Abstract: A pressure injuries therapeutic support surface is illustrated. The surface comprises an integrated system designed for a concurrent physical and psychoneuroimmunological approach over a user, wherein the system comprises one or a plurality of independent fluid-filled main chambers, made of waterproof, flexible, extendable, and elastic material and at least two accessory chambers connected to each main chamber with at least with two free-flow conduits. The system is managed through a powered mechatronic array with its own hardware and software based on microcontrollers for the simultaneous operation of specific multidisciplinary devices.

Abstract: A balancing pressure bearing apparatus including a connecting base and bearing components is provided. Inside the connecting base is any material selected from a volume-incompressibe fluid, semifluid and elastic element, and arranged thereabove is each bearing component. The bearing components have bearing surfaces for supporting any pressing-down human body part and pressure reduction. When the connecting base is pressed down, a Pascal phenomenon is generated for a pressure applied to the fluid, semifluid or elastic element inside the connecting base to be transmitted equally in all directions. Each portion thereof has the same pressure for balancing pressure of the supportive bearing surfaces pressed by any two human body parts, thereby reducing and balancing pressures thereon to achieve a more comfortable contact sensation of pressure release and a correct posture effect. Hence, the invention can serve as a cushion, seat, backrest, mattress or pillow product.

Abstract: A method of measuring an activity of a person/object on a flexible mat of a trampoline, comprising: determining a mat deformation signal based at least on measurements from a sensor arrangement comprising at least one sensor and defining a coordinate space for the mat; the or each sensor being configured to measure a value corresponding to a deformation of the mat as the person/object moves on the mat; wherein, the value measured by die or each sensor corresponds to a proximity of the person/object to the sensor; determining a bounce coordinate in the coordinate spate based at least on the mat deformation signal; and determining a bounce location of the person/object on the mat based at least on the bounce coordinate in the coordinate space. Also provided is a trampoline configured to indicate an activity of a person/object on the mat and an interactive apparatus that includes the trampoline.

Abstract: Bed structures are presented. The bed structure may include a bed frame for supporting at least one of a mattress or a mattress foundation, at least one illumination device mounted on the bed frame, and a control system. The control system includes at least one sensor and being configured to illuminate the at least one illumination device responsive to predetermined environmental conditions determined by the at least one sensor. In another aspect, a bed structure includes at least one illumination device mounted on the bed frame, and a control system configured to illuminate the at least one illumination device responsive to predetermined environmental conditions. The control system includes a motion sensor, a light sensor, a timer, and a remote control system facilitating operation of the at least one illumination device responsive to user input control or a predetermined control sequence.

Abstract: A mattress includes a mattress body having a top substrate and a bottom substrate separated by a resilient layer having a mattress thickness to resiliently conform to a body of a person. The mattress includes an aperture formed in the top substrate and the resilient layer mattress that is oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person. The mattress includes an insert that is shaped to be received in the aperture and has an upwardly open recess to receive an upper portion of the body of the person. An upwardly open recess can be formed directly in the top resilient layer of the mattress body oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person.

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

Abstract: A method for assessing the status of a piezoelectric sensor of interest is disclosed. The sensor of interest is located adjacent a surface of a mattress supporting a person. In some instances, the sensor of interest may be coupled to a mattress or coupled to a bed frame that supports the mattress. The method involves analyzing the complex impedance of the excited sensor relative to a complex impedance profile. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bed mattress support apparatus and method includes a fluid filled bladder or multiplicity of bladders to vertically support a rigid platform. The rigid platform provides a suspended surface to support a mattress, foam pad, or other mattress-like device. A frame surrounds the bladder to prevent lateral movement of the bladder. Motion limiting features control vertical displacement of the platform.

Abstract: A floating water bed for a user being floatably surrounded with liquid, includes a sleeping bed, which is made of waterproof material, having a compartment for the user accommodating therein that the user is floating and supporting by the liquid, and a breathing opening communicating with the compartment and arranged in such a manner that when the user rests in the compartment, the breathing opening is aligned with a head of the user, wherein the breathing opening is adapted for air circulation of the compartment with ambient atmosphere, such that the sleeping bag is adapted for allowing the user to achieve absolute relaxation while achieving complete rest, wherein the sleeping bag is adapted for completely separating the user from the liquid surrounding and thus protecting the user within the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A waterbed includes a bed frame, a water mattress mounted on the bed frame, and a flapping device. The flapping device includes two longitudinal shafts rotatably supported by the bed frame and a plurality of flapping members securely mounted on each longitudinal shaft. The flapping members flap the water mattress when the longitudinal shafts turn, thereby creating water waves inside the water mattress. The user's body s can be massaged to obtain effects of exercise, fats removal, and weight losing.

