Abstract: A mattress is provided for use with a step deck having an upper deck, and a lower deck coupled to the upper deck by a deck side wall so that the lower deck is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a recess of the step deck. The mattress includes a lower mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The lower mattress section is configured to be located within the recess of the step deck with the bottom surface of the lower mattress section engaging the lower deck, the side wall of the lower mattress section being located adjacent the deck side wall, and the top surface of the lower mattress section being aligned generally in a plane of the upper deck. The mattress also includes an upper mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The top surface of the upper mattress section provides a body support surface, and the bottom surface of the upper mattress section engages the top surface of the lower mattress section and the upper deck.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an alternating pressure mattress system, including: a mattress including a plurality of narrow, parallel, closely-spaced, horizontally adjacent air sacks, every other one of the air sacks forming a first group of air sacks being commonly connected for the introduction thereinto of pressurized air and the others of the air sacks forming a second group of air sacks and being commonly connected for the introduction thereinto of pressurized air; apparatus to supply the pressurized air to the first and second groups of air sacks; control apparatus to alternatingly inflate and deflate the first and second groups of air sacks for selected periods of time; and the control apparatus providing for intervals of time at inflation/deflation transitions during which periods of time the pressurized air is being furnished to both the first and second groups of air sacks.

Abstract: A cushioning mattress is provided to normalize and distribute the weight of a patient's body to reduce the tangential forces bearing on the skin of the patient. The cushioning mattress comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and a series of alternating "tunnel" billows and "loop" billows. Each tunnel billow comprises a separate piece of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along two parallel seams to define a wide-based closed cell. Each loop billow comprises a separate piece of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along a single seam to define a narrow-based closed. Each tunnel and loop billow contains a visco-elastic material capable of conforming to any surface which it engages.

Abstract: An inflatable seating cushion provides intermeshed cell structures so that air pressure changes from one of the cell structures to the next provides for improved comfort during long sitting periods. A manual selection switch allows an inflation means to be interconnected with any one of the cell structures. An alternate inflation fixture provides a means for inflating all of the cell structures simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a pregnant user is disclosed comprising, in combination, a fixed support portion having a fixed configuration for supporting a portion of the user, and a variable support portion coupled to the fixed support portion and having a plurality of configurations for supporting a different abdominal portion of the user with each configuration of the plurality of configurations. The fixed support portion comprises a plurality of inter-connected, inflatable, tubular members. The variable support portion comprises a plurality of independent, concentric, inflatable, annular members attached to an independent, inflatable, cylindrical member. The variable support portion is in proximity to the abdomen of a user lying thereon, and the cylindrical member and the annular members are selectively inflated to conform comfortably to a protruding abdomen of a pregnant user. This support apparatus is especially useful as an air mattress and a floatation raft.

Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.

Abstract: An air mat comprising an air mat body constructed by two sheets of outside and rearside respectively made of soft non-ventilation synthetic resin sheets and a plurality of forming partition sheets, and various parts welded to the air mat, such as air supply and exhaustion taps an automatic pressure controllers. A swelled condition of a plurality of air chambers formed by the partition sheets is held under the atmosphere or under a supporting pressure previously set. The air mat is manufacture by various steps including a welding step in which respective partition sheets and the outside and rearside sheets are simultaneously welded by upper and lower electrodes of a double high frequency welding machine.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a bladder with more than two inflatable chambers and an integral control flap, all of one piece, integral construction. To maximize inflatable volume of each chamber, each chamber preferably has a sidewall portion that is generally perpendicular. The control flap has passages in communication with the chambers and valving for selectively controlling inflation of the chambers. Valving preferably includes pinch valves having a generally T-shaped body with legs that pinch passages in the control flap to retain gas in a chamber and selectively inflate or deflate the chamber. The bladder is connected to a gas supply having a pump in communication with a reservoir for storing a charge of pressurized gas in the reservoir so that the pump need not immediately operate when gas is needed to inflate a chamber.

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: An alternating pressure pad has two sets of alternately inflatable cells. The alternately inflatable cells overlie additional base cells in a lower layer of the mattress. These base cells are all simultaneously inflated whilst each of the sets of upper cells are repeatedly inflated and deflated in alternation over an inflation and deflation cycle. During a cycle each set of upper cells is deflated at least once while the patient is primarily supported by the other inflated set of cells. During each inflation and deflation cycle, the additional base cells are reduced in pressure at least once. In this way, even if a part of the patient is temporarily supported only on the lower base cells, the support pressure is temporarily reduced each cycle to minimize pressure effects on the patient.

