Abstract: A mattress-bearing hospital bed comprises a hospital bed body on which a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners are installed and a mattress structure which comprises a silicone layer with straight grooves thereon, a polyurethane film covering the silicone layer, and a velvet fabric layer whose one surface is melt to the plane bottom of the polyurethane film covering the silicone layer and other surface contacts the hospital bed body by means of the hook-and-loop fasteners in order to attach the mattress structure to the hospital bed body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus cushion comprising a core and a jacket, wherein the core comprises viscoelastic material and the jacket comprises a cover layer of material promoting air circulation fixedly or reversibly removable at at least the side facing the skin.

Abstract: A device for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a flexible sheet with a tether strap connected to the sheet and extending from the sheet. The flexible sheet has opposed top and bottom surfaces, with the top surface having a high friction material with a higher coefficient of friction as compared to the bottom surface, which includes a low friction material. The tether strap is configured for connection to the frame of the bed to secure the sheet in place. A system incorporating the flexible sheet may also include an absorbent pad configured to be placed on the top surface of the sheet, where the high-friction top surface resists sliding of the absorbent pad, as well as one or more wedges having a base wall that the wedge rests on and a ramp surface configured to confront the sheet when the wedge is placed under the sheet. The base wall and the ramp surface may also contain high friction and low friction materials, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to mattresses such as a pressure relieving mattress and in particular ones for profiling beds. The mattress comprises a base portion 11, a carriage portion 12, an upper portion 13 and an inflatable pressure relieving underlay 14 disposed between the carriage 12 and the upper portion 13. The facing surfaces 15 and 16 of the base portion 11 and the carriage portion 12, respectively, are coated with a low friction material so that the two slide easily relative to one another. This sliding movement is restricted to longitudinal relative movement by the engagement of co-operating formations 17, 18. The combination provides particularly flexible mattress arrangement which also avoids the problem of the leg section of the mattress kicking upwardly when a profiling bed is articulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a physical therapy support, comprising a planar structure having a first and second end and an upper and lower surface that reduces friction between the lower body of a patient and a hospital bed. The device is positioned between a patient's hips and the underlying bed sheets, whereby the patient is elevated and separated from the sheets to allow freedom of movement and increased support when engaging in hip and lower body movements for recovery and physical therapy sessions. The shape of the device includes a first rounded end and a second flat end to form a triangular shape having tapering longitudinal sides. The cross section comprises a thin, rigid and uniform material having a low friction upper surface and a high friction lower surface. A slot penetration along the one of the tapering sides allows for handling of the device and for transporting between patients.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, which includes at least one fluid bladder and a recess, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the recess. The fluid delivery system includes a pump having a fluid output and a fluid input. The apparatus further includes a chamber wall that defines a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid input or output of the pump, with the chamber wall absorbing vibration from the pump when the pump is operated to output fluid at its fluid output.

Abstract: A child management system is provided for entertaining, calming, and affecting the proper development of a child. The child management system comprises a mat having a top and bottom surface, a timing device mounted on the mat and set for a pre-determined amount of time, and a pressure sensitive sensor embedded within the mat electronically connected to the timing device such that the timing device counts down a predetermined amount of time while a child is activating the pressure sensitive sensor. The system further comprises a speaker mounted on the mat that is electronically connected to the sensor wherein the type of audio sound emitted by the speaker is a function of a child activating the pressure sensitive sensor. Additionally, a control device is connected to the timing device and speaker to set the pre-determined amount of time and control the audio sound emitted by the speaker.

Abstract: An occupant transfer device 34 for use on a host mattress 20 having a top side 22 and a flank 24 is in the form of a fitted sheet. The device has a top 36 for covering the top side of the mattress and a skirt 38 extending from the top. The top and skirt each have an occupant side 40, 44 and a mattress side 42, 46. Substantially all of the mattress side of the top exhibits relatively low friction; the occupant side of at least the top exhibits relatively higher friction.

