Abstract: An inflatable bed with a mesh-shaped inclined diaphragm includes a side panel, the mesh-shaped inclined diaphragm and two face layers symmetrically arranged, a first end of the side panel is connected to a periphery of a first face layer of the two face layers, a second end of the side panel is connected to a periphery of a second face layer of the two face layers, a first end of the mesh-shaped inclined diaphragm is connected to the side panel, and a second end of the mesh-shaped inclined diaphragm is connected to one of the two face layers.

Abstract: A nursing bed comprises a bed frame, a bed platform which is disposed atop the bed frame for supporting a patient who is normally disposed in a supine position, and a pair of side rails mounted upon opposite sides of the bed platform so as to be movable between deployed or raised positions and stowed or lowered positions. The side rails are movable by a pair of linear actuators, which may be simultaneously actuated or independently actuated, and a pair of linkage systems operatively connecting the pair of side rails to opposite sides of the bed frame.

Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of inflatable bed, and in particular an inflatable bed including a bed body, wherein the bed body is hollow, the bed body includes a top sheet, a peripheral sheet, a bottom sheet, and a tension strap, the top sheet and the bottom sheet cover the peripheral sheet from a top side and a bottom side, respectively, an internal support assembly is provided inside the bed body, the internal support assembly includes an internal support structure and a breathable mesh, the bed body is separated into a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber surrounding the main chamber by the internal support structure, and the breathable mesh is mounted on a sidewall of the internal support structure, the main chamber is in communication with the auxiliary chamber through the breathable mesh.

Abstract: A non-powered mattress including a cover enclosing a frame structure and a bladder assembly, the cover adapted to engage an articulated frame to control movement of portions of the foam frame and the bladder assembly in response to movement of the articulated frame.

Abstract: A flat wiredrawing mattress includes at least a top, bottom and a side piece enclosed between the top and bottom piece, at least a hermetic air chamber is formed between the top, bottom and side pieces, a wiredrawing structure is between the top and bottom piece, and the side piece has a tension connecting piece group for tightening and smoothing. During use, the wiredrawing structure prevents the top and bottom piece swelling and makes the mattress surface flatter, avoiding uneven situation. The elastic pulling force of the wiredrawing structure on the top and bottom piece compress the air in the air chamber. The mattress body is not deformed with stable structure and better firmness. The tension connecting piece tightens the side piece, supports and flattens it, and flattens the mattress surrounding. The overall structure of the mattress is flat, and can be kept flush with the wall during use.

Abstract: A method for depressurizing a cabin of an aircraft on the ground from the outer side of the aircraft using a depressurizing system including a venting valve which can be actuated between open and closed positions by means of a shutter and which is connected in fluid terms to a vacuum pump and to a pressure tap port of the aircraft which is connected to a protection valve against excess pressure in the cabin. The method includes fluidly connecting the venting valve to the pressure tap port, the shutter being in the open position, moving the shutter to the closed position thereof and activating the vacuum pump to generate a reduced pressure in the region of the pressure tap port.

Abstract: An inflatable bed is provided including an upper sheet, a lower sheet, a lateral confining sheet and a first internal sheet. The lateral confining sheet connects the upper sheet and the lower sheet to define an inflatable chamber. The upper sheet has a planar portion and an oblique portion. The planar portion of the upper sheet is connected to the lower sheet by means of the first internal sheet. The lateral confining sheet comprises a circumferential portion and an extension portion extending upward along an end of the circumferential portion. The extension portion and the oblique portion of the upper sheet are connected to form a backrest of the inflatable bed, and the backrest is internally provided with a second internal sheet which is used for connecting the oblique portion of the upper sheet to the extension portion of the lateral confining sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a protective covering, which includes a cover portion, an elongated piece of fabric, a first coupling mechanism, and a weighted fixture. The cover portion is for a seat cushion. The elongated piece of fabric extends from the cover portion. The first coupling mechanism couples the cover portion to a first end of the elongated piece of fabric. The weighted fixture facilitates securing the elongated piece of fabric in place over the cover portion using gravity.

Abstract: A double-layer inflatable bed includes two main layers arranged in a thickness direction of the double-layer inflatable bed, two annular peripheral layers, annular connecting layers, and two annular blocking layers. The two annular peripheral layers are connected to the two main layers respectively, the two annular peripheral layers are both connected to the annular connecting layers, and the two annular blocking layers are connected to the two main layers respectively; and ends of the two annular blocking layers away from the main layers are both connected to the annular connecting layers, wherein the two main layers and the two annular blocking layers together define a main air chamber, and the two main layers, the two annular peripheral layers, the annular connecting layers, and the two annular blocking layers together define two peripheral air chambers disposed adjacent to each other in a thickness direction of the double-layer inflatable bed.

