Ventilated Or Permitting Substantial Air Or Liquid Passage Patents (Class 5/652.1)
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Patent number: 8332975Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Gentherm IncorporatedInventors: Michael Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
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Patent number: 8205283Abstract: A travel face pillow provides a portable soft cushion for resting while supporting the head.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Inventor: Steven A Russell
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Patent number: 8191187Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Michael J. Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
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Publication number: 20120131752Abstract: A modular supporting element has a supporting surface for a user and includes a plurality of elastic modules, suitable for being deformed according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface of the user. Each module has a side surface and an upper portion, wherein the modules are arranged juxtaposed to each other with the side surfaces substantially in contact or with the side surfaces at such a distance as not to prevent contact between one module and another during the elastic deformation movement. The modules have anti-friction surfaces arranged in a part of the side surface of the modules in such a way as to prevent interferences by friction between one module and another. The modular supporting element is made up of a plurality of modules with different rigidity from area to area without any appreciable influence between one module and another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2009Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Technogel Italia S.R.L.Inventor: Matteo Mason
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Publication number: 20120117733Abstract: A pillow construction is designed to provide a user desirable support to the head and neck of a user, air permeability, ventilation, and air-cooling, to maintain a healthy thermal homeostatis by covering with a breathable cover sheet and a predetermined arrangement of apertures. The pillow construction comprises a head support having a hollow case, made by a solid-state or semi-solid-state material, wherein at least one aperture is formed on a plurality of horizontally opposed side walls on an exterior surface of the head support. A buffer material or a damper material may be selected to be attached onto the surface of the head support for the purpose of enhanced elastic support. A set of holes or slits may be selected to be formed on the surface of the head support to facilitate air convection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Fu-Chieng CHEN
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Publication number: 20120060293Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus cushion comprising a core and a jacket, wherein the core comprises viscoelastic material and the jacket comprises a cover layer of material promoting air circulation fixedly or reversibly removable at at least the side facing the skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: AMOENA MEDIZIN-ORTHOPÄDIE-TECHNIK GMBHInventors: Nils Stelter, Rainer Pfeffermann
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Patent number: 8118920Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson
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Publication number: 20120011656Abstract: There is provided a cushion (10) comprising an envelope (12) comprising at least an inner and outer layer (14, 16) of polyurethane material, and a resilient core (17) of an open-cell polyurethane foam material inside the envelope (12), wherein the envelope (12) is substantially air- and liquid-impermeable, and the inner layer (14) is at least partially attached to the outer layer (16) and the resilient core (17) so as to provide a plurality of microchannels of an outer surface of at least a top portion of the envelope (12), a kit comprising such cushion (10) and a removable cover, a cushion system and a method of manufacturing such a cushion (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Patrick Noel Daly
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Publication number: 20110308020Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer support system with a number of layers. Systems and methods of removing moisture vapor from an environment surrounding patient are disclosed that accomplish such removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: KCI LICENSING, INC.Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Cesar Lina, Glenn C. Stroh
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Patent number: 8065767Abstract: The present invention provides a safety apparatus as an aid for the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A mattress, fitting the dimensions of a standard-sized crib, is composed of three different layers, allowing a free flow of air through it to the infant lying in any position. The lowest layer has transverse channels allowing cross-wise air movement. The middle and top layers have vertical perforations through them allowing a vertical flow of air. Being composed of 3 layers, differing in density and firmness, the mattress is both firm and pleasant to the touch. Therefore, in addition to its primary function, the mattress provides a method to counter a potential delay in the motor development of the infant, which can result from prolonged lying in the supine position. A mesh sheet is stretched taut over the mattress and fastened securely to the vertical bars of the crib.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventors: Moshe Gabbai, Anatte Gabbai
