Abstract: A head support or pillow system that is utilized by a user with the results being that neck discomfort or snoring, or both, are greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated, during a sleep phase. The head support system utilizes an automatically adjustable chamber that changes motion and height of the support either intermittently or continuously throughout the sleep cycle so as to gently move the head of the user, which results in reduced neck pain or snoring, or both.

Abstract: An air bed having a pump and a relief valve is operably connected with a control box. The control box is capable of being programmed or receiving scripted information from a media file such that timed pressure changes may be made in the air bed by operation of the pump and the relief valve. These changes are synchronized with a message being played by a media player. Thus the air bed interacts with a person lying on the bed. This interaction is used, preferably in a sales setting, to convey information to the person about the operation and features of the air bed.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: An inflatable bed has a bottom surface that is disposed on a support surface and that is formed with a concave air bag. When a person moves onto a top surface of the bed, air is ejected from the air bag so that the bed acts as a suction cup, there by fixing the bed relative to the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-cell tube capable of simultaneously opening and closing a tube having a plurality of separate cells or chambers and a method for efficiently manufacturing the multi-cell tube. A primary object of the present invention is to manufacture a multi-cell tube having two or more cells, which are repeatedly formed in longitudinal and circumferential directions of the tube, in such a manner that fluid can be separately or simultaneously let into and/or out of the respective cells and the respective cells can be individually kept airtight.

Abstract: Supporting device, notably mattress, mattress support or supporting device for seats, comprising several elements comprising flexible fluid-holding chambers aligned vertically and assembled in a network so as to form a structure enabling a body to rest. The pressure in each fluid-holding chamber is transmitted insider first conduits (4) coming out of said chamber. The first conduits communicate this pressure to the fluid-holding chambers of the neighboring elements.

Abstract: An inflatable resting device comprises a bell-shaped outer shell having a larger base portion and a smaller upper portion. The base portion is configured for being placed on the lap of a person with the upper portion positioned so as to receive the head of the person as the person leans over the device and rests. The inflatable resting device is comprised of at least one air chamber having a generally bell-like shape. Arm support structures are provided along the sides of the resting device for supporting the arms of the user in a comfortable resting position.

Abstract: An inflatable, disposable pillow which can be conveniently carried and stowed by users in a deflated state, and used as a comfortable, clean pillow in an inflated state. The inflatable pillow includes a single folded sheet or two sheets sealed together to form side walls. A flat self-sealing valve comprising two sheets of flexible material is placed between the sidewalls. The sheet or sheets may be comprised of multiple plies, with an outermost ply being an absorbent material. Alternatively, an absorbent cover may be attached to the outermost surface of at least one side of the pillow.

Abstract: A self inflated air cushioned bed includes a base, multiple air units each provided with at least two air cells securely mounted on top of a substrate and at least one unidirectional valve mounted on the substrate to allow air to flow into the at least two air cells, and an expanding device received in each one of the at least two air cells in each of the multiple air units to maintain the at least two air cells in each of the air units to be expanded. When the at least two air cells of each of the air units are expanded due to the expanding device, the at least one unidirectional valve allows air to flow into the at least two air cells of each of the air units so that the air units are maintained inflated.

Abstract: An air cell pillow includes an air cushion and a cover. The air cushion is encased by a cover that has a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape. The top and bottom panels each have a first thickness and the side panels each have a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The first thickness provides a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and bottom panels. The air cushion has separate zones that may be independently adjusted to vary the resiliency in each zone. The cushion has a base sheet and a top sheet. The top sheet is molded in the form of a plurality of air cells that are secured to and extend outwardly from the base sheet.

Abstract: An inflatable body support apparatus is provided wherein the apparatus comprises a base pad; at least two inflatable supports having an inflation valve, the first support being an abdominal support and the second support being a back support; and a means for attaching the first and second supports onto the base pad.

Abstract: A self inflated air cushioned bed includes a base, multiple air units each provided with at least two air cells securely mounted on top of a substrate and at least one unidirectional valve mounted on the substrate to allow air to flow into the at least two air cells, and an expanding device received in each one of the at least two air cells in each of the multiple air units to maintain the at least two air cells in each of the air units to be expanded. When the at least two air cells of each of the air units are expanded due to the expanding device, the at least one unidirectional valve allows air to flow into the at least two air cells of each of the air units so that the air units are maintained inflated.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a slide housing positioned between two outer casing halves. Each casing half has a plurality of nipple connector seats. Each nipple connector seat has at least one external detent. The slide housing has a series of nipple connectors along its length that are inserted into air conduits in the peripheral edge of the cushion, which, in turn, are connected to the individual inflation zones. Each nipple connector has at least one retainer groove in the surface. The casing half detents engage the cushion edge and the retainer grooves to retain the nipple in the air conduits. There is a movable slide inside the slide seat bore. The slide has a longitudinal inner bore and a number of openings along its length that communicate with the inner bore.

