Abstract: A patient warming system for stabilizing and/or heating and cooling a patient includes a plurality of solid-surface sections arranged for attachment to a surgical table and a warming pad layer comprising a plurality of warming pads configured for removable connection to the plurality of solid-surface sections. At least one of the plurality of solid-surface sections includes a power connector for connection to an external power source. Each warming pad of the plurality of warming pads includes a foam insulation layer, a distributed heating element layer having a warming-pad power connection for connection to the power connector, an isothermal layer, and a flexible waterproof layer. Power supplied to the warming-pad power connection of the distributed heating element layer of the respective warming pad can be used to provide a user-selected uniform temperature over the surface of the flexible waterproof layer in order to prevent hot spots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.

Abstract: The invention is a support device for posing an infant for a photograph. The support device has a fabric case with a filling that provides a comfortable support for the infant, yet does not compress under the weight of the infant. The upper surface of the support device has a curved contour that includes a two bolsters or convex curved raised edges that are parallel to each other, with a valley between the bolsters. A newborn may be nestled in the valley or placed in various poses on the first or second bolster.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.

Abstract: A pillow that can be manipulated into a variety of bent/folded/twisted configurations and can retain each of those configurations until manipulated into a different configuration. The pillow has a segmented toroidal shape and includes an envelope and a flowable fill filling the envelope so that the fill is under positive pressure throughout. The pillow has a plurality of constrictions that, in conjunction with the pressurized fill, provides the pillow with soft hinges that facilitate bending/folding/twisting of the pillow.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a container, a gas permeable cover, a rigid diffuser, a fluidizable medium, and a cushion. The container is supported on a frame and includes a base and a plurality of sides coupled to the base. The base cooperates with the sides to define an opening opposite the base. The gas permeable cover is removably coupled to the container and covers the opening to define a chamber. The rigid diffuser is positioned within the chamber proximate the base. The fluidizable medium is positioned between the rigid diffuser and the gas permeable cover. The cushion is coupled to the diffuser and positioned between the gas permeable cover and the rigid diffuser. The cushion is configured to provide cushioning support between a person supported on the gas permeable cover and the rigid diffuser.

Abstract: A fluidized bed for supporting a patient has a fluid-impervious peripheral wall, a fluid-porous membrane top covering and a fluid-porous floor defining a unit volume in which a quantity of glass bead support media is confined. Several diffusers supply air through the floor to fluidize the support media and support a body on the bed top covering. Each diffuser is a laminate having a porous membrane top and a porous membrane bottom spaced by a fluid-impervious boundary wall and a plurality of fluid-impervious interior walls that create discrete cells. Each cell contains a quantity of glass bead cell media. A pair of blowers supplies pressure air through one-way valves to the cells in the diffusers and through the cells up into the unit interior volume to fluidize the support media.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is made by filling a container with expanded thermoplastic elements that are in a non-cured state and that possess a degree of latent foaming ability. After filling the container with the non-cured elements, the elements are allowed to cure under ambient conditions during which the blowing agent remaining in the elements in a vapor state condenses allowing air to be drawn in while the elements expand. This expansion of the elements distends and rigidifies the container where the container is allowed to expand or places an item packaged within a container of rigid construction under a tight fit.

Abstract: A cushion or pillow (10) can include a t-shaped porous enclosure formed from fabric and a plurality of bead-like members (20) retained within the enclosure. The porous fabric can be made from cotton or a cotton blend. The plurality of bead-like members can be a plurality seeds such as flax or sesame seeds, synthetic foam beads, or other material that can be placed within the enclosure. Herbs such as lavender, peppermint or orange peel can also be placed or retained within the enclosure. A t-portion (12) of the t-shaped porous enclosure can fit under a person's neck while a straight portion (14) can lie under the person's spine while the person is lying down. The t-shaped porous enclosure can be enclosed using stitching (16 or 18) or zipper members (32) or other means. Further note, the cushion can be heated or cooled to provide the appropriate healing effect.

