Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress for use on a truck bed is disclosed and claimed. The inflatable mattress includes left and right lateral sides. Each lateral side includes a recession dimensioned to receive a respective one of the wheel wells. The inflatable mattress also includes left and right side cushions disposed above and in contact with an upper surface of the mattress adjacent the left and right lateral sides, respectively.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.

Abstract: A TPU composition comprising two or more TPU polymers is disclosed. The TPU composition gives a broad process window for melt coating applications. The blend of TPUs give better processing than either of the individual TPU polymers used in the blend alone. This results in melt coating which gives less matt and glossy streaks and allows faster coating speeds along with lower coating weight. The two or more TPU polymers used in the blend have a different soft segment. The different soft segment is created by using different molecular weight polyol for the TPU polymers or by using chemically different polyols.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly having at least one air chamber, and an electric air pump unit disposed on the bedstead assembly. The air pump unit includes a centrifugal pump device for performing initial inflation of the air chamber, a diaphragm pump device for performing subsequent inflation of the air chamber, and a control valve operable to allow for and interrupt fluid communication between the centrifugal pump device and the air chamber.

Abstract: A cushion 302 comprising a molded foam base 302 with an array of individual suspension elements 306 at the ischial area of the cushion. In one aspect the array of suspension elements is in a recess 307 in the top of the base and in another aspect the array of suspension elements is in an inner cavity 406 defined by the base. The suspension elements are arranged in a pattern wherein the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface 14, a first end wall 20, a second end wall 22, and an optional bottom wall 30, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting device includes a housing, at least one power supply device and at least one arrayed lighting unit. The housing has a surface forming at least one reflection zone and the reflection zone includes a lens. The power supply device is arranged inside the housing and has a grounding terminal connected to the housing. The power supply device receives and converts an alternate current power into an output of direct current power. The arrayed lighting unit includes plural arrays of lighting elements and a light-transmitting protection layer. The arrayed lighting unit is arranged inside the housing at a location corresponding to the lens and is connected to the power supply device, whereby the power supply device provides the arrayed lighting unit with the direct current power to energize the arrayed lighting unit to give off light that is reflected by the reflection zone.

Abstract: A sheet to be positioned under a patient to treat or mitigate formation of pressure sores includes a first layer of sheeting and an inflatable component secured to the first layer of sheeting. The inflatable component at least partially encloses a region exterior to the inflatable component and will relieve pressure from a portion of the patient's body when the region that the inflatable component at least partially encloses is positioned under the portion of the patient's body and the inflatable component is inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable device, comprising a substantially fluid impermeable bladder, a fluid controller coupled to the bladder and including an electrically powered pump is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pump is positioned at least partially within a profile of the bladder, and the fluid controller is adapted to permit air to exit the bladder through the fluid controller and to be provided to the bladder through the fluid controller.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a transparent or translucent padding material and a transparent or translucent covering surrounding the core.

Abstract: A pad circulation system, comprising a pad, tubing that is operationally configured to affix to said pad, at least one container, wherein each container is operationally configured to hold water or other liquid, a pump, said pump capable of circulating said water or other liquid throughout said tubing.

Abstract: A constant low-flow air source control system and method is used to operate a pump to inflate an inflatable support structure used to support a person.

Abstract: The inflatable pad includes an inflatable frame having a length and width that defines a pad area suitable for supporting a person lying thereon. A plurality of internal support members are configured to support the weight of a person lying thereon and elevate the person above the ground. The inflatable pad includes non-supporting regions that require less fill volume than regions that support primary support regions such as the hips and shoulder.

Abstract: Assembly, comprising an element (2) defining a lying or support surface, such as a foam layer forming a core of a mattress, and a device (3) associated with the element (2) for adapting the form of the lying or support surface in waves, wherein the device (2) comprises at least one selectively expandable and/or compressible body. The body (3) is further embedded in or arranged under a part of the element (2) which is lower-lying during use and has above it at least a greater part of the thickness of the element (2). The body (3) acts on a wave part of the element (2) so as to selectively bring about waves in the lying or support surface, which wave part is connected via a hinged configuration to other parts of the element (2).

