Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and a sealing layer. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to the base and extend outwardly from the base. Moreover, the plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication. The sealing layer is coupled to at least one of the base first and second layers. At least one of the sealing layer and the base defines a plurality of lock pockets, wherein each of the lock pockets is positioned between adjacent hollow cells for selectively controlling flow communication independently to each of the plurality of hollow cells within the cellular cushion.

Abstract: The alternating pressure cushion is a cushion for prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers in hemodialysis patients, patients who are wheelchair bound, and other persons confined in a seated or reclined position for a prolonged period. The alternating pressure cushion has a back cushion section, a seat cushion section including an inflatable lumbar support, and a leg cushion section, each section having a plurality of air bladder networks. The air bladder networks are arranged so that each provides support when inflated. When one air bladder network is inflated to support the patient, the other air bladder is deflated to relieve pressure from areas of the patient's body. Alternately inflating and deflating the air bladder networks supports the patient without prolonged pressure points.

Abstract: An improved baby mattress is formed of four sections, with a two part central section including a pair of interactive cradles which provide safe and comfortable support for a sleeping infant. An upper life cradle area may be variably pressurized to produce a telescoping well which encourages placing the infant for safe sleeping on its back. A lower safety cradle is filled with strong and resilient foam rubber and serves to safely support the infant in the event of unwanted cradle deflation. An array of auxiliary support and shape retaining members serve to give the crib-sized mattresses a stable and smooth overall rectangular appearance.

Abstract: A process for increasing or reducing the internal pressure of at least one hollow body (HK—1, HK—2, HK—3) to a specified set internal pressure. The set internal pressure is adjusted so that several pressure-increasing steps or pressure-reducing steps are conducted successively until the internal pressure deviates from the set internal pressure at most by a specified tolerance. Each of these steps brings about a pressure increase or pressure reduction the amount of which is not larger than a specified upper limit. In this way, impairments of comfort owing to the rise in pressure or the reduction in pressure are especially avoided. The actual internal pressure is only measured at the beginning of the process. In one design of the invention, this amount depends upon the volumes of the hollow bodies (HK—1, HK—2, HK—3) and a supply line (VL) as well as (in the case pressure is increased) from the pressure which a pressure generator generates.

Abstract: This invention is an inflatable product that includes a plurality of chambers at least two of which are adjoining, with at least one unidirectional valve connecting any pair of adjoining chambers, an inlet port, and an exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable bladder, and method for making same, having an interior sheet and an exterior sheet extending from a left direction toward a right direction and where the exterior sheet has an inner side and an outer side. The interior sheet is coupled to the inner side of the exterior sheet where the outer side is facing upwardly and the inner side is facing downwardly. The exterior sheet has at least one fold where, upon being subjected to bending, the at least one fold unfolds to provide additional material so that exterior sheet maintains a distance from the interior sheet.

Abstract: A cushioning device including a first fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a second fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and at least one fluid accumulation reservoir. The first and second fluid bladder support structures deform under application of a load and reform upon removal of the load. A first conduit interconnects the first fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the second fluid bladder support structure. The first conduit includes a first one-way valve which permits fluid flow from the first fluid bladder support structure to the second fluid bladder support structure. A second conduit interconnects the second fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the at least one fluid accumulation reservoir.

Abstract: A mattress for supporting a reclining body. The mattress includes a resilient top member having a top region possessing uniform displacement parameters and also includes resilient supporting means supporting the top member with variable displacement. The combination of members with uniform displacement parameters over members with variable displacement parameters enables the mattresses to support the body in alignment and with uniform low pressure.

Abstract: A high-profile air sleep system is disclosed having an air posturizing sleep surface wherein the system comprises a base fabric cover layer, a plurality of resilient blocks overlying the base fabric cover layer, and a middle fabric cover layer overlying resilient blocks. A plurality of air chambers is carried above the middle fabric cover layer, and a resilient pad overlies the air chambers. A top fabric cover layer overlies the resilient pad. The foam blocks provide a cushion for the air chambers and the air chambers provide an upper air posturizing sleep surface. A first closure fasts the base cover layer and the middle cover layer; and a second closure fasts the middle cover layer and the top cover layer together whereby an integral high-profile sleep system is provided with an upper air sleep surface which can be adjusted to provide optimum sleep posture. The air posturizing air chambers are arranged side-by-side and generally coextend with the entirety of the middle, top, and base fabric cover layers.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filled support comprising a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other at least one fluid conduit interconnecting at least two of the plurality of chambers together. There is also at least one connection head coupled to the at least one fluid conduit. There is also at least one portable pump which is connectable to the connection head. This portable pump is for inserting additional fluid into the fluid conduit wherein the fluid then flows into the plurality of chambers. There is also a portable pressure relief device which is connectable to the connection head. This device comprises a pressure gauge for determining a pressure of fluid inside the fluid filled support. The pressure gauge also includes an adjustable pressure relief valve which is adjustable to relieve fluid from the support wherein the at least one portable pump and the at least one portable pressure relief device are used to adjust pressure in the system.

