Abstract: A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise multiple cushioning components, possibly base, body support and foot cushions. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removeably envelops the assembled cushioning components.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus for use with a suction source comprises a core having a one or more foam elements and a cover having an interior region in which the core is situated. The cover is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction source operates to evacuate a portion of air from the interior region so that at least one of the foam elements is partially compressed within the interior region of the cover due to the evacuation of the portion of air.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a spring assembly made up of a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pocketed coil springs. Selected pockets of fabric are shorter than adjacent pockets, so coil springs in the selected pockets are under a greater load than adjacent coil springs. In one preferred embodiment, every other pocket is under a greater load than the adjacent pockets, resulting in a checkerboard arrangement in at least one area of the product.

Abstract: A generally rectilinear block is made of an elastomer. The block has a horizontal top surface, a parallel bottom surface and a vertical peripheral surface. The block has an upper edge, a lower edge and parallel side edges. The block also has a height, and width and a thickness. A plurality of apertures are cut into the block. A plurality of inserts is fabricated of the same material as the block and of a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the apertures.

Abstract: Multiple varieties of patient support surfaces are presented with a common modular assembly primarily including a perimeter chassis and integrated upper support element. Perimeter bolsters provide relatively firmer support for gently prompting a patient towards the center of the bed, without obstructing regular entry and egress. The added stability facilitates safer transfers and better sitting at the edge of the bed. Pressure redistribution air cylinders (turned either longitudinally or laterally) are captured by shaped, slotted inner bolsters and underside arches of an integral foam topper. Each foam topper integrally incorporated may include a sloping heel pressure relief section for redistributing load to relatively more pressure-tolerant lower legs and calves.

Abstract: A crowned mattress having an inner spring unit with a plurality of spring members, a foam layer, and a cover. Peripheral edges of the inner spring unit are compressed together by compression members to provide a crowning or bowing of the inner spring unit that is translated into a crowning of the mattress. The foam layer can also be crowned to provide additional crowning. Spring members within inner spring unit can be reinforced by resilient members to increase an effective spring rate of a reinforced spring member. Reinforced spring members are dispersed throughout the inner spring unit in a desired pattern.

Abstract: A split support mattress configuration with hidden divider is disclosed. The mattress has an accessible interior cavity that utilizes a divider to separate the interior cavity into lateral halves. Each of the lateral halves is operable to receive interchangeable auxiliary support members to provide a desired level of comfort for a user of each of the two halves of the mattress. The divider is coupled to the top portion of the mattress in a manner that provides for the exterior surface of the top portion to be free of visual indications of the coupling of the divider to the top portion.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product is provided comprising a pocketed spring assembly made up of a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each string of springs comprises a row of interconnected pocketed springs. The pockets of fabric are vertically shortened with seams to create pockets of the same height, each containing a spring. The springs are vertically offset from one another due to the location of the seams. Upon an initial load, only some of the pocketed springs are compressed.

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a user uses visco-elastic foam to provide contouring support. In accordance with one embodiment, the foam is provided with a plurality of holes. In accordance with another embodiment, two layers of foam are used with different densities to allow the user to select the degree to which the foam contours to the body. Likewise, the foam may be color coded or otherwise visually distinct to indicate which side is softer.

Abstract: A mattress (10) comprises a support base (12) defining an interface surface (14) at the top thereof and a softer compressible layer (22) overlying the interface surface. The thickness of the support base varies along a longitudinal direction such that the interface surface (14) defines a concave laterally extending channel between first and second support surfaces (16,20) for the upper and lower halves of a user's body respectively, and the compressible layer (22) substantially follows the profile of the interface surface (14). The mattress (10) is particularly useful for a pregnant woman who can comfortably lie on her back, side or front.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a pocketed spring assembly made up of a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs comprises a plurality of interconnected pocketed coil springs. The product has multiple sections of differing firmness attributable in part to differing heights of the pockets of the strings of springs. Filler is placed above the lower sections of the pocketed spring assembly.

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 pocketed spring core includes a plurality of springs which are arranged sequentially in rows to form parallel adjoining spring strands, wherein each of the springs is supported in a pocket made of flexible material. A first cover sheet is placed over and connected to the spring strands, and a second cover sheet is placed under the spring strands and connected thereto. At least one of the first and second cover sheets has predetermined regions which are opened in a direction transversely to a longitudinal extension of the spring strands by a plurality of slots to thereby form strips.