Abstract: A healthy bed for actively supporting a human spine curve mainly comprises a lower base, a plurality of mobilizing devices inside the lower base, a height sensor, a control device, and an inflating device; an upper mattress having an air cushion layer and a plurality of push rods; wherein the control device is used for memorizing the spine curve of a person lying on the upper mattress. When a user lies on the upper mattress, the push rods is are pressed to push the mobilizing devices to move downward, the height sensor detects a moving distance of the mobilizing devices for the control device to determine whether the user is the one whose spine curve is memorized, and if so, then the inflating device is activated to inflate the air cushion layer to let the surface of the upper mattress meet the profile of the spine curve of the user.

Abstract: A thermoregulating apparatus (20) for exchanging thermal energy with and supporting a patient (24) and method of exchanging thermal energy is provided. The apparatus includes a heat exchange fluid circuit (30, 95, 102) located below a patient support layer (44) for exchanging thermal energy with the patient.

Abstract: A control system of a patient support surface calculates a surface performance index as a function of pressure and shear. The control system also receives information from an electronic medical record (EMR) corresponding to a person's susceptibility of developing at least one of a pressure ulcer and a superficial lesion and adjusts at least one of a component and a characteristic of the person support surface based on the information.

Abstract: A mattress having a storage compartment is provided. The storage compartment is used to hold items that are useful in the transport of a patient located on the mattress, such as a patient restraint that can be used to secure the patient to the mattress during transport.

Abstract: A patient transfer device comprising at least one inflatable mattress which in turn may comprise one or more inflatable pads. The inflatable mattress includes a plurality of fasteners for attaching an accessory across a top surface of the mattress. The types of accessories that may be attached to the mattress include various types of covers, flexible body litters having carry handles, cushions, other inflatable and non-inflatable mattresses, and garments and wraps for moving the patient together with the device and for making the device capable of being attached to or worn by a patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress comprises a core and a cushion layer positioned above the core. A fibrous air spacer layer is positioned above the cushion layer, and a layer of visco-elastic foam is positioned above the fibrous layer. This permits the fibrous layer to be sandwiched between the cushion layer and the layer of visco-elastic material.

Abstract: A portable confinement device for confining a person upon a mattress is provided. The device includes a frame and a flexible enclosure. The enclosure is supported by and sits upon the frame to stabilize the device from tipping over. A mattress may be received into the interior space of the enclosure. The enclosure includes an opening for allowing a person to enter or exit the interior space of the enclosure. All openings of the enclosure are designed to be unfastened only from outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A multiple configuration air mattress pump system is disclosed. The pump system includes a number of standard components with a few inexpensive varied components to allow for easy and less expensive use of the pump with mattresses having varying numbers of inflatable zones.

Abstract: A cushioning device has a first material and an opposing second material that are sealed together at the peripheral edges to form a first (right) side, a first (head) end, a second (left) side, and a second (foot) end. Positioned between the first material and the second material is a middle material. The middle material has a top side, a bottom side, a first gap between the first side and the middle material and a second gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side at a first set of locations to form a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface at a second set of locations to form a second set of interior welds. The first set of interior welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of interior welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.

Abstract: A patient support having real time pressure control. The patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a bladder including a plurality of upright cylindrical elements. The pressure within the bladder is controlled based on the pressure or force sensed by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A sleep support member and a method for recommending a sleep support member to a person. The sleep support member includes: a support layer including a plurality of support zones; and a comfort layer including a plurality of comfort zones, wherein the comfort layer is disposed above the support layer. Each of the support zones is configured to provide customized support characteristics to a corresponding region of a person's body and each of the comfort zones is configured to provide customized comfort characteristics to a corresponding region of the person's body.