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 control panel for an inflatable structure includes a multi-layer planar fluid flow control panel sealed together at predetermined locations to define at least one fluid flow conduit with at least one layer of the panel having a plurality of apertures located in a predetermined pattern that communicate with the conduits. A plurality of discrete, inflatable chambers are sealed in planar orientation to the upper surface of the control panel to form the structure. The apertures of the panel are sealed in registered relationship with the fluid orifices to thereby permit fluid communication between the chambers and conduits of the control panel for selective inflation and deflation thereof. The interior surface of the control panel and chambers is selectively coated with a release material to prevent closure of the conduits and enable coplanar sealing of the chambers onto the panel about the perimeter of the apertures and orifices when disposed in registered relation.

Abstract: An air mattress has a plurality of air cells formed in or by an elastic casing. The air cells are connected in series and in parallel with each other by a plurality of air channels. Mattress sections and subsections are formed by combining the channels into groups providing at least one channel group for each section or subsection. Perforations pass through the casing outside the air cells and outside the air channels for ventilating. Air ducts interconnect neighboring mattress sections.

Abstract: A sleeping bag is provided which is free from the problems of the bag body slipping off an air mattress laid therebeneath, the air pillow slipping off the bag body, etc. so that there is no fear of comfortable sleep being disturbed. The bag body 1 is composed of a mattress portion 1a and a coverlet portion 1b. The mattress portion 1a and the coverlet potion 1b are joined to each other so that the coverlet potion 1b is folded over the mattress 1a. The insides of the mattress portion 1a and the coverlet portion 1b are stuffed with cotton or feather paddings having the adiabatic property. The other sides of the respective mattress portion and the coverlet portion as well as the foot ends thereof are provided with slide fasteners 1c continuously therealong so that a generally envelope shaped structure is formed.

Abstract: An inflatable multi-layer body support cushion, adapted to buffer or dampen the fluid reaction to forces applied to the upper surface of the cushion, includes a plurality of adjacent cells of generally hourglass configuration defined by vertically stacked upper and lower chamber portions and medial neck portion. The laterally adjacent chambers are interconnected for the intralayer fluid flow therebetween. The vertically adjacent chambers are interconnected in the neck portion of the cells by orifices which control the interlayer fluid communication between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: An air support unit for use in a modular air support bed has a common base pad of pliable material and inflatable elements releaseably fastened to one side of the base pad to define a body support surface. The air support unit constitutes a lightweight, foldable module easily and quickly interchangeable in a given bed with other modules having different patient support characteristics. The air support unit may be contained in a coverlet having a detachable top for easy access to the air support unit. An interior frame of resilient foam may be provided around the air support unit inside the coverlet for enhanced edge support.

Abstract: A cushioning device comprising an envelope containing a fluid in which the envelope has a pressure relief valve and an intake valve to regulate the deformation of the envelope under the load and reformation of the envelope when the load is removed.

Abstract: A cervical pillow is disclosed comprising a headrest portion, a cervical neck roll portion, and opposing lateral side portions. The headrest portion and the cervical neck roll portion comfortably supports the user's head area while providing proper cervical support to the user's neck area. The opposing lateral side portions provide side support for the user's head, maintaining the user's head in a straight and anatomically correct position while the user's head is at rest in the cervical pillow. The cervical pillow has air bladders in the headrest, cervical, and lateral support portions for adjusting the amount of pressure against the head and cervical areas of the user. The cervical pillow has resilient cushion inserts between the air bladders and the surfaces that make contact with the user. The cushion inserts are held into place with a fabric material covering the cervical pillow assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mattress, particularly an air mattress. It comprises a bottom element (1) and a number of elongated, bag-like mattress elements (2), which may be inflated with gas such as air and are adjacently attached in the bottom element (1) of the mattress, transversally to the lengthwise direction (D--D) of the mattress and in such a fashion that they form, when inflated with gas, loop-like members, resembling an overturned U-shape or the like in cross-section, and extending outwards from the bottom element. The mattress may also comprise a number of second elongated, air-inflatable or similar resilient bag-like mattress elements. In that case, the first mattress element is arranged to encompass, at least partly, the second mattress element.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress comprising a pair of exterior tubes longitudinally disposed in parallel on opposite sides of the mattress in combination with a plurality of parallel connected interior tubes smaller in diameter then the exterior tubes and in sufficient number and dimension to partially enwrap a human user reclining on the inflated mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable air bed. The air bed includes an inflatable lower chamber and an inflatable upper chamber overlying and attached to the lower chamber. Each chamber includes at least one valve for inflating and deflating the chamber. The lower chamber provides support for the upper chamber, which can be independently adjusted for user comfort.

Abstract: A vacuum or heat formed cushion having upstanding cells of thin (15-40 mil) wall thickness and having rectangular body sections with upwardly inclined (10.degree.-40.degree.) triangular top panels. The cushions can be attached together to form a mattress or used individually as a wheelchair or other chair or back cushion. The cells of the cushion can all be interconnected or the cushion can be divided in two or more independently inflated compartments. A special wheelchair cushion has cells of different shapes, sizes and heights to promote positioning of a user on a wheelchair.The cushion has openings through the base to allow it to be placed on a manifold so that body fluids can drain away from the patient and conditioned air can be supplied to the patient.The top surfaces of the cells are textured to prevent sealing off the pores of the user's skin.