Abstract: A versatile support member constructed of a metallic mesh is provided in a bedding product. The support member is placed on top of the mattress core (whether foam or spring coil) before the mattress cover is attached. The support member may be constructed of titanium wire in a woven or welded mesh grid or web configuration, although other metals (such as, but not limited to, vanadium, chromium, platinum, molybdenum, nickel, iron, zinc), alloys thereof, or fiber composites (such as, but not limited to, carbon or graphite) may be used. The support member may be directly attached to the core or may be secured to the upper or lower border rods by hog rings, stitching, lacing, or other conventional means.

Abstract: A crowned mattress having an inner spring unit with a plurality of spring members, a foam layer, and a cover. Peripheral edges of the inner spring unit are compressed together by compression members to provide a crowning or bowing of the inner spring unit that is translated into a crowning of the mattress. The foam layer can also be crowned to provide additional crowning. Spring members within inner spring unit can be reinforced by resilient members to increase an effective spring rate of a reinforced spring member. Reinforced spring members are dispersed throughout the inner spring unit in a desired pattern.

Abstract: A mattress made of latex embodying a plurality of coil springs is provided. Each spring is enclosed in a fabric sack and is impermeable to the latex foam, for creating into the mattress a plurality of resilient units independent and separated with one another and each drowned in the molded latex foam. The single resilient units are free elements and can be inserted into the mattress also in specific zones corresponding to specific parts of human body and the load bearing capacity of sacked springs (form, dimensions, coil number, wire diameter, material, etc.) shall depend on the weight of human body portion that said zones are foreseen to bear. The mattress assures an adequate bearing for each person's part laid in rest position, as it shall be adapted perfectly to the human body (ergonomic mattress).

Abstract: A mattress core is defined by a base core to which is bonded upper and lower corrugated outer layers each having oppositely directed corrugations, and side rails bonded to at least sides of the base core. The side rails have a height corresponding to the distance between valleys of opposite corrugated outer layers. The mattress core and mattress have an ILD range of substantially 26 ILD to 50 ILD for the side rails, 24 to 40 ILD for the base core and 12 to 45 ILD for each of the corrugated outer layers. The base core and the outer layers also collectively define a torso firmness zone and opposite head and foot firmness zones with the torso firmness zone being substantially between 20% to 30% more dense than the head and foot firmness zones. Ends of the mattress core and mattress are devoid of end rails.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a core, a first padding layer and a second padding layer positioned on top of the core. A bottom support layer is disposed below the core. The bottom support layer is relatively dense and firm to support the core.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: A bed construction having a one-sided mattress assembly supported on a rigid foundation. The one-sided mattress assembly includes a core of pocketed coil springs having a layer of resiliently compressible material covering the upper surface thereof and having a bottom surface constructed of a substantially rigid material without a compressible layer. The core of coil springs is attached to the bottom surface around its periphery. The foundation has a rigid inner construction and a noncompressible top layer. The bed construction reduces the amount of compressible padding in the mattress by one-half and consequently the mattress is capable of exhibiting a substantial reduction in the amount of permanent deflection in use.

Abstract: A bed construction having a one-sided mattress assembly supported on a rigid foundation. The one-sided mattress assembly includes a core of pocketed coil springs having a layer of resiliently compressible material covering the upper surface thereof and having a bottom surface constructed of a substantially rigid material without a compressible layer. The core of coil springs is. attached to the bottom surface around its periphery. The foundation has a rigid inner construction and a noncompressible top layer. The bed construction reduces the amount of compressible padding in the mattress by one-half and consequently the mattress is capable of exhibiting a substantial reduction in the amount of permanent deflection in use.

Abstract: A support system has an array of telescoping columns that are each extended by a means such as a spring. The ends of the extended columns define a plane of support for a body resting on the array of columns. The columns move perpendicular to the plane of support, and independently, in response to the weight of a body resting upon them. The means for keeping the columns extended may be passive or active, and the columns may be moved independently by actuators connected to them. The columns may be assembled into modules, which can in turn be assembled into support systems of arbitrary size and shape.