Abstract: Levitation devices are disclosed for use with beds. In one embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate rotation of a mattress with respect to a box spring. In another embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate making a bed which allows sheets and blankets to be tucked between the mattress and the box spring without the need to lift the mattress. In a third embodiment, the levitation device functions as a hybrid device and can be used for making a bed or rotating a mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable transfer mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel having a perimeter sealingly coupled to a perimeter of the top panel to define an internal volume therebetween, a first wedge pocket coupled to an outer surface of the top panel, and a first inflatable wedge. The internal volume is configured to receive an air flow therein. The first inflatable wedge is sized and configured to be inserted into the first wedge pocket and is configured to be transitioned from a deflated state to an inflated state. The first inflatable wedge is configured to rotate a patient to a predetermined angle with respect to the top panel in the inflated state.

Abstract: A smart sleep system comprising a mattress including a plurality of pressure zones, each pressure zone separately adjustable for firmness, a sensor to sense a user's position on the mattress, a processing system to determine pressure for each of the plurality of pressure zones based on data from the sensor, and a controller to adjust one or more of the pressure zones based on the determination.

Abstract: To yield fixed output as electrical signal when any positions of volume space is subjected to external pressure and the external pressure is detected. A contact detecting device includes a mounted base 60 with a predetermined shape, a design foam 10 that is bonded to the mounted base and covers it, and a limiter 7 that is mounted on the mounted base 60 or the design foam 10. The contact detecting device further includes a predetermined volume space 4 defined by the mounted base 60, the design foam 10, and the limiter 7. The contact detecting device further includes a sensor SEN that detects external pressure applied to the volume space 4 through the determination of the physical variation of the volume space 4. The physical variation of the volume space 4 is detected through the sensor determining, for example, variation in flow rate, flow velocity, or volume. In particular, the contact detecting device detects two-dimensional or three-dimensional contact on any position.

Abstract: A non-powered mattress including a cover enclosing a frame structure and a bladder assembly, the cover adapted to engage an articulated frame to control movement of portions of the foam frame and the bladder assembly in response to movement of the articulated frame.

Abstract: A mattress, bed, cushion, or other device to support a user in a pre-determined posture. The mattress, bed, cushion, or other device includes compressible cells configured to inflate based on characteristics of particular contact areas of the user, and contact, in response to inflating based on the characteristics, the user in various contact areas to support the pre-determined posture. In particular, inflating the compressible cells based on characteristics of particular contact areas reduces the risk of the user developing pressure ulcers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a patient support which can be used in a bed or flat surface and in particular to a system and method for support and offloading of the body and for turning and repositioning of a patient in a bed or on a flat surface. Features of the disclosure also relate to markings and other indicators used on the patient support which help guide caregivers in the proper use and correct patient positioning on the patient support.

Abstract: A head restraint for a vehicle passenger seat for a vehicle. The head restraint includes an outer surface of the head restraint defining a shape of the head restraint, a core support extending into the outer surface, a foam surrounding the core support, and a substantially air impermeable material defining an internal volume and an opening controllably limiting the flow of air into and out of the internal volume.

Abstract: An inflatable air mattress device includes a cover internally defining a first and a second receiving zone for receiving a pump and an air mattress therein, respectively. The air mattress includes a plurality of parallelly arranged air cells, each of which internally includes a first air chamber located below a second air chamber and having an elastic member provided therein. The pump is held in the first receiving zone via a movement-limiting mechanism and is provided with an air input and an air release line for communicably connecting to each of the air cells. Since the air cells, the pump and the air input and release lines all are arranged inside the cover, the inflatable air mattress device has an esthetic appearance and occupies less space. The elastic members in the first air chambers prevent a user from contacting with a hard bed frame when the air cells are deflated.

Abstract: A mattress can include one or more layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer including an air bladder, and a valve. The valve can be fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to actuation. Some embodiments can include a foam material positioned inside the air bladder.

Abstract: An inflation and deflation pressure regulation system is applicable to an air mattress with at least two air arrays, the inflation and deflation pressure regulation system comprising an inflation and deflation device, a pressure detection unit and a control unit. The inflation and deflation device inflates or deflates the air mattress; the pressure detection unit continuously detects an instantaneous pressure value of the air mattress; the control unit determines whether the instantaneous pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit when the air mattress is in a weight-bearing state has reached a preset pressure value before a preset time has elapsed, and accordingly uses a first inflation and deflation strategy or a second inflation and deflation strategy to control the inflation and deflation device to inflate or deflate the air mattress.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments may relate to mattresses and/or mattress components having one or more foam-filled air chambers within an air impermeable cover. Typically, the foam core within an air chamber would comprise open cell foam, but the air chamber would not be self-inflating. Rather, a pump might be used to adjust the firmness and/or comfort of the mattress, inflating and deflating the air chamber according to user's preference. Embodiments might also fuse or bond at least the top surface of the impermeable cover to the foam core(s).

