Abstract: A modular cushion comprising a shaped base which has a flat rear portion and a raised front portion with angularly directed valleys and a raised pommel to direct weight to the thighs and in combination with a resilient pad positioned on the flat portion of the base to relieve pressure on the ischial and trochanters and in combination with a cover having a non-skid undersurface and a portion of the top being two-way stretchable. The resilient pad may be of inflatable cells having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top. A U-shaped restraining member may be positioned at the front of the base with upwardly projecting sides to retain the legs of the user.

Abstract: Pressure relief for wheelchair patients is improved by use of a relatively higher density foam, such as 2.4 pounds per cubic foot or above and a 25 percent ILD characteristic of at least about 50 pounds, together with independently acting cube shaped segments. The segments have predetermined respective separation and rounded upper edges with a predetermined radius of curvature which is larger about the periphery of the wheelchair pad. A relatively lowered pad thickness of about 3 inches facilitates patient movement onto and off from a wheelchair cushion. A removable covering of laminated materials is stretchable so as to slide over the rounded edges of the segments and down into separations therebetween to maintain independent action of such segments during use with the covering. An upper layer of the covering comprises a base layer of woven fabric of elastic synthetic fibers. A lower layer of the covering comprises a water resistant coating of urethane generally at least about 1 mil thick.

Abstract: An anatomical support apparatus, such as a mattress pad or seat cushion, has a supporting frame, a perforated outer envelope, and a resilient inner body encased within said envelope, both said inner body and said envelope being supported by said frame, and an improved resilient inner body, comprising: a first panel including a first honeycomb core formed of resilient thermoplastic material and including cell walls defining a plurality of contiguous regularly shaped cells, the opposite extremities of said cells walls forming first and second core faces on opposite sides of said first core; andmeans tending to maintain said first core in its expanded cellular configuration so that it will anisotropically flex to stabilize and spread any load applied thereto by a user of said apparatus, and including at least a first facing sheet bonded to said first face and a second facing sheet of material bonded to said second face, said first facing sheet and said second facing sheet of said first panel being perforated and

Abstract: A polyurethane foam wheelchair cushion comprises first, second, third and fourth elements. The first element extends across the front portion of the cushion and is made of a relatively stiff foam. The second element is centered near the back portion of the cushion and is made of a foam with a lower stiffness than the first element. Third and fourth elements are on either side of the second element and are made of a foam having an intermediate stiffness between the first element and the second element. Transition surfaces between the second and third and fourth elements are angled relative to a vertical plane. Such an angled transition surface provides a gradual change in stiffness in the vertical direction between materials of different stiffnesses. The top surface of the first element is oriented relative to the second element so that the user's ischial tuberosities will be located approximately 1.5 inches lower than the back surface of the user's thighs when the user is sitting in the wheelchair cushion.

Abstract: A static chair designed to provide the user in both upright and slumped positions by the provision of different shaped layers of foam plastics material of different densities in various regions of the cushion and backrest. The cushion has a base layer of foam in which are inset two zones of lower density foam located in regions beneath the buttocks of a typical user in the upright and slumped positions respectively. The backrest is also contoured to provide lumbar support in both upright and slumped positions by the provision of foam material layers of different densities. The cushion and backrest are designed so that they may be substituted for materials in existing static chairs typically used in a theater situation without requiring total chair replacement.

Abstract: An adjustable seat or back cushion to provide comfort and support for a sitting individual has an outer fabric cover with a front panel and a back panel forming an enclosure. The cover has a zippered opening which provides selected access to the enclosure. At least one support pad formed from compressible material with a first predetermined configuration and a first ILD is designed to be inserted through the opening and selectively located in the enclosure adjacent the front panel. A plurality of other support pads also formed of compressible material having at least one other predetermined configuration and ILD different than the configuration and ILD of the first support pad can be inserted through the opening and selectively located between the first support pad and the rear panel. The support pads are located in adjacent, surface-to-surface contact to create a tiered structure within the cushion.