Abstract: An adjustable firmness mattress assembly is disclosed which comprises a duvet, a first section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, a second section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, and a cover for enclosing the first and second sections with the cover having a top surface and the duvet adapted for being positioned on the top surface of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretcher having a brake mechanism that can be selectively activated to influence the movement of the stretcher supported by an inclined surface. The brake mechanism of the stretcher progressively increases the amount of friction between the stretcher and the surface of which the stretcher is supported to reduce or stop movements of the stretcher. The stretcher further includes a pulling member influencing the position or the activation of the brake mechanism on the stretcher and high friction means associated with the bottom side of the stretcher. The present invention also provides a size reduction mechanism requesting limited storage space for the stretcher when not in use and a foot restraint to secure the feet of the patient on the stretcher and offer additional volume to carry additional material with the patient. A method for braking a stretcher on an inclined plane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pillow specifically used for eliminating any physical contact between a specific delicate skin area of a users body part, a support surface, and the pillow, thus completely eliminating any possible contact between the specific delicate skin area and any associated object. For example, the specific delicate skin area may be the face of the user, the users body part being their head and the support surface being a bed. The pillow is so structured as to be removably, adjustably, and comfortably worn and attached onto any part of the users body and may also be made from numerous materials of choice.

Abstract: A portable diaper changing pad with a memory foam insert. The diaper changing pad comprises a mat with a panel having a body of memory foam as a cushion. The memory foam insert preferably comprises a raised head rest section. In one embodiment, the diaper changing pad further comprises two side section panels which may be folded over the middle panel. When the side section panels are folded over the middle panel, the diaper changing pad may be rolled and securely closed for easy storage and portability. The diaper changing pad preferably has a terry cloth cover. Other preferred embodiments include a nonskid bottom surface, a storage bag, and accessories, such as toys.

Abstract: A mattress surface has planar lower and upper surfaces. The mattress has a forward head surface and a rearward foot surface. The mattress has parallel side surfaces. A box spring assembly is provided in a wedge-shaped configuration. The box spring assembly has planar lower and upper surfaces. The box spring assembly has a forward head surface and a rearward foot surface. The box spring assembly has parallel side surfaces. The thickness of the box spring assembly at the forward head surface is greater than thickness of the box spring assembly at the rearward foot surface.

Abstract: The patient positioning aid assists a caregiver in rotating and positioning immobile patients. Such patients require periodic movement to prevent the development of ulcers. Conventional methods use rolled blankets or pillows to support such patients. Such improvizations are often crushed by the patients, especially by bariatric patients. The present invention has a strong resilient foam core which resists compression by a patient, yet also has a yielding surface foam layer which avoids trauma to the patient's skin. The cover is removable for cleaning, waterproof, and utilizes an anti-slip, high friction coating on the bottom which resists sliding on the bed. In addition, handles on the caregiver side of the aid assist in the maneuvering of the aid to position it properly.

Abstract: A disposable pet hair-collector pad comprising a planar pliable sheet having a layer incorporating a formulation to attract and capture pet hair, dander, saliva, etc., and a backing layer of a fluid impermeable material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a bed and bed sheet combination is disclosed. The apparatus is an extender sheet to be used in combination with an existing top sheet on a bed, with the extender sheet being removably attached to the top sheet. The purpose of the extender sheet is to make sure that the top sheet would not be removed, or become “untucked,” during a sleeping period of an individual using a bed.

Abstract: A towel (10) includes a base layer (12) and a plurality of raised projections (14) that project away from the base layer (12). The base layer (12) has a first side (16) and a second side (18). In one embodiment, the projections (14) are discontinuously positioned and are each separately secured to one or both of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). In one embodiment, the projections (14) have a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer (12) relative to a surface (20). The base layer (12) can be formed from an absorbent material and the projections (14) can be formed from a relatively non-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the projections (14) cover less than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). Moreover, in one embodiment, the projections (14) can be substantially hemispherical in shape.

Abstract: A towel (10) includes a base layer (12) and a plurality of raised projections (14) that project away from the base layer (12). The base layer (12) has a first side (16) and a second side (18). In one embodiment, the projections (14) are discontinuously positioned and are each separately secured to one or both of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). In one embodiment, the projections (14) have a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer (12) relative to a surface (20). The base layer (12) can be formed from an absorbent material and the projections (14) can be formed from a relatively non-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the projections (14) cover less than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). Moreover, in one embodiment, the projections (14) can be substantially hemispherical in shape.