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Publication number: 20110258781Abstract: A seat cushion includes a cushion pad that is formed of breathable plastic foam, a breathable skin that is integrally layered on a front surface side of the cushion pad, and a non-breathable membrane-like film that is interleaved therebetween. The seat cushion includes a breathing hole formed in the film. The breathing hole extends from a back surface side of the cushion pad and passes through the cushion pad to penetrate the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hirotaka Kawasaki, Yukio Ishihara, Masao Tada, Ryoichi Wakayama
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Patent number: 8011041Abstract: A support surface, such as an underpad, for preventing pressure sores in a patient is a multi-layer textile assembly having a skin contact layer formed from a fabric of synthetic filament yarns woven to provide air permeability and moisture vapor permeability and having a thickness of less than 1 mm. An absorbent middle layer is formed from a breathable microfiber fabric woven to provide for moisture transition from an upper surface of the middle layer to a bottom surface of the middle layer. The skin contact layer and the middle layer are stitched together using a stitching pattern optimized to produce an open pattern with minimal puckering. A bottom layer is formed from a breathable, waterproof fabric woven from synthetic yarn to produce a moisture vapor transfer rate within the range of 5,000 to 20,000 grams per meter squared per 24 hours. The three layers are attached together around their outer edges.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Persimmon Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Elly Hann
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Publication number: 20110138538Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a container and a gas permeable support. The container is supported on a frame. The container includes a base and sides extending from the base to define an opening opposite the base. The gas permeable support is positioned within the container and cooperates with the base to define a chamber. The gas permeable support includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is generally parallel the base. The second portion is coupled to the first portion and forms an obtuse angle therewith. The gas permeability of the second portion varies as a function of the distance between the second portion and the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Charles A. Howell
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Patent number: 7946655Abstract: A seat cushion structure is formed by combining upper and lower substrates made of a soft elastic material. Recessed spaces are formed on the upper and lower substrates respectively. Protrusions are formed in the recessed spaces. A flow passage is formed between every two protrusions. An inwardly concave air chamber is evacuated from each protrusion within a contact range of supporting a sitter's buttock. A shallow cut groove is formed on a side of the inwardly concave air chamber. A concave arc form corresponding to the shape of the buttock is disposed on an external surface of the upper substrate in contact with the buttock, such that when the upper and lower substrates are combined integrally, the protrusion of the upper substrate is disposed precisely above an upper periphery of the inwardly concave air chamber of the protrusion of the lower substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Tsung-Yung Hsu
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Publication number: 20110107514Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
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Patent number: 7914611Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson
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Patent number: 7882837Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, William Edwin John Grant, Robert Stephen Matchett
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Publication number: 20100306923Abstract: A hermetically sealed infection control bedding product such as a pillow, duvet, mattress, cushion or such like having a sealed cover and having a resiliently deformable filling material, comprising a vent means in the cover, characterised in that the vent means comprises a filter medium including a filter membrane for the removal of particles of microbial size and wherein the filter medium also comprises a strengthening layer of material for providing mechanical strength to the filter medium whereby the filter medium allows air flow therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid while maintaining a barrier to particles of microbial size.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Pneuma Pure I.P. LimitedInventors: William Navan, David Woolfson
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Publication number: 20100306922Abstract: A airation type floor cushion is provided, which can be placed on a chair, a seat or the floor of a room so that scrotum dampness can be prevented and pressure and massage effects can also be expected for a fresh life by aid of smooth air ventilation when men or women sit on the cushion plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: In Ho Won
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Patent number: 7810192Abstract: A pillow having a pillow body including a flat cushion and a flexible cover covering the surface of the pillow body. The pillow body includes a central portion defining a back head support and side head supports located on left and right sides of the back head support. The back head support includes a first slit extending in a widthwise direction and a second slit and a third slit extending so as to be inclined relative to the first slit.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Foot Techno Inc.Inventors: Minoru Fujita, Ryoko Murotani