Abstract: A support surface 10 includes a series of inflatable cells 30, 40 inflated alternately by a compressor 11. The cells 30, 40 are exhausted via an exhaust port 50 having a restrictor 60 of known diameter. A pressure transducer 70 measures the cell 30, 40 pressure. Some of the cells 30, 40 during their deflating/inflating cycle are exhausted through the exhaust port 50 and the cell pressure decay over a time is monitored. A microprocessor calculates the mathematical function related to the cell pressure decay with time, compares the value with compiled data and adjusts the output of the compressor accordingly. The sequence of exhausting via a port 50 is repeated at every inflation/deflation cycle and the pressure decay monitored and compared with the known data and the compressor output adjusted automatically to provide a new operating pressure. Therefore, any change in the person's position, e.g.

Abstract: A convertible inflatable furnishing is disclosed. The furnishing can form a chair shape that can be converted into a supportive shape for massage and stretching by deflating and securing the backrest inside the furnishing. The chair is also capable of being rocked, reclined, and packed into itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

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: An air mattress system is provided wherein longitudinal air supply tubes supply air to alternating laterally extending cross support tubes that extend between two longitudinal side rails. The side rails remain inflated despite failure of the pump or ruptures of the lateral support tubes. The structure of the air mattress is such that it can be produced as a continuous rolled product. A method for making the individual mattress of this construction is also set forth.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: An air bed has a hollow body. A baffle is adapted to be provided inside the hollow body to separate the body into a first chamber and a second chamber. The baffle is adapted to engage with inner surfaces of opposite sides of the body of the air bed.

Abstract: An air bed has a hollow body. A baffle is adapted to be provided inside the hollow body to separate the body into a first chamber and a second chamber. The baffle is adapted to engage with inner surfaces of opposite sides of the body of the air bed.

Abstract: An inflatable device with an outer inflatable structure, inflatable interior frame, an interior opening and an outer opening. The frame has a plurality of side rods, a center wall, a plurality of interconnected ribs and a plurality of air passages. The interior opening is on a rib and receives any common air pump. The interior frame becomes rigid upon inflation and, forces apart the walls of the outer inflatable structure. Once the interior frame is completely inflated, it provides support to the outer inflatable structure so that the main air chamber inside of the outer inflatable structure does not need to be fully inflated with air. A cap placed over the outer opening is fitted with an air pump valve in order that additional air may be pumped into the main air chamber to increase the firmness of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient is provided that includes a cover and at least one air bladder positioned in an interior region of the cover. At least a portion of an air tube located in the interior region is made of cloth.

Abstract: A fluid filled patient support and related method of distribution, use and disposal thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable bed has a primary bed and a supporting rim securely connected to an outer contour of the primary bed. The primary bed has an extension integrally extending from sides of the primary bed to securely engage with an outer surface of the supporting rim so as to limit movement of the supporting rim. After a load is placed on top of the primary bed, the overall appearance of the inflatable bed is maintained and the movement of the supporting rim is limited.

Abstract: An inflatable bed has a bottom surface that is disposed on a support surface and that is formed with a concave air bag. When a person moves onto a top surface of the bed, air is ejected from the air bag so that the bed acts as a suction cup, there by fixing the bed relative to the support surface.

Abstract: An inflatable bed has a primary bed and a supporting rim securely connected to an outer contour of the primary bed. The primary bed has an extension integrally extending from sides of the primary bed to securely engage with an outer surface of the supporting rim so as to limit movement of the supporting rim. After a load is placed on top of the primary bed, the overall appearance of the inflatable bed is maintained and the movement of the supporting rim is limited.