Abstract: A transportable chair pad and method of making the same comprises a top vinyl layer; a relatively thick polyurethane core layer; a bottom, non-clickable ester urethane foam layer; and a reinforcing vinyl layer fixedly attached to the inwardly facing surface of the bottom foam layer. The polyurethane layer is provided with a plurality of holes extending entirely therethrough. The chair pad is assembled with a sandwich type, vacuum and heat sealing machine with the heat seal seams being formed about the periphery of the polyurethane layer as well as within each hole formed through the polyurethane foam layer. The bottom vinyl layer further includes a plurality of holes to provide aeration.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: An ergonomic bed lounge is made with a fabric slip-cover enclosing foam padding on a main structure that is formed from plastic sheet material to provide the required strength while keeping the weight ultra light: lighter than all-foam construction. Side arms are provided that can pivot inwardly for storage and outwardly for entry/exit, for providing different resting conditions and for comfortable accommodation of different-sized users. The side arms are each equipped with a convenient storage pocket. A lower back support pillow is removably contained in pockets provided in the slip cover in a manner that enables the user to locate and orient the back pillow for maximum support and comfort. An adjustable neck pillow with an elliptical cross-sectional shape can be adjusted in height and oriented for optimal neck support in terms of head position and attitude.

Abstract: A seat cushion assembly is provided that is specifically designed to alleviate the problems, such as discomfort, pressure sores, pressure ulcers, and hemorrhoids, that are associated with long term sedentary positions (i.e. patients in wheelchairs). The seat cushion assembly of the present invention includes a base having a pair of openings. Cushion inserts are located in the openings. The seat cushion assembly, when in use, provides an individual with an equal amount of pressure distribution in the gluteal region.

Abstract: An outdoor seat cushion includes a first enlarged curved cushion piece connected to a second enlarged cushion piece in such a manner that a portion of reduced thickness is formed between the first and second pieces.

Abstract: An air mattress for preventing bedridden patients' suffering from bed sores and the like is provided. A mattress assembly is provided comprising a matrix member disposed throughout its interior region for uniformly distributing air to the mattress-patient interface. This matrix member comprises a network of vertical rigid tubes and interconnected horizontal rigid tubes which are configured to uniformly distribute air to the upper mattress surface. Ambient air enters into the bottom end of this plurality of vertical tubes and is then delivered to the upper mattress surface through a plurality of tufted recess surfaces located at the top end of the plurality of vertical tubes. The matrix member is contained within an air mattress portion which is, in turn, configured to be abuttably received by a corresponding peripheral mattress portion. The air mattress portion is secured to the peripheral mattress portion by brace members.

Abstract: An orthopedic seat cushion for permitting free circulation and protecting the user's coccyx comprising a unitary body formed of expanded polymeric foam and a skin enclosing said foam is disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable pad is provided, having particular utility as a seating and/or recliner support with chairs, seats such as car seats, or as a mattress construction. The pad comprises an array of individual, resilient, spaced-apart, longitudinal, parallel support pads which are joined together, and separated by a plurality of respective hinge regions. When the pad is used as a seat support and/or back support, it may be as a single thickness or folded over in a multiple thickness and interlocked by inserting one or more pads into a respective space between each pad, thereby stabilizing the pad array. The pad may have an attachment section such as hook and loop fastener material connected at each end to secure the pad to the seat or seat back, or both, and this enables use of the pad in both areas of the seat.

Abstract: An extendable and collapsible seat cushion manufactured from a unitary piece of foam. Channels are molded into the foam perpendicular to the length of the seat to allow for compression of the overall length of the seat cushion. Further, channels may be molded into the foam in a direction parallel to the length of the seat cushion to allow for compression of the seat cushion in the lateral direction as well. The channels have angular recesses near the surface of the cushion to provide a home for compression hinges created by connective foam and cloth disposed between segments of the cushion. A telescoping support frame is provided to assist in the compression and extending of the seat cushion. This support frame may be telescoped manually or with assistance by power.