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Publication number: 20100122417Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer support system with a number of layers. Systems and methods of removing moisture vapor from an environment surrounding patient are disclosed that accomplish such removal without the use of powered air-movers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: KCI LICENSING, INC.Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Cesar Lina, Glenn C. Stroh
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Patent number: 7712169Abstract: An infant pillow device including a head and neck positioner(s) for retaining the infant's head and neck to prevent lateral, upwardly, downwardly, and rotational movement of the infants head. The infant pillow device aligns the infant's head, neck and spine when positioned on the infant pillow device.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Nicole L. Kovalyak
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Patent number: 7694370Abstract: A massage table apparatus for woman includes a first hole for accommodating the face contour of a woman and a second hole for accommodating the breasts contour thereof when the woman is lying on the massage table on a face down position so as to bring a degree of comfort to the woman engaging in leisure activities including massage.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventor: Chun-Hsin Lee
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Patent number: 7614098Abstract: A support system with repositionable bolsters with a panel of material, which can comprise elastomeric mesh, and bolsters repositionably securable to the panel of material. The panel of material can be retained relative to a bed or other structure or by a frame, which can be foldable. The bolsters, which can be formed with a breathable mesh shell, can be secured to the panel of material by a plurality of extendable and retractable fingers for being received through apertures in the panel of elastomeric material, by at least one expansible structure for being received through the apertures in the panel of elastomeric material and expanded, or by pivotable arms adjustable between generally parallel and non-parallel dispositions. The support system can be used independently or incorporated within a crib, bassinet, car seat, high chair, swing, bouncing seat or support, or any other support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Inventor: Veronica Quarry
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Publication number: 20090119846Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support surface. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional networked fiber material positioned inside a cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, John Alan Bobey, Sohrab Soltani, Jonathan H. Mueller
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Publication number: 20090100602Abstract: A self-ventilating and self-cooling cushion including a core formed of a monolithic block of a reticulated foam material having a porosity of between about five pores per linear inch and twenty-five pores per linear inch, and cover surrounding the core. The cover is formed from a material having a plurality of openings therethrough and each of the plurality of openings is dimensioned to allow air to flow freely by natural convection through the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Mario M. Rathie
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Publication number: 20090070939Abstract: A support surface, such as an underpad, for preventing pressure sores in a patient is a multi-layer textile assembly having a skin contact layer formed from a fabric of synthetic filament yarns woven to provide air permeability and moisture vapor permeability and having a thickness of less than 1 mm. An absorbent middle layer is formed from a breathable microfiber fabric woven to provide for moisture transition from an upper surface of the middle layer to a bottom surface of the middle layer. The skin contact layer and the middle layer are stitched together using a stitching pattern optimized to produce an open pattern with minimal puckering. A bottom layer is formed from a breathable, waterproof fabric woven from synthetic yarn to produce a moisture vapor transfer rate within the range of 5,000 to 20,000 grams per meter squared per 24 hours. The three layers are attached together around their outer edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: PERSIMMON SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventor: Elly Hann
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Publication number: 20090013472Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a channeled mat comprising a mat and one or more channels in the mat. Embodiments also relate to a method of making a channeled mat comprising forming a mat and forming one or more channels in the mat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Adam J. Koffler, Jeff Hoang
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Publication number: 20080256712Abstract: A cushion device for use when placed in seats, in beds, or on floors, comprising a flexible hollow, enclosed shell having two large opposed surfaces, the shell capable of containing gas or liquid without substantial leakage, and having a port or a plurality of ports that can allow gas or liquid to enter into or to escape from the shell, the port or ports each being provided with closure means which can substantially prevent entry and escape of gas or liquid from the shell. The shell, when empty, can maintain a substantially flat form when held by one hand from an edge of the shell for the ease of handling, storage or transportation, and can allow a substantial adjustable expansion under working condition, due to the provision of a stiffener, a cover or its inherent firmness, rigidity or stiffness. It may be used for heat treatment, cooling treatment and for back, spine and extremities exercises and support of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Conghua Li