Abstract: A support assembly for a hammock includes a base unit having a base body and a tubular member extending upwardly from the base body to define a shaft-receiving bore therein, and a canvas-mounting unit including a shaft that is mounted rotatably in the shaft-receiving bore, and that has an upper end protruding upwardly and outwardly from the shaft-receiving bore, and a holding seat fixed to the upper end of the shaft for co-rotation therewith.

Abstract: An inflation body structure for an air mattress, which comprises a plurality of inflation bodies arranged in parallel in a bedspread of an air mattress; each inflation body includes two separate bodies, i.e., an upper cylindrical body and a lower cylindrical body, and each body is made of two cloth pieces glued together by means of a melting-connection method; the two cylindrical bodies are furnished with air ducts 18 respectively, which are connected with intake manifolds and control valves respectively; through the control valves, the air mattress can provide different support force for different sections of a person (such as a head section, a central body section and a leg section) so as to provide an even and comfortable pressure to reduce the contact pressure between the skin and the air mattress.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air-volume in both mattress-type foam and traditional coil spring cores interactively, obtaining a wide variety of levels of density and indentation force deflection (IFD or spring-back force). Foam core modulation is used to soften or harden the upper surface of the combined two elements to form enhanced-comfort support surfaces. The combinations include multiple chambers of which at least one is filled with self-inflating foam. In most configurations of the present invention, the chambers are completely sealed and are not air communicable with each other. Each chamber is fitted with a valve used to selectively withdraw air from it—but never to pressurize it by adding air forcibly. The combinations of core layers include traditional coil spring cores that may or may not be completely enclosed in their own enclosure. When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, its surface softens uniformly, density increases while its IFD value drops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushioning device including an inflatable cushion having at least one side and first and second opposing surfaces, and at least one restraint structure attached to at least a portion of the at least one side of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: A mattress including a cover having a side wall defining an interior region of the cover, a first cushion integral with the side wall of the cover, and a second cushion positioned in the interior region of the cover.

Abstract: A mattress having a head end and a foot end comprises a first support section configured to support an occupant's feet, legs, and seat, and a second support section located adjacent the head end of the mattress to support an occupant's back and head. A portion of the head support section is movable toward the head end of the mattress as the second support section is moved to an elevated position relative to the first support section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable support system having at least two sections. The inflatable support system has a lower chamber that has a top and bottom layer. The inflatable support system also has an upper portion which includes a top and bottom layer in fluid communication with the lower chamber. At least one of either the top or bottom layers of the upper portion of the inflatable support system has a higher elasticity than at least one of the layers of the lower chamber.

Abstract: A force optimization apparatus is provided including a patient support surface and an interface pressure sensor.

Abstract: An equalizing pressure control system for connection to at least two pressure zones of a body support. The equalizing pressure control system ensures that an object will be slowly and safely lowered to a static position in the event of a sudden failure of an external pump or a supply pressure to the at least two pressure zones.

Abstract: The contour and topography adjusting mattress distributes the weight equally over the entire contact surface, thus prevents morning sore spot formation and prevents decubitus wound formation in the prolonged bed-ridden patients. The massaging action of the mattress relieves muscular pain, relaxes the body, increases the blood circulation, also it further prevents sore spot and decubitus wound formation in the bed-ridden patients. It can be used in hospitals or at home.

Abstract: A self inflated air cushioned bed includes a base, multiple air units each provided with at least two air cells securely mounted on top of a substrate and at least one unidirectional valve mounted on the substrate to allow air to flow into the at least two air cells, and an expanding device received in each one of the at least two air cells in each of the multiple air units to maintain the at least two air cells in each of the air units to be expanded. When the at least two air cells of each of the air units are expanded due to the expanding device, the at least one unidirectional valve allows air to flow into the at least two air cells of each of the air units so that the air units are maintained inflated.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad including at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: A self inflated air cushioned bed includes a base, multiple air units each provided with at least two air cells securely mounted on top of a substrate and at least one unidirectional valve mounted on the substrate to allow air to flow into the at least two air cells, and an expanding device received in each one of the at least two air cells in each of the multiple air units to maintain the at least two air cells in each of the air units to be expanded. When the at least two air cells of each of the air units are expanded due to the expanding device, the at least one unidirectional valve allows air to flow into the at least two air cells of each of the air units so that the air units are maintained inflated.

Abstract: A mattress support element comprises a fluid filled bladder and a fluid container substantially surrounded by the bladder. The fluid container is in constant fluid communication with ambient fluid outside the bladder. The fluid container is configured to deform from its original shape when an external force is applied to the bladder and to reform to its original shape upon removal of the external force from the bladder.

