With Unusual Foam Material Or Configuration Patents (Class 5/740)
  • Patent number: 6954957
    Abstract: An air mattress includes a top; a first fastener member positioned along at least a portion of a side edge of the mattress; a pocket formed on the top by a layer extending along the top and attached along its periphery to the air mattress, at least a portion of the layer being removably connectable to the air mattress by a second corresponding fastener member positioned along a section of the layer; and a visco-elastic pillow top removably received within the pocket. The fasteners may be zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons and eyelets, snap fasteners, magnets, or line connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Metzger, Jason McClintock
  • Patent number: 6952852
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Reeder, James R. Stolpmann, Roger D. Dalton, Steven R. Westerfeld
  • Patent number: 6952850
    Abstract: A no-fip mattress is constructed of a mattress core, a first padding layer positioned on top of the core, wherein the first padding layer has a density in the range from about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3 pounds per cubic foot and a firmness in the range from about 8 IFD to about 45 IFD. A second padding layer is adjacent to the first padding layer, wherein the second padding layer has a density in the range from about 0.5 pounds to about 1.9 pounds, and an IFD in the range from about 5 to about 23. A bottom support layer is beneath the core, and comprises a relatively dense and firm material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Denver Mattress LLC
    Inventors: Barney D. Visser, Robert L. Rensink
  • Patent number: 6948204
    Abstract: An air mattress includes top sheet and bottom sheet which are disposed to be opposing. The mattress has a side sheet coupled to the top and bottom sheets. The mattress has plural threads coupled to the top and bottom sheets so that they are spaced each other with a certain distance when the air is inflated. The mattress has a foamed body filled in the inside of the mattress so that the foamed body is penetrated by the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jung-Soo Chae
  • Patent number: 6874185
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Phillips, Blane Sanders, Chris Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 6868569
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: The OR Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kip VanSteenburg
  • Patent number: 6866915
    Abstract: A support cushion including a first underlying layer made from a flexible foam, at least one side of the first underlying layer being configured with a non-plane surface. The support cushion also includes a second underlying layer made from a flexible foam, at least one side of the second underlying layer being configured with a non-plane surface. The second underlying layer is placed in abutment with the first underlying layer. The support cushion further includes an overlying layer placed in abutment with the second underlying layer, the overlying layer being made from a visco-elastic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tempur World, LLC
    Inventor: Dag Landvik
  • Patent number: 6838155
    Abstract: A foam pad comprising a surface to which a trim cover can be secured, the surface comprising a channel having a width of up to about 15 mm. Disposed in the channel is one of a male portion or a female portion of a releasably engageable male-female trim cover attachment system. A trim cover having the other of the male or female portion attached thereto may be readily attached to the foam pad. A process and a mold for producing the foam pad are also described. The foam pad is particularly useful as a component of a vehicular seat system (e.g., seat bottom, seat back and the like).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Woodbridge Foam Corporation
    Inventors: Debra Marie Cappucci, Randall Joseph Lansue
  • Publication number: 20040237206
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Kara Webster, John Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6799344
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Dreamwell Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Robert Hellyer
  • Patent number: 6785923
    Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Derby, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Karafa, Timothy W. Shelby
  • Patent number: 6782575
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Rick D. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20040128774
    Abstract: A base of a mattress for a massage bed. The mattress comprises a leather or vinyl cover, a thin foam pad, a thick foam pad and a dense foam pad. The base supports the mattress and includes a mesh layer made of an elastic mesh cloth, and a strap layer made of a plurality of woven straps interlaced together. Accordingly, the base of the mattress of the present invention provides the massage bed with a good supporting force, resilience, and ductility, and reduces the overall weight of the massage bed to a range from about 14 kilograms to about 15 kilograms, whereby the mattress bed is compact and easily carried by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Lifegear, Inc.
