Abstract: The Lumbar Support and Comfort Feel Adjustment Device is inserted inside mattresses during manufacture inside the outer surface of the quilted panel or pillow top or exterior surface and/or on top or between interior layers of upholstery either man made or natural fibers placed at different levels inside mattresses, the device being an airtight bag-like structure with various sized rib like sections is inflated through an airline whilst inserted inside mattresses of all forms of manufacture, to support the lumbar area of users in the so called maximum body weight area of mattresses and by varying the quantity of air inflated and deflated into and out of the device changes the surface feel from soft to hard and vice versa at the level required by the user.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a cover defining an interior region, a first foam section located in the interior region of the cover, and a second foam section located in the interior region of the cover adjacent the first foam section. The first foam section includes a first angled surface and the second foam section includes a second angled surface configured to abut the first angled surface.

Abstract: A patient support system having multiple patient support layers for reducing and preventing the development of bed sores in bedridden patients. A top patient support surface is provided by an anti-shear cover layer. The anti-shear cover layer being operable to reduce lateral shear forces experienced by a patient moving across the patient support surface. One or more fluid pouches or bladders are provided to form a fluid bladder layer for reducing normal pressures and forces experienced by the patient The fluid bladder layer being releasably or integrally secured to the top surface of an inflatable air mattress. Means are provided operable to secure the anti-shear cover layer and fluid bladder layer in overlapping relation to the inflatable air mattress. Also provided is a means for adjusting the temperature of the fluid contained within the fluid bladder layer.

Abstract: A mattress system, sofa, cushioned seat, and the like, having top surface made from rigid material which is divided into plurality of polygonal columns or spherical shapes and configured into a geometrical pattern in various size and shape which has the transversal width and the longitudinal length adding or reducing according to the user's preference. The top surface elements are correspondingly supported by plurality of resilient elements, which are pneumatic in general, adjustable to provide the preferable comfort, desirous top surface contour and prescriptive pressure at particular spots. The top surface elements and resilient elements are individually replaceable and exchangeable. The mattress, sofa, cushioned seat and the like can be retrofit or modified three dimensionally.

Abstract: A system for sleep surface adjustment is described. The sleep surface is provided by a sleep support system that is configured for at least two users. The sleep surface of the sleep support system is supported by at least two fluid chambers whose pressure is independently adjustable. The fluid chambers are surrounded by an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls; each wall has in interior and exterior surface. The system for sleep surface adjustment generally comprises a topper pad and a base pad. The topper pad is positioned above the fluid chambers and extends between the exterior surfaces of the side walls. The base pad is positioned below at least one of the fluid chambers and is used to raise that fluid chamber to a desired height if necessary.

Abstract: A patient support device, and more particularly, a patient support device which provides improved full-body comfort to conscious patients immobilized for one or more hours while undergoing imaging or interventional procedures. The patient support device preferably comprises a foam for supporting the body and inflatable bladders for providing adjustable comfort to the cervical, lumbar and patellar regions of the patient. Arm restraints which safely and securely position patient's arms laterally on a narrow support (table).

Abstract: A bedding or seating product having a spring core made up of a plurality of coil springs arranged in rows and columns. The spring core is divided into sections, each section having springs of an identical height. The springs of one section are taller than the springs of another section. Filler is placed above the shorter springs in select sections. The taller springs are of a greater firmness than the filler material, thus creating a posturized effect.

Abstract: A spring arrangement in which the springs are coil springs and are disposed in adjacent rows with the coil springs in each row being spaced apart along the length or across the width of the arrangement, and wherein interconnecting or lacing wires interconnect the springs in a row and also the springs in the adjacent row to form rows of spaced interconnecting springs and with the coils of adjacent similar rows being juxtaposed, characterised in that the spacing apart of the coil springs in the rows is not constant/equal and some of the springs in each of the rows are more closely spaced together where greater support or firmer support is required.