Abstract: A stuffed figure chair including a cushioned figure, a removable seat, and a mechanism for removably fastening the removable seat to the cushioned figure. The cushioned figure includes a torso connected to a pair of lower limbs. Separate strap receiving members or loops are part of the fastening mechanism and are attached to the stuffed figure at each of the lower limbs, and preferably also the torso. The removable seat is structured to be received between the lower limbs of the cushioned figure. Strap elements attached to the removable seat are engageable with the strap receiving members on the figure to secure the removable seat to the cushioned figure. Because the connections between the torso and limbs are sufficiently inflexible so as to provide a resistance to pivotal motion of the torso relative to the limbs, an occupant of the seat fastened to the cushioned figure can lean back against and be supported by the figure torso.

Abstract: An anti-thrust seating system and low profile, adjustable back system primarily intended for use in a wheelchair. The anti-thrust seating system includes a base seating member with a forward section to support the user's thighs and a rearward section to support the user's buttocks including the ischial tuberosities. The upper surfaces of the forward and rearward sections meet to form an edge extending across the base seating member. The upper surface of the rearward section has two portions which form a first step face or anti-thrust barrier to the user's ischial tuberosities. The seating system further includes at least one separate step means that can be removably positioned adjacent and rearwardly of the first step face wherein the separate step means has a second step face. The separate step means also has an upper surface which serves to effectively extend the thigh supporting surface or shelf rearwardly.

Abstract: A waterblown urethane foam base having a flat seat portion and a raised front portion with angularly directed valleys and a raised pommel. The area beneath the front portion is made more flexible and reduced in weight and is defined by a series of hollowed out areas separated by ribs which support the top surface of the front portion along with the front and side walls of the front portion.

Abstract: A seat cushion is described which has particular utility as a wheelchair seat cushion. The seat cushion includes a base layer of polyurethane foam with a front edge of greater height than the rear edge so as to define a downwardly sloping upper surface. The base layer supports an essentially constant thickness intermediate layer which is less firm than the base layer. The intermediate layer has a pair of laterally spaced recesses formed in the forward end of the intermediate layer which curve both upwardly and inwardly from the front edge of the intermediate layer. A top layer is secured to the intermediate layer and has a constant thickness. The top layer is formed of foam material which is less firm (e.g., a lower 65% IFD value) than the foam forming the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is formed of a foam which is less firm (e.g., a lower 65% IFD value) than the material forming the base layer.

Abstract: A portable seat cushion having upper and lower seat pads. The upper seat pad is hingedly connected to the lower seat pad forming a hingeline therebetween. The lower seat pad includes first and second cushion members. The first cushion member includes top, bottom and side surfaces. The second cushion member is secured to the bottom surface of the first cushion member. A cavity is formed in the second cushion member such that when an individual sits on the lower seat pad a portion of the first cushion member is free to recess or sag into the first cavity. The upper seat pad includes a lower back support positioned adjacent the hingeline formed between the upper and lower seat pads. The seat cushion is formed from high density polyurethane.

Abstract: A seat cushion for prolonged sitting, having a thigh cushion coupled to and spaced apart from a back cushion. A seat well is defined between the thigh cushion and the back cushion to remove pressure from the buttocks region. Coupling members couple the thigh cushion and the back cushion, and extend there between on either side of the seat well.

Abstract: A geriatric chair provides easy patient entry and exit and a stable restraint-free environment for a patient seated in a chair while left unattended. The chair includes a floor engaging foot rest portion disposed forwardly of the fulcrum member and a rearward floor engaging member on a side of the fulcrum member opposite from the foot rest portion. The chair is movable about the fulcrum member between a patient entry/exit position wherein the floor engaging foot rest portion and the fulcrum member engage the floor and a patient rest position wherein the fulcrum member and the rearward floor engaging member engage the floor in a manner such that the chair cannot be moved back to the patient entry/exit position by the patient while sitting in the chair unattended. The center of gravity of the chair is movable between a position forward of the fulcrum member when in the floor engaging position and a position rearward of the fulcrum member when in the patient rest position.