    Inventor: Meng-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 6733072
    Abstract: A padded element for a vehicle, the element comprising padding of flexible synthetic foam which supports a flexible member and which presents a support face for coming to bear against a user, said support face being covered by: a film suitable for providing a barrier against the synthetic foam before it polymerized; a first compressible flexible layer covering the film on its side opposite side to the padding and presenting permeability to air of less than 200 l.m−2.s−1 under a pressure difference of 100 Pa, and presenting a load-bearing capacity of 5 kPa; a second flexible layer presenting a load-bearing capacity of 12 kPa; and a flexible outer decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Laurent Jaillet, Hervé Rancon, Jérôme Senechal, Nordine Edouibi
  • Publication number: 20040074008
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Wendell Martens, Jeff Lonstein, Wendy Roizen
  • Patent number: 6711766
    Abstract: A plural-panel articulated (segmented) foldable/unfoldable (in a zigzag fashion) structure which can be unfolded and deployed in the form of a rectangular mat, and which can be folded to form plural other shapes, including a fully-folded shape which takes the form of a stack-cube of panels which is very compact in overall size. Each panel includes a central, anti-projectile barrier structure, and a cushioning foam structure, which offers features and advantages relating to fluid buoyancy, thermal insulation, and cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: MJD Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Monk, Michael R. Dennis
  • Patent number: 6704961
    Abstract: A support for the body of a lying or sitting person, including a formed structure of a permanently flexible material, comprising a bottom part (9) that has a head end (12) and an opposing foot end (10), and from which several ribs (11) arranged side-by-side protrude towards the upper side running approximately transversely to the longitudinal center line (7) of the support (1) and being inclined, in the side view, towards the head end (12). The support (1) is characterized in that said ribs (11) are arranged in an arrow shape, and form with the longitudinal center line (7) an angle &agr; larger than 90° towards the head end (12). The support (1) provides an improved and at the same time relieving tensile effect in particular for the vertebral column and hence the intervertebral disks of a person to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Kurt Kienlein
  • Patent number: 6704962
    Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic body having a good elasticity and an impact absorbing efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same and a mattress employing the same. The elastic body is a foamed polyurethane body including polystyrene and has a plurality of foams in which air is contained. The elastic body is prepared by a method comprising the steps of preparing polyether polyol by mixing poly alcohol and a polyether compound in a mixing ratio of 3-5 to 5-7 by weight, obtaining a polyol mixture by adding 2-20 parts by weight of polystyrene and a trace amount of a catalyst and water to 30-50 parts by weight of the obtained polyether polyol, adding and stirring 20-60 parts by weight of an isocyanate compound to 40-80 parts by weight of the polyol mixture at 20-80° C., and pouring the resulting product into a mold to foam cast. A mattress manufactured by using such elastic bodies has a good elasticity and is capable of absorbing pressure, thereby providing comfort for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Youn Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 6701557
    Abstract: A selectively contoured single unibody foam piece for use as a layer in a cushioned load bearing structure has a first zone with a first surface topography having distinct support properties from a second zone with a second surface topography. The zones of differing topography are formed in the surface of a single, unibody piece of foam by applicable foam cutting techniques. Patterned removal of foam material from a single piece creates zones with different density, ILD or other load bearing properties with different support and feel characteristics. A single unibody component in a responsive flexible support structure has distinct zones with distinct support characteristics, the zones corresponding in location with the anticipated loads and loading patterns of a flexible support device in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventor: Bruce G. Barman
  • Patent number: 6692812
    Abstract: A multilayer sheet structure (10) comprises a front sheet (11), a net-like backing sheet (12), and sewing threads (14) for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions (13) between the front and backing sheets. Paddings (15) such as cotton, wool or the like can be stuffed through net clearances of the backing sheet into bag portions surrounded with sewing threads to form bulges (11b) at desired locations on the front surface of the front sheet. Thus, a quilted multilayer sheet structure (17) having bulges on the front surface thereof can be easily produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Kazue Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6681427
    Abstract: The apparatus includes an elastic layer for supporting a person. A plurality of rows of expandable and retractable tubes are embedded in the elastic layer. A source of compressed air and a control system are provided for sequentially injecting and releasing air into and from a first set of alternate tubes and then into and from a second set of alternate tubes for imparting continuous motion to the elastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Anderson Bio-Bed, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brenda K. Anderson, James A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 6668409
    Abstract: A futon mattress has a first support component formed from fabric batting, a second support component formed from convoluted foam and a separation layer interposed between the first support component and the second support component for preventing the migration of the fiber batting into the convoluted foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: August Lotz Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew E. Blumer
  • Patent number: 6665897
    Abstract: A cuddle bed (10) for pet includes a bottom cushion (11) surrounded by a ring (12) having a scalloped upper border (14). High sections (16) of the ring (12) provide posture support for a pet cuddling thereto. The pet can stretch itself over low sections (18) of the ring (12). In addition, the high sections (16) provide a relatively isolated environment to the pet cuddling in the cuddle bed (10) and the low sections (18) provide the pet with easy access to the cuddle bed (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lionel A. Walpin
