in a hospital bed in which a standard-sized hospital pillow is stowed in a rolled condition within a launderable sleeve having a sleeve-attached flap of approximately eight inches tucked beneath the patient's side which allows limited patient rolling movement against the prop which contributes to patient comfort. The eight inch dimension of the flap keeps the prop close to the patient so that more drastic movement which could cause injury does not occur.

Abstract: A spinal support and stretch pillow system offers a distinct, adjustable support for sleeping in either a supine position or a lateral-lying position. The spinal support and stretch pillow system can be laid over a conventional mattress or a floor. The spinal support and stretch pillow system is comprised of a bottom liner pad, a cervical and spinal support pad, a height adjustment pad, an adjustable shoulder support, an adjustable thoracic and lumbar support pad, and a top support pad. The bottom liner pad is used as a container to retain the components of the spinal support and stretch pillow system and for covering the user's legs and feet. The cervical and spinal support pad has a U-shaped cutout portion for allowing the head of the user to fall back and stretch the neck of the user. The height adjustment pad is positioned underneath a cervical section of the cervical and spinal pad for adjusting the height of the cervical section.

Abstract: A pillow lifting device particularly for beds and the like, including: a first fixed structure, which can be arranged at the region where the user's head is meant to rest; a second structure, which is pivoted to the first fixed structure at one end and is suitable to support a pillow; and elements for lifting/lowering the second structure with respect to the first fixed structure, which are constituted by at least one elongated element actuated by a motor.