Abstract: A bedding system for inhibiting sheets being inadvertently pulled out from between a mattress and a box spring. The bedding system includes a pair of cover members comprising a main portion and a friction enhancing portion. The main portion of one of the cover members is designed for receiving the mattress whereby the main portion of the other one of the cover members is for receiving the box spring. The friction enhancing portion of one of the cover members engages the friction enhancing portion of the other one of the cover members whereby the friction enhancing portion of each of the cover members is designed for frictionally engaging a portion of the sheets positioned between the mattress and the box spring to inhibit the portion of the sheets from inadvertently sliding out from between the mattress and the box spring.

Abstract: A disposable transport mat includes inner and outer panels which are joined to one another forming a tubular or loop shaped structure. Both panels are made of materials such as Tyvek®. The panels may be assembled to one another as by sewing or gluing. Padding may be provided as a layer between the inner and outer panels. A thin film may be applied to the outer panel to increase frictional engagement with a patient thereby assisting in uniform rolling motion of the transport mat during use. A cover may be used in conjunction with the transport mat to provide additional options in transporting or lifting a patient. The cover may incorporate a plurality of webbing strips with integral grasping loops. A thin film may also be applied to the cover to enhance frictional engagement for uniform rolling motion.

Abstract: A personal lift aid for lifting and lowering ambulatory patients and other individuals by unassisted and assisted means. The invention device comprises of a stanchion assembly having a palm grip to an upper end thereof; three adjustable hand grips located below said palm grip; and a (step-on) anchor pad located at the lower end of the device to anchor the personal lift aid to the floor or ground during lifting and lowering of individuals. Methods of moving a person with the aid of the personal lift aid include methods of a caregiver assisting the person; methods of unaided moving by the person, and methods of traversing stairs.

Abstract: A towel (10) includes a base layer (12) and a plurality of raised projections (14) that project away from the base layer (12). The base layer (12) has a first side (16) and a second side (18). In one embodiment, the projections (14) are discontinuously positioned and are each separately secured to one or both of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). In one embodiment, the projections (14) have a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer (12) relative to a surface (20). The base layer (12) can be formed from an absorbent material and the projections (14) can be formed from a relatively non-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the projections (14) cover less than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). Moreover, in one embodiment, the projections (14) can be substantially hemispherical in shape.

Abstract: A rug bed cloth structure is provided to assist in fixing a user's legs in a position. One end of the rug bed cloth is formed with a lattice net structure. The opposing end of the rug bed cloth is adapted to be secured to a spring bed. Using the lattice net to increase frictional resistance, it will provide action and reaction points for the user's legs, toes or fore part of the user's feet and prevent slipping. Another embodiment has a plurality of soft strips of material affixed on the upper side of the rug bed cloth. The strips of material form rings to support the user's feet.

Abstract: A mat assembly is provided to prevent and to treat bedsores. A draw sheet is used to shift or displace the patient on the mattress of the bed. A pole attached to the draw sheet is provided for grasping by the user to uniformly shift or move the patient. A displacement mat is placed between the draw sheet and the mattress in order to facilitate shifting of the patient. A scale may be placed on the draw sheet to facilitate recordation of shifting occurring during treatment of the patient. The mattress is preferably one which has a convoluted surface with dispersed ridges and depressions which thereby present a differing profile in terms of pressure which is transmitted to the patient lying thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor cushion with a non-slip material that is applied to less than the entire underside of the cushion. The non-slip material may also be resistant to UV degradation. Methods of manufacturing such a cushion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A re-usable hygienic bed product includes an absorbing object, a sliding material layer, a pulling sheet, and a moisture blocking layer. The absorbing product is a highly soaking, inert fibrous material which at the upper surface and the bottom surface is directly integral with a soft fabric. The absorbing object at two opposite edges is formed with projecting pulling sheet parts formed as wings extending transversally from the longitudinal edges at each side, which can be folded in under the mattress. The sliding material layer at the bottom surface is a semi-smooth or smooth material which facilitates a pulling of the entire hygienic bed product with the patient to any side of the bed. A moisture blocking layer is provided between the bottom surface and the sliding material layer, and is of a liquid tight material that prevents liquid from penetrating down to the sliding material layer.

