Abstract: Inserts for the air-conditioning of a vehicle and methods for forming same are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert includes a spacer material part. The spacer material part includes an open region extending from a top side to an opposite underside, the open region forming an air-guiding structure. The spacer material part is covered by at least one cover layer on at least one of the top side and the underside. The open areas of the air-guiding structure include a plurality of ducts connected to one another to form a net-like duct structure. The duct structure forms flow regions or flow zones. A cover layer has at least one perforation in the region of connection or intersection points of the ducts.

Abstract: A mattress topper for fitting to a mattress may include a lower layer, a side layer configured to extend down along a side of the mattress, and an upper layer overlaying the lower layer and at least partially disposed between the lower layer and the side layer. The mattress topper may also include a seam including threads and extending along peripheral edges of the lower layer and the upper layer and extending through the lower layer, upper layer, and side layer, the lower layer and side layer bearing the threads of the seam. An air table may include a top panel including a plurality of vents extending through the top panel. A method of making a mattress topper with an air table may include lifting the mattress topper with the air table while performing sewing procedures on the mattress topper.

Abstract: The invention discloses a body cushioning pad, a body contact mat and a multi-layered cushioning structure composed of the body cushioning pad and the body contact mat. The cushioning pad consists of a plurality of foam blocks, each provided with an internal cavity having a predetermined size and shape to control the firmness of the block and means for maintaining the foam blocks as a unit. The body contact mat is a bi-dimensional latticed structure of spaced-apart studs made of a compressible material linked together by flexible linking elements. The multi-layered cushioning structure comprises both the cushioning pad and the body contact mat, and a wrapper to wrap the cushioning pad and the contact mat together.

Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of layers, each layer extending in a substantially parallel, horizontal direction and being positioned in vertical relation to other layers and each layer further having a perforated or open-cell structure. At least one layer has a gel dispersed within the perforated or open-cell structure of the layer.

Abstract: A solid gel cushion system is provided. The solid gel cushion system includes a first elastic quadrilateral body having a first elastic surrounding sidewall to define a first space allowing for a heat exchange. The first elastic quadrilateral body defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface with respect to the first elastic surrounding sidewall, both of which are communicative of surrounding atmosphere in order to form an air passage. The cushion system further includes a second elastic quadrilateral body having a second elastic surrounding sidewall defining a second space in which two interleaving elastic supporting ribs are formed. The first elastic quadrilateral body is surrounded by the four second elastic quadrilateral bodies.

Abstract: A pad structure contains a pad unit having a lateral gap formed along a peripheral side thereof. The pad unit has a first pad body and a second pad body which are at least partially spaced apart from each other by the lateral gap. The pad unit is used as a pillow and has two pad bodies for increasing support capability. In addition, the lateral gap between the two pad bodies can absorb a part of deformation. In other words, the two pad bodies flexibly expend and retract in the lateral gap so as to prevent the pad unit from depression and deformation and to well support a user's head.

Abstract: A surgical pad to support a patient on an operating room table, including a gel-infused polyurethane visco-elastic foam configured to support a patient on an operating room table, and an optional perineal cut-out to permit access to the patient's perineum when the patient is lying in a supine position on the surgical pad.

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 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 disposable gel pad for cushioning the plate of an operating table's patient support apparatus is a block of gel with one face of the block adapted to locate the pad on the plate. Usually the pad will be enclosed in a film envelope. A pocket in the envelope allows the pad to engage the plate. Stick on patches which provide a pocket and sacroiliac pads axe variants. Sacroiliac pads can be cast with a soft gel front for patient contact joined to a hard gel rear for screw or bayonet fixing to the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A support comfort cushion is disclosed comprising a plurality of gel springs absorbs, a plurality of interlocking support members, and a base cushion, all of which serve to redistribute directional force as applied, proportionate to the weight and anatomy of an animal or human, i.e. those areas of anatomy most susceptible to pressure points, e.g. elbows, paws, neck, shoulders, back, hip joints. The gel springs contain bellows and adjacent gel spring junctions which act together providing transitional resistive slippage to dynamic influence of weight and movement, all the while providing counter-pressure, suspension.