Abstract: A pressure point relief system for use in a patient resting surface, such as a mattress, that has different firmness ratings in different areas of the surface of the mattress which correspond to different points of a patient's body. The pressure point relief device has at least one first foam strip of a predetermined firmness, and at least one second foam strip having a firmness greater than that of the first foam strip and positioned adjacent to the first foam strip so as to form a smooth transition from a surface of the first foam strips to a surface of the second foam strips. In addition, at least one foam truss portion is positioned adjacent to the first and second foam strips so as to provide a smooth transition from the surface of the first and second foam strips to a surface of the truss system thereby forming a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A mattress is provided having an innerspring, at least one upholstery layer, which includes at least one foam layer, and quilt panel layers. The upholstery layer has an edged support layer, a steel wire grid laminated to the edged support layer, and a firm foam layer laminated to the steel wire grid. The steel wire grid serves to provide support and to reduce the sagging effect caused when adding additional foam layers. The firm foam layer provides support distributed even across the mattress and may be used alone or in combination with the steel wire grid.

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 mattress with two bands running across its faces to increase firmness and body weight distribution. These bands are composed of panels of a highly resilient material fastened to panels of non-resilient material. The resilient panels are positioned where the greatest load concentrations are likely to be when the mattress is in use. The resilient panels are oriented to stretch in a direction parallel to the major dimension of the band and, as they are stretched, increase in tension in proportion to the load. The greater the load, the greater the tension on the resilient panels and the firmer the mattress becomes in response to the load.

Abstract: A mattress structure includes a cover configured to define an interior region and a mattress core including a shear material formed to include a plurality of adjacent sleeves. The mattress core is located in the interior region. The mattress structure also includes a support element located within each of the plurality of sleeves to provide support for a patient.

Abstract: A mattress includes a cover defining an interior region and a plurality of foam modules located in the interior region of the cover. Each of the plurality of foam modules is separately removable from the interior region and has a central foam portion and first and second side foam portions coupled to and extending along opposite sides of the central foam portion to provide a module width dimension substantially equal to the width dimension of the mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to support at least a portion of a body thereon. The apparatus includes a cover having an interior region, a base located within the interior region, and a three dimensional engineered material located within the interior region above the base. The three dimensional engineered material and the base cooperate to provide support for the body.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a first section of foam material forming the head section of a mattress, a second section of foam material forming, the central section of the mattress, and a third section of foam material forming the foot section of the mattress. The second section of foam material has a load responsive characteristic different from the load responsive characteristic of the first and third sections. The central section may be replaced by an inflatable air chamber.

Abstract: A 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 preferably attached to the bottom surface only around its periphery. By such a construction the amount of compressible padding is reduced by one-half and consequently the mattress is capable of exhibiting a substantial reduction in the amount of permanent deflection in use. Maintenance of the mattress such as by rotating or turning the mattress over is also avoided.

Abstract: A seat cushion which increases the surface area contacting the patient's skin, and which conforms evenly to the skin over the skin/surface interface. A seat cushion includes a flat layer of foam that is temperature sensitive and which has rate-dependent deflection which provides maximal hysteric dampening and maximal tissue/surface interface contact. Different stiffnesses of foam are used under key areas to allow support and at the same time to allow the tissue to reach mechanical equilibrium. The maximal surface contact will apply constant low pressure to the tissues, thus reducing the shear force and the risk of tissue injury.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing mattresses is achieved by providing first and second layers of latex material having different indentation load deflection values. Each layer is then cut lengthwise along a longitudinal plane, preferably a medial plane to define first and second layer portions of the first and second layers each of an identical height. The layer portions are then cross united and adhesively bonded together thereby producing a mattress possessing a composite load deflection value dictated by the different indentation load deflection values of the starting layers. Preferably matching recesses are formed in the first and second layer portions of both layers. Medial recesses receive postural inserts of relatively high ILD values, whereas transverse recesses at headed foot sections are aligned to define voids at the foot and head sections of the mattress to provide head and foot relief.