Abstract: An air pumping device includes an inflation module that includes an air pump, a counting unit, and a control unit coupled to the air pump and the counting unit. The air pump is configured to one of inject air into and remove air from an inflatable article. The counting unit is configured to count a predetermined time period. The control unit is configured to receive a control signal, to activate the air pump and trigger counting of the counting unit in response to the control signal, and to deactivate the air pump upon completion of counting. An air pumping method and an airbed assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces the number of manufacturing processes by means of rotational molding, while preventing the generation of defective products, to a device for molding an air mat, and to an air mat manufactured and molded by the method and device. In a method for manufacturing an air mat formed in such a manner as to integrally couple a cushion part having a plurality of air bags arranged therein for containing air at the insides thereof with a plate-shaped lower sheet disposed on the lower surface of the cushion part, the method includes the steps of: preparing a lower mold having a plurality of air bag molding recesses having given depths arranged at given intervals thereon, for molding the cushion part of the air mat.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: A sleep support system including: a sleep support member having an inflatable member, wherein the inflatable member communicates with a first connector and a second connector, and a control unit having a terminal; wherein the terminal is configured to be connected to the first connector, if the sleep support member is in a first position, and wherein the terminal is configured to be connected to the second connector, if the sleep support member is rotated to a second position. Accordingly, a sleep support member having zoned support characteristics can be conveniently rotated without losing the proper zoned effect.

Abstract: A self-enclosable inflatable mattress has a mattress body, a valve and a bag. The mattress body has a sidewall and a chamber being defined in the mattress body. The valve is mounted through the mattress body. The bag is attached to the mattress body and has a surrounding sheet, at least one holding sheet and at least one fastener. The at least one holding sheet is mounted on a corresponding margin of the surrounding sheet and detachably connected to a corresponding surrounding sheet. The fastener is mounted between the surrounding sheet and the holding sheet. The self-enclosable inflatable mattress is easily stored compactly and prevents dust from contacting the mattress body during storage.

Abstract: An air mattress (10) has an upper face (11) forming a sleep surface, a lower face (12) and a plurality of side faces (13, 14, 15, 16) each extending between the upper face (11) and lower face (12). A generally planar sleep panel (20) defines the upper face (11). A peripheral skirt (30) is attached to the sleep panel (20) around a perimeter of the sleep panel (20). The skirt (30) defines the side faces (13, 14, 15, 16). A frame (40) is located within the skirt (30), and includes a plurality of frame elements (40). Each frame element (41) extends parallel and adjacent to one of the side faces (13, 14, 15, 16). The frame elements (41) together define a central cavity (42). A base cover (50) defines the lower face (11). The base cover (50) is attached to the skirt around a perimeter of the base cover (50). One or more inflatable bladders (60) are located within the cavity (42). An intermediate panel (70) is located between the sleep panel (20) and the bladder(s) (60).

Abstract: An inflatable device has non-pressurized ducts and channels formed within the body of the inflatable device when inflated, wherein the inflation pressure of the inflatable device is maintained when the interior of the ducts and channels are exposed to atmospheric pressures allowing fluid to flow through the ducts and channels at substantially lower pressure levels than the inflation pressure of the inflatable device. When used for heating or cooling, a plurality of non-pressurized channels and pressurized support columns can be located in substantial proximity to the surface of the inflatable device in contact with the object to be heated or cooled.

Abstract: A foldable mattress having an integral carrying pouch into which the mattress may be folded when not in use. Preferably, the mattress is at least partly inflatable so as to be floatable, and may have a mesh central portion surrounded by an inflatable portion. An inflatable pillow or headrest that is either fixed in place or detachable may be included. The pouch itself is preferably made, at least in part, of nylon mesh material.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

Abstract: A multi-purpose air mattress apparatus is disclosed for use in at least a bed of a vehicle having an opposing pair of inwardly protruding wheel wells. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, an inflatable air mattress having a pair of opposing sidewalls, each defining a lateral recess sized for accepting at least a portion of the wheel wells therewithin and further defining recess ledges that selectively sit atop the wheel wells. With the apparatus positioned within the vehicle bed and the wheel wells positioned at least partially within the lateral recesses, the recess ledges in combination with a perimeter ledge cover substantially any exposed portions of the wheel wells, while a set of upper and lower perimeter chambers further maintain a stable structure of the apparatus during use both within a vehicle bed as well as on any other relatively flat surface in otherwise conventional fashion.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided that includes a top panel having a top surface, and a bottom panel having a plurality of perforations defined therethrough. The bottom panel is sealingly assembled to the top panel. An inflatable foot rest is attached to the top surface of the top panel and is suitable for raising at least one leg of a patient when the patient is lying upon the top panel.