Abstract: The sectional non-slip mattress includes a support frame defining a plurality of compartments and at least one cushion having a plurality of ball bearings received within a cushion housing. Each compartment receives a corresponding ball bearing, thus preventing horizontal movement of the cushion with respect to the support frame. The ball bearings form a first material layer and a second material layer is formed from a set of elastic beads. A third material layer is formed from a plurality of gel-filled capsules and the three material layers are all housed within a fabric cushion housing, which is permeable to air. An additional air supply may be provided for driving pre-cooled or pre-heated air through the cushion.

Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.

Abstract: The sectional non-slip mattress includes a support frame defining a plurality of compartments and at least one cushion having a plurality of ball bearings received within a cushion housing. Each compartment receives a corresponding ball bearing, thus preventing horizontal movement of the cushion with respect to the support frame. The ball bearings form a first material layer and a second material layer is formed from a set of elastic beads, each having a volume smaller than a volume of each of the ball bearings. A third material layer is formed from a plurality of gel-filled capsules and the three material layers are all housed within a fabric cushion housing, which is permeable to air. An additional air supply may be provided for driving pre-cooled or pre-heated air through the cushion.

Abstract: An air mattress with a pillow top is disclosed. The pillow top is received on and extends at least partially across at least one of planar face of the mattress, and is constructed and arranged to be held in a fixed position relative to the face of the mattress on which it is received. The pillow top may be removably or permanently affixed to the air mattress, as desired. The pillow top is configured to include bead channels, each bead channels having wide portions and narrow portions, the narrow portions and the beads being sized so as to limit travel of the beads between adjacent wide portions.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame supporting a non-liquid material having a density of about 0.15 of to 1 times the density of water. The material can be formed from pellets. The bed can also include a stretchable sheet disposed over the material.

Abstract: An entertaining cushion is provided, wherein the user can change the shape and visually enjoy such shape changes. The cushion includes an outer cover member formed by integrally combining a plurality of individual bag members that have different shapes such that the respective interiors of the bag members are in fluid communication with each other and a particulate filling material provided in the outer cover member that is capable of changing the appearance of the outer cover member by moving between and among the interiors of the bag members. Beads are used as the filling material.

Abstract: A flexible, crescent shaped pillow to assist mothers to maintain an anatomically correct alignment between mouth and nipple while breast feeding. This alignment is a key factor in ensuring optimum flow of milk. The pillow is both highly flexible and supportive. These are the key features that make it an effective aide to breast feeding mothers. These properties are achieved through the use of a low density bead filling which can shift and flow within the casing, thus providing the correct support where it is needed. The pillow is designed to be used while feeding in a variety of positions and from either breast. Use of the pillow also reduces fatigue and stress for both baby and mother while nursing. The bead filling allows for the passage of air and liquids through the pillow. This contributes to increased safety in terms of reduced risk of suffocation. and less opportunity for the growth of mold and bacteria.

Abstract: A patient supporting surface for use with a conventional operating room table having at least one pad for supporting a patient, wherein the pad has a chamber for containing a quantity of fluid. The chamber is a dual-layer, urethane envelope having an upper and lower portion. The fluid contained within the chamber is a deformable and pressure compensating, radiolucent fluid. The chamber and the fluid are cooperatively adapted to maintain the patient in a fixed position while substantially minimizing the interface pressure and shear force between the pad and the patient. A cover sheet may be removably attachable about the fluid-filled chambers and comprises an entry for selective access to the fluid-filled chambers.

Abstract: A pliable chair, for supporting the extremities of a user, that includes a hollow shell made of a pliable material and particulate material contained within the shell. The shell includes five upper panels attached together to form an upper surface, five lower panels attached together to form a lower surface, and five side panels each attached to one of the upper panels and to one of the lower panels. Five compartments are formed by the shell and extend from a central portion of the shell in a star shape. Each compartment is defined by one of the upper panels, one of the lower panels, and one of the side panels attached to the one upper panel and the one lower panel. As a user sits on the center portion, a portion of the particulate material shifts into the compartments and provides anatomically correct support for the user.