Abstract: A mattress includes at least in part a center convoluted foamed latex layer having opposite ends and opposite sides, a substantially flat lower surface and an opposite convoluted upper surface with the convoluted surface including a plurality of upwardly directed peaks and upwardly opening valleys. An upper layer of polymeric/copolymeric material spans the convoluted upper surface with a lower surface of the upper layer being substantially contiguous to the peaks and substantially closing the valleys. A frame of polymeric/copolymeric material substantially peripherally surrounds the convoluted layer and has an upper surface in underlying bonded relationship to the upper layer upper surface.

Abstract: A mattress structure (30) having a plurality of side-by-side lower support elements (50), a layer of material (54) underlying the lower support elements (50), and a plurality of side-by-side upper support elements (52) overlying and being supported by lower support elements (50) is described. The upper support elements (52) are connected by a plurality of tethers (128) to the layer of material (54), with the tethers (128) extending between adjacent lower support elements (50). Each of one of the upper support elements (52) and lower support elements (50) is an inflatable air bladder with specified sets of air bladders defining tube set zones (142, 144, 146). The pressure of the zones (142, 144, 146) is controlled by an air pressure system (170).

Abstract: A multi-zone support generally includes a top foam layer, a middle foam layer located beneath the top foam layer, and a bottom foam layer located beneath the middle foam layer. The resistance to a compressing force generally increases per layer from top to bottom. The top layer has a top and bottom planar surface. The middle layer incorporates five zones of support. Three of the zones include a sinusoidal surface for supporting the head/shoulder, hips, and legs/feet while the other two zones include a sold surface for supporting the back and thighs. The bottom surface includes a number of channels, the channels help to carry heat and moisture away from the support.

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, and a comfort cushion receivable atop each of the at least two modules. At least one of the modules includes a depression in its upper surface, adapted to removably retain a support insert comprised of an envelope containing a plurality of liquid filled bladders. 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 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: A patient support system having multiple patient support layers for reducing and preventing the development of bed sores in bedridden patients. A top patient support surface is provided by an anti-shear cover layer. The anti-shear cover layer being operable to reduce lateral shear forces experienced by a patient moving across the patient support surface. One or more fluid pouches or bladders are provided to form a fluid bladder layer for reducing normal pressures and forces experienced by the patient. The fluid bladder layer being releasably or integrally secured to the top surface of an inflatable air mattress. Means are provided operable to secure the anti-shear cover layer and fluid bladder layer in overlapping relation to the inflatable air mattress. Also provided is a means for adjusting the temperature of the fluid contained within the fluid bladder layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are pocketed upholstery springs in strip form characterized by placement of the closing seam midway between the ends of the springs of the strip, with the marginal flaps of the pocket strip fabric outwardly of the closing seam folded over as a two-ply belt and incorporated into the cross seams which define the pockets about the springs. Adjacent rows of such strips are joined together by tacking through their respective belts at the cross seams to form two-row modules for ease of mattress/cushion assembly, or to form full-size mattress/cushion constructions by joining row upon row.

Abstract: A sectioned ergonomic bed mattress is disclosed. The mattress includes at least two sub-mattresses each with a top and a bottom cover. Each cover may have a color or pattern unlike any other of the covers such that a user can vary the appearance of the bed mattress by assembling the sub-mattresses in a number of permutations. A plurality of clamps is used to combine the sub-mattresses, and at least one clamp extends between two adjacent sub-mattresses.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mattress, the support assembly comprising compressible blocks having individual degrees of firmness, and a sleeve defining spaced-apart pockets holding the blocks therein, the sleeve positioning the blocks adjacent one another and the sleeve being composed of a material having a slippery outer surface permitting individual compression of the blocks so that each compressible block moves in a vertical direction independently of adjacent blocks to enable at least two-dimensions of firmness zoning.