Abstract: Cushions include a plurality of core structures and a support material at least partially surrounding each core structure of the plurality of core structures. The core structures and support material comprise different deformable polymer materials. Each of the core structures may be configured as a column having a column axis. Methods of forming cushions include forming a plurality of core structures, and at least partially surrounding each core structure of the plurality of core structures with a support material comprising a second, different deformable polymer material. The core structures may be configured such that each core structure is integrally interconnected along a length thereof to no more than two other core structures of the plurality of core structures.

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: A mattress assembly structured for comfortable support of an infant, such as a prematurely born or newborn infant. The mattress assembly includes a base and a compressible material border disposed on the base in at least partially retaining and surrounding relation to a cushioning assembly. The cushioning assembly comprises a plurality of compartments containing a viscous material, such as silicone, collectively underlying and disposed in alignment with the placement area. A smoothing section is disposed and structured to prevent excessive sinking of the infant into the plurality of compartments. Damage to the infant's skin is prevented or reduced by the provision of a particulate section comprising a casing at least partially filled with a plurality of silicone microbeads, and a contact section formed of shear resistant material collectively defining outer portions of the mattress assembly and extending throughout the placement area on which the infant is intended to be disposed.

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 element has a first gelastic cushion element made from a flexible, resilient, gel cushioning media having shape memory. The first gelastic cushion element has a first hub section, and a first spoke and a second spoke. Each spoke has a proximal end that extends from the first hub section. Each distal end and the spoke area between the distal end and the proximal end does not interconnect to the other spoke, and/or a second gelastic cushion element having a second hub section and corresponding spokes. Each distal end is positioned near and/or contacts the second gelastic cushion element. At least one of the first hub section, the first spoke and the second spoke is capable of buckling beneath a protuberance that is located on the object.

Abstract: A pillow for supporting a baby at play. The pillow comprises a compressible, shape-sustaining, endless bolster having a center opening sized to receive the baby in a sitting position. Preferably, the bolster is toroidal in shape. The pillow includes a removable, washable cover with a center panel that spans the bottom of the center opening forming a seating area for the baby. The bottom of the cover has an elastic border that it grips the bottom of the bolster. In this way, downward tension on the center panel of the cover pulls the bolster portion of the cover inwardly, restraining the pillow around the baby.

Abstract: Various gel springs can be constructed for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: Ribbed gel devices for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gel mat and a method for manufacturing the same. The purpose thereof is to provide a gel mat which features simple manufacturing process, low cost, ease of use, high reliability, and freedom from possible damage in case of being pierced or depressed with a pressure, and a method for manufacturing the same. The gel mat includes a hermetically sealed bag which is constituted by two layers of a film material, the bag being packed with gel flakes. Said method for manufacturing a gel mat comprises the steps of preparation of material, bag making, monomer solution pouring, heating for solidification, and inspection and packaging in this order. The present invention adopts a gel instead of water, which is conventionally used, for producing a flake gel mat the external surfaces of which are inside a bag; the gel is a colloid obtained by polymerizing the organic matter; approx. 70% of the gel is constituted by water; and thus the gel mat has an extremely good endothermic performance.

Abstract: System for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers arc described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual spring assemblies which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid and/or outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the spring assemblies may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers.

Abstract: Apparatuses for supporting at least a portion of the body thereon, including a mattress or a mattress topper, include a polyurethane gel layer overlying at least one support layers in a foam material. The gel layer has a hardness of 4.5 kPa±1.5 kPa and a hysteresis of about 40%±10%. The gel layer faces a user, such that the gel layer confers objective and subjective comfort at the same time.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a mattress or a mattress pad with one or more gel sections. The gel section may provide improved support and comfort at a localized area of a mattress or a mattress pad.

Abstract: A pet bed is configured to transfer heat from a pet to a support structure. The pet bed may include at least one pad defining an internal chamber, and a batting secured within the at least one pad. The batting allows water within the internal chamber to easily flow therethrough so that heat is transferred away from the pet through convection and conduction.