Abstract: An infant prop comprises a cylindrical core covered with a flannel sheath. The core is approximately two inches in diameter and sufficiently long to form a U-shaped arch reaching around a sleeping infant. It comprises a flexible shell filled with plastic prills or other beads sufficient to maintain its shape but with enough space inside to allow folding and flexibility. The flannel sheath includes an opening for inserting the shell at one end and attachment means for a pacifier disposed facing the infant's mouth, while the other end of the prop reaches around the infant's legs and extends along its back to keep the infant lying on its side. In an alternate embodiment, the prop is shortened to approximately the length of an infant and placed on one side of the infant, while a second, unconnected props is used on the infant's other side. The shells of the alternate embodiment are filled to compaction with prills and thereby relatively inflexible.

Abstract: A sitting, sleeping or support pad (1), which on account of its special design can be used in a number of different areas of application, includes an inner bag with a fill material, disposed in an outer bag. The inner bag has an elongated, substantially rectangular shape and the outer bag consists of first and second sides (2, 3), with a I substantially similar shape to the inner bag, where between the outer bag's first and second sides (2, 3), at least in a part of the bag's length against one of the short sides of the outer bag, there is provided an intermediate piece (6) and an end portion (4) is formed on at least one short side. The end portion (4) is enlarged and provides the opportunity for the pad to be placed on the short side, as well as for all or most of the fill material to be collected in a part of the inner bag, thereby to provide co-operation between inner bag and outer bag to achieve a sitting position where the user is raised above ground level.

Abstract: A supporting device (1) such as, for instance, a cushion, comprising a space (3) formed by a flexible envelope (2) and filled with a plurality of elements (4). The elements (4) in the space (3) are movable relative to each other and each consist of a gas-filled, flexible and thin-walled covering of gastight design, so that the elements are deformable for distributing a load over the supporting device. The covering of a number of elements is manufactured from at least substantially nonelastic material. These elements are each filled with the gas for 50-98 percent of their maximum volume and have a volume of from 10 cm3 to 100 cm3.

Abstract: Seat that comprises an envelope containing incompressible filling pieces, such as polystyrene balls. In addition, this seat comprises a bottom wall and side walls made of a rigid, semirigid and/or impermeable material, and an upper wall of which at least a part is made of an elastic and permeable material, the filling pieces occupying the totality of the volume defined by the bottom, side and upper walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient for a medical procedure. The apparatus includes an air-impervious casing having a plurality of sections adapted to position and support the torso and limbs of a patient. A plurality of compartments containing beads are disposed in the sections. A plurality of connection ports are provided through which air may be evacuated from the compartments to form vacuums therein. When air is evacuated from the compartments, the beads compact together, thereby making the sections rigid.

Abstract: A gel pad assembly includes a flexible gel pad and an adjustable shape retainer integral with the gel pad. A flexible first outer wall cooperates with a flexible inner wall to form a first chamber. A gel is located within the first chamber. A flexible second outer wall cooperates with the inner wall to form a second chamber coextensive with the first chamber. The integral shape retainer is located within the second chamber and is selectively adjustable between a flexible condition wherein the flexible walls are conformable to a variety of desired shapes and a rigid condition wherein the flexible walls are retained in a selected one of the desired shapes. Preferred embodiments of the shape retainer include a vacuum activated bean bag, a plurality of pressurizable chambers, a thermally deformable plastic sheet, and an array of pivot elements which are mechanically clamped together.