Abstract: A memory foam mattress system includes a viscoelastic mattress, a slat-type mattress support, and a viscoelastic pillow. The mattress includes a viscoelastic top layer atop a denser foam core layer, surrounded by a removable cover. The viscoelastic foam material is configured to provide a substantially uniform viscoelastic response over a room temperature range of from about 55° F. to about 85° F. The mattress support includes a perimeter frame with a plurality of transverse slats spanning the frame, including seven adjustable pairs of slats, with a support slat under each adjustable pair. A moveable adjustment clip attaches each support slat to a corresponding adjustable pair, to allow adjustment of the stiffness of the adjustable pair. The pillow has a body of viscoelastic foam with a contoured top and a flat bottom, surrounded by a cover. The contoured top has two support ridges, a larger one for side sleeping, and a smaller one for back sleeping.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A hingeable mattress and cover combination. The hingeable mattress having a base section with a footer, a pivotable section with a header, and straps connected at one end to the pivotable section such that an operator can pull on the straps and thereby rotate the pivotable section toward the operator. The cover has a pocket to receive the header of the pivotable section. When the operator has a grasp of the header, the cover is placed over the header, the pivotable section is lowered to a reclined position and the cover is extended over the side walls and footer of the hingeable mattress. The cover can be removed by taking the cover off the footer, rotating the pivotable section toward the operator, removing the cover from the header and reclining the pivotable section.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly having a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of said strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pockets, each of the pockets containing at least one spring encased in a fabric pocket. Some of the pockets contain two coil springs, an outer spring and an inner spring, the inner spring extending between the end turns of the outer spring and being wound generally coaxially with the outer spring. The end turns of the inner and outer coil springs are adjacent one another.

Abstract: A mattress for a stretcher comprises a mattress back portion supported on the stretcher back frame, a mattress shoulder portion supported on the stretcher head frame and a mattress head portion supported on the stretcher head rest. The thickness of the mattress shoulder portion is reduced relative to the thickness of the mattress back portion so that upwardly facing top surfaces of the mattress back and shoulder portions are generally coplanar.

Abstract: A bed mattress including an outer casing adapted to house one or a plurality of different supportive materials within said casing (1) in distinct transverse regions wherein fixed supportive materials (7, 9, 11) are provided at the top and bottom regions of said mattress corresponding to the head and foot regions of a user; and an intermediate region so formed between is provided with a transverse assay of fixed supportive materials (11) having vacant regions between adjacent materials, wherein said outer casing has a plurality of ports (4) corresponding to said vacant regions which are adapted to facilitate the ready insertion, removal and/or replacement of one or more auxiliary supportive materials (10) so as to allow the user to vary the supportive quality of said intermediate region of said mattress.

Abstract: A composite mattress made of both high resilience foam and low resilience foam. The base is made of the low resilience foam. The sleep surface is made of the high resilience foam. Edge supports are provided to prevent bottoming out. The sleep surface covers the base and the edge supports.

Abstract: A posturized foam topper pad (12) for use in a bedding or seating product (10) has at least one section (28) which includes latex, and at least one section (26) which is free of latex, thereby providing the foam topper pad (12) with different degrees of firmness.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base and a topper located above the base, the base and topper being surrounded in an upholstered covering. In one embodiment, the topper comprises a plurality of parallel continuous bands of springs, each of said bands being made of one piece of wire. In another embodiment, the topper is posturized with coil spring segments and filler segments. The segments may extend from side to side or be arranged in numerous other configurations.

Abstract: A mattress supporting a reclining body with low body pressure and in alignment. The mattress extends in a lateral direction from side to side and extends in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot where the mattress includes a head part, a shoulder part, a waist part, a hip part and a leg part. The reclining body has a displacement profile that causes the mattress to undergo differing vertical displacements when supporting the reclining body. The mattress core has displacement parameters varying to match the displacement profile of the reclining body while supporting the reclining body with low body pressure. The core has a plurality of regions where the vertical displacement in one or more of the regions varies to match the displacement profile of the reclining body to maintain the reclining body in alignment.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a core of springs having a fabric covering, such as fabric pockets. A top padding layer is positioned on top of the core, and a bottom support layer is disposed below the core. The bottom support layer is bonded to the fabric covering to couple the bottom support layer to the core.

Abstract: A composite mattress made of both high resilience foam and low resilience foam. The base is made of the low resilience foam. The sleep surface is made of the high resilience foam. Edge supports are provided to prevent bottoming out. The sleep surface covers the base and the edge supports.

Abstract: A mattress provides side support that reduces the likelihood that a person will accidentally roll off and also provides increased comfort to a person sitting on the side of the mattress. The mattress includes a top layer, a bottom layer and a buffer layer between the top and bottom layers. A pair of support members are placed in corresponding cavities near the opposite sides of the top layer. The support members are firmer than the top layer and are arranged to support the top layer and provide reduced compression of the mattress when a weight is placed on the upper surface of the top layer near the support members.

Abstract: A mattress for human resting which is modular and is composed of parts made of different materials, determining a mattress density that is diversifiable according to individual requirements. The mattress is composed of a first structural part, constituting a containment element in which one or more longitudinal receptacles are formed. A second additional part is removably accommodatable in the one or more receptacles and is constituted by a mat made of synthetic or natural material determining overall variation in density or in selected points of the resting surface.

