Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of using the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.

Abstract: A bed includes a stand, a bed plank, a lifting and lowering device for the bed plank, and a power mechanism; the stand includes a supporting beam, supporting rods joined to two ends of the supporting beam, a main rod joined to an intermediate portion of the supporting beam; the lifting and lowering device includes a beam, sleeves joined to two ends of the beam and positioned around the supporting rods of the stand, and a sliding member, which is joined to the beam so as to slide on the main rod of the stand; the power mechanism includes a motor, a screw rod connected to the motor, and a sleeve, which is positioned around and threaded engaged with the screw rod; the sleeve is securely joined to the sliding member; the bed plank is securely joined to the sleeves of the lifting and lowering device.

Abstract: A portable self-contained bed-on-demand system is presented which includes a portable collapsible self-contained storage bed and support assembly and a portable self-contained peripheral support system, or headwall, adapted to the bed that supplies medical-grade power, ventilation, and an oxygen treatment system. The bed-on-demand system duplicates, in a self-contained package usable outside a hospital environment, the critical facilities provided to a patient in a traditional hospital room.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a surface of a support that is mounted on a frame. Said device comprises a first means for delivering a cover that is embodied in the form of a textile web to the support surface as well as a second means for receiving the cover. A section of the cover extending between the first and the second means is guided over the support surface while the first and the second means are mounted below a level defined by the support surface.

Abstract: A rigid folding device for rolling up sleeping bags, self-inflating sleeping pads, airbeds, flexible foam mats, bed covers, other similar beddings, or the like is provided that consists of a rectangular or oblong shaped frame-like construction, with adequate opening for the thickness-wise insertion of the short end of a sleeping bag, or pad, or airbed, or mat, or bed cover, or similar bedding, or the like. The frame device is sufficiently strong and rigid to allow adequate force to be applied for the rolling up process. This invention can be fabricated from a single piece or from an assortment of attachable and detachable rod, pipe or strip-like members. When using this folding device, the bedding or the like is first inserted into the middle open space, between and parallel to the two longer sides of the frame device. The shorter sides of the frame are gripped and turned to compress the roll.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device is operated as an incubator or as an open care unit. The care unit has a bed for receiving newborns, which can be closed with a hood (3). At least one heat radiation source (4) is provided. The hood (3) is located between the bed and the heat radiation source (4) when the thermotherapy device is closed and the hood is at least partially transparent to the radiation originating from the heat radiation source (4). The device allows only a small temperature drop during the transfer from the open mode of operation into the closed mode of operation and vice versa.

Abstract: An interactive bed sheet apparatus which can educate and entertain a child, in addition to encouraging the child to go to bed at bedtime and keep his or her bed made. The interactive bed sheet apparatus can comprise any number of fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, zippers, Velcro, etc., which can then be used to attach a removably attachable piece which also comprises such fasteners. These removably attachable pieces can be shaped like characters, such as princes, knights, or princesses, or animals, such as tigers, sharks, or dragons, or other items, such as treasure chests, motorcycles, or race cars. The bed sheet apparatus can have any number of background scenes printed on it as well. By using these background scenes, the removably attachable pieces, and the fasteners, a child can create any number of imaginary scenarios on the surface of his or her bed.

Abstract: A side rail pad system that provides modifications and components operable in association with hospital beds and the like that are designed to articulate. The system improves upon the structural shape of the side rails used in association with the articulating bed frames and provides an arrangement of side rail pads that are positioned between the side rails and the existing mattress platform. The side rail pads are positioned on the bed frame with flexible hinges in a manner that allows their alternate movement between a placement that fills the space between the side rails and the mattress when the side rails are in a raised position, and a placement away from the side of the mattress when the side rails are rotated into a lowered position.

Abstract: A stretcher with a mattress is supported by a frame. A segment of an elongated rail member is spaced apart from the mattress a sufficient distance to enable an accessory support mounted on the segment to be moved free from interference from the mattress. A cable support is aligned with the segment adapted to support a portion of cabling of an accessory mounted on the support, the cable support capable of receiving and retaining cabling from the accessory irrespective of the position of the accessory support on the segment.

