Abstract: An internal support system for a cushion, mattress or the like, for supporting the body of a user, the internal support system including: a main portion having a body facing side that substantially opposes a base side; and a support portion located at least partly within the main portion, the support portion including a core portion and at least one peripheral portion which extends laterally from the core portion, wherein the height of the core portion is greater than the height of the at least one peripheral portion, the height being that as determined in the direction from the base side to the body facing side of the main portion, wherein the support portion is more resistant to deformation than the main portion.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a foam frame defining a space. A bladder assembly may be positioned in the space. The bladder assembly may include a plurality of foam filled bladders. Each of the foam filled bladders may be interconnected by a manifold. A plurality of mutually exclusively selectable pressure relief valves may be provided to release air from the bladder assembly.

Abstract: A mattress for a children's playpen or play-yard product using a hard substrate layer and an inflatable bladder to improve comfort, the hard substrate layer including a plurality of rigid substrate sections rotateably attached to one another allowing the mattress's hard substrate layer to lie flat when in use as a mattress and to fold into multilateral shapes when in use as a carrying case, the inflatable bladder improving the comfort of the mattress when inflated and in use as a mattress and still allowing the mattress to operate as an effective carrying case when deflated. The children's playpen or play-yard product also includes a collapsible frame assembly with an air compressor mounted thereto, in preferable embodiments, the air compressor being detachably connectable to the mattress's inflatable bladder to quickly inflate and/or deflate the mattress to facilitate its multifunctional use.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for body support is described. The inflatable cushion can be adjusted to manually/automatically set the proper pressure distribution, remove pressure from sensitive regions, alternate pressure, facilitate moisture removal, automatically detect leakage and avoid bottom down, communicate leakage and other problems with the user/caregiver, detect wrong positioning and facilitate position correction. The inflatable cushion can be used either as a chair cushion such as for example as a cushion for wheelchair or as a bed mattress.

Abstract: A dual-use support cushion includes a seat cushion side and a back cushion side, with the seat cushion side configured to provide seat support and the back cushion side configured to provide back support. The dual-use pillow is an all-in-one design that allows the owner to choose between using the dual-use support cushion as back support or as a seat support and the owner can manually flip the cushion depending on what side is more appropriate for the user at any given moment. The dual-use support cushion provides, in a single item, the option of sitting on the cushion, and the option for using the same cushion, after relocation of the cushion, for back support.

Abstract: Pet beds are disclosed. Methods of making and using pet beds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members. The plurality of inflatable members may include a core including a resilient material. The patient support may be controlled with a first controller positioned within an envelope of the patient support. The patient support may include a detector to detect when an external controller is coupled to the patient support, the patient support being controlled by the second controller when the second controller is present.

Abstract: A pad comprises a first sheet, a second sheet and a cushion. The outer periphery of the second sheet is attached to the first sheet, making a closed accommodation space between the first sheet and the second sheet for being filled with cushions. The cushion comprises a plurality of cushions with various phases and those cushions contact each other, so that energy is absorbed during collision or impact by means of multiple cushions with various phases simultaneously.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a base core layer and an inner core located over the base core layer. The inner core includes coil springs. The mattress assembly also includes a side panel assembly located around a perimeter of the inner core. The side panel assembly includes a spacer fabric located over and transverse to the base core layer. The spacer fabric includes a first knit layer, a second knit layer, and an inner fibrous material located therebetween. Methods of forming the mattress assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer air mattress having an upper section with one or more layers of comfort material and a lower section having one or more layers of support material. A middle layer is arranged between the upper and lower sections and includes apertures for retaining air springs. The air spring has two cups that are sealed to a form plate to create a welded joint that encapsulates a sealed internal cavity. An invertible nipple is pressed into the internal cavity to reduce the cavity volume and self inflate the air spring.

Abstract: A pillow includes a pillow cushion consisting essentially of a gelatinous elastomer that is sized and configured to support a head and neck of a person using the pillow cushion. The pillow cushion has a first major surface, a second major surface, and deformable wall members extending between the first major surface and the second major surface. The deformable wall members are located and configured to define voids therebetween such that the deformable wall members may be displaced into adjacent voids upon deformation of the deformable wall members. The deformable wall members are configured to buckle when a pressure applied to a cushioning surface of the pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to the first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level. A pillow cover covers the pillow cushion. A method of fabricating a pillow includes enclosing such a cushion in a pillow cover.

