Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gel article comprising 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 article is made from gel compositions having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning and other uses.

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: An infant nesting device is provided. The infant nesting device comprises a bottom surface, a sidewall and at least one audio speaker. The bottom surface has a defined perimeter and is formed from a substantially cushioning material. The sidewall is attached to the bottom surface and surrounds at least a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface. The sidewall is formed from a substantially cushioning sound permeable material. The speaker is disposed in the sidewall and is adapted for operable connection to an external audio device.

Abstract: A fabric sheet member includes a cover cloth layer, an inner cloth layer, and two or more longitudinal fabric elements disposed between the cover cloth layer and the inner cloth layer, and secured to the cover cloth layer and the inner cloth layer for forming one or more air circulating spaces between the longitudinal fabric elements and the cover cloth layer and the inner cloth layer. The longitudinal fabric elements may be secured to the cover cloth layer and the inner cloth layer with such as stitches. The longitudinal fabric elements may be made of resilient cotton materials or filament materials. The fabric sheet member may be attached to a pillow, a bed cushion, a seat cushion or the like.

Abstract: Technology is described herein for providing implementations of a maternity pillow that hugs the contours of a pregnant woman's midsection, providing support to her belly while she is lying on her side and preventing the weight of her belly from pulling on her back. The maternity pillows of the claimed invention are designed so as to negate the need for adjustment every time the woman moves, rolls over, gets up or lies down. Additionally, the maternity pillows of the claimed invention specifically target the midsection of a woman's body that needs support while lying down, without providing unnecessary and/or unwanted bulk.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first section having a hollow interior that is filled with air, and a second section attached to the top of the first section and having a hollow interior that retains a liquid.

Abstract: A massaging fluid filled bed. The massaging fluid filled bed comprises a bed having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a compartment disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. A plurality of grippers is disposed on the bottom surface. A plurality of massaging elements is disposed beneath the top surface. The bed is further divided into a headrest section, a backrest section, a body section, and a footrest section. An insulation layer is affixed to the bottom surface. A filler fluidly is provided to fill the bed with a fluid. The plurality of massaging elements are attached to a base layer provided within the bed in a way that allows some movements for the massaging elements. The top surface of the body and the backrest section comprises a plurality of inverted U-shaped members.

Abstract: The invention here provides a support, in particular a mattress or a part of a mattress, that preferably has a number of layers (11, 12) of elastic tubes (13). The tubes (13) of each layer (11 and 12) extend parallel to one another. The tubes (13) of different layers (11, 12), however, extend in a preferably crosswise manner to one another. Due to the elastic tubes (13), the inventive support or mattress provides a high degree of sitting and lying comfort with amazingly simple means.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes cushions which support a patient's thighs and lower legs and which have cut out areas in the areas of the patient's popliteal fossa at the back of the patient's knees. By avoiding contact with the popliteal fossa complications such as compression of the patient's nerves and blood vessels are avoided. This prevents the harmful effects of pressure on the popliteal fossa in loss of sensation in the lower legs and feet, and occlusion of blood and lymph vessels in the lower legs. A number of embodiment cushions are disclosed, some embodiments comprised of a relatively firm core foam material with a relatively softer viscoelastic foam in areas which are in contact with the patient's skin.

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 multi-airbag inflatable pillow is formed by adding at least one second airbags on one side of a first airbag so that a user can freely adjust the inflation of the first airbag according to personal requirement to obtain the most comfortable air pressure. Moreover, the second airbag can solve the problem of insufficient height of the inflated first airbag to achieve the objective of fully support so that the user can get effective relaxation and rest.

Abstract: A pet bed which is configured from an upper fabric layer and lower fabric layer which are joined at a peripheral edge. The upper and lower fabric layers define the shape of the bedding product wherein a portion of the peripheral edge is selectively closeable to provide an opening for filling the bedding product with a chopped memory foam fill material. A plurality of barriers extend proximate the opening to the length of the upper and lower fabric layers and join the upper and lower fabric layers by, for example, sewing the barriers to them. The barrier layers are of a width approximately equal to the thickness of the bedding product once filled with said chopped memory foam fill material substantially preventing fill material migration between sub volumes created by said barriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible sheet to form the base sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a movable frame member having an angled aperture for controlling the geometry of the gel layer when heated gel is dispensed into the aperture. In one embodiment, the frame assembly receives another flexible sheet disposed on the gel layer to form the support sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly may further include a cooling channel for convective or liquid cooling of liquid gel dispensed into a gel receiving cavity formed by the aperture.