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Patent number: 7426767Abstract: A resilient foam or fiber cushion or mattress pad having wave-shaped top and bottom surfaces with the two surfaces angled relative to one another and the valleys of the wave-shaped patterns intersecting to create ventilation holes or apertures through the pad. The pad may be utilized either as a topper pad for a cushion or mattress or as a spring core element of a cushion or mattress.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Sleep Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
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Patent number: 7406733Abstract: An elastomeric fabric load bearing surface having a non-linear force/deflection profile. In one embodiment, the load bearing surface includes multiple layers, at least one of which is an elastomeric fabric. The various layers cooperate with one another to define a non-linear force/deflection profile. In one embodiment, the load bearing surface includes an upper layer of elastomeric fabric and a lower layer of elastomeric fabric, and the two layers are stretched in different directions. In a second aspect, the load bearing surface includes at least one layer of elastomeric fabric that follows a non-linear pattern. In one embodiment of this second aspect, the fabric defines a body-supporting surface and includes a plurality of undulations away from the body-supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Joseph D. Ward
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Publication number: 20080098529Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a device for controlling humidity at the surface of a supporting item (3) of the mattress or cushion type and in the vicinity of the body (13) of an individual resting thereon, comprising an envelope (1) formed by at least two parts (11, 12) connected with each other at their peripheral edges (1a, 1b), such as being sealed by welding (1c), defining an inner chamber (13), the two parts having a first part (11) intended to be positioned on the side of said body of the individual, and a second part (12) intended to be positioned on the side of said supporting item (3) of the mattress or cushion type, the first part including a material forming a barrier impervious to air and liquid water and pervious to water vapor, the second part including a material pervious to water vapor, the second part comprising at least one air injection port (4) and means for discharging air comprising perforated or porous areas pervious to air, such as perforations (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Thierry Flocard, Gilles Camus
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Patent number: 7344196Abstract: A padded seating cushion having a main section at the front end and a pair of arms extending rearwardly therefrom to define a generally U-shaped aperture open and extending to the rear of the cushion to support the user's ischial portions while alleviating direct pressure on the coccyx. The arms define an inner section having inner side walls defining a thermal transfer chamber in which a thermal transfer unit is placed to selectively provide heat or cold for the user. The thermal transfer unit attaches to a lower chamber member that attaches to the arms. The thermal transfer unit comprises a thermal unit disposed in a thermal container, preferably in the form of a pouch. The cushion attaches to a seat with removably attached straps connected to ring members on each side of the cushion, providing a padded surface that does not shift with the movements of the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Raul Rodriquez
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Patent number: 7334280Abstract: A ventilated mattress includes a top foam layer having a plurality of spaced apart holes which extend through the thickness of the top foam layer. The top foam layer rests upon a bottom foam layer which has an upward facing side which has a convoluted surface containing upward projections which are spaced apart by valleys, thereby creating structural passageways for air to flow into and from the holes. When a force, such as the weight of a person, is applied to the top foam layer, air flows out the sides of the mattress through air passageways created by the upward projections and valleys of the convoluted surface. Conversely, when the force is removed air flow into the sides of the mattress through the air passageways.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Rick T. Swartzburg
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Patent number: 7322063Abstract: A cushioning and support device includes a unitary member having a predetermined size, a pair of cavities formed in a first surface of such unitary member for ergonomic engagement with at least one portion of a human body and a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed in an opposed second surface of such unitary member in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the pair of cavities for providing air ventilation under a load placed onto the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Inventor: Ifeanyi Esimai
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Publication number: 20080016622Abstract: A seat cushion includes a flexible body and a plurality of spacing members. The flexible body has a seating surface and a support surface spaced apart from the seating surface. The seating surface has a first area and the support surface has a second area. The plurality of spacing members are spaced apart and distributed across the second area, with each of the plurality of spacing members extending outwardly in a first direction from the support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventor: Peter C. Prust