Abstract: A seat cushion is provided. The seat cushion includes a first cushion comprising a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side or the top side includes a contoured area and the contoured area has a convex or a concave shape.

Abstract: An ISS is a seating system that actively adjusts to improve an occupant's comfort, performance, and safety in a specific driving environment. The ISS determines the occupant's posture, position on the seat surface, and/or physiological state, for example, by applying a machine vision process. The ISS can further determine a driving environment. The ISS adjusts its settings and settings of the vehicle according to one or more factors such as an occupant's posture, the occupant's physiological state, the occupant's preferences, and/or the driving environment. The ISS can include a state machine that determines a current state and determines if a change has occurred such that the system should shift to another state that best suits this change. The ISS makes adjustment according to system settings associated with the best suitable state.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

Abstract: A seat cushion provided for supporting a sitting person, including a seat portion having an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly facing surface; a plurality of mutually spaced inclined grooves formed in the seat portion; wherein the inclined grooves extend along at least a portion of the distance between the upwardly facing surface and the downwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A travel pillow for supporting the head of a person when seated comprises a generally U-shaped frame having two side members and a rear member, and a padded generally U-shaped cushion fixed with the frame. In one embodiment, the pillow includes a plurality of cushions each fixed along the frame. The frame and cushion may include a plurality of mutually-aligned ventilation apertures therethrough to cool the person's neck and head. The frame may include a plurality of connectable, size-adjustable, or hinged segments for allowing the pillow to be collapsed for storage or transport. In one embodiment, the frame is replaced by a plurality of rigid grommets fixed about each ventilation aperture, or a pair of lateral frames at side sections of the pillow. A travel pillow includes a resilient inner frame having a rear portion and two side portions, and U-shaped outer cushion fixed about the inner frame and including a rear portion and two side portions.

Abstract: This patent pertains to patient contact compensating wheelchairs. One implementation includes a motorized base that includes a battery and a seat positioned above the base. In one instance, the seat can include a moisture permeable structure configured to support a patient and a fan configured to move air below the moisture permeable structure to carry moisture from the patient away from the moisture permeable structure. Another implementation includes a set of patient contact objects configured to alternatively contact first and then second portions of an underside of the moisture permeable structure so that at a first time more of the patient's weight is supported at the first portion than at the second portion and at a second time more of the patient's weight is supported at the second portion than at the first portion, to relieve contact pressure of the patient.

Abstract: Dropping a weight onto a weight lifting drop bag allows a weight lifter to drop a weight onto a floor with minimal damage to the floor, with minimal noise, and without any bouncing of the weight. The bag is a flexible enclosure filled with resilient pellets. The bag has a generally flat or slightly concave upper surface, a length of about two to eight feet, a width of about one and one-half to four feet, and a height of about two to twelve inches.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing humidity (i.e., moisture) and/or heat within and/or adjacent a patient support mattress, without requiring any electrical power. A spacer fabric is used to create a non-crushable area of support below a patient's core area, where moisture and heat more commonly buildup. Integrated air cells in the mattress have resilient elements such as open-celled foam interiors. The air cells are connected by air tubing to the spacer fabric, and the mattress is otherwise vented externally from the spacer fabric. As a result, the patient's movement causes air to be expelled from or drawn into the air cells, which in turn results in air movement in the spacer fabric below a patient or user, resulting in cooling effects by removing moisture and/or heat, all without requiring external or internal electrical power.

Abstract: Multi-layer cushion supports are described which may generally comprise a first support having a first contact surface for contacting a portion of a body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface. The second support may be filled with a second gas or liquid which is relatively more viscous than the first gas or liquid. In particular, the first support may be filled with a volume of air and the second support may be filled with oil which is less than the volume of air.

Abstract: A bag arrangement for conversion to a flag or vice versa, the arrangement comprising: a bag incorporating a volume for holding goods; and a pole to be provided with the bag and attached or attachable thereto to convert the bag into a flag having a flag pole extending therefrom.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and support material. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to, and extend outward from, only one of the first layer and the second layer. Each of the plurality of cells extends from a root defined at only one of the first layer and the second layer outwardly to an outer end. The plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication via a plurality of channels extending between the cells. The support material is inserted within at least one of the hollow cells. The second layer coupled to the first layer such that the support material is between an inner surface of said at least one of the hollow cells and the second layer.

Abstract: A wheelchair cushion comprises a dual stiffness fluid. A cushion also comprises an ability to adjust fluid volume.