Abstract: A surface for a patient Support or a part thereof. The surface comprises an inflatable air bladder formed of anti-shear material. A cover including a foam layer and a highly stretchable material layer is placed over the air bladder.

Abstract: An illustrative eye surgery stretcher includes a head rest configured to support a patient's head, a head frame configured to support a patient's shoulders, a back frame configured to support a patient's back, and a seat frame configured to support a patient's seat. The head rest is adjustably movable relative to the head frame. The head frame is adjustably movable relative to the back frame. The back frame is adjustably movable relative to the seat frame.

Abstract: A spring mattress including a plurality of interconnected coil-spring elements, said coil-spring elements being interconnected by securing elements, preferably in the form of spirals, which, at least in one plane essentially in parallel with the plane of the mattress, extend between and are attached to pairs of neighboring spring elements, thus interconnecting these spring elements. A method of manufacturing a mattress, wherein at least some of the securing elements in the longitudinal direction are subdivided into independent segments.

Abstract: A patient support is provided comprising a frame including a deck support and a step deck positioned on the deck support. The step deck has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a side wall, the upper deck being spaced apart from the lower deck to define a recess of the deck. The step deck includes a first section and a second section configured to articulate relative to the first section.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a mattress unit having a plurality of self-contained mattress modules supported on a frame unit that is accommodated on an electric bed unit. The mattress modules are interchangeable, removable and replaceable whereby a bed can be customized for the particular needs of a patient and can also be changed as required for patient care and comfort. Also included in the mattress system is a bedpan, located beneath the central mattress modules. The bedpan can be utilized by removing the center mattress module.

Abstract: A mattress assembly generally designed for use in hospitals and the like which is structured to effectively and comfortably support a patient during a period of recovery from a predetermined surgical procedure. The mattress assembly includes an elongated support platform having a corresponding dimension to that of a conventional hospital or like medical-type mattress and includes an opening formed therein and preferably extending therethrough. The opening is disposed in aligned, at least partially receiving relation to a predetermined portion of the patient's body directly involved in an invasive surgical procedure such as prostate surgery. More specifically, the opening is disposed, dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain portions of the patient's body, including external body parts, in an at least partially protected orientation and specifically out of supported engagement with a remainder of the support platform of the mattress.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes an anti-shear liner, a cover, and a cushion layer. A method for minimizing shear on a patient's skin as the patient rests upon a patient support includes providing an anti-shear layer, providing a cover, and placing the anti-shear layer and cover on the support. The cover may have a surface integrity against fluid leakage which is maintained upon stretching of the cover. The anti-shear liner may be disposed between the cover and the cushion layer, permitting the cover to slip relative to the cushion layer. The cover may be stretchable in one direction more than in an orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A mattress is provided for use with a bed deck having a recess. The mattress includes a mattress section configured to define a patient rest surface and a mattress section support configured to support the mattress section.

Abstract: A bed construction having a one-sided mattress assembly supported on a rigid foundation. The one-sided mattress assembly includes a core of pocketed coil springs having a layer of resiliently compressible material covering the upper surface thereof and having a bottom surface constructed of a substantially rigid material without a compressible layer. The core of coil springs is attached to the bottom surface around its periphery. The foundation has a rigid inner construction and a noncompressible top layer. The bed construction reduces the amount of compressible padding in the mattress by one-half and consequently the mattress is capable of exhibiting a substantial reduction in the amount of permanent deflection in use.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: A mattress system offering combinations of comfort and support comprising at least two modules, positioned side-by-side along their longest dimension to define at least two recumbent user areas the modules comprising depressions accomodating removable inserts of differing firmness. The mattress system provides an immense array of combinations of firmness and support, allowing each user to adjust, to a very wide degree, the comfort, firmness and support beneath their upper body, lumbar area, and lower body. The adaptable structure of the mattress system also allows the individual user to customize his/her side of the bed and easily change his/her side of the bed as his/her preferences change. Additionally, the construction increases the longevity of the bed, because components may be replaced one at a time as deemed necessary.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: A laminate for bedding, padding upholstering and like applications by feeding an indeterminate length of a first material along a predetermined first path of travel from a source of the first material to a downstream assembly area. Feeding an indeterminate length of second material along a predetermined second path of travel from a source of the second material to the downstream assembly area. Depositing a multiplicity of substantially yieldable cushioning materials upon an upper surface of one of the first and second indeterminate lengths of material during the feeding thereof between the respective sources and the assembly area. Thereafter, sandwiching the cushioning materials between the indeterminate lengths of first and second materials to form a laminate therefrom, and rolling the laminate into a roll. The cushioning materials are foam latex and/or down and the first and second lengths of material are polyester fiber material and/or convoluted foam.