Abstract: A bladder support system for reducing the stresses placed upon a bladder unit. The bladder support system includes a bladder unit fillable with a fluid, a base member comprised of a sheet structure, wherein the base member is positioned adjacent to the bladder unit and a plurality of straps attached to the base member. The plurality of straps are comprised of an elongated structure and removably attach the base member to the bladder unit in such a manner in which the plurality of straps and the base member encompass the bladder unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to support at least a portion of a body thereon. The apparatus includes a base portion and a three dimensional engineered material, the three dimensional engineered material and the base cooperate to provide support for the body.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of one or more of a selected block SEEPS copolymers in combination with one or more polymers of poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, and polyethylene, and a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: An inflatable beach pillow with a pocket to slip over a beach chair and having both water and air compartments is furnished with suction for supporting the pillow from the side of a tub so that it will serve as a combination chair pillow and tub pillow. The suction cups are disposed either on the air compartment side or on the water compartment side.

Abstract: Stacked cushions, cushioning elements thereof, materials and processes for making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A pad assembly includes an air-filled base having an air-filled first bladder and an air-filled second bladder connected to a top of the base. A first liquid-filled part is rested in a recessed area in the first bladder and a second liquid-filled part is rested in a recessed area in the second bladder. The first part and the second part respectively support a user's body and hip. The base is supported on a frame and a swinging exerciser is put on the frame so that the user lies on the bladders and the feet is rested on the swinging exerciser.

Abstract: The bedding of the present invention comprises a sealed bag body having an elastic body with a plurality of continuous pores and gas sealed with looseness present in the upper part of the elastic body. The bedding also includes a water-sealed bag body disposed on an upper part of the bag body, the water-sealed bag body having an elastic body with a plurality of continuous pores and liquid sealed therein. The elastic body within the water-sealed bag body has upper and lower parts having looseness. This claimed bedding capable of providing comfortable sleep can be realized by uniformly supporting a human body, with the buoyancy of the liquid while reducing the amount of the liquid required therein.

Abstract: A cooling mattress for supporting and cooling a sunbather while sunbathing includes a number of pads joined by a number of fasteners. Each pad includes a liner defining a cavity and a cooling medium deposited within the cavity. The fasteners interconnect the pads to one another so that the connected pads cooperatively form a surface for supporting a sunbather lying or sitting on the surface of the mattress. The cooling medium cools the sunbather while sunbathing.

Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.

Abstract: A mounting system for an air supply and control system used in an article of furniture is disclosed. The mounting system is especially suited for applications where the seat back has a hollow portion to contain the control system. The mounting system incorporates vinyl pouches attached to a plastic member that is attached to the seat back with elastic straps. Each vinyl pouch is suited for holding an air control assembly that can include an air pump, motor, and fluidic control device.

Abstract: An improved bedding for livestock of this invention provides a bed strip for livestock having at least two elastomeric belts bonded together, one on top of the other, to form at least one bed with at least two chambers, front and rear, expandable under fluid pressure, that, once properly filled with a working volume of fluid, will each attain a convex pillow-like shape. The fluid volume in the chambers is such that when an animal steps on the rear chamber of the bed the top belt makes contact with the bottom belt to provide a stable base for the animal's foot, yet, when the animal drops to its knees on the front chamber of the bed, during the process of lying down or rising to standing, the knees are supported by a fluid cushion between the top and bottom belts.

Abstract: Cushions and cushion elements with non-intersecting-columnar elastomeric members exhibiting compression instability are disclosed. The cushions and cushion elements may be made from gelatinous elastomer materials. The cushions and cushion elements have application in a variety of fields, including foot care products, seat cushions, mattresses and mattress overlays for consumer and medical applications, carry straps, sports injury prevention, orthopedics, vibration dampeners for electrical and electronic equipment, shock absorbers and others.

Abstract: A gelatinous cushion includes a base member made of fibrous material, and a cushioning member attached onto the fibrous base member and made of gelatinous material for cushioning purposes, and having an outer peripheral surface and a number of orifices for cushioning purposes. An outer covering film is further applied onto the outer peripheral surface of the cushioning member, to cover the cushioning member, and to form a smooth outer surface for the cushioning member, and to prevent dirt from attaching onto the sticky cushioning member, and/or to prevent the sticky cushioning member from sticking onto various objects, such as users.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.