Abstract: A mattress (2) which in plan view comprises an inner portion (4) and an outer portion (6), and the mattress (2) being such that the inner portion (4) is of a size for being slept on by at least one person, the outer portion (6) extends at least partially around the inner portion (4), and the inner portion (4) has a lower compression rate than the outer portion (6) whereby the weight of the person on the inner portion (4) is distributed over a greater area than would be the case if the inner portion (4) had the same compression rate as the outer portion (6), and whereby the outer portion (6) constrains the inner portion (4) and controls lateral expansion of the inner portion caused by the weight of the person on the inner portion (4).

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system may include a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad, and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads. The system may further include a pair of walls extending between the head-end assembly and the foot-end assembly. The walls may include inflatable members.

Abstract: A sleep monitoring system includes a fluid bladder. A pump is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, and the pump is operable to increase a fluid pressure within the fluid bladder. A sensor is packaged with the pump, and the sensor is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder and is operative to determine a pressure within the fluid bladder. A controller is configured to determine the at least one vital sign based on the pressure within the fluid bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.

Abstract: An adaptable surface system including a plurality of individually adjustable surface units and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor corresponds to one of the adjustable subsurface units and is positioned to measure an amount of pressure exerted upon the subsurface unit. The system also includes a controller that receives a first pressure value from a pressure sensor, compares the value to a threshold, and adjusts the height of the first subsurface unit based on the comparison. The controller also receives a second pressure value from a second pressure sensor, compares the second pressure value to the threshold, and adjusts the height of a second subsurface unit based on the comparison.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress has a body and a coverlet. The body is hollow, is inflatable and has a top, a sidewall and at least one first engaging member attached to the sidewall of the body. The coverlet is mounted detachably on and covers the body and has at least one second engaging member attached to the coverlet and corresponding respectively to and detachably engaged respectively with the at least one first engaging member on the body. The coverlet is mounted tightly on the body and would not be shifted by persons' movement on the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A mattress configured to support a patient including a foot section having a leg portion, a heel pressure relief portion, and a raised calf support portion positioned intermediate the leg portion and the heel pressure relief portion.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: An air-inflated mattress, comprising a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, wherein said shroud band connects the top and bottom layers together to form an inflatable bladder. A middle layer below said top layer is partially sealed to the top layer to form a plurality of sealed or half-sealed cavities, in which some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, via a plurality of air vents in the middle layer, creating air-pockets arrayed on the top surface of the air mattress.

Abstract: This invention provides a stretcher that can be placed anywhere and on any surface without any concern, and that can be moved by sliding easily and smoothly on rough surfaces including indoor carpets, stairs and various types of roads. To structure the stretcher equipped with a mattress on which an injured/immobilized person can be placed and carrying means for the purpose of at least carrying a mattress, assemble a mattress on which an injured/immobilized person can be placed, a synthetic resin support panel placed below the mattress by having a designated thickness, flexibility and dimensions similar to the mattress and carrying means attached to the support panel.

Abstract: The cushion according to the invention is made up of several layers of pneumatic elements (3) which each form a matrix (2). These pneumatic elements (3) each have a multiplicity of holes (5a) into which elastic spring elements, for example foam cylinders (1), are inserted. The pneumatic elements (3) are all substantially congruent, such that the holes (5a) of superposed pneumatic elements (3) are in each case located at the same places. An individual pneumatic element (3) is produced from two superposed sheets of an elastic plastic. The two sheets are welded sealingly to each other at the edges of the cushion and at the edges of the holes (5a). The holes (5a) are cut out after the welding. Each pneumatic element (3) has at least one connection for compressed gas. While supporting a patient, the pneumatic elements (3) are alternately supplied with compressed gas and then relaxed again.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a socket, an electric pump and a battery case. The socket is built in the inflatable body. The electric pump is detachably connected to the socket to pump the inflatable body. The battery case is also built in the inflatable body for receiving batteries to supply the electric pump with power.