Abstract: A localized patient support comprises a base, an annular ring supported above the base and defining a cavity, and a gel pad having a plurality of sections located in the cavity. In some embodiments, the localized patient support includes a plurality of inflatable bladders located in the cavity between the base and the gel pad. At least some of the sections of the gel pad are vertically movable substantially independently of adjacent sections of the gel pad due to inflation or deflation of at least one of a corresponding bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders. In some embodiments, the base and the annular ring comprise foam elements. In some embodiments, a cover is provided and has a stretchable anti-shear portion over situated above the gel pad.

Abstract: The disclosure and claims herein are directed to a composite support pad comprising a foam base portion with a top surface, an opposing bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and a plurality of receptacles in the foam base portion, and a top portion comprising a top layer on the top surface with a plurality of columns extending from the top layer into the receptacles. The disclosure and claims herein are also directed to a method for producing a composite support pad, the method comprising the steps of providing a foam base portion with a top surface, an opposing bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and a plurality of receptacles in the foam base portion, applying a composition to the foam base portion, and curing the composition, wherein the curing adheres the top layer to the top surface and the columns to the receptacles.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In therapeutic apparatus, the combination comprising an adjustable cradle pressure exerting therapeutic cushion, a flexible sheath housing a cushion, an elongated support operatively connected to a sheath for maneuvering a sheath and cushion into selected position or positions for transmitting pressure between a person and a surface onto which a person's body weight is imposed via a cushion and sheath.

Abstract: An improved cushion structure comprises: a pad, which is disposed a plurality of buffering materials therein, at least one indentation is disposed at the buffering materials, a connecting portion is between the buffering materials, the height of the connecting portion is lower than the height of the buffering materials so as to have a height difference between the buffering materials and the connecting portion, a sunken channel is existed between the buffering materials correspondingly; and a flexible melting absorbing material, which is filled into the indentations of the buffering materials, a flexible layer is then formed on the buffering materials while the flexible melting absorbing material is cured.

Abstract: A gelatinous elastomeric cushion having decreased shear forces applied to the patient by altering the gelatinous elastomeric configuration in certain areas. For example, the decreased gelatinous elastomeric material does not have secondary walls align with each other. Alternatively, the cushion has different gelatinous configurations in different sections of the cushion to intentionally elongate the walls to decrease the shear pressure applied to the patient.

Abstract: A body support system for relieving contact pressure on a joint in a body, according to various aspects of the present invention, may be configured to elevate a chest portion of the body with a chest support that may be configured to form a taper disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion such that the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape. The compressed edges of the arc may be occupied by the joint. The chest support may further be adjustable for positioning substantially between a collarbone portion of the body and a xiphoid process portion of the body when the body is in a side rest position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology provide a personal support device for provision of therapeutic support to a portion of a body resting thereon and methods associated with the device. Device embodiments include a substrate having an array of pressure-distributing element host sites, and a population of volumetrically-incompressible pressure-distributing elements at the host sites to form an array of pressure-distributing elements. A therapeutic surface overlays the pressure-distributing elements, and provides an interface between the array of pressure-distributing elements and an aspect of the body portion in contact with the therapeutic surface. The device is configured to form a supportive site within the therapeutic surface that is conformative to the aspect of the body portion in contact with the therapeutic surface when the body part is lying thereon.

Abstract: A localized patient support comprises a base, an annular ring supported above the base and defining a cavity, and a gel pad having a plurality of sections located in the cavity. In some embodiment, the localized patient support includes an insert received in the cavity and located between the base and the gel pad. At least some of the sections of the gel pad located in the cavity are vertically movable substantially independently of adjacent sections of the gel pad. In some embodiments, the base, the annular ring, and the insert comprise foam elements. In other embodiments, the base and the annular ring comprise foam elements and the insert comprises individually inflatable and deflatable air bladders.

