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: A hydrotherapy mattress assembly which includes an air-over-foam core, a base for receiving the air-over-foam core, and a top cover overlying the air-over-foam core. The top cover provides a patient support surface and includes a drain trough. The drain trough is coupled to a drain which extends through the air-over-foam core and the base, so that liquids can be drained from the patient support surface.

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: Extruded foam reinforcement pieces are described for assembly in connection with innerspring assemblies and mattresses. The pieces have optimized cross-sectional configurations which can be consistently extruded in continuous strands which are then cut to length according to the type and size of innerspring assembly. The pieces are configured to engage various components of the innerspring, including spring coils, spaces between spring coils, and framing borderwires. The foam reinforcement pieces facilitate attachment and alignment of overlying material such as padding and upholstery and function to improve the support characteristics of an innerspring.

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 patient support system is provided with side bolster features for improved patient safety and control. A multi component mattress includes a resilient foam core having associated therewith two side bolsters of a less compressible resilient material. Each side bolster forms two peaks with a saddle therebetween to prevent a patient from rolling off the mattress while still providing direct entry and exit access to the mattress. A foam topper may be applied across the top of the exposed core and the upper portion of the side bolsters. Such topper may include parallel ridges, as well as perpendicular segmentations to improve pressure dispersion. The total coverage topper or upper layer surface adds to usable patient support area for the mattress while otherwise minimizing the pressure from the less compressible bolster elements.

Abstract: An articulated foam mattress including a back section and a seat section joined to each other by a hinge section. Both the back section and the seat section are formed from polyurethane foam. The hinge section is formed from visco-elastic foam, commonly referred to as memory foam. The visco-elastic foam hinge section retains its compressed condition as the mattress is folded from the upright position to the seating position. The visco-elastic foam of the hinge section reduces the reflex properties of the mattress to reduce the urge of the mattress to slide off of the furniture frame.

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.

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 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 structure that provides a relatively soft resilient surface under the weight of a recumbent infant or small child and also provides a degree of air flow, by means of bumps, depressions and ridges at the points of contact with the infant or child thereby providing a comfortable sleeping surface for the infant or small child. One version of the mattress structure is comprised of a combination of a base layer of relatively firm, resilient plastic foam having two major surfaces that are substantially flat and a relatively soft, convoluted foam cover layer, that covers at least one major surface of the base layer leaving the convoluted surface of the cover layer exposed. The combination of base layer and cover layer form a mattress filling that is contained in a mattress ticking.

Abstract: An ergonomic seat cushion for greatly reducing and absorbing shock and isolating vibration even at high frequency ratios. An operator of heavy equipment such as construction vehicles, forklifts, dump trucks, tractors and like vehicles having poor shock absorbing systems can install the cushion on top of an existing seat. The ergonomic seat cushion serves to prevent and limit injuries through the spine, particularly the lower back and reduce neck pain, headaches and overall fatigue. The seat cushion includes a cushion cover with a visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad sandwiched between a pair of closed cell foam pads. The pads are received inside the cushion cover. The cushion cover is made of a water-resistant fabric for both indoor and outdoor use and includes straps for securing the cushion on top of the vehicle's seat. The visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad is constructed of a polyether based polyurethane material.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam halving a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, beddings and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Abstract: A mattress which increases the surface area contacting the patient's skin, and which conforms evenly to the skin over the skin/surface interface. A mattress 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: An elongate convoluted cushion supports a recumbent human body. The cushion comprises an elongate rectangular body defined by seven rectangular, longitudinally spaced zones comprising alternating support zones and comfort zones. The support zones provide a first amount of support. The comfort zones provide a second amount of support. The first amount of support is greater than the second amount of support.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an orthotic base which has a flexible body of sufficient strength to support a user while conforming to the buttocks and legs of the user and pillars on the bottom of the base to support the same and being of desired height and positioning to position the user in a desired position. The disclosure shows a preferred composite cushion comprising the orthotic base; a foam top on the base with a T-shaped cutout at the rear to accommodate an air cell pad; a balance foam underpad of smaller front to rear measurement than the base and movable from the front to the rear of the base to incline the user in a desired front to rear positioning and from left to right to position the user in a left to right direction; and a cover enclosing the base, the foam top, the air cell pad and the underpad. Removable support members are attached to the pillars beneath the orthotic base at predetermined locations to shape the top surface when a load is applied.

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover having an upwardly-facing patient-support surface defining an interior region of the surface pad system, and a vacuum bead bag received in the interior region. The vacuum bead bag includes a flexible cover defining an interior region containing compressible beads including a lower layer of compressible beads and an upper layer of compressible bead separated from the lower layer of compressible beads by a membrane made from a flexible material. The system also includes a bladder received in the interior region of the cover and positioned to lie beneath the vacuum bead bag. The bladder defines an interior region and is inflatable when pressurized fluid is received in the interior region of the bladder so that the vacuum bead bag conformingly engages the patient on the patient-support surface when the bladder is inflated.

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: 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 therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A novel, lightweight portable seat cushion using low-to-medium density cellular elastomer foams with pressure-reducing properties to maximize user comfort and a method for manufacturing one configuration of said cushion.