Abstract: Support or padding including expandable cells whose cell body in its resting state seen in transverse section is individually delimited by at least two concentric perimeters, the walls of the cell in its resting state rejoining each of the perimeters are characterized by the fact that the portion of the wall of the cell rejoining two points located ach on one of the concentric perimeters 6 and 7 can be strictly in a straight line during its centripetal path, if between two other points 28 at the entrance of the successive fissures, slits or cells 4 located on the external perimeter 7 of the path followed takes at least for a certain length an aspect strictly of a straight line or flat part 29, one of the lat two points 28 being the same as the first one located on the external perimeter 7 at the junction or exit of a fissure: all of the consecutive points of the is flat part 29 being further away or distal in relation to the center 24 of the cell than the other points, outside of the flat part 29, constrictiv

Abstract: An inflatable beach pillow is provided with a water compartment that can be filled to anchor the pillow in place, and also has a sand pocket that can alternatively be filled with sand to serve as a weighting material. The sand pocket will slip over the back of a chair to allow the inflatable pillow to serve as a headrest.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow comprising a first layer comprising a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material welded together so as to form a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. A second layer comprising a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material are also welded together so as to form a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. The first and the second layers are welded together such that the first and the second layers are in fluid communication with each other at one or more openings in the first and the second layers.

Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion having separate compartment that can either exchange air between them or not acording to adjustments made by the user. The seat can also be folded into a small package when not in use.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises an inflatable pillow body having an interior that is adapted to be filled with a fluid to inflate the pillow body, a top side, a bottom side, and at least one wall disposed in the interior and that connects the top side to the bottom side to facilitate flattening of the top and the bottom sides when the pillow body is inflated. The pillow body further comprises a medial region and first and second opposing arms extending from the medial region, with the arms having respective first and second end portions remote from the medial region. Further, the cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis, and the cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define an open well.

Abstract: Multiple foam-filled cells form a cushioned support surface of a seat or mattress. Individual cells may be collapsed by connection through a manifold and valve to a vacuum source. The collapsed cell essentially removes contact pressure in a localized area of the person supported on the surface and restores localized blood flow. After a pre-determined time interval, atmospheric pressure is readmitted to the cell.

Abstract: Air bed assembly having a knockdown foundation made up of preassembled boxes which are used as shipping containers for the other elements of the bed, mattresses having interposed sets of isolated chambers for improved pressure distribution, contoured foam rails surrounding the mattresses and a visco-elastic foam pad overlying them, a cover with a removable pillow top enclosing the mattresses and foam, a blower assembly mounted inside one of the rails with control valves for supplying air to and removing air from the mattresses, and individual controls for returning the pressure in the mattresses to a desired level upon command and for preventing a drop in mattress pressure as the blower is turned on to increase that pressure.

Abstract: A travel pillow designed specifically for commercial airline travel is disclosed. The unique feature of this travel pillow is that it is designed to provide support from the front rather than the back. It essentially allows the user to lean forward effortlessly, place the head down and sleep without worrying about the head flopping forward as with any pillow designed to support the back of the head. The pillow consists of a large, firm but soft object comprising about 1.5 cubic feet, sized and shaped to fit on the food service tray available with any airline seat, and includes a platform for placing a typical airline pillow on top.

Abstract: The inflatable cushion, pyramidal in shape, with a protective back flap, disclosed herein is relatively soft, conformable, and easy to transport. It is remarkable in its ability to facilitate sitting on a sloping surface by providing an enhanced measure of security, stability and comfort.

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

Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable, inflatable surface comfort device to be used with shaped body support devices. The surface comfort device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a shaped body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort layer to the body support device. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort control of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat assembly for mounting on the frame of a vehicle driver's seat including a polymer support plate attached to the frame, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a serpentine airflow path of reduced area to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: An improved pillow is formed from an internal inflatable bladder having a filling and a lining secured thereto. A pump is secured to the internal inflatable bladder, inside of the filling or lining and a release valve is provided to release air from the pillow. The pump is easily operated by a single hand to inflate the pillow to a desired comfort level.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress includes an upper mattress body defining several upper chambers that are in fluid communication with one another, and has a bottom wall formed with a first hole which is fluid communication with an adjacent one of the upper chambers. A lower mattress body is disposed below the upper mattress body, defines several lower chambers that are in fluid communication with one another, and has a top wall formed with a second hole which is in fluid communication with an adjacent one of the lower chambers. The periphery of the second hole is integrally connected to the periphery of the first hole so as to permit adjoining of the first and second holes, thereby permitting fluid communication of the upper chambers with the lower chambers via the first and second holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable bladder, and method for making same, having an interior sheet and an exterior sheet extending from a left direction toward a right direction and where the exterior sheet has an inner side and an outer side. The interior sheet is coupled to the inner side of the exterior sheet where the outer side is facing upwardly and the inner side is facing downwardly. The exterior sheet has at least one fold where, upon being subjected to bending, the at least one fold unfolds to provide additional material so that exterior sheet maintains a distance from the interior sheet.