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Patent number: 7290300Abstract: A non-woven, randomly oriented polyester fiber cushion is provided with conditioned air to regulate a temperature of the cushion assembly. The overlapping fibers form interstices through which the air is blown. The air flows through the fibers in a tortuous path.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: IndraTech, LLCInventor: Surendra Khambete
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Patent number: 7159258Abstract: A replaceable bedding structure for double uses in winter and summer mainly includes a bottom cover which has an opening with a coupling section located on the periphery thereof. The upper cover has a connecting section corresponding to the coupling section and a plurality of spaced blocks. Users can rapidly change and replace the upper cover according to seasonal reasons and personal preference. Thus the practicality and versatility of the bedding goods are improved. Moreover, the blocks are spaced to form passages there between to enhance air ventilation. As a result, air permeability and comfort of the bedding goods are also improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Wen Ching Huang
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Patent number: 7073223Abstract: The present invention 100 discloses a flatulence filter seat cushion for absorbing odor and providing sound attenuation from an anal discharge of a seated individual. The flatulence filter seat cushion is primarily comprised of an exterior cotton fabric casing with an unlimited design 101, 102 sewn together along perimeter sides with a predetermined pore opening to aid in flatus diffusion; a predetermined, replaceable sound dampening/air diffusing and/or odor removal element 105 and a replaceable odor removal element 106. The said replaceable filter elements are inserted through a zippered opening 103 in the bottom of an exterior shell 102. A hook and loop fastener 104 is applied on both sides 102 to retain the flatulence filter seat cushion in position while one is seated. A predetermined material of polyurethane foam construction 105 may be impregnated with a blend of activated carbon for additional odor removal.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: James P. Huza
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Patent number: 6966088Abstract: A cushion to support patient with bed sores has a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, an outer lateral sidewall and an inner lateral sidewall defining an aperture therewithin. An outer lateral sidewall periphery of the outer lateral sidewall is greater than an inner lateral sidewall periphery of the inner lateral sidewall. A plurality of ventilation channels are formed on at least one of the top sidewall and bottom sidewall of the cushioning support for promoting blood circulation and air ventilation for the bed sores of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Mary D. Hu
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Patent number: 6854143Abstract: The present invention discloses a permeable mattress, or permeable pillow, which includes a base (1). Cushioning support (3) are attached to the top of the base in a distributed manner, to support a mesh (4) which supports a person, or person's head. Adjacent to the mesh there may be one or more layers of each, or any, of the following; permeable fabric, permeable foam, permeable fibres or perforated rubber. The mattress may be covered in a layer of permeable fabric (6). Any of the layers may be removably attached to the mattress assembly. In a further embodiment of the invention, beneath the base of the mattress, or integral with the base, there may be provided a spill tray that has a contoured structure, to guide fluids such that they flow under gravity into a collecting bowl.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Neville John Sharples
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Patent number: 6760937Abstract: A personal cushion has a main body (100) with a bottom face and a covering layer (30) wrapped around the bottom face of the main body (100). The main body (100) is composed of a plastic layer (10) with multiple ventilating slots (11) and an intermediate layer (20) mounted under the plastic layer (10) by permeating liquid plastic molding material into the intermediate layer (20) when the plastic layer (10) is molded. Whereby, the personal cushion is easily manufactured and has a firm structure. The intermediate layer (20) has multiple fiber layers (21) and an active layer (23) containing ceramic powder or activated charcoal to provide ventilation, deodorizing and dehumidifying features in cooperation with the ventilating slots (11) in the plastic layer (10).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Shu-Mei Chang Ou
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Patent number: 6726285Abstract: An improved method of constructing seating surfaces, provides greater comfort through superior surface adjustments for a variety of users. The seating structure provides greater airflow to contact areas of the occupant's body, and is more efficient and economical to produce. The seating surface construction is comprised of a plurality of support sections, or bosses/platforms and of a plurality of web connectors interconnecting the support sections. The support sections, or bosses/platforms are more rigid than their corresponding web connectors.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jerome Carmel Caruso, Steven Jerome Caruso