Abstract: A split support configuration mattress is provided including a mattress having a core element disposed therein and an upper portion defined over a top surface of the mattress core element. The upper portion includes a closure mechanism selectively permitting access to an interior volume thereof. The upper portion is divided along its length so as to define two substantially equal halves. A plurality of insertable auxiliary support elements are provided for selective combination and insertion into each half of the upper portion. As such, a split support configuration mattress is provided. Moreover, the dimensions of the individual auxiliary support elements are such that they may be easily stored, unstored, and interchanged by the mattress user.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprising a plurality of blocks joined together. Each block contains a string of springs. The string of springs comprises a row of springs, an upper fabric retainer and a lower fabric retainer. The row of springs may be a band of springs made from a single length of wire or a plurality of individual springs. The end turns of the springs are located in receptacles created in the fabric retainers.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a mattress jacket having an accessible and expandable compartment therein. The jacket consists of a side wall closely following the contour of the mattress on which it is placed. The bottom of the side wall is tucked under the mattress and secured there under. The compartment includes a bottom sheet that is resting on top of the upper surface of the mattress. The side wall includes a fold that captures a side edge of the of the bottom sheet. There is a further fold in an upper section of the side wall of the jacket that is secured to itself and represents an accordion fold that may expand or collapse as the compartment includes more or less of a cushioning material. There is a third fold secured by seaming in a further upper section of the side wall forming a planar surface confronting the bottom of a cover that may be separably affixed to the same.

Abstract: A mattress made of foamed plastic material with modulated rigidity, having an upper layer made of a plastic material with a composition based on an open cell polyurethanic foam with silicone, flameproofing, fungicide and bacteriostatic additives, having low elastic memory and being substantially inelastic, which is arranged on a lower layer which is composed of modular elements which are mutually assembled by joints of the mortise and tenon types.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow top includes a fabric case with an inflatable bladder contained therein. The inflatable bladder is coextensive with the fabric case, and the mattress upon which it is secured. The bladder may be inflated by a conventional air pump with a pressure control, or it may be self-inflating. The self-inflating bladder includes a compressible foam material filling the bladder and having memory to return to an expanded condition. An inlet valve on the bladder permits air to enter the bladder as the foam material expands, thereby filling the bladder with air. An exhaust valve is provided to permit adjustment of the air pressure within the bladder.

Abstract: A unitary mattress assembly comprises a plurality of coil springs interarranged to define a single innerspring core having a generally rectangular shape in plan. The core has a first portion which is sized to accommodate a first sleeping person and comprises coil springs having a first preselected compressive strength. Adjacent to the first portion is a second core portion sized to accommodate another sleeping person and having coil springs of a different compressive strength than the springs of the first portion. By the foregoing construction, a mattress may be manufactured having a single innerspring core but having two regions of differing firmness to suit the particular preferences of two people.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a first section of foam material forming the head section of a mattress, a second section of foam material forming the central section of the mattress, and a third section of foam material forming the foot section of the mattress. The second section of foam material has a load responsive characteristic different from the load responsive characteristic of the first and third sections. The central section may be replaced by an inflatable air chamber.

Abstract: A pressure relieving pad with graduated pillars to effectively reduce the development of decubitus ulcers. The pad is preferably made of foam to keep the manufacturing costs down and includes a first plurality of large pillars or columns. A second plurality of smaller pillars or columns is then positioned atop each of the larger pillars forming a progression or graduation of pillars. Adjacent larger pillars are preferably attached to one another at their bases to form an underlying, support platform or level for the pad. In operation, the weight or force of the patient using the pad is progressively transferred from the small pillars on top downwardly through the larger pillars to the underlying support platform or level.

Abstract: The foam mattress assembly has a stack of foam mattress elements with one of their peripheral edges joined together such that the stack of foam mattress elements remains in a vertical stack. The containment system which keeps side-by-side mattress together consists of a head and foot containment block extending across the top and bottom respectively of a pair of adjacent mattresses. The head and foot containment blocks make up a portion of the sleeping surface and are of a sufficient size and strength to prevent lateral outward movement of the pair of adjacent foam mattresses. Bedding for the mattress assembly is secured around the outer edge of the mattress or around the outer edge of the containment system by using a retainer rope tensioned around the mattress to hold the bedding into a groove.

Abstract: A sleeping mattress is disclosed which is particularly adapted for use in sofa beds and has a resilient foam main portion and a peripheral edge portion along the sides, with the edge portions being made of greater density, less compression resilient foam material. The mattress has a covering fitting over said main portion and said peripheral edge portion, with the main portion having a plurality of openings with coil springs located within the openings.