Abstract: A hybrid seating cushion made up of a cushion base and a cushion insert. The cushion base has a seating surface in which a void in or extending through the cushion base is formed. A cushion insert such as an air bladder or fluid sack is positioned within the void. A lip or upper surface around an opening in the void overhangs at least a portion of the cushion insert, thereby minimizing the size and corresponding negative effects of a transition area where the base and the insert overlap.

Abstract: A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.

Abstract: A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions.

Abstract: An air cellular cushion according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of air cells; a sensor configured to detect an air cell collapsing to a bottom; a parameter measuring unit configured to measure a parameter indicating a collapse state of the air cell collapsing to the bottom; an indicator configured to output an indication; and a control unit configured to change the indication output from the indicator based on a parameter value measured by the parameter measuring unit.

Abstract: Patient support systems and, more particularly, patient support systems designed to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by a patient are disclosed. A control unit is provided that operates a pump for setting and maintaining the inflation of the patient support system. The control unit is configured to receive a weight of a patient (either automatically from an integrated weighing device or as input by a caregiver) using the patient support system. The control unit then operates the pump to fill and maintain the patient support system to a predetermined pressure based upon an electronically stored pressure versus weight model accessible to the control unit, where the pressure versus weight model is set to avoid bottom-out and overpressure conditions for the patient having the weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion for preventing pressure sore. The cushion for preventing pressure sore includes an air cell layer, an air passage layer, a base layer, and a plurality of air ducts. The air cell layer has a plurality of air cells; the air cell layer is divided into at least four air cell zones. Air cells in each air cell zone are in communication with each other, but air cells in any two adjacent air cell zones are not in communication with each other; the air passage layer is under the air cell layer and has a plurality of air passages therein. Each air passage is in connection and communication with at least one of the air cell zones; the air passage layer and the air cell layer are disposed on the base layer; an end of each air duct is in communication with a corresponding air passage, and the other end extends out of the cushion and is provided with a joint; and each air duct has a respective valve.

Abstract: A cellular cushioning system includes cells or support units arranged in one or more stacked arrays. The cells are hollow chambers that resist deflection due to compressive forces, similar to compression springs. The arrays are attached to one or more intermedial binding layers. The intermedial binding layer(s) links the cells together while allowing the cells to deform independently of one another. An external load compresses of one of the void cells within an independent compression range without significantly compressing at least one void cell adjacent the compressed void cell. The independent compression range is the displacement range of the compressed void cell that does not significantly affect the compression of adjacent void cells. If the void cell is compressed beyond the independent compression range, the intermedial binding layers may be deflected and/or the void cells adjacent the compressed void cell may be compressed.

Abstract: The invention provides a mattress comprising an array of air springs, each in communication with a supply of air for selectively varying the air pressure within said spring, so as to provide a resilient body against which a user may recline; an aperture in an upper surface of each air spring, providing access to a cavity within said spring, said cavity open to ambient pressure and sealed from the air supply.

Abstract: The present invention is a therapeutic seat cushion to alleviate pain when sitting such as tailbone, sit bone, pudendal nerve, post operative, or pelvic pain, or after childbirth or any other situation that may cause a user pain when sitting. The therapeutic seat cushion is adjustable and portable to suit a user's needs. The therapeutic seat cushion comprises a base and at least two cushions that are removably attachable to the base and which may be adjusted in any configuration upon the base to provide a user customized pain relief with stable, unmovable support. The therapeutic seat cushion has carry handles and may be folded in half to join the handles with a closure for easy portability.

Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and support material. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to, and extend outward from, only one of the first layer and the second layer. Each of the plurality of cells extends from a root defined at only one of the first layer and the second layer outwardly to an outer end. The plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication via a plurality of channels extending between the cells. The support material is inserted within at least one of the hollow cells. The second layer coupled to the first layer such that the support material is between an inner surface of said at least one of the hollow cells and the second layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Multi-layer Anatomical padding system which is developed based on the need of the human being for feeling comfort when performing the action of sitting, sleeping or support; the Multi-layer Anatomical padding system is composed of polymeric gel, visco-elastic polyurethane foam, flexible polyurethane foam in 2 different densities, wherein the polymeric gel is located in the lower part of the system followed by a visco-elastic polyurethane foam, followed by a flexible polyurethane foam, and finally another flexible polyurethane foam insert so, where the latter foam goes exclusively on the seats and will only help to reduce the pressure in the groin area through this insert having a conical elongated shape with rounded ends, which is located in the central part of the flexible polyurethane foam which has in turn the same basin form, that said insert fits into it, in which the layer of flexible polyurethane foam and the insert equal half the padding, and the polyurethane foam with visco

Abstract: A cushion or bathtub mat includes a pair of contiguous layers each with a repeating pattern of upstanding straight walls forming upstanding cells with upstanding openings between the walls. The repeating patterns of the pair of layers are laterally offset with respect to one another to form a dual layer offset honeycomb. The walls are flexible to buckle into the openings of the cells under a compressive force, and resilient to return to an original upstanding orientation, while having at least a strength to be self-supporting.