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 mattress device includes a plurality of dual-fluid fluidizing units juxtapositionally secured in a mattress envelope; each dual-fluid fluidizing unit consisting of a lower air cell and an upper gel (or gel-like) cell superimposed and secured on the lower air cell, having a plurality of flexible ventilating and baffling tubes formed through each upper gel cell for venting air from the lower air cell to the patient's body as lying on the upper gel cells for therapeutically treating the patient as synergetically effected by both the air and gel cells.

Abstract: An inflatable therapeutic mattress for supporting a resting body in the prone position while maintaining proper spinal alignment, features an upper surface with a pair of opposing slanting surfaces originating from an elevated ridge, one slanting surface larger than the other. The larger slanting surface has a pillow to elevate the abdominal area of the resting body, and the smaller slanting surface has a pillow with a void to accommodate the face of the resting body.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a slide housing positioned between two outer casing halves. Each casing half has a plurality of nipple connector seats. Each nipple connector seat has at least one external detent. The slide housing has a series of nipple connectors along its length that are inserted into air conduits in the peripheral edge of the cushion, which, in turn, are connected to the individual inflation zones. Each nipple connector has at least one retainer groove in the surface. The casing half detents engage the cushion edge and the retainer grooves to retain the nipple in the air conduits. There is a movable slide inside the slide seat bore. The slide has a longitudinal inner bore and a number of openings along its length that communicate with the inner bore.

Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprised of at least one cushion that has opposite top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of apertures that extend through the cushion from the bottom surface to the top surface. An air channel mat is positioned below the cushion. The air channel mat is adapted and dimensioned to fit beneath the cushion and support the cushion bottom surface in a spaced relation above a bottom base of the mat to thereby form an air flow space between the cushion and mat through which air can flow. A vapor permeable, liquid impermeable cover encases the air channel mat and the cushion defining a vapor evaporation area under the cover. The air channel mat defines a moisture drying zone within the vapor evaporation area. An air pump is provided for selectively supplying a flow of air to the air channel mat. A controller is provided to control the flow of air to the air channel mat to evaporate the vapor in the vapor evaporation area.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient includes a body support portion having a head end, a foot end, and a knee support portion. The body support portion has a first air zone extending from the head end to the knee support portion and a second air zone extending from the knee support portion to the foot end. The mattress assembly also includes a control module configured to supply air to the first and second air zones to maintain the first air zone at a substantially constant first pressure and to maintain the second air zone at a substantially constant second pressure. The second pressure is less than the first pressure to provide reduced pressure on a patient's calves and feet located on the second air zone.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. One or more air passageways are formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. Each passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness (IFD) are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic or latex foam feel hence greatly reducing pressure points and increasing comfort.

Abstract: An inflatable plant support system for receiving, moving and growing potted plants. The system includes an elongated inflatable member having recesses defined in a top surface thereof to accept potted plants. Channels defined in the top surface distribute water to the plants. The inflatable member may be rolled onto a reel and inflated as it is unrolled so that plants may be placed thereon. An interior of the inflatable member is heated.

Abstract: Multiple foam-filled cells form a cushioned support surface of a seat or mattress. Individual cells may be collapsed by connection through a manifold and valve to a vacuum source. The collapsed cell essentially removes contact pressure in a localized area of the person supported on the surface and restores localized blood flow. After a pre-determined time interval, atmospheric pressure is readmitted to the cell.

Abstract: A modulated air cushion includes a base having a top face, multiple air pouches removably attached to the top face of the base in a matrix arrangement via a bonding device. Each air pouch has an inlet formed on the air pouch. An air pump is provided to have a controller and at least two tubes connected to the controller. Each of the at least two tubes integrally have branches each provided with multiple air nozzles corresponding to the inlets of the air pouches. The air pump is able to inflate air pouches in odd and even columns or odd and even rows independently or simultaneously.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes an inflatable mattress that is attached to the top surface of an inflatable air box spring. An inflatable, stabilizing tube is attached to the bottom of the air box spring to provide additional stability and height by increasing the footprint of the inflatable bed. The interiors of the inflatable mattress and air box spring contain a plurality of I-beam structures arranged longitudinally to provide further support and stability. Alternatively, the inflatable mattress is separate and detachable and can be fastened to the top surface of the air box spring. An additional stabilizing tube is attached to the periphery of the top surface of the air box spring to cradle and support the detachable inflatable mattress.