Abstract: A portable pillow for support of an infant, toddler or young child is disclosed. The upper and lower surfaces are rounded, resulting in a generally tubular shape, tapered at the ends and curved in an oval so that the tapered ends engage one another when the pillow is not in use. The pillow is generally concave with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry, and since the left and right sides are symmetrical, the infant body is provided with sufficient pressure and vertebral support that he or she is prevented from rolling over when placed in the center well of the device. The pillow also provides anatomically correct support along the vertebral column of a toddler or young child. This support is accomplished by firm, resilient padding and thus minimizes vertebral strain for all ages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushion and in particular to one including a pad with an upper surface having a plurality of through holes, and a seat having a recess for receiving the pad and a plurality of ventilation holes, whereby when an user seats thereon, the pad and the seat will be deformed thereby causing the air therein to eject upwardly to blow off the heat evolved from the user.

Abstract: The upper seat part according to the instant invention is provided with several ridges 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 extending from its bottom part 1 upward, said ridges being approximately parallel to each other as well as transversal to the seating direction, whereby the forward ridges 2, 3 are inclined toward the front while the other ridges 4, 5, 6 are inclined toward the back. The ridges 2, 3 are equipped laterally, at their upper free ends with projections 7,8 extending approximately at a parallel to the bottom part 1 toward the back side while the ridges 4, 5, 6 inclined toward the back are provided with projections 9, 10, 11 laterally at their upper free ends, said projections extending also approximately at a parallel to the bottom plate 1, however toward the front, so that the projections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 partly cover the ridge intervals 12 and constitute a seating surface 13 together with the upper free ends of the ridges 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Abstract: A dual purpose pillow for reversing the lordotic curve of a patient by acting on the base of the spine and comprises two wedges that act complimentary to each other. A larger wedge of the pillow is higher at the foot end and lower at the head end of the patient and acts to place the pelvis into posterior tilt. The sacrum is carried along with the pelvis into posterior pelvic tilt. The smaller wedge of the pillow is also higher at the foot end and lower at the head end of the patient and further increases the posterior tilt of the sacrum, thus acting to reduce the disc wedge angle above the sacrum. This pillow may be used to support the lumbar spine and musculature while the patient is sitting.

Abstract: A seat cushion is shown, of the type commonly used in conjunction with wheelchairs, but not necessarily limited to wheelchair seating. The seat cushion has a flat rigid base on which a shaped foam section with sides which angle outwardly and upwardly is supported. The foam section has a recessed area defined therein, to accommodate either a viscoelastic foam insert, or preferably a fluid-filled pad which is stuffed or accordion-folded into the recess. A suitable cover of two-way stretch moisture-proof fabric is provided. The fluid-filled pad is sealed peripherally along at least the front edge and both sides. The rear edge may also be permanently sealed, or may be provided with a variable position resealable closure extending across the rear end. At least one seam runs from the front edge to near the rear edge, to divide the pad into at least two and preferably three compartments.

Abstract: Upholstered seating is provided, having a drainable, quick drying cushion. The cushion has an inner core of drainable bonded or densified fiber filling material and a lower portion having a plurality of openings. The frame of the seating has liquid transporting frame members, as well as a cushion supporting surface having a plurality of openings.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: Meditation in the seated position with both knees flat on the floor is enhanced by a tapered seat that is provided with at least one recess to accomodate a heel. The taper of the support is downwardly toward the heel recess, thereby encouraging the meditator to sit erect with much of the weight felt on the knees. Sloping downward projections from the seat that extend under the thighs serve to distribute the weight and reduce any problem of circulation in the legs.