  • Patent number: 6662393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Patent number: 6658683
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Eddie L. Parvin
  • Patent number: 6656856
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mattress or furniture insulator pads that are placed between the coil springs and the cushioning material in mattresses or furniture, such as chair seats. Such insulator pads prevent the springs from piercing the furniture cushion and provide a bridge across the springs to more evenly distribute weight over the springs. The insulator pads according to the invention have three layers formed by sandwiching polyurethane foam between stiffening layers, preferably formed from polypropylene openmesh netting. Most preferably, a five layer insulator pad has the polyurethane foam sandwiched between stiffening layers and also has outer layers of polyurethane foam, applied adjacent to the stiffening layers, forming the top and bottom surfaces of the pad. Such outer layer foam sheets provide friction characteristics that retard relative movement between the cushion and the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventor: John R. Rucker
  • Patent number: 6651277
    Abstract: A multiple chamber self-inflating pad having a fluid impervious first chamber defined by a first flexible panel and an intermediate panel in which a first resilient member is disposed and to which the resilient member is bonded. An orifice is provided to control inflation or deflation of the first chamber. A second flexible panel is selectively bonded to the intermediate flexible panel preferably to form a gap or pocket into which a second resilient member may be removably disposed. Preferably, the first resilient member is an open cell foam while the second is constructed from closed cell foam. Alternative embodiments include the creation of a fluid impervious second chamber either fluidly linked to the first chamber or to the environment, alternative resilient materials, inclusion of radiant barriers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Marson
  • Patent number: 6652034
    Abstract: The invention relates to an upholstery support for a seat, especially for utilization in an automobile. According to the invention, an especially lightweight of vehicle seat construction is achieved in that the upholstery support is built in the form of a sandwich. Essential elements in said sandwich-type construction are a shell mold allocated to a soft upholstery and a back wall element. A shaped foam part, preferably made of hard foam, is inserted between the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Christian Schramm, Heiko Petersdorff
  • Publication number: 20030192127
    Abstract: Air bed assembly having a knockdown foundation made up of preassembled boxes which are used as shipping containers for the other elements of the bed, mattresses having interposed sets of isolated chambers for improved pressure distribution, contoured foam rails surrounding the mattresses and a visco-elastic foam pad overlying them, a cover with a removable pillow top enclosing the mattresses and foam, a blower assembly mounted inside one of the rails with control valves for supplying air to and removing air from the mattresses, and individual controls for returning the pressure in the mattresses to a desired level upon command and for preventing a drop in mattress pressure as the blower is turned on to increase that pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: The Nautilus Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Cook, Randal R. Potter
  • Publication number: 20030177584
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Patent number: 6611979
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The deck includes a retractable foot section. The mattress includes a foot portion positioned over the retractable foot section. The foot portion includes a calf support portion and a heel-pressure relief portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson
  • Patent number: 6601253
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Tarquinio
  • Patent number: 6602579
    Abstract: A cushion having an underlying polyurethane foam or flexible layer which includes a non-plane surface, and an overlying visco-elastic foam layer positioned adjacent to the non-plane surface of the underlying layer, the cushion being adapted for suitably supporting a load, such as a human body, positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Tempur World, Inc.
    Inventor: Dag Landvik
  • Publication number: 20030110567
    Abstract: A bed cushion providing a soft feeling without bottomed feeling and providing a cushionability even against a small load and a durability, and a bed using the cushion; a forming die for cushion capable of smoothly and neatly releasing a product by reducing a sticky feeling and a blocking produced when releasing the cushion formed by using elastomer; the cushion, comprising thin-walled partition walls erected parallel with each other generally in a lattice shape in plan view, whereby a soft contact feeling near a water bed can be provided while preventing air blow noise from being produced by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Shoji Kawamura, Yukihiro Takeda, Kenichi Tsuruhashi, Hirotoshi Kubota, Masao Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6578220
    Abstract: A mattress assembly for providing a more restful and supportive nights sleep to a user. The mattress assembly includes a mattress core assembly and a support member that has a generally planar base having an upper surface for supporting the mattress core assembly. The mattress core assembly is positioned on the upper surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Earl J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030101517
    Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic body having a good elasticity and an impact absorbing efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same and a mattress employing the same. The elastic body is a foamed polyurethane body including polystyrene and has a plurality of foams in which air is contained. The elastic body is prepared by a method comprising the steps of preparing polyether polyol by mixing poly alcohol and a polyether compound in a mixing ratio of 3-5 to 5-7 by weight, obtaining a polyol mixture by adding 2-20 parts by weight of polystyrene and a trace amount of a catalyst and water to 30-50 parts by weight of the obtained polyether polyol, adding and stirring 20-60 parts by weight of an isocyanate compound to 40-80 parts by weight of the polyol mixture at 20-80° C., and pouring the resulting product into a mold to foam cast. A mattress manufactured by using such elastic bodies has a good elasticity and is capable of absorbing pressure, thereby providing comfort for users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Youn Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 6516483