Abstract: A travel pillow designed specifically for commercial airline travel is disclosed. The unique feature of this travel pillow is that it is designed to provide support from the front rather than the back. It essentially allows the user to lean forward effortlessly, place the head down and sleep without worrying about the head flopping forward as with any pillow designed to support the back of the head. The pillow consists of a large, firm but soft object comprising about 1.5 cubic feet, sized and shaped to fit on the food service tray available with any airline seat, and includes a platform for placing a typical airline pillow on top.

Abstract: An improved air mattress includes an inflation air pouch located on one side of the air mattress for pumping air into the air mattress. The inflation air pouch is made from an air impermeable upper layer and an air impermeable lower layer bonded together on the periphery by high frequency fusion. There is a sponge layer located inside the inflation air pouch. A one way first check valve is located between the upper layer and the sponge layer. An one way second check valve is located on one side of the inflation air pouch. The second check valve has another end located in the air mattress. When to inflate the air mattress, an user compresses the inflation air pouch with hands on the first check valve. Air in the inflation air pouch is squeezed and flows towards the second check valve and through the air passage to enter the air mattress for inflation. By contrast, when user's hands release from the first check valve.

Abstract: This invention is an inflatable product that includes a plurality of chambers at least two of which are adjoining, with at least one unidirectional valve connecting any pair of adjoining chambers, an inlet port, and an exhaust port.

Abstract: Support or padding including expandable cells whose cell body in its resting state seen in transverse section is individually delimited by at least two concentric perimeters, the walls of the cell in its resting state rejoining each of the perimeters are characterized by the fact that the portion of the wall of the cell rejoining two points located ach on one of the concentric perimeters 6 and 7 can be strictly in a straight line during its centripetal path, if between two other points 28 at the entrance of the successive fissures, slits or cells 4 located on the external perimeter 7 of the path followed takes at least for a certain length an aspect strictly of a straight line or flat part 29, one of the lat two points 28 being the same as the first one located on the external perimeter 7 at the junction or exit of a fissure: all of the consecutive points of the is flat part 29 being further away or distal in relation to the center 24 of the cell than the other points, outside of the flat part 29, constrictiv

Abstract: A cushioning device that imparts both stability and cushioning to the midsole of an athletic shoe. The cushioning device includes a bladder that has a plurality of separate fluid chambers positioned around a perimeter. The chambers define an open central portion of the bladder arrangement. Each of the chambers has an inner side, an outer side and a height that increases from a minimum adjacent the inner side to a maximum toward the outer side thereof.

Abstract: A cushion for seats, wheelchairs, mattresses, etc. is disclosed. The cushion includes fluid-filled cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with adjacent cells via conduits. Constrictures such as check-valves and duckbill valves may be located inside the conduits to restrict or otherwise regulate fluid flow into or out of a particular cell. A control pin may be used to selectively enable or disable said constrictures. In this way, the cushion may be customized on a cell-by-cell basis, providing a cushion that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Abstract: An air cell pillow includes an air cushion and a cover. The air cushion is encased by a cover that has a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape. The top and bottom panels each have a first thickness and the side panels each have a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The first thickness provides a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and bottom panels. The air cushion has separate zones that may be independently adjusted to vary the resiliency in each zone. The cushion has a base sheet and a top sheet. The top sheet is molded in the form of a plurality of air cells that are secured to and extend outwardly from the base sheet.

Abstract: An air mattress is formed with a deep pocket adjacent one end portion for storing and concealing various items such as glasses, wallets, flashlights and the like. An inflatable pillow or similar cover member is tethered at one end to the mattress with a flexible hinge and connected to the mattress at its other end with a releasable connection which positions and holds the pillow over the storage pocket so as to cover and conceal the storage pocket.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a casing with an internal bore and a plurality of openings along the length of the casing connected to the individual inflation zones by air conduits and a movable slide within the casing bore. The slide has a number of openings along the its length that communicate with an inner bore. The valve is opened by aligning the slide openings with the casing openings to allow the inflation zones to communicate through the valve slide bore and is closed by moving the slide openings out of alignment with the casing openings to seal off the inflation zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting and monitoring the distance between a patient and a reference point on an inflatable air mattress and for controlling the air supply to that mattress in relation to such distance. The patient distance sensing system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, an inflatable air mattress positioned atop the bed frame with the upper surface of the inflatable air mattress forming a patient support surface, an air supply operable to provide controlled variations in air supply, and a series of patient distance sensing devices. Such devices including a heterodyning proximation detector, a force responsive distance sensing device, and a light responsive sensing device. Each device is operable to act separately or cooperatively in maintaining a therapeutically beneficial patient support surface through variable control of the delivery of inflation pressure to the air mattress.