Abstract: A bed lifting system for lifting a bed comprises a bed lifting mechanism and a switch remotely located from the bed lifting mechanism. The switch is adapted to enable selective and remote actuation of the bed lifting mechanism. The mechanism can be provided in kit form through the use of frame connectors which can also improve the interconnection and interoperability of frame members of the mechanism. The mechanism may also comprise adjustable lands to accommodate varying bed types.

Abstract: A method for coupling together at least two layers of a mattress includes the steps of aligning each layer in its proper position in relation to the other layers of the mattress and, after the alignment step, inserting a plastic fastener through the layers. A fastener dispensing tool is provided for inserting plastic fasteners through the layers of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastener dispensing tool includes a housing, a hollow sharpened needle fixedly coupled to the housing, an ejection mechanism for advancing a cross-bar of the plastic fastener through the hollow needle, a needle guard slidably coupled to the housing over a portion of the sharpened needle, and a needle guard stop slidably coupled to the housing in such a manner so that it can be releasably fixed place in either of two or more set positions.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support apparatus is provided. The user module has a user interface operably coupled thereto. The user interface includes an input device and an output device. The output device includes a visual display including textual and non-textual elements. The non-textual elements include enhanced, graphical, and animated portions relating to one or more operational features of the patient support or to a person positionable on the patient support. The input device includes one or more touch sensors corresponding to defined regions of the visual display.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of apparatus, and methods for their use, which are designed to aide in lifting bed mattresses and tucking in bed covers. In some embodiments, kits are disclosed which include wedge apparatus for lifting bed mattresses, and tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers. In other embodiments, wedge apparatus for lifting portions of bed mattresses are disclosed. In still other embodiments, tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers are provided. Additional embodiments disclose methods for using the kits, wedge apparatus, and tuck apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for vertically lifting an end of a horizontally disposed mattress which includes an elongated member being disposed beneath the mattress and movable by way of a handle which is disposed on and secured to one end of the elongated member between a resting position wherein the elongated member is disposed coplanar with a bottom surface of the mattress and a lifting position wherein the elongated member is disposed generally perpendicular to the bottom mattress surface for lifting the end of the mattress in the vertical direction. The handle is releaseably secured to the end of the end of the elongated member for ease of securing the handle to an opposed end of the elongated member.

Abstract: An equipment support includes an equipment supporting portion to support patient care equipment, a downwardly extending coupler coupled to the equipment supporting portion, an upper lock and a lower lock. The coupler has upper and lower portions configured for receipt in upper and lower sockets, respectively. The upper lock moves to a locking position to lock the upper portion to the upper socket as the lower lock moves to an unlocking position to unlock the lower portion from the lower socket. The upper lock moves to an unlocking position to unlock the upper portion from the upper socket as the lower lock moves to a locking position to lock the lower portion to the lower socket.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods of convertibly covering a bundle of bedding materials. The present invention's approach to covering a bedding material bundle maintains the bedding material bundle in a compacted state when the convertible cover is in an enveloping configuration. When the convertible cover is in a fillable disposition at least one of it's fillable integral compartments is available for providing multiple functionalities including being outspread and inflated to serve as a pillow, serving as a storage or transport container by being filled with a liquid, being configured with multiple fillable integral compartments separated by filters to serve as water purifier, and additional functions. The manner of converting involves at least partially closing at least one longitudinal seem to convert from the fillable disposition to the enveloping disposition, and at least partially opening at least one of the longitudinal seams to perform the opposite conversion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards a baby play yard cover or lining that lines the walls and floor of a baby play yard in order that the play yard is protected from soiling by the baby. Various embodiments of the invention are re-attachable such that the play yard liner may be washed separately from the play yard. The play yard cover has a plurality of elastic reinforcing portions which facilitate the securing of the cover to its corresponding play yard.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of apparatus, and methods for their use, which are designed to aide in lifting bed mattresses and tucking in bed covers. In some embodiments, kits are disclosed which include wedge apparatus for lifting bed mattresses, and tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers. In other embodiments, wedge apparatus for lifting portions of bed mattresses are disclosed. In still other embodiments, tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers are provided. Additional embodiments disclose methods for using the kits, wedge apparatus, and tuck apparatus.