Abstract: A resilient mat is disclosed which provides cushioning and comfort to users standing thereon or otherwise contacting the mat. The mat includes a resilient gel inner layer surrounded by a support ring to which an upper cover member and a lower cover member are attached. The support ring exhibits stiffness greater than the stiffness of the upper and lower cover members so that adherence of the upper and lower cover members to the support ring is enhanced even after prolonged use. The upper and lower cover members can exhibit the same or different colors in particular embodiments. The upper and lower cover members also can exhibit anti-slip properties in selected embodiments.

Abstract: Stacked cushions, cushioning elements thereof, materials and processes for making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Various cushioning devices, materials for making cushioning elements, and manufacturing techniques for cushioning elements are disclosed.

Abstract: A gelatinous cushion includes a base member made of fibrous material, and a cushioning member attached onto the fibrous base member and made of gelatinous material for cushioning purposes, and having an outer peripheral surface and a number of orifices for cushioning purposes. An outer covering film is further applied onto the outer peripheral surface of the cushioning member, to cover the cushioning member, and to form a smooth outer surface for the cushioning member, and to prevent dirt from attaching onto the sticky cushioning member, and/or to prevent the sticky cushioning member from sticking onto various objects, such as users.

Abstract: A shape-retaining bag having a front and a back connected to each other to define a chamber between for housing and retaining a fill material within a plurality of cells within the chamber which are made of a plurality of walls and one or more flow diverters adjacent to the cells and on the ends of the walls. A passageway is on a fill-side with a second passageway on an opposing side, each passageway extending approximately from one end side to another end side of the bag. As fill material is introduced into the chamber, it passes through the cells and the passageways in a fashion dictated by the cells and by the flow diverters until the bag is filled. The configuration of the various cells and flow diverters permit the bag to retain its shape notwithstanding the fill material within.

Abstract: A support surface for patient comfort, maintaining a cool skin temperature, or reducing the incidence and promoting the healing of bedsores, includes: (a) a central portion including a hollow, enclosed bladder containing a pre-determined amount of liquid refrigerant with a boiling point between about 23 and about 35 degrees Centigrade; (b) a flexible spacer mechanism contained in the bladder, the spacer mechanism separating an upper bladder wall from a lower bladder wall; and (c) conductive end portions attached to opposite ends of the bladder, the conductive end portions including a flexible heat conductive material layer.

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: The invention relates to a medical cushion (1), in particular an anti-decubitus cushion, which is in particular multicellular and is distinguished in that the cushion is equipped, at least in the area where skin contact (6) occurs, with an active membrane (3) based on a skin-compatible matrix (4) into which a molecular sieve is mixed, said molecular sieve being charged with at least one active substance (Z, Z1, Z2), and the molecular sieve/active substance adduct (5) releases the active substance when the active membrane comes into skin contact (6) in conjunction with the transpiration of the skin.

Abstract: A baseless cushion includes a pad with a layer of stable elastomeric block polymer gel with a pad having an opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite longitudinally extending sides and opposite longitudinally spaced ends. A frame is provided for supporting the pad only along the, spaced ends or sides thereof.

Abstract: A mattress device includes a plurality of dual-fluid fluidizing units juxtapositionally secured in a mattress envelope; each dual-fluid fluidizing unit consisting of a lower air cell and an upper gel (or gel-like) cell superimposed and secured on the lower air cell, having a plurality of flexible ventilating and baffling tubes formed through each upper gel cell for venting air from the lower air cell to the patient's body as lying on the upper gel cells for therapeutically treating the patient as synergetically effected by both the air and gel cells.

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: A resilient cushion includes a base sheet and a cover sheet sealed to the base sheet along spaced apart strips to form a matrix of sac like areas therebetween. A gel fills each of the sac like areas and a plurality of openings through the base and cover sheets along the strips are provided for enabling the passage of a fluid therethrough. The resilient cushion may include sac like areas disposed on both sides of a base layer and the use of gels of different resiliency may be utilized to provide a tailoring of overall cushioning resiliency.

Abstract: A wheelchair cushion having a solid gel patient interface, a matrix or honeycomb panel and a foam base. The gel layer is mold around and over the honeycomb panel to produce a composite panel with patient interface characteristics of a gel layer, but with reduced weight. The matrix panel cells are open on the lower ends which are bonded to a soft foam base. The matrix panel interacts with the foam base to spread forces and provide pressure reduction and positioning better than solid gel, but with less weight. The foam base may include several layers of differing density and contouring elements. The composite panel conforms to the base contours to provide a contoured patient interface.