Abstract: Support is provided to the foot of a shoe wearer by an air cushion that includes a support chamber surrounding a collapsible pump operable by the foot of the wearer for directing compressed air into the support chamber and varying the firmness of the chamber. The support chamber is of a preformed three-dimensional configuration of sufficient rigidity to provide stable support to the foot prior to receiving compressed air from the pump.

Abstract: Support or padding including expandable cells whose cell body in its resting state seen in transverse section is individually delimited by at least two concentric perimeters, the walls of the cell in its resting state rejoining each of the perimeters are characterized by the fact that the portion of the wall of the cell rejoining two points located each on one of the concentric perimeters 6 and 7 can be strictly in a straight line during its centripetal path, if between two others points 28 at the entrance of the successive fissures, slits or clefts 4 located on the external perimeter 7 the path followed takes at least for a certain length an aspect strictly of a straight line or flat part 29, one of the last two points 28 being the same as the first one located on the external perimeter 7 at the junction or exit of a fissure: all of the consecutive points of this flat part 29 being further away or distal in relation to the center 24 of the cell than the other points, outside of the flat part 29, constitutive

Abstract: A conforming air and foam support device for providing support to a body or a body part of an individual, where the conforming shape of the support device suspends the foam in order to cradle the body or the body part of the individual sitting or resting on the support device. The support device has an air bladder structure with at least one central opening and at least two foam slab members being slightly longer and wider than the air bladder structure. The air bladder structure is sandwiched between the at least two slab members, where the two foam slab members are bonded to the air bladder structure in the deflated condition as well to each other at the central opening to form the conforming air and foam support device. Once the air bladder structure is inflated, the upper foam slab member forms at least one concave surface while the lower foam slab member forms at least one convex surface at the central portions in order to cradle the body or the body part of an individual.

Abstract: An inflation seat assembly is adapted for connecting an inflatable article to a motor-driven air pump. The air pump has air inlet and outlet ports, and is operable so as to draw and supply air via the air inlet and air outlet ports, respectively. The inflation seat assembly includes a casing, an inlet check valve, an air outlet, and a closure member. The casing has a base wall, a peripheral wall, and a skirt flange. The base and peripheral walls cooperate to form a receiving space for retaining the air pump removably therein. The inlet check valve can be coupled to the air outlet port of the air pump, and permits air flow into the inflatable article. The air outlet is in fluid communication with the inflatable article. The closure member is used to close selectively the air outlet.

Abstract: An orthotic pillow (10) is disclosed having an outer envelope (11) formed by a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13), and a tubular, cylindrical interior wall (17) which in combination with the outer envelope (11) defines a central compartment (19) surrounded by a peripheral compartment (20). An unidirectional control valve (21) is coupled to the interior wall (17) to provide a controllable fluid channel between the central compartment (19) and the peripheral compartment (20). The central compartment (19) and peripheral compartment (20) are filled with a fluid which flows from the central compartment to the peripheral compartment to conform to a user's head and neck.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary support pillow and methods for its use. An exemplary method is provided for supporting an object in front of a person's torso. According to the method, a support pillow is provided having a resilient cushion body with a medial region and first and second opposing cantilever arms extending from the medial region. The cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis to define a substantially toroidal configuration for the cushion body. The cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define a generally circular open well. The support pillow is placed around the person's torso with first and second end portions of the cantilever arms being at the back of the person's torso, and with the medial region of the support pillow being at the front of the person's torso. The cantilever arms are biased around the person's torso to hold the support pillow vertically positioned relative to the person's torso.

Abstract: The Airwedge inflates and deflates for ease in use, convenience and storage.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion has a built-in carrying case. The carrying case is a zippered binder which lays flat when unzipped and serves as the bottom side of the inflated cushion. The cushion contains at least one baffle to stabilize and support the inflated cushion. The binder is covered in a rugged material. The cushion collapses into the interior space of the zippered binder for transport or storage between uses.

Abstract: A support for aligning the head and torso. The support includes at least one first bladder containing a fluid. The first bladder is communicatively coupled to at least one second-bladder containing a fluid. When the user is in the side position atop the second bladder, at least a portion of the fluid in the second bladder is displaced into the first bladder by the user's torso. The fluid displaced into the first bladder causes the first bladder to raise the user's head when in the side position atop the first bladder.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.

Abstract: A cushion for seats, wheelchairs, mattresses, etc. is disclosed. The cushion includes fluid-filled cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with adjacent cells via conduits. Constrictures such as valves or constrictor clips may be applied to the conduits to restrict or otherwise regulate fluid flow into or out of a particular cell. In this way, the cushion may be customized on a cell-by-cell basis, providing a cushion that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient.