Abstract: A mattress cover for covering and carrying a mattress has a rectangular cuboid mattress cover body sized to fit around and contain the mattress, and includes a handle strap mounted on an outer surface of the mattress cover body for facilitating lifting of the mattress cover. An additional handle strap is mounted on an inner surface of the mattress cover body, the additional handle strap having the same structure as the handle strap, wherein the first, second, and third attachment points of the handle strap and the first, second, and third attachment points of the additional handle strap are fastened together with first, second, and third fasteners, respectively, to sandwich the rectangular cuboid mattress cover body therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable patient repositioning sheet that includes an inflatable body and a first air supply port and a second air supply port of the inflatable body. The sheet includes a first air delivery sock and a second air delivery sock in the inflatable body. Each air delivery sock has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of each air delivery sock is in communication with one of the air supply ports and the second end portion is opposite the first end portion. The sheet includes at least one anchor member resisting movement of the second end portion of each air delivery sock toward the first end portion of the air delivery sock in response to air being supplied into the other of the air delivery socks.

Abstract: A tectonic origami device (100) is disclosed, which includes a flexible supporting substrate (102); and a plurality of substantially rigid planar members (104) arranged on the supporting substrate, the planar members configured in a non-overlapping cooperative arrangement to permit assembly of the device to form an enclosure. The device is configured to be transformable between a collapsed form where the supporting substrate and planar members are collectively in a planar arrangement and an assembled form where the supporting substrate and planar members are collectively assembled as the enclosure.

Abstract: An inflatable stretcher includes an upper and a lower cover member connected along their outer peripheral edges to define an internal air space. The lower cover member has a plurality of perforations forming an overall pattern contoured to the shape of a human body. First and second partitioning member are disposed in the air space and connected to the upper and lower cover members to divide the air space into a plurality of widthwise-extended air release passages and two lengthwise-extended air flow passages located at two lateral sides of the air release passages. A flow opening is formed between each second partitioning member and each corresponding first partitioning member. The flow openings respectively have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of each air release passage, enabling air supplied from an inflation device into the air space to produce an increased air lifting force at positions corresponding to a patient's hips.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer (11a) of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine (20), series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover.

Abstract: A mattress comprising an outer case made of a material substantially of the textile type for an internal block made of deformable material. The mattress comprises, along at least one portion of a perimetric lateral band of the case, at least one ribbon, which is stably associated with the respective portion, along connecting lines which are not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ribbon. Between the ribbon, the portion of the perimetric lateral band of the case and the connecting lines there is at least one seat which is adapted to accommodate respective grip elements, including the fingers of an operator, during the transport of the mattress.

Abstract: A body transport apparatus may include top and bottom portions that have a perimeter seal and an interior seal offset from the perimeter seal to define a non-inflatable frame portion and an inflatable air mattress portion. The bottom portion includes a plurality of air exit holes configured to provide an air cushion under the mattress portion when the mattress portion is inflated. The frame portion includes a plurality of handle openings and a channel so that the inflatable air mattress portion extends through the frame portion for a remote receptacle disposed outside the perimeter seal. A partial body transport apparatus may include the channel extending into the frame portion so that a remote receptacle is disposed within the perimeter seal and an inflatable air mattress portion having a longitudinal extent that is approximately 75% to 125% of a lateral extent.

Abstract: A mattress comprising a substantially rectangular multilayer core of foam material enclosed within a fabric mattress cover having at least one handle attached thereto wherein the fabric mattress cover proximate the handle is secured to the substantially rectangular multilayer core of foam by an anchor or attachment member affixed to the fabric mattress cover and secured between adjacent layers of foam material.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable mattress topper apparatus and related methods for increasing the safety and comfort of children in play pens or play yards.

Abstract: A cushioning device has two materials that are sealed together at their peripheral edges to form first and second sides and first and second ends. Positioned between the first and second materials is a middle material. The middle material has the top and bottom sides, a gap between the first side and the middle material and another gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side by a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface by a second set of interior welds. The first set of welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: In many aspects the systems and methods described herein provide handles for furniture and the furniture that has these improved handle systems. In particular, various embodiments include furniture handles, such as handles for mattresses, cushions, futons and the like, where the handles have a suitable shape and are disposed at select locations and orientations along one or more sidewalls and/or the sleeping surface and/or bottom surface of the mattress.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mattress system that provides proper spinal alignment when a person is in the lateral decubitis position for long periods of time, such as when a person is undergoing surgical procedures. Thus the present invention is configured to work within the confines of standard surgical tables. By allowing a section of a mattress under the arm and shoulder of the patient to be easily removed, damaging pressures on the patient's shoulder and pressure injuries in the lateral decubitus position are greatly diminished.

Abstract: An improved inflatable body support with novel dog-bone-shaped hand wells that do not create material stress points when they are stretched while in use in place of the prior art oval-shaped hand wells that do create material stress points when they are stretched while in use.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a mat, with an upper side and a gas permeable lower side. The mat includes a chamber between its upper and lower sides, which is operable to be in fluid communication with an air source such that when air flows into the mat, the air will flow into the chamber and through the gas permeable lower side to form an air film between the mat and a surface on which the mat is supported at its lower side. In addition, the lower side of the mat is substantially planar when the mat is inflated. A system for controlling the inflation of the mat may be used that automatically adjusts for the inflation of the mat during patient transfer.

Abstract: A mattress having a top surface, a bottom surface which is opposite of and parallel to the top surface, and a right side wall, a left side wall, a first end wall and a second end wall, the right, left, bottom and top side walls being perpendicular to and extending between the top and bottom surface of the mattress. A single extended length mattress handle is attached horizontally along a substantial length of each opposing side wall of the mattress. The extended length mattress handles are sewn onto the mattress at two or more connection points and preferably at three or more points or areas on each mattress side wall. In one embodiment, the length of the mattress handles is less than the length of the side wall to which it is attached. In a second embodiment, the length of the mattress handles is greater than the length of the mattress and the handle wraps around each corner and extends onto the adjacent end wall or walls.

Abstract: A body transport apparatus including an inflatable air mattress with a plurality of air exit holes on the bottom to provide an air cushion when the mattress is inflated and a cover portion connected to the mattress adjacent a perimeter to define an enclosed volume. The cover portion may include a selectively closeable passageway. A flap may be defined in the cover portion that is movable between open and closed configurations. A plurality of hollows may be defined in the cover portion when inflated to define a body contact area that is less than a surface area of the top surface.

Abstract: A pull member for a patient transfer mattress preferably includes a first portion attached to the inflatable mattress and a second portion attached to the first portion such that a pulling force applied to the second portion is transmitted to the first portion at a location that is substantially equidistant from the top and bottom sheets. The pull member may be T-shaped having a first portion extending along a side panel between the top and bottom sheets or may include a first portion having opposite end attached to the mattress to define a loop. The pull member may include a hand grip to facilitate grasping engagement. The pull member may include a pair of elongated straps and an attachment mechanism for releasable attachment between the strap pair. The pull member may include a connector lug and a clip member for releasable attachment between first and second portions.

Abstract: This invention is an adjustable, ergonomically sound apparatus for the human body to assume many positions such as kneeling, sitting or lying. The main components of the invention are comprised adjustable cushions with adjustable supports for the knees, ankles, feet, toes, buttocks, back legs and head. This invention is portable and allows the user to assume the positions of kneeling, sitting and laying for long periods of time on a mobile basis with out the pain, discomfort and lasting damage associated with going long periods of time in these positions without proper supports.

Abstract: The method of installing a handle in a mattress border comprising the step of bending a back strap and a material into a U shape so that inside surface is convex outward and so that first apertures are aligned, inserting a pulling tool through the aligned apertures, coupling a second coupling means to a first coupling means, and using the tool to pull the handle so that one of anchors passes through the first aligned apertures.

Abstract: A handle for a mattress border is anchored with spaced grommets in the border against which anchors on the handle ends may bear. The anchors are designed to allow a leading end of the handle to be drawn through grommet opening. A back strap between the grommet openings is shaped to allow clamping to move the grommet opening to aligned position. To allow the drawing of the anchors through the grommet opening, at least one of the anchors is provided with first couplings. A puller rod is designed to be inserted through at least one of the grommet openings. The puller rod is provided with second couplings, designed to cooperate with the first couplings to achieve the pulling function.

Abstract: A section of a bed has a mattress support grid comprising a plurality of intersecting wire segments. The intersecting were segments define an opening. A handle is engageable with the opening.

Abstract: A handle for a mattress border is anchored with spaced grommets in the border against which anchors on the handle ends may bear. The anchors are designed to allow a leading end of the handle to be drawn through a grommet opening. A back strap between the grommet openings is shaped to allow clamping to move the grommet openings to aligned position. To allow the drawing of the anchors through the grommet openings, at least one of the anchors is provided with first coupling means. A puller rod is designed to be inserted through at least one of the grommet openings. The puller rod is provided with second coupling means, designed to cooperate with the first coupling means to achieve the pulling function.

Abstract: A mattress handle is made of synthetic polymer material and has a medial grasping portion and two opposite end attachment portions. Each attachment portion includes a membrane of synthetic polymer material, and the handle is attached to the mattress wall at each attachment portion by stitching through the membrane.

Abstract: An edge support spring and handle structure is provided for use in mattresses comprising a continuous length of wire bent to have an elongated top portion and a pair of transverse arms extending downwardly and inwardly from the ends of the top portion, and a bottom portion that mirrors the top portion, with each pair of mirrored transverse arms meeting in a loop to form a pair of loops to which a pair of inwardly extending members of a handle attach. The handle is constructed to have an elongated portion for gripping outside the mattress cover and inwardly extending members that attach to the loops in the edge support spring, such that any strain created by use of the handles will be directed to the edge support spring.

Abstract: A handle for a mattress border is anchored with spaced grommets in the border against which anchors on the handle ends may bear. The anchors are designed to allow a leading end of the handle to be drawn through a grommet opening. A back strap between the grommet openings is shaped to allow clamping to move the grommet openings to aligned position. To allow the drawing of the anchors through the grommet openings, at least one of the anchors is provided with first coupling means. A puller rod is designed to be inserted through at least one of the grommet openings. The puller rod is provided with second coupling means, designed to cooperate with the first coupling means to achieve the pulling function.

Abstract: Mattress borders are manufactured by advancing and severing a strip of border maerial into first relatively short lengths of the border material for forming handles, and second relatively longer lengths of the border material for forming mattress borders, folding and hemming the relatively short lengths to form tubular handles, temporarily storing the formed handles out of the path of advance of the strip of border material, aligning formed handles so that their tubular axes extend laterally across the longer lengths of material at desired handle positions, and serging ends of the handles to edges of the longer lengths of material to form mattress borders with handles. The invention also extends to apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: A mattress border has two transverse stitched seams spaced apart lengthwise thereof. A strap has its two opposite end regions held in the two seams respectively.

Abstract: A mattress assembly including a bottom mattress section and a top, transfer mattress section is provided. The transfer mattress section includes lateral flaps which are coupled to the sides of the bottom mattress section by hook and loop type fasteners. Pull straps are secured to the flaps for moving the transfer mattress section, and a patient thereon, with respect to the bottom mattress section once the fasteners have been disengaged. The interface of the top and bottom mattress sections is low friction to facilitate sliding the top mattress section with respect to the bottom mattress section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewing a cloth handle to the side panel of a mattress or box spring. The apparatus includes a modified X-Y programmable sewing machine which can sew both ends of a handle to the side panel in sequence without the necessity of removing the handle and side panel from the clamp and manually adjusting the position of the side panel. The apparatus also includes a folding jig, and a clamp with an upper lip to retain the handle in a desired position. The method includes the steps of folding the handle and placing it within the clamp on the sewing machine, and thereafter sequentially stitching each end of the handle to the side panel automatically without removing the handle from the clamp or without manual movement of the side panel.

Abstract: A handle for a mattress border is anchored with spaced grommets in the border against which anchors on the handle ends may bear. The anchors are designed to allow the handle to be drawn through the grommet openings when the latter are aligned. A back strap between the grommet openings is shaped to allow clamping to move the grommet openings to aligned position.

Abstract: A mattress has a corner at which two edges of the wall of the mattress meet. A handle has two end regions attached to the two edges respectively of the mattress wall adjacent the corner and has a medial portion that wraps around the corner. An elastic cord has two end regions attached to the two end regions respectively of the handle and has a medial portion that wraps around the corner of the mattress with the medial portion of the handle between the mattress and the medial portion of the cord. A gripper plate is attached to the plastic cord for securing a sheet or blanket to the mattress.