Abstract: The floating water bed includes a specially designed unique sleeping bag and a movable mattress pad. The sleeping bag is both thin and soft and it is placed on top of the movable mattress pad. This movable mattress pad can be lowered or risen from the water. As the human being rests within the sleeping bag, with the press of a button, the mattress pad can be lowered into the water along with the sleeping bag and the individual inside. At this time, the individual inside the sleeping bag will be floating in mid-water and will begin experiencing soothing relaxation. The floating water bed will have a well-shaped hole perpendicular to the sleeping bag and rising out of the water, providing the individual with an entrance into the sleeping bag as well as a breathing space once they are within the sleeping bag. With this well-shaped hole, the individual can breathe easily without the use of oxygen masks or additional equipment.

Abstract: The floating water bed includes a specially designed unique sleeping bag and a movable mattress pad. The sleeping bag is both thin and soft and it is placed on top of the movable mattress pad. This movable mattress pad can be lowered or risen from the water. As the human being rests within the sleeping bag, with the press of a button, the mattress pad can be lowered into the water along with the sleeping bag and the individual inside. At this time, the individual inside the sleeping bag will be floating in mid-water and will begin experiencing soothing relaxation. The floating water bed will have a well-shaped hole perpendicular to the sleeping bag and rising out of the water, providing the individual with an entrance into the sleeping bag as well as a breathing space once they are within the sleeping bag. With this well-shaped hole, the individual can breathe easily without the use of oxygen masks or additional equipment.

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: This invention relates to health and fitness, and more particularly to exercise methods and devices. More particularly, the invention is directed to stretching exercises and physical therapy, for example an apparatus and exercises for lower back pain. The exercise apparatus comprises at least three cells abutting each other on a common base or frame. Each cell can be independently inflated and deflated to provide an adjustable support cushion having a range of shapes and firmness. An articulated frame is optionally provided for additional independent movement of the cells. Users lie down on the cushion and produce precise stretches and exercises by controlling the rate and degree of inflation or deflation of each cell or group of cells, and optionally, articulated movement of the frame. Stretching can occur passively, as when the body conforms to the shape of the cushion, or actively by exercising in concert with the conformation of the cushion.

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 waterbed having inside air cushion and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The method comprises forming a watertight bladder having valve means thereon, forming an inflatable air cushion inside the watertight bladder, forming at least one air valve extended from the air cushion through the watertight bladder and secured thereat, inflating the air cushion, filling water into the watertight bladder, and drawing air out of the watertight bladder until the amount of air in a predetermined space of the watertight bladder is substantially reduced to less than 20% by volume, and a water screen is thus formed around the air cushion due to siphonage. The invention can provide an increased degree of softness to the skin of a user, suitably taking away heat from the body of the user, and making muscles supple when the user rolls thereon due to the compressibility of the air cushion.

Abstract: A controlled pressure and floatation system includes support and flotation units, each comprised by two types of chambers: a main one that contains a liquid substance and a secondary empty chamber; interconnected by a free-flow supply pipe. The main chamber receives the body to be held displacing an amount of liquid substance, in proportion to the weight it receives, towards the secondary chamber, that has no contact with the supported body. The pressures and flotation are controlled by the relative height of the secondary chamber (initial and final pressures), its predetermined shape (sequence of pressures until reaching the resting stage); and the density of the liquid substance. Multi-systems to provide different pressures to different parts of the same body may be created with this basic unit or system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bed for diagnosis which can block a water vein and an electromagnetic wave and generate an ultra-long wave. The bed prevents the influence of a water vein or an electromagnetic wave on a patient or a sleeper, and alleviates pains on various parts of the body by its function of thermotheraphy. In addition, the bed generates far-infrared and ultra-long waves to expedite the recovery of health.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel adjustable mattress and pillow system and related methods in which a sensing mat positioned on the top face of a mattress affects microprocessor-controlled optimization of the contour of the mattress and a pillow based on a user's position. In one embodiment, the novel adjustable mattress and pillow system of the invention provides real time contour optimization through use of a variety of sensing techniques that make the system particularly useful in environments such as hospital critical care facilities where proper positioning of a user on a mattress and a pillow may prove important to user's health.

Abstract: A controlled pressure and floatation system includes support and flotation units, each comprised by two types of chambers: a main one that contains a liquid substance and a secondary empty chamber; interconnected by a free-flow supply pipe. The main chamber receives the body to be held displacing an amount of liquid substance, in proportion to the weight it receives, towards the secondary chamber, that has no contact with the supported body. The pressures and flotation are controlled by the relative height of the secondary chamber (initial and final pressures), its predetermined shape (sequence of pressures until reaching the resting stage); and the density of the liquid substance. Multi-systems to provide different pressures to different parts of the same body may be created with this basic unit or system.