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: 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.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A cushion that includes a cushioning element. The cushioning element has a number of substantially parallel elongate columns formed in a gelatinous cushioning media. The columns are configured so that when a force is applied to the cushioning element in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the columns, the cushioning element will yield by a combination of compressability of the cushioning media and bucklability of the walls of the columns. In particular, the walls of columns which are located beneath a protruberance on an object being cushioned tend to buckle, permitting the cushioning element to conform to the shape of the cushioned object while evenly distributing a supporting force across the contact area of the cushioned object and avoiding pressure peaks. The preferred cushioning media is a gelatinous elastomer or gelatinous viscoelastomer. Various configurations of cushioning elements, including sidewall supports, are disclosed.

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 portable mattress assembly adapted for use in disaster relief situations having mattress support material engineered to provide a suitable balance between portability and comfort. The mattress assembly includes a fabric envelope adapted to provide a rugged, waterproofed, posterior surface, with a pocket defined therein, in combination with a more supple, water resistant, anterior surface. The fabric envelope further includes fasteners disposed to temporarily attach the mattress assembly to a cot, stretcher staffs, or additional mattress assemblies. The mattress assembly may be folded and retained in accordion fashion and provides handles thereon for portage.

Abstract: A mattress having a core section of latex foam rubber at least partially surrounded by border sections of synthetic urethane foam having substantially the same thickness as the core section. The synthetic border sections are adhesively attached to the periphery of the core section. The mattress can be used as a mattress topper as well as a full mattress.

Abstract: An elongate member of resilient material for use in the innerspring of a mattress, cushion or the like, is inserted between adjacent springs rows with its major cross-sectional axis extending perpendicular to the support surface. The cross-section of the resilient member is such that it increases from a minimum at or near the ends of a major axis to a maximum along a minor axis. The method of making the resilient member further contemplates matching the combination of cross-section and type of resilient material to the spring rate of the springs between which the member extends. When placed as a beam between springs defining the innerspring perimeter and interior springs adjacent thereto, this arrangement results in an assembly with a border of greater firmness, without a significantly harsh transition between compression of the border area and the innerspring interior area.

Abstract: A mattress is provided with elevated chest support region and an arm well to reduce sleep disturbance in a person in the prone, sublime or side position. Said mattress is further provided with a firm zone at the foot of the mattress to assist persons transitioning onto and off of the mattress. An adjustable cover for said mattress is provided as is an improved method for packaging said mattress and cover.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a top layer of visco-elastic polyurethane foam having a low rebound property and which is temperature sensitive and having a thickness of approximately 1/2 to 11/2 inches; a second layer of latex foam having vertical bores and a thickness of approximately 2 to 4 inches; and a third layer of resilient material having a thickness of approximately 3 to 7 inches.

Abstract: A futon mattress construction including at least one end cap formed of a flexible, deformable material that is resistant to flattening, a means for retaining the end cap near an edge of the mattress and at least two layers of batting encasing the flexible, deformable members and enclosed in a protective cover is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the futon mattress is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pad for individually supporting portions of a human body relative to a mattress. The inventive device includes a flexible pad positionable atop a mattress of a bed. An individual support assembly is coupled to an upper surface of the flexible pad and includes a plurality of separate chambers individually filled with a viscous gel to individually support each contacting portion of a human body relative to the mattress. In a preferred embodiment the flexible pad is a foam cushion that is substantially thicker than the height of the gel filled chambers.

Abstract: In a cushion body structure of a car seat, which is made by fastening a skin material to a cushion material by using a planar fastening material, an impregnation layer made of a foamed body is not produced. In the cushion body structure, a planar fastening body (4) is integrally molded with a cushion material by shielding and clamping walls (22, 23) for preventing entry of a foaming solution in a molding die (20) of the cushion material (2,3), so that an opening is provided between the periphery of the planar fastening body and the side (3) of the cushion material, and a non-impregnation layer (7) is formed in the periphery.

Abstract: In order to enable a seat for a child-care implement such as a baby carriage to supply a soft feeling while keeping a baby in a correct position, a principal part providing a backrest portion and a seat portion for supporting the upper body and the lower body of the baby respectively, is formed by a rigid base and a cushion member which is arranged on the front or facing side thereof. The cushion member is made of first, second and third cushion materials, which have elastic coefficients that increase in a direction away from a facing surface. A peripheral wall part forming walls extending uprightly around the principal part comprises an elastic core material for retaining its shape, and a cushion material covering the core material on inner and outer side surfaces and a top surface of the peripheral wall part. The cushion material has a smaller elastic coefficient than the core material.

Abstract: A massage table having a sheet member including a perimeter and a lower surface opposite an upper surface. Stiffeners are positioned adjacent to the perimeter and the lower surface, and a plurality of elongated padding members having a polygonal cross-section are provided. Each padding member is positioned adjacent to one of the edge members and longitudinally aligned with the length axis of the adjacent edge member. A lower longitudinal edge of the padding member is adjacent to and aligned with the lower longitudinal edge of the adjacent edge member, and an upper surface thereof is positioned parallel to the upper surface of the support member. One or more tensile members diagonally connect two or more points about the perimeter, the tensile members crossing proximate the center of said sheet member. Compression structure spans between the lower surface and an intersecting region of the tensile members.