Abstract: An air mattress includes an underlay (1) and a number of elongate first elements (2), filled with air and fastened to the bottom part of the mattress parallel to each other and transversally against the lengthwise direction of the mattress. The first mattress elements (2) form upward directed arched structures from their cross-section when inflated with air. The mattress also includes a number of elongate air-inflatable resilient second elements (9), in connection with the first mattress elements (2). Each first element (2) is at least partly around each second element (9) outside the first element. Each first mattress element (2) includes at least one first fastening member arranged in the lengthwise direction of the mattress element and a corresponding second fastening member arranged on the underlay (7). The fastening members are removably attached to each other, so each mattress element is unfastened from the underlay and change another.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.

Abstract: A support arrangement is provided which has a simplified structure and is quite versatile in the support surface which is produced. The support structure includes a number of chambers or pillows which are coupled together in a sequential or serial relationship such that the air supplied to the support to inflate the chambers or pillows enters at one end and travels the length of the chamber or pillow to enter and inflate the next chamber or pillow. That is, the air supply follows a serpentine path. In this manner a simplified air supply arrangement is accomplished for the entire support structure.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a plurality of symbiotic sacs juxtapositionally transversely secured in a mattress envelope, having a plurality of primary and secondary symbiotic sacs alternatively pulsated in the envelope for continuously changing the pressurized areas of a bed-ridden patient for preventing pressure sores such as bed sore or decubitus ulcer, with each symbiotic sac consisting of an upper pulsating sac portion alternatively inflated and deflated and a lower static sac portion constantly inflated to maintain at least a partial fluid pressure in each symbiotic sac for continuously cushioning the patient even when a power failure is caused or bed transfer is required, and having a plurality of tertiary symbiotic sacs constantly inflated for cushioning a patient head portion, with each symbiotic sac independently secured in the mattress envelope whereby upon breaking of any one sac, only an individual broken sac should be replaced with a new one without abandoning the whole mattress.

Abstract: A vacuum or heat formed cushion having upstanding cells of thin (15-40 mil) wall thickness and having rectangular body sections with upwardly inclined (10.degree.-40.degree.) triangular top panels. The cushions can be attached together to form a mattress or used individually as a wheelchair or other chair or back cushion. The cells of the cushion can all be interconnected or the cushion can be divided in two or more independently inflated compartments. A special wheelchair cushion has cells of different shapes, sizes and heights to promote positioning of a user on a wheelchair. The cushion has openings through the base to allow it to be placed on a manifold so that body fluids can drain away from the patient and conditioned air can be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: A turning air mattress serving to facilitate the therapeutic benefits of turning a bed ridden patient includes a combination of elongated transverse and longitudinal air cells disposed on a base and encompassed by a cell liner. The air cells are attached to a plurality of cell manifolds in communication with a control system. A top cover covering the air cells is attached to the base, and a fleece and top sheet are fittedly retained over the air cells.The control system having a microprocessor monitors the pressure within the air cells, along with overall system functions. The control system also enables a patient to be rotated from side to side, and leveled after being turned, in a smooth transition from a level position to a turned position, or from a turned position to a level position, while substantially maintaining spinal alignment.

Abstract: A sleeping bag for supporting and insulating an individual during sleep. The inventive device includes a sleeping bag having a pneumatic support assembly for supporting the sleeping bag in a spaced relationship relative to a ground surface. The pneumatic support assembly includes a plurality of elongated flexible air tubes which can be individually pressurized to a desired pneumatic pressure to support the sleeping bag at a desired height and firmness.

Abstract: An air cushion for sleeping in a car includes a plastic lower layer, a plastic intermediate layer, a plastic upper layer, a plastic mattress, and a flannel cloth, having their edge portions fastened together so as to provide an enlarged and comfortable flat sleeping space. The plastic lower layer and the intermediate layer form a first chamber, while the plastic intermediate layer and the upper layer define a second chamber which is separated from the first chamber to preclude air circulation between the first and second chambers having the two chambers inflated for resting the lower layer on the car seats, and with the air cushion having an area covering a driver's seat and a passenger's seat to provide a flat surface on the car seat for sleeping use.

Abstract: A portable mattress system has a mattress unit, a control unit, and a control panel. The mattress unit has a plurality of sleeves with transverse openings which each receive an elongate bladder, and has in a foot section a recess that can receive the control unit. A coupling arrangement detachably operatively couples the control unit to the mattress unit. The control panel is flat and thin and is coupled to the control unit by a cable. An arrangement is provided to support the mattress unit on the control unit when the mattress unit is in a deflated condition, and the control unit has rotatable wheels and a handle for facilitating easy transport of the entire mattress system to or from a bed.