Abstract: A remote control for an inflatable product includes a top cover, a bottom cover correspondingly fitted to the top cover, an air pump switch mounted on the top cover to control on/off of the air pump and a lighting module.

Abstract: A side rail assembly for supporting an edge of a mattress includes a layer of a polyurethane foam comprising an open cellular structure, wherein the open cellular structure comprises about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, a hardness of about 35 pounds-force to about 100 pounds-force, and a density of about 1.2 pounds per cubic foot to about 2.0 pounds per cubic foot, wherein the layer is configured to be disposed about a perimeter of an inner core of the mattress and is configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core through the layer.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion including: an inflatable body, having an upper surface and a lower surface, said body including an air-impermeable skin defining a chamber, an elastic foam core within said chamber and a sealable air valve; and an external elastic foam layer substantially covering at least one of said upper and lower of surfaces; wherein: the foam core is formed of a foam having a density of between about 15 kg/m3 and about 35 kg/ma and a hardness of between about 25 newtons and about 45 newtons; and the foam layer is formed of a foam having a density of between about 35 kg/m3 and about 65 kg/m3 and a hardness of between about 35 newtons and about 95 newtons.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.

Abstract: A cover for a mattress for supporting a patient is adapted to provide a generally smooth top surface over the mattress while still accommodating the movement of portions of the mattress or changes in thickness of the mattress, for example, when turning the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress assembly comprising a mattress having a substrate assembly that includes a plurality of cylinders positioned side by side over the length of the mattress. Each cylinder is configured as a low air loss system to allow air to flow into the cylinder from a source and out of the cylinder through small holes located on the top of each cylinder. An overlay assembly provides a foam cushion that provides a supporting surface above the substrate assembly for the patient. A calf lift bladder operates to effectively raise or lower the patient's feet to prevent pressure related injuries. A lateral rotation assembly selectively raises and lowers a selected half of the mattress to turn patients in a lateral direction. A bolster inflates in response to the lateral rotation assembly to secure the patient within the mattress.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress assembly comprising a mattress having a substrate assembly that includes a plurality of cylinders positioned side by side over the length of the mattress. Each cylinder is configured as a low air loss system to allow air to flow into the cylinder from a source and out of the cylinder through small holes located on the top of each cylinder. An overlay assembly provides a foam cushion that provides a supporting surface above the substrate assembly for the patient. A calf lift bladder operates to effectively raise or lower the patient's feet to prevent pressure related injuries. A lateral rotation assembly selectively raises and lowers a selected half of the mattress to turn patients in a lateral direction. A bolster inflates in response to the lateral rotation assembly to secure the patient within the mattress.

Abstract: A foam-air mattress includes a mattress housing, including a top layer and a bottom layer; a plurality of air chambers, disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the plurality of air chambers are configured to be connected to a pumping system via a tubing assembly; and a plurality of compartments formed by the mattress housing and the plurality of air chambers, configured to accept foam inserts. The plurality of air chambers, when inflated by the pumping system, are configured to compress foam inserts disposed within the plurality of compartments so as to increase the density of the foam inserts. This arrangement has applications in both the consumer and medical airbed contexts, as well as in other support system contexts, such as seat cushions for chairs.

Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: An inflatable component (4) for an alternating pressure mattress (1). The inflatable component has at least two inflatable cells (15). Each cell (15) has at least two opposite edges (23, 24) and at least part of one of two opposite edges is free and lies within an outer peripheral edge of the component. The inflatable component (4) may be formed from two layers of material joined together along predetermined lines to define the cells. The inflatable component may include two or more groups of cells, each connected to a respective air inlet (19, 20). The inflatable component may be comprised in a mattress.

Abstract: An air foam mattress system includes a foam top component, and a foundation component including a plurality of segmented, individually wrapped, inflatable air cells allowing for a plurality of pivot points, a segmented perimeter, and individual pressure adjustment of the segments for maximum patient comfort in all articulated-bed positions. In an embodiment, the air cell contains a u-shaped insert providing segmented perimeter sections integral to the air cell. In another embodiment, the air-cell contains a trapezoidal shaped insert with multiple segments having different degrees stiffness.