Abstract: An infant positioning device that is an elongated sleeve filled with polymeric pellets to a predetermined fill density to enable the device to be adaptable to conform to the contour of an infant to aid holding the infant in a optimum position for the wellbeing of the infant. The sleeve is preferably of a polyester material and the pellets are preferably small pellets composed of a high density polyethylene material. By controlling the fill density of the pellets, the device can be sufficiently pliable so as to be wrapped about the infant for positioning the infant and yet exhibit the stability and weight to hold the infant in the desired position. Due to the selection of the materials used for the sleeve and the pellets, the overall positioning device is washable without disassembly.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The outer casing is made of an elastic material that is overfilled to its elastic limit to act in the manner of the preferred embodiments. In a second set of preferred embodiments, the outer casing of the pads are actually filled no more than a simple gravity fill (i.e., 100%) and preferably are under filled (e.g., 90%) to less than a gravity fill. This second set of pads is preferably used in combination with a hard, outer shell. Variations of the basic feature of the first and second sets of pads are also disclosed. The pads of the present invention are lightweight and washable and can be adapted and integrated into a wide variety of items.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. In a first set of preferred embodiments, the pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: Vibrating particle material filled furniture to allow for vibration of the furniture for the benefit and enjoyment of a user is disclosed. Various types of furniture may be utilized under the present invention. These include chairs, loungers, mattresses and pillows. Various types of materials, both natural and manufactured, may be used as the particle material. Various methods of producing the desired vibration are disclosed with examples given. These include those which rely upon manipulation of a magnetic field as well as mechanical devices. The resultant vibration may have a constant cycle rate or, more preferred, may be variable. A particularly desirable vibration method is disclosed which provides for the vibration to be synchronized with a musical composition. Such vibration in synch to the musical composition may be generated with or without audio production of the musical composition.

Abstract: A gasproof inflatable cushion with a hole which perforates it and whose edge is provided with an inner valve part on the inside and with an outer valve part on the outside such that the hole is enclosed and the construction is gasproof. The inner valve part is provided with a through-opening which ends in the cover hole and has such inner dimensions that the cover material can be pulled through the inner valve part and the outer valve part is provided with a through-part which ends in the cover hole at an inner opening and which ends outside at an outer opening. Gas pumped into the outer opening or extracted from the outer opening is pumped into or extracted from the inside of the cover through the through-part of the outer valve part and the through-opening of the inner valve part. The sealed edges of the covers forming the cushion are located on the inside.

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: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: A pillow structure formed with an outer cover or casing in which a foam shell is enclosed, where in a horizontally disposed partition being mounted in the shell along the horizontal central axis of the pillow structure, wherein the partition controls the random movement of beads enclosed within each compartment defined by the partition, whereby the beads are prevented from moving or being transferred between the respective juxtaposed compartments.

Abstract: An improved body support or bed pillow. A pillow cover is provided which is formed by sewing together two pieces of material. On the interior face of each of the two pieces of material are sewn a plurality of loops of material. A drawstring is fed through the loops of material from one side of the pillow cover to the other in a zigzag pattern. The body support is filled with granular material such as natural buckwheat. By pulling the drawstrings taut, the pillow is segmented into two distinct sections; one section may be utilized to support the head and neck of the sleeper and the other to support the body. The drawstrings are held in their tightened positions by tying them together or by proving a common drawstring brake thereby defining a neck roll portion of the body support.

Abstract: A cushion that includes a base and numerous bladders locatable on the base is disclosed and claimed. Each bladder contains a quantity of filler insufficient to completely fill the bladder, and each bladder has a loose or elastomeric skin to accommodate its conforming to the shape of an object to be supported by the cushion. The top surface of each bladder acts as a hammock when supporting a cushioned object, and the bladders interact with each other to accommodate protuberance and crevices of the cushioned object. Other embodiments of the invention include a cushion that is pre-shaped in a form complementary to the shape of the object to be cushioned, and a cushion that re-shapes itself to maintain supporting forces that are generally equal across the contact surface of the supported object.