Abstract: A pad comprises a bag, an inner lining, a specific volume of liquid. The bag provides an inner space after being sealed. The inner lining is made of three dimensional textile with a size corresponding to the inner space of the bag so as to be inserted into the bag. The specific volume of liquid is poured into the bag.

Abstract: A fluid-containing air cushion including an air chamber including an air fill valve and a water filled layer connected atop or against, and at least partially coextensive with, the air chamber, the water-filled layer defining a body support surface. The water-filled layer includes a water fill valve and an array of individual spaced fluid pockets each of which is separated from, but in fluid communication with, the water-filled layer itself by a small fluid flow port whereby, when water flows into each of the fluid pockets through the port, it is substantially trapped within each of said fluid pockets to prevent substantial sloshing and uneven distribution of water within the water-filled layer.

Abstract: A bed cushion providing a soft feeling without bottomed feeling and providing a cushionability even against a small load and a durability, and a bed using the cushion; a forming die for cushion capable of smoothly and neatly releasing a product by reducing a sticky feeling and a blocking produced when releasing the cushion formed by using elastomer; the cushion, comprising thin-walled partition walls erected parallel with each other generally in a lattice shape in plan view, whereby a soft contact feeling near a water bed can be provided while preventing air blow noise from being produced by a user.

Abstract: A rubber bath pillow and seat combination, wherein the bath pillow portion is substantially cylindrical. The pillow is inflated with water. A rectangular planar non-inflatable seat portion is integrated with the pillow along its longitudinal axis. The pillow has an elongated filler tube attached to the cylindrical pillow at one end by a threaded thumb screw having a scalloped periphery. The distal end of the filler tube has a slotted threaded plug.

Abstract: Resealable, ice cube and liquid fillable, microwaveable portable pillow that has a single cavity, which is created by sealing together the edges of two separate pieces of laminated fabric material that are identical, including size and shape. The pillow has a resealable closure, or valve that is large enough to accommodate ice cubes, as well as to facilitate the ease of filling he pillow by means of opening the closure, or valve and submerging into water. The resealable closure, or valve is permanently attached to the surface of one side of material by a specific manufacturing process and, can be opened or closed by pulling the cap from the valve thus allowing the pillow to be filled and or emptied of ice and liquid. The resealable closure or valve also has the ability to allow steam to be released while the liquid is being heated through the use of a microwave oven. The specific laminated fabric gives this pillow increased durability thus allowing the pillow to be filled with hot or cold liquids.

Abstract: A cushion for being positioned on a seating product for supporting a user thereon. The cushion includes first and second cushion elements joined in registration and collectively defining a void therein for receiving a flexible, fluid-impervious bladder. The bladder is adapted for receiving a preselected volume of fluid therein for providing adjustable support to the user.

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: A mattress pad and pocket combination for holding a pad in place on a mattress. The mattress pad and pocket combination includes a pad and a pocket. The pad has a distal edge, a proximal edge and pair of side edges. The pocket has a bottom wall, a back wall and a pair of side walls. Each of the back and side walls has a top edge. The top edge of the back wall is fixedly coupled to the proximal edge of the pad. Each of the top edges of the side edges is fixedly coupled to one of the side edges of the pad. The pocket is placed over a proximal end of a mattress.

Abstract: A decorative elastic cushion is manufactured with an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibility in a range of flexibilities and compressibilities of stable elastomeric block polymer gels. A film is provided for encapsulating the elastomer and the film includes physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of the elastomer by a user. Decorative printing is disposed on a film interior side facing the elastomer in order to provide photo-like logos and decorations to the cushion, while having a film exterior surface resistant to abrasion and enabling cleaning thereof without affecting the decorative pattern. Printing of the film is effected by heat contacting the film with a printed paper.

Abstract: A heel supporting medical apparatus for the treatment and prevention of decubitus or pressure ulcers. The present invention provides a medical and physical therapy apparatus adapted to elevate heels of individuals subjected to substantial bed rest. By elevating the heels, the skin of the heel will not be in constant contact with the bed mattress, and thus pressure ulcers or bedsores will be substantially avoided. Moreover, the present invention provides an apparatus by which the legs of the individual can be substantially immobilized while at the same time elevating the heel. The apparatus also provides adjustably cushioned support from several angles to increase the comfort of the individual.