Abstract: A support apparatus configured to support a prone user in a position that is conducive to interacting with a media item that is also supported thereon. The apparatus includes an upper body support that is configured to support an upper body of a prone user. The upper body support includes a base support member that provides a cushioned surface. The upper body support includes a chest support member extending upwardly from the base support member. The apparatus includes a strip extending frontwardly from the upper body support. The strip is a sheet of flexible material is a width that is substantially equal to the base support member. The apparatus includes a media support member that is coupled to the strip, opposite of the upper body support. The media support member includes a media support structure that is configured to support a media item in a viewable position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.

Abstract: A constant low-flow air source control system and method is used to operate a pump to inflate an inflatable support structure used to support a person.

Abstract: An internal valve (10, 10? or 10?) and its methods of use for stabilizing and reinforcing inflatable objects are disclosed. The internal valve is a novel, simple modification to conventional check valves with the addition of a discharging means (14, 22 or 28)for external control. An internal supplemental chamber comprises one or more partitions that are secured, directly or by I-beams (40?), to main chamber's walls (40) of an inflatable object and stretched when the main chamber is inflated. With the internal valve as the passage to and from the main chamber, the enclosed or isolated supplemental chamber (30, 30?, 32, 34, 36 or 38) functions as a stabilizing or reinforcing component. A plurality of chambers 36 can form cylinder beams for an inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A vacuum patient positioning cushion includes an integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element located within a gas-impermeable outer cover, making it possible to easily and correctly position a patient for a radiation therapy or other procedure without the need or use of external positioning devices. The gas-impermeable outer covering defines an airtight enclosure having a valve stem and closeable vacuum control valve in selective fluid communication with the enclosure. The enclosure houses a filler material and a rigid or semi-rigid positioning element. A method of positioning a patient using the vacuum patient positioning cushion is also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic seat cushion system (10) has a deformable cushion (11) having a seating surface (12) and a self inflating cushion bladder (14) positioned beneath the seating surface (12). The self inflating cushion bladder (14) has an airtight envelope (15) containing compressible material (16) which is in air communication (19) with a displacement bladder (18) such that when in use the airtight envelope (15) and the displacement bladder (18) form a closed system from which no air can enter or escape. When there is no person seated on the seating surface (12), the self inflating cushion bladder (14) is inflated and the displacement bladder (18) is deflated. When there is a person seated on the seating surface, the weight of the person compresses the compressible material (16) so as to partially deflate the self inflating cushion bladder (14) which results in the contained air passing into the displacement bladder (18) which becomes fully inflated.

Abstract: A pressure-regulatable pressure sores prevention cushion is provided.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of interconnected node groups, where each node group includes at least two nodes connected by a fluid passage. The plurality of interconnected node groups define a node array. A source of pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air is connected with the node array.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gelastic cushion. The gelastic cushion is made from a conventional gelastic composition. The gelastic cushion has a structure having a first wall that defines an opening area and buckles when a force is applied to the first wall. When the first wall buckles a predetermined amount, a second wall, interconnected to the first wall, also buckles. The second wall decreases the chance that the first wall bottoms out. Bottoming out increases the pressure on the patient (a.k.a., the force) overlying the gelastic cushion. That increased pressure is undesirable.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a seat cushion comprising an air chamber with the shape and size corresponding to those of the buttock print of a user. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a seat cushion comprising an air chamber and with an areas corresponding the coccyx, perineum area, left and right thighs of a user when the user is in a standard sitting position. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, no part of the air chamber is excluded from a single air dissipation and flow. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further configured with one or more air valves allowing for adjustment of inflation of said air chamber.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a self deflating cushion whereby a volume of air within the cushion is controllably released to a surface of the cushion thereby providing a cooling effect to the seated anatomy of a user. The cushion further provides a variety of internal, open cell cushioning materials that store and release air during use of the cushion.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.