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: The OR Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kip P. VanSteenburg
  • Publication number: 20020162173
    Abstract: It is proposed a new construction system for mattress made of latex including sacked springs, that allows an assembly without glueings or fastenings of mechanical type and allows to supply different bearing surfaces for the human body with different support densities, suitable for the different zones of human body in the rest position and related manufacturing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Fabio Formenti
  • Patent number: 6442780
    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 three cushioning components: a base, a body support cushion, and a foot cushion insert. A removable fabric cover envelops the mattress assembly. 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 removably envelops the assembled cushioning components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Phillips, Blane Sanders
  • Patent number: 6430766
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Henley, James R. Stolpmann
  • Patent number: 6401283
    Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover defining an interior region and including an upwardly-facing top surface configured to be positioned beneath a patient. The surface pad system also includes a pad core received in the interior region of the cover to support the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Milton Cherry Thomas, Robert C. Novack, Karl Norman Caldwell, John Alan Bobey, Marla Dukes Repik
  • Patent number: 6360390
    Abstract: A mattress including (a) an innerspring, (b) one or more upholstery topper layers including an edge support that is a foam construction with at least two foam layers, and (c) one or more quilt panel layers. The at least two foam layers form the edge support or firming perimeter edge, wherein the first foam layer has (1) a defined firmness, (2) a thickness greater at its perimeter, and (3) a central portion forming a receiving space. The second foam layer has a defined firmness less than the first foam layer and is nestably insertable into the receiving space of the first foam layer. The firming perimeter edge functions to provide a firmer mattress edge without compromising the thickness of the mattress or requiring additional materials or labor during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventor: Vincenzo A. Bonaddio
  • Patent number: 6357066
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Carla Terzian Pierce
  • Patent number: 6353952
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 6347423
    Abstract: The subject matter is a cushion core construction in which individual elements of cushion material in plug-like form are connected together in a string by capturing them between two strips of flexible sheet material which are joined together between adjacent elements to hold the elements in place. The preferred structural unit is a two-row module formed by joining two such strings at intervals of at least two elements to enable them to stand alone, and to facilitate their handling in their assembly with like modules to form a more extensive core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sidhil Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Walter Stumpf
  • Patent number: 6311351
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Comfortex Health Care Surfaces
    Inventor: Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 6295674
    Abstract: A foldable springless mattress for a sleeper sofa has a hard but bendable bottom insulator pad, a first flexible foam layer adhered on top of the insulator pad, an all-natural latex rubber layer adhered on top of the first flexible foam layer, and a composite panel adhered on top of the rubber layer. The composite panel includes an intermediate layer of antimicrobial-treated fibers quilted together with a second flexible foam layer and a moisture-resistant damask fabric. This damask fabric covers all surfaces of the mattress. A process of making the foldable springless mattress includes the steps of providing the insulator pad, adhering the first flexible foam layer on top of the pad, adhering the rubber layer on top of the first flexible foam layer, and adhering the composite panel on top of the rubber layer. The composite panel is formed preliminarily by quilting the layer of antimicrobial-treated fibers together with the second flexible foam layer and the damask fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sleeper Solutions
    Inventors: Sharon Lynne Smith-McKelvey, J. Scott Holliday
  • Patent number: 6286167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Stolpmann
  • Patent number: 6286903
    Abstract: A seat cushion, in particular for folding automobile vehicle seat, and its method of manufacture, the cushion having a lower face adapted to be in contact with a supporting frame and covered with a protective film of expanded synthetic plastic material that is resistant to wear and adheres to the expanded synthetic plastic material of the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Sofitec
    Inventor: Georges Proux
  • Patent number: RE38135
    Abstract: An elongated mattress core for a mattress structure includes a foam core having an upwardly-facing top surface, a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface, and first and second elongated sides connecting the top and bottom surfaces. The foam core is formed to include a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart transverse slits extending downwardly from the top surface. Each slit terminates at a lower end spaced apart from the bottom surface by a first distance and extending transversely from a first slit end spaced apart from the first side of the foam core to a second slit end spaced apart from the second side of the foam core. Each adjacent pair of slits defines a foam column so that the foam core has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart and transversely extending foam columns. Each foam column has a pair of generally vertical column side walls defining the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stolpmann, Gary W. Ferdon, Roger D. Dalton