Abstract: A holder for a hand-held urinal that is for releasable mounting from a bed rail or the like. The holder includes a mounting bracket having at least one plate member that is supported from the bed rail; and a holder for receiving the hand-held urinal. The holder is removably supportable from the plate member and includes a headed stud constructed and arranged facing the plate member and for engagement with an arcuate slot in the plate member to permit pivotal support of the holder from the mounting bracket while providing limited sliding motion between the headed stud and slot so as to enable the holder to stay substantially vertical even as the mounting bracket tilts.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, which includes at least one fluid bladder and a recess, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the recess. The fluid delivery system includes a pump having a fluid output and a fluid input. The apparatus further includes a chamber wall that defines a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid input or output of the pump, with the chamber wall absorbing vibration from the pump when the pump is operated to output fluid at its fluid output.

Abstract: Apparatus and assembly for aligning a mobile mounted to a crib. A mounting base includes upper and lower sections. When the base is mounted to the crib, the upper section extends above the top of the crib, and an externally threaded segment of the lower section extends through an aperture defined by slats of the crib. An intermediate element having both internal and external threaded sections is moveable along the segment to adjust alignment of the mounting base and alignment of the mobile attached to the mounting base. An internally threaded fastener is threadedly secured to the external threaded section of the intermediate element to secure the mounting base to the crib. Embodiments significantly improve crib safety by providing a securing mounting mechanism and also improve mobile appearance by providing a properly aligned mobile.

Abstract: A smart bed apparatus adapted to retain a patient and a smart bed system are disclosed herein. The smart bed apparatus includes a smart bed computer, and a patient monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer. The patient monitoring device is incorporated with the smart bed such that the smart bed is not restricted by any wires adapted to couple the patient monitoring device with the patient. The smart bed system includes a server coupled with the smart bed computer. The server is configured to store any patient data pertaining to the patient. The patient data can be selectively transferred from the server to the smart bed computer such that the patient data is accessible directly from the smart bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft subassembly (10), characterized in that it comprises: a shelf (12) combined with a longitudinal banquette (14) for a passenger, means for movement (36, 38, 40, 42) of the shelf along one of the two longitudinal sides of the banquette.

Abstract: A stretcher with a mattress is supported by a frame. A segment of an elongated rail member is spaced apart from the mattress a sufficient distance to enable an accessory support mounted on the segment to be moved free from interference from the mattress. A cable support is aligned with the segment adapted to support a portion of cabling of an accessory mounted on the support, the cable support capable of receiving and retaining cabling from the accessory irrespective of the position of the accessory support on the segment.

Abstract: An anchor pin 18 shown full view FIG. 6 a device designed for securing bed skirts 23 from slipping and sliding off of the box spring 17 and hanging down on the floor. The design of the anchor 18 with two long bent prongs 14 grips the fabric 23 and curves down inside the box spring 17 creating a locking position FIG. 5 for securing the skirt 23. The design of the heads 16 secure the prongs 14 tight against the fabric surface 24 of the bed skirt 23 keeping the skirt within the boundaries of the box spring 17 The anchor 18 is preferably made from a rigid material such as steel or other metals and could be plastic resins and or particularly a fiber reinforced plastic or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for increasing the firmness of a pillowtop or any other soft mattress. The method includes providing a rectangular sheet of cotton fabric material having hook fasteners on one end and loop fasteners on an opposite end to attach the sheet of material around the mattress. The firmness of the mattress is increased by tightly wrapping the sheet of material around the mattress using the fasteners. The sheet of material is sized appropriately to fit entirely around the mattress with overlap. Preferably, the sheet of material is sized and manufactured for wrapping longitudinally around the mattress.