Abstract: A mattress system offering combinations of comfort and support comprising at least two modules, positioned side-by-side along their longest dimension to define at least two recumbent user areas the modules comprising depressions accomodating removable inserts of differing firmness. The mattress system provides an immense array of combinations of firmness and support, allowing each user to adjust, to a very wide degree, the comfort, firmness and support beneath their upper body, lumbar area, and lower body. The adaptable structure of the mattress system also allows the individual user to customize his/her side of the bed and easily change his/her side of the bed as his/her preferences change. Additionally, the construction increases the longevity of the bed, because components may be replaced one at a time as deemed necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cushion bed with a water-draining device, comprising a water tank with an air cushion on top, air conduits, pumps and a controller. The foregoing air cushion contains multiple air bladders that are linked together; the air conduits are installed at both sides of the upper part of the air cushion with air holes toward various directions; the controller activates the pump to convey air, further controlling the inflation and deflation of the air bladders and the air spurting from the air conduits. The base plate of the water tank is tilted, having a water outlet at the lowest part, therefore the wastewater, contained by the water tank, can be channeled through the tilted base plate and discharged through the water outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises a support device 20 essentially comprising only at least one closed or controlled-release chamber 21 together with inlet and outlet means 26 via which the filling fluid can be fed in or removed, and an independent control device 40 is provided disposed under the support device 20, said control device 40 comprising filling and emptying means for filling the chamber with filling fluid or for emptying said fluid therefrom and the control means proper 50, 41, 42 for controlling feeding in and removing the filling fluid. The invention makes it possible to simplify manufacture and management of a support for supporting an element to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. The apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises a support device 20 essentially comprising only at least one closed or controlled-release chamber 21 together with inlet and outlet means 26 via which the filling fluid can be fed in or removed, and an independent control device 40 is provided disposed under the support device 20, said control device 40 comprising filling and emptying means for filling the chamber with filling fluid or for emptying said fluid therefrom and the control means proper 50, 41, 42 for controlling feeding in and removing the filling fluid. The invention makes it possible to simplify manufacture and management of a support for supporting an element to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: A pressure relieving pad with graduated pillars to effectively reduce the development of decubitus ulcers. The pad is preferably made of foam to keep the manufacturing costs down and includes a first plurality of large pillars or columns. A second plurality of smaller pillars or columns is then positioned atop each of the larger pillars forming a progression or graduation of pillars. Adjacent larger pillars are preferably attached to one another at their bases to form an underlying, support platform or level for the pad. In operation, the weight or force of the patient using the pad is progressively transferred from the small pillars on top downwardly through the larger pillars to the underlying support platform or level.

Abstract: A bed includes a bag filled with a transparent fluid and formed with a transparent portion at least at an upper surface portion thereof, and a light source for emitting light. The light emitted from the light source passes through the fluid and propagates to an outside of the bag through the transparent portion on an upper surface of the bag. As a result, a bedsore can be prevented, and a decrease in bone mass can be prevented, thus suppressing occurrence of osteoporosis.

Abstract: A pressure reduction mattress construction for a liquid or gel bed having a flexible basin forming a cavity with inclines head and foot for surrounding and supporting a liquid or gel filled flotation bladder that is anchored to the head of the basin. The inclines made of a soft yielding material allow the head or foot of the bed to be easily raised as the liquid or gel moves toward the center of the bed. The head incline also serves to provide a soft yielding surface to support a patient after liquid or gel has naturally moved to the sacral area. The entire structure is then covered with a flexible and yielding hospital fabric cover, giving the bed the appearance of a conventional hospital mattress. An optional heater pad may be used with a fiber filled sacral/pelvic bladder placed over the heater pad.

Abstract: A water bed which includes a soft frame; a peripheral air bag mounted within the soft frame; a water bag mounted within the soft frame and surrounded by the peripheral air bag, the water bag comprising three pairs of opposing plastic lining walls sealed together, at least one water valve for permitting water to be filled into the water bag, and a plurality of through holes through the plastic lining walls for the passing of water, the plastic lining walls including a top plastic lining wall and a bottom plastic lining wall, each of the top plastic lining wall and bottom plastic lining wall of the water bag having two sealing lines at two opposite sides respectively sealed to respective outer side edges of a respective sides of the periphery air bag; an intermediate air bag mounted within the water bag, the intermediate air bag comprising at least one air valve extending out of the water bag and the soft frame, a plurality of partition stretchers, each of the partition stretchers having at least one air hole,

Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.

Abstract: A water bed having inner communicable air chambers is provided. The water bed has a mattress body formed of an upper and a lower sheet with an air inlet, a water inlet, and an air vent provided thereon. A plurality of mutually communicable long air chambers arranged in parallel are sealed inside the mattress body by means of radioheating to longitudinally divide an inner space of the mattress body into a plurality of alternate air and water passages. The air chambers each have an oval-shaped cross-sectional contour that permits the air chambers to change their shape in accordance with the amount of air filled therein. The mattress body is thereby maintained in a soft, elastic, stable condition. The air chambers reduce the amount of water required to fill the mattress body and thereby reduce the weight of the mattress body and shorten the time required to heat or cool the water bed.