Abstract: There is a support module for a posture support device such as a bed mattress. The module comprises upper and lower frames (3A, 3B) connected together by linkages (3C, 3D) which in use of the module within the support device are adapted upon activation by an external control (3H, 3J) to displace the frames (3A, 3B) between a collapsed configuration and a spaced apart configuration so that the posture support device can be adjusted between a soft support and a firm support.

Abstract: An anatomical mattress comprises at least two layers of elastic material each having a main surface. The elastic layers are joined along the main surfaces thereof to define a generally parallelepiped-shaped body. The body has a peripheral frame and two opposite surfaces. At least a portion of one of the opposite surfaces of the body has semispherical-shaped elements extending outwardly therefrom and defining a lying plane of the mattress. At least two transverse reinforcing and stiffening bands are disposed in the body at positions corresponding generally with the shoulders and feet, respectively, of a user.

Abstract: An integrated matrix bedding system includes an air/foam mattress matrix assembly which comprises an airtight structure assembled within a restraining member. The airtight structure has a base with a plurality of compressible and expandable members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in a matrix arrangement. A plurality of connecting tubes are connected to the base and interconnected to two adjacent compressible and expandable members for distributing air between the plurality of compressible and expandable members. The restraining member has a plurality of interior cavities arranged in a matrix arrangement which corresponds and aligns with the compressible and expandable members. The plurality of compressible and expandable members are respectively inserted within the interior cavities of the restraining member.

Abstract: The multi-layer mattress provides a separation sheet, for example, made of plastic or cloth, between foam layers to allow them to better flex and compress separately.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.

Abstract: A sound sleep system and provides a full body length orthopedic posture pillow that maintains correct spinal posture during supine, side lying, and prone sleep positions.

Abstract: An improved box spring assembly is selectively reinforced to reduce sagging. The box spring assembly includes a bottom frame with end rails and side rails and a series of cross slats lying across the frame. The box spring assembly incorporates a combination of conventional flat cross slats and reinforcing cross slats, each supporting a number of spring modules of complementary height, giving the box spring uniform height throughout. The spring modules are attached to a grid top, and the grid top and spring modules are enclosed by a fabric cover. By using reinforced cross slats in locations where extra strength is needed and conventional cross slats elsewhere, the improved box spring assembly reduces sagging that could otherwise occur, without incurring the extra cost and weight of using reinforcing cross slats throughout.

Abstract: A mattress assembly system tailored by an individual whereby the individual may select the specific components which will be assembled into an individualized mattress assembly. The system includes a selected comfort module selected by an individual from a group of interchangeable comfort modules and a selected support module for supporting the individual selected by the individual from a group of interchangeable support modules. A module carrier carries the selected comfort and support modules once they have been selected.

Abstract: A hybrid mattress has two or more individual support structures such as springs and a unitary comfort casing. The comfort casing is formed with two or more internal pouches each adapted to snugly receive one of the individual support structures and to hold the support structures in a planar, contiguous manner. The individual support means can be selected to have different load bearing characteristics from each other, thereby providing a continuous mattress with different support and comfort capabilities for different occupants.

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: A spring interior of a mattress comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending bands of springs disposed side by side and connected together with helical lacing wires in the top and bottom faces of the bands. Each band of springs comprises a single length of wire formed into a plurality of coil springs interconnected by innerconnecting segments located alternatively in the top and bottom faces of the bands. The spring interior is characterized by longitudinally extending sections of differing firmnesses throughout the length of the spring interior. The different firmnesses in the different sections of the spring interior are attributable to different configurations of the innerconnecting segments. The innerconnecting segments within the firmer sections of the mattress have a deeper V-shaped indentation than the portions of the bands of springs in the less firm sections of the mattress.

Abstract: An insulator pad for use in mattresses is provided having selected zones of enhanced firmness. A planar pad (100) of fibrous material has at least one area of enhanced or increased firmness. Adhesive is used to bind the fibrous material. The concentration of adhesive in the enhanced areas of firmness is greater than in other areas.