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Patent number: 6598251Abstract: A body support system is provided having improved static and dynamic mechanical response characteristics and improved thermal regulation. The body support system can be of a modular construction to provide mechanical response characteristics suited to a particular user or group of users, or to a particular environment or use. In one embodiment, the body support system is a seat cushion comprising a foam layer with a central region, a plurality of spaced apart vertical foam columns that define a fluid reservoir in the central region, a plurality of fluid channels in the foam layer for communicating fluid in and out of the fluid reservoir, and an elastomeric layer having resilience and flow properties, such as a viscoelastic gel, positioned above the fluid reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Hon Technology Inc.Inventors: Amin K. Habboub, Marcus C. Koepke, Matthew J. Phillips, Craig H. Schultz
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Patent number: 6446290Abstract: An arrangement for ventilation of a cot, cradle, carrycot or perambulator carrycot, comprising a substantially flat bottom, closed side walls extending vertically upwards from the bottom, and a substantially open top, and also a head end and a foot end. At least one of the closed side walls is equipped with at least one ventilation aperture at the head end of the cot or carrycot, close to the bottom of the cot or carrycot at a level that is above any mattress that might be placed therein, or the bottom of the cot or carrycot is equipped with such an aperture, with a corresponding opening or slit in the mattress.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Karl Gidtske
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Patent number: 6402775Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-comforming sleeves reduce a person's temperature by evaporative and/or conducting cooling. An open cell foam pad defines an internal air flow passages proceeding according to serpentine or other desired routing. The pad is wetted, and a blower circulates air through the air flow passage and evaporatively cools the pad by removing warm water vapor. By contacting the cooled structure, the person is conductively cooled. The pad also employs evaporative cooling if water is permitted to seep from the foam pad onto the person's skin and subsequently evaporate. Another cooling device is a multi-layer evaporative cooling mattress. The mattress comprises an open cell foam structure having a person-receiving side and a base side. At the person-receiving side lies an absorbent layer with internal liquid delivery lines, and optionally having an outer film applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Augustine Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark Thomas Bieberich
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Patent number: 6378150Abstract: A cushion manufacturing apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles for continuously discharging a softened thermoplastic resin, thereby looping a plurality of continuous filaments with the respective contact portions thereof bonded together, first guide portions (41, 42) for moving the continuous filaments inward from opposite surfaces in the thickness direction of the cushion member as the filaments are looped, and second guide portions (43, 44) for moving the filaments inward from the opposite sides of the cushion member.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Minegishi, Takashi Ebihara
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Patent number: 6272707Abstract: A support pad includes a low density layer of an air and water permeable three-dimensional matrix composed of a mat of polymeric material. The layer preferably has a smooth and planar contour on the top face, and a “peak and valley” contour on the bottom face. A pad may be maintained over the top face of the low density layer. Sheeting may be placed over at least the top face of the low density layer and the pad to provide a more comfortable surface for an individual to rest upon.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Colbond Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Robrecht, Harold Ward, Donald D. Farnsworth
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Patent number: 6182315Abstract: A 3-layer venting mattress structure comprised of a steel fiber layer sandwiched by net layers sewn on its periphery. Both upper and lower net layers are made of fiber or non-woven with interlaced mesh for venting purposes. The steel layer between the fiber layers is made of high-strength steel yarn lop-sided woven in a spiral and continuous fashion to provide a mattress that allows excellent air permeability and tensile strength with sufficient capability to withstand local area loads. Therefore, the present invention solves the poor ventilation problem of the prior art, achieves the evenly distributed load susceptibility of the mattress, and provides an innovative type of space arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Seven States Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheng Long Lee
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Patent number: 6171333Abstract: A heating and cooling comforter for heating or cooling a user. The heating and cooling comforter includes an inner bladder comprising a pair of panels coupled together along the outer perimeter of the inner bladder to define an air space therebetween. Each of the panels of the inner bladder has a plurality of spaced apart air apertures therethrough into the air space of the inner bladder. A comforter cover is also included comprising a pair of panels coupled together along the outer perimeter of the comforter cover. The comforter cover has an elongate slit therein between the panels of the comforter cover. The inner bladder is inserted into the comforter cover. A vent cover is included having an arcuate upper wall and an open bottom. An elongate conduit is extended between the from the inner bladder and the vent cover to fluidly connect the air space of the inner bladder to the vent cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventors: Merle D. Nelson, Linda F. Nelson