Abstract: This invention provides for an ultra low density gel filled deformable cushion (10) which includes a fluid impervious flexible enclosure (12) forming an internal chamber (14). Contained within the internal chamber (14) is a padding fluid composition (16) and a plurality of particulates (18) dispersed within the padding fluid composition (16). The particulates (18) are spherically contoured and have a density which is less than the density of the padding fluid composition (16) for increasing resiliency, deformability and memory of the overall composition within the cushion (10). The spherically contoured particulates are selected from the group consisting of plastic composition microspheres, ceramic composition microspheres and combinations thereof, thereby exhibiting a bounce effect in the gel.

Abstract: A body support includes first and second resilient cushions. The first cushion has a substantially semicylindrical shape defined by a semicylindrical top surface, two substantially semicircular end surfaces, and a substantially rectangular bottom surface having first and second long sides and two short sides. The second cushion has a substantially semicylindrical shape defined by a semicylindrical top surface, two substantially semicircular end surfaces, and a substantially rectangular bottom surface having first and second long sides and two short sides. The first long side of the second cushion is hingedly connected to the second long side of the first cushion so that the first and second cushions can be rotated with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position. A zipper is used to secure the first and second cushions in the closed position. A method of providing support to a person's neck and head, and a method of providing support to a person's back are also disclosed.

Abstract: A health pillow which emits the fragrance of wood and induces a pleasant mood leading to peaceful sleep. A plurality of cylindrical, hollow wood sections improve air circulation in the pillow while at the same time emitting a fragrance which lasts for a long time. Wooden sheets which include a plurality of half-cylindrical shaped pieces are fastened together to form a sheet of wooden tubes. This sheet is cut into individual tubes which are cut into pieces ranging in length from several millimeters to fifteen to sixteen millimeters, thus producing numerous small tubular pieces of wood. These small tubular pieces of wood are used to fill the interior of the pillow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a massaging mattress comprising an array of wooden beads alternating with magnets, the wooden beads and magnets interconnected to one another with threads to form a net in which the beads and magnets will roll slightly to produce a feeling of being massaged.

Abstract: A new and improved head support apparatus includes a base member and a nonrigid chin rest member, a nonrigid forehead rest member, and a number of peripheral guide members supported by the base member. The chin rest member and the forehead rest member project from the base member a first vertical distance which is longer than a nose of the person when the chin of the person is resting on the chin rest member and the forehead of the person is resting on the forehead rest member. The forehead rest member is spaced from the chin rest member by a horizontal distance which is greater than a height of the nose of the person.

Abstract: A baby bather has an open mesh coated fabric envelope filled to a soft cushion shape with lightweight buoyant foam plastic beads for supporting a baby floating in a tub or over a sink. The center portion of the cushion has a gradual depression having a centrally located panel for free flow of water. The cushion facilitates bathing, provides support and protection for baby's head, and is completely non-absorbent, machine washable and quick drying. Methods of manufacture are provided.

Abstract: A machine washable wedge shaped support structure is formed from a fabric envelope loosely filled with lightweight, preferably polystyrene, beads which shape it. The fabric may have a non-skid surface to resist sliding in use. The wedge conforms to a patient's or infant's body. When compressed, the fabric envelope and beads lock into a roll-preventing support structure. One alternate version has a stabilizing panel extending from the pointed end of the wedge on which a patient lies. Another version has a connecting panel between two opposing triangular shaped wedges. It provides roll preventing support for a pregnant woman and doubles as an anti-roll pad for infants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a massaging mattress, comprising an elastic stuffing and a compound covering, and an array between said stuffing and covering, composed of wooden beads alternating with magnets, said array being connected with ropes to form a net. In use, the beads and magnets will roll slightly, producing a feeling of being massaged by a thousand hands. The mattress according to this invention can not only relieve back pain, etc., but also promote blood circulation. It is suitable for use in both winter and summer, and is convenient for store and transport.