Abstract: A cushion may be constructed of a spacer material having a top layer, a bottom layer and a plurality of loosely arranged spacer elements that extend between the top and bottom layers so as to maintain the top layer and the bottom layer spaced apart from each other. An elastomeric gel material is incorporated into the top layer and/or the bottom layer. The gel material may also extend into at least a portion of the spacer elements.

Abstract: A gelatinous elastomer comprising an A-B-A triblock copolymer and a plasticizer useful, for example, in casting fine-detail molds at a low processing temperature. The gelatinous elastomer comprises copolymer molecules having a molecular weights generally evenly distributed across a range of molecular weights rather than having a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution centered about a single molecular weight. The A-B-A triblock copolymer may include SEBS, SEEPS, or other triblock copolymers. The plasticizer may include mineral oil or other plasticizing fluids.

Abstract: A seat cushion includes a base board, buffering material, filling material and an enclosure portion. The base board is a hard board and has an upper surface. A convex portion is formed on the front part near the central part of the upper surface. A concave portion is formed on either side of the convex portion. The layer of the buffering material and the layer of the filling material may be arranged in various configurations on the base board. As a user sits on the cushion of the present invention, his thighs are on the concave portions and his bottom is on the rear portion of the base board. In addition, the buffering material can effectively buffer the sudden downward force exerted by our body while we sit down on the cushion.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.

Abstract: An inflatable bed is filled with a fluid, whether it is a gas or a liquid, a desirable, in order to form a comfortable bed. The durable pet bed has at least two layers of bullet resistant fabric therein, with a fluid chamber therein protected on all sides by the bullet resistant fabric layers and capable of receiving a gas, fluid, gel, or liquid to provide comfort and safety for the pet using the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed for patients, which is used in the nursing of physically disabled individuals and patients with severe symptoms who have limited ability to move due to a medical condition such as a stroke or an accident. The bed is provided with a bathtub in such a way as to allow relatively uncomplicated nursing in a way which maintains the patient's mental stability and bodily cleanliness by allowing immediate washing and hair washing while the patient is lying on the bed.

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 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 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 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 invention is a pad having a layer of resilient gel disposed on a layer of foam. The gel layer is preferably a silicone gel or other resilient gel such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), SEBS or SEPS and the foam layer is preferably EVA foam. A soft rubber could also be used. The gel layer of the pad may have geometric cutouts such as pleats, grooves, flutings, corrugations, serrated shape, or any combination. The geometric cutouts may have a round, square, trapezoidal, triangular, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, half round shape or any combination. The geometric cutouts may also be hollow to further reduce gel material. The shape of the gel layer may be different or independent of the shape of any serrations or geometric cutouts on the foam layer. The pad may be flat or may be formed into a sleeve, a holder for beverage containers, a support pad, or a seat cushions. Many other uses and shapes are conceivable.

Abstract: Cushions include a plurality of core structures and a support material at least partially surrounding each core structure of the plurality of core structures. The core structures and support material comprise different deformable polymer materials. Each of the core structures may be configured as a column having a column axis. Methods of forming cushions include forming a plurality of core structures, and at least partially surrounding each core structure of the plurality of core structures with a support material comprising a second, different deformable polymer material. The core structures may be configured such that each core structure is integrally interconnected along a length thereof to no more than two other core structures of the plurality of core structures.

Abstract: Cushions include a plurality of core structures wherein each core structure of the plurality of core structures is interconnected along a length thereof to at least one other core structure of the plurality of core structures. Each of the core structures may be configured as a column having a column axis. The core structures may be connected by a joiner rib. The joiner ribs may be integrally formed with the core structures. Methods of forming cushions include forming a plurality of core structures and configuring each core structure to be interconnected along at least a portion of a length thereof to at least one other core structure.

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 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 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: An inflatable bed is filled with a fluid, whether it is a gas or a liquid, a desirable, in order to form a comfortable bed. The durable pet bed has at least two layers of bullet resistant fabric therein, with a fluid chamber therein protected on all sides by the bullet resistant fabric layers and capable of receiving a gas, fluid, gel, or liquid to provide comfort and safety for the pet using the bed.