Abstract: A foldable infant playard with a reconfigurable entertainment device capable of attachment at two separate points. The first position is suspended from a support arm originated from an upper corner of the infant playard. The entertainment device can also be mounted in a second position on a side wall of the infant playard. The side walls of the foldable infant playard of the present invention are formed from an improved printed mesh material.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of apparatus, and methods for their use, which are designed to aide in lifting bed mattresses and tucking in bed covers. In some embodiments, kits are disclosed which include wedge apparatus for lifting bed mattresses, and tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers. In other embodiments, wedge apparatus for lifting portions of bed mattresses are disclosed. In still other embodiments, tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers are provided. Additional embodiments disclose methods for using the kits, wedge apparatus, and tuck apparatus.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of apparatus, and methods for their use, which are designed to aide in lifting bed mattresses and tucking in bed covers. In some embodiments, kits are disclosed which include wedge apparatus for lifting bed mattresses, and tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers. In other embodiments, wedge apparatus for lifting portions of bed mattresses are disclosed. In still other embodiments, tuck apparatus for tucking in bed covers are provided. Additional embodiments disclose methods for using the kits, wedge apparatus, and tuck apparatus.

Abstract: A soothing device is disclosed. The soothing device may be used in combination with a person support, such as a baby crib, a bed, and a dentist chair. The soothing device may include a display, a projector, a screen, and a mobile. The soothing device may include one or more covers. The soothing device may be used in combination with a portable, stand alone media device.

Abstract: A body, including a wedge-shaped sloped section, a level support section and a handle, for elevating a section of a mattress over a support surface upon which the mattress is lying. A distal end of the sloped section is small enough for the distal end to be directly inserted between the mattress and the support surface, while a proximal end of the sloped section has a height adequate to elevate the mattress high enough to aid in the changing of bedclothes.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. A siderail through use of an adapter is configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails.

Abstract: The furniture raising device described herein is collapsible, portable, stable, and easy to use. The device is designed to raise furniture to one or two preset increases in height. Preferably the device is used to raise the height of a chair. In one embodiment, the device contains a plurality of arms and a center base, where each arm is pivotably attached at a predetermined point in the base using a pin. The locations for attachment of the pins are selected to be spaced far enough apart from each other to allow the arms to rotate about the pins from a first position, where the arms align with the legs in the article of furniture, to a second position, where the arms are aligned in the same general direction (i.e. the “storage position”), and to maximize the ability of the device to be as compact as possible in the storage position. In a second embodiment, the device contains a plurality of arms and a center base, where each arm is pivotably and slidably attached to the base using a pin.

Abstract: A system for supporting patient care equipment alongside a patient support is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of arms supported by a support structure. The arms may be pivoted to either side of the patient support. The arms may be stored in a console. At least one of the arms may carry service conduits that provide medical air, oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or electricity.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.

Abstract: A support device for supporting at least one medical wire adjacent a supporting surface. The support device comprises a plate-shaped holder portion defining a peripheral edge, the holder portion comprising a support slot defining a loading opening made in the peripheral edge of the holder portion, a holder well made transversely in the holder portion spacedly from its peripheral edge, and a channel made transversely in the holder portion and extending between the holder well and the loading opening. The holder well is dimensioned such that it is broader than the medical wire the support device is destined to support. The support device further comprises attachment means connected to the holder portion for attaching the support device to the supporting surface.

Abstract: An equipment support system has a first telescoping arm and a second telescoping arm. The arms are pivotable relative to a room wall about a generally vertical axis and are extendable and retractable along respective generally horizontal axes. A first equipment support is coupled to the first telescoping arm and is configured to support patient care equipment thereon. A second equipment support is coupled to the second telescoping arm and is configured to support patient care equipment thereon.