Abstract: An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved air cylinder for air mattresses primarily intended for hospitals, long-term care facilities and in-home use. Each elongated flexible air cylinder contains a foam member with a generally square cross-section and area to enclose a volume of air above the foam member. When one or more air cylinders are connected to a pump and pressure to air cylinders is increased, the area above the foam members enclosed by the flexible air cylinders inflates with air. The volume above the foam member in each flexible air cylinder can retain enough pressure to lift the portion of the patient's body above that air cylinder away from the resilient foam member. The flexible air cylinders may be connected to achieve an alternating pressure cycle where one set of air cylinders may be pressurized while other air cylinders are allowed to evacuate air and become depressurized.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members. The plurality of inflatable members may include a core including a resilient material. The patient support may be controlled with a first controller positioned within an envelope of the patient support. The patient support may include a detector to detect when an external controller is coupled to the patient support, the patient support being controlled by the second controller when the second controller is present.

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: An adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of interconnected node groups, where each node group includes at least two nodes connected by a fluid passage. The plurality of interconnected node groups define a node array. A source of pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air is connected with the node array.

Abstract: A mattress includes a plurality of air cells. Each cell has a low air permeability envelope and a foam inflation structure that defines one or more voids inside the low air permeability envelope. The foam inflation structures expand when unloaded to cause inflation of the one or more voids. When unloaded, the ratio of the volume of the foam inflation structure to the volume of the one or more voids within the low air permeability envelope is not the same in all the cells.

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 method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred.

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: An apparatus is disclosed for selectively adjusting the firmness of various surface regions of a mattress, including regions providing lumbar, thoracic, and pelvic support to a user. The mattress comprises a plurality of removable tubes filled with a variety of materials, which tubes are inflatable and deflatable by a compressor operating in accordance with the programming of a user. The user is supported on the mattress by, inter alia, the removable, subsurface, tubing which is pressurized by its hybrid material-air contents.

Abstract: A mattress includes a plurality of air cells. Each cell has a low air permeability envelope and a foam inflation structure that defines one or more voids inside the low air permeability envelope. The foam inflation structures expand when unloaded to cause inflation of the one or more voids. When unloaded, the ratio of the volume of the foam inflation structure to the volume of the one or more voids within the low air permeability envelope is not the same in all the cells.

Abstract: A body support platform for supporting a human body, comprising one or more body support unit(s), the or each support unit comprising a plurality of columns, each column comprising a stack of fluid-fillable substantially spherical resilient balls, each ball of a respective column being physically and fluidly connected only to the adjacent ball(s) within said column, such that a column may be compressed substantially independently of a neighboring column; and a base providing a primary fluid reservoir; wherein said columns are arranged in an array across said base; and each of aid columns is connected to said base, such that the lowermost ball of each respective column is directly fluidly connected to said primary fluid reservoir; and wherein the uppermost ball of respective columns collectively define a body support surface.

Abstract: A mattress has cells with low air permeability envelopes. Check valves permit air flow into cell groups. An inflation structure expands within the cells when not loaded to cause the envelope to fill with air through the check valves. Another mattress has a cell with a primary bladder, a hollow inflation structure in the primary bladder, a secondary bladder in the hollow inflation structure. The inflation structure expands when not under load to cause the primary bladder to fill with air through the check valve. An air cell has a bladder, a check valve permitting air flow to the bladder, and an inflation structure that expands in the bladder when not under load to cause the bladder to fill with air through the check valve. The inflation structure is a cylindrical foam structure with a portion removed along a surface and a D-shaped hollow space within an upper portion thereof.

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: The subject of the invention is a universal bed insert, built by air mattress, combined with airtight valves and method for producing thereof. The insert, produced with the application of said method makes it possible, that the sponge, the airtight covering of the sponge, and the air within the insert result in a higher level of convenience when using the insert. The insert according to the invention is built by an air mattress filled with sponge of open cell structure, as well as valves built into the air mattress. The characteristic of the insert is, that in the air mattress (2) sponge (3) of open cell structure, low body-density and low compressive stress is used, where the value of the body-density is preferably 10-23 kg/m3 and the value of compressive stress is preferably 1.0-2.5 kPa. the material of the sponge (3) used is polyurethane, or silicone or rubber foam.

Abstract: The Evolution Bed is a specially designed hospital mattress, with the surface of the mattress boasting a series of inflatable air bladders which are programmed to periodically release, thus alleviating pressure to various points of the body. The Evolution Bed is offered in a wide variety of comfort choices from soft pillow top versions to extra firm, back supporting models. This mattress is manufactured of durable foam material and covered in all-cotton batting, and in another embodiment, produced as an innerspring mattress containing a series of stainless steel coils which are covered in dual insulators and fiber padding and secured in place via durable steel border rods. The novel feature of the Evolution Bed is found in the inclusion of a system of air bladders which encompass the top of the mattress.