Abstract: A surgical table width extender having an angled tang structure for engaging the gap formed between a standard table and its stand-off-mounted side rail. The tang structure contacts portions of the rail and portions of the table edge to enhance the load-carrying capability of the table side rail assembly. The extender further provides its own stand-off-mounted rail and a quick release clamp for securing the extender to the table. The tang structure is formed to allow a single extender to be used on either side of a surgical table where the stand-offs are not evenly spaced apart. The extender body is formed from a lightweight, strong carbon fiber composite material. Further enhancements protect exposed corners of the extender and protect potential high stress surfaces. An angularly orientable attachment is provided for use when two width extenders are used simultaneously on opposite sides of the table. In a lowered, horizontal orientation the attachment acts as a table length extender.

Abstract: A patient support with a removable foot section is provided.

Abstract: A holding appliance for use in bedding, includes a belt adapted to be wound around a bottom surface of a bed, two hook devices provided at both terminals of the belt, and two fastening devices for holding and fastening portions of a periphery of the bedding, the fastening devices being adapted to be caught by the hook devices. In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, there is disclosed a holding appliance for use in bedding, that includes a hook member adapted to be interposed and located between a bed base and a mattress on the bed base, and a fastening device for holding and fastening a portion of a periphery of the bedding, the fastening device being adapted to be caught by the hooking member.

Abstract: The bed skirt guard is designed to fit between the mattress and box spring wherein the sides form a box around the top of the box springs. This prevents the bed skirt from getting caught and pulled under the mattress when changing the sheets on the bed or tucking in the covers. The bed skirt guard is comprised of a flexible plastic material that allows the sheets and or blankets to slide easily. Since the bed skirt guard hangs over the sides of the box springs it keeps the bed skirt in place.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. The siderails through use of adapters are configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails and the other components of the patient support. The adapters may also be used to couple other medical accessories to the patient support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting movement of a pillow relative to a bed. At one end, flexible member can be engaged with a pillow. At the other end of the flexible member, a weight can be suspended from an edge of the bed. The invention can include a clip engageable with the pillow to releasibly associate the member and the pillow. The weight can be moveably associated with respect to the member to selectively space the weight and the member with respect to one another.

Abstract: A system for supporting patient care equipment alongside a patient support is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of arms supported by a support structure. The arms may be pivoted to either side of the patient support. The arms may be stored in a console. At least one of the arms may carry service conduits that provide medical air, oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or electricity.

Abstract: An equipment management system provides an equipment support for supporting patient care equipment. The equipment support may be mountable on an arm that extends from a wall, on a column depending from the arm, on a wall mount, on a stand, or on a patient support. Various methods may be used to vertically move the equipment support up and down to engage and disengage the equipment support from supporting devices.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: A mattress retainer for use with adjustable beds. The mattress retainer can be secured to an upper surface of a mattress support, between the mattress support and a mattress positioned thereon. In one embodiment, the mattress support is configured to engage a taped edge border of the mattress to thereby constrain movement of the mattress relative to the mattress support when the mattress support is articulated to raise and/or lower various portions of the mattress. The mattress retainer includes a channel formed on an outboard edge for receiving the taped edge border of the mattress. The taped edge border can be clamped within the channel to thereby fix the position of the mattress relative to the mattress support.

Abstract: A bed making apparatus can lift, push, and pull the bedding layer by layer so as to manipulate bedding originally disorganized to a made up state. The apparatus includes a vision device that evaluates and detects the current state of the bedding sensors and a computing device that determines the process of the making the bed. Typically, a robotic arm or roving device traverses the surface of the bed and can be attached to the headboard of the bed.

Abstract: A device for assisting a user in getting into and out of sitting and prone positions on a piece of furniture, like a bed, which has a large base o fit between the mattress and box springs of a bed and that includes a receiving portion and an adjustable handle for the user to grasp while getting into and our of bed and while adjusting positions in the bed.

Abstract: A seat extension and/or a back support are provided for an examination table which allows a examiner to be seated fully on the examination table and in one embodiment to lean across the patient without the examiner having to contact the patient.