Abstract: A modular sleep system has a foundation unit, an support unit having an innerspring and a support surface covered with a friction material, and a comfort unit having compressible material encapsulated in a woven upholstery material which is engaged by the friction material on the support surface of the support unit to prevent lateral movement or sliding of the comfort unit relative to the support unit, without any fasteners between the support unit and the comfort unit. The comfort unit can be lifted vertically off of the support unit without release or use of any fasteners, to be turned over, fluffed or exchanged for a different comfort unit having different layers of internal materials, feature layers, and support characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bed having a generally rectangular foundation and mattress, an air chamber located beneath having a plurality of sections, and at least one air chamber under a portion of the mattress, a controller for regulating the amount of air in the air chamber, and a mattress retainer placed between the mattress and the foundation comprising a tongue and extending toward the foot of the bed a sufficient distance to make contact with both the mattress and the foundation to increase the friction sufficiently to prevent slippage of the mattress when the heat is raised.

Abstract: A hollow body is configured for use as a sitting support. A sitting area has at least two portions spaced from each other. At least one integral flat groove or recess is formed between the portions. The portions are interconnected by at least one connecting web extending between said portions.

Abstract: A body cushion, comprising: a posterior portion for placement against the posterior of a user; and a pair of leg extensions integrally formed with the posterior portion and extending therefrom, the leg extensions for placement against the upper portions of the legs of the user, wherein each of the leg extensions includes extendable features which permit the leg extensions to extend and contract along a length thereof.

Abstract: Chair cushions and placemats are formed of a top fabric panel attached to a bottom panel which as a high coefficient of friction. The bottom panel is a rubberized web with an open pattern. The pattern consists of a plurality of rows of parallel, spaced, side by side, relatively small size elongated openings extending in a first direction. A plurality of columns of collinear, spaced, relatively large size elongated openings extend in a second direction. The first and second directions are orthogonal. A plurality of rows of rectangular areas, some of which of are devoid of openings, also form a part of the pattern.

Abstract: A thermal regulating cushioning device includes a flexible, deformable outer membrane and a foam core contained therein having a dimension substantially coincident with the outer membrane. A liquid-like material is sealably contained within the outer membrane and saturates the foam core with the liquid-like material being at least partially circulatable through the foam core. The cooperation of the saturated foam core and the sealable flexible membrane provide a uniform, thermal regulating medium and structural support such that the cushioning device is readily, uniformly deformable when a load is applied thereto.

Abstract: A washable fabric covered mattress pad involves the combination of a layer of resilient foam with a layer of fabric, both of which layers are machine washable and dryable. The fabric, either manmade or natural fiber material, is flame laminated to one side of the layer of foam. The non-covered side of the foam layer frictionally engages a mattress for non-slip self-positioning of the mattress pad without requiring straps or other specific holding mechanisms. A second or additional layers of foam of varying physical characteristics and/or thicknesses may be added through heat bonding thereof in a predetermined pattern to the non-covered side of the first layer of foam. Such arrangement results in a fabric covered, completely washable self-positioning mattress pad, such as having a preferred thickness generally in a range of from about one to about four inches.

Abstract: Chair cushions and placemats are formed of a top fabric panel attached to a bottom panel with a high coefficient of friction. The bottom panel is a rubberized web with an open mesh pattern. It is formed of parallel, spaced, undulating thread-like members which extend in one direction. First and second sets of parallel, spaced, straight thread-like members respectively extend along lines oppositely inclined relative to that direction. The straight thread-like members intersect with the undulating thread-like members forming enlarged nodes aligned along spaced parallel lines extending in the perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A stretcher table assembly is provided for attachment over an ambulance stretcher. The stretcher table assembly includes a tray for securing medical equipment used during an emergency. A pair of legs extend away from the tray and include attachment members for engaging the rails of the stretcher. The attachment members may include anti-skidding members providing frictional resistance between the attachment members and the rails. The legs are secured to the rails through a flexible strap. The flexible strap may be wrapped around the rail and secured. The flexible strap may also be used in conjunction with a hook which engages the rail. The flexible strap is then secured to hold the stretcher table assembly in place over the stretcher.

Abstract: A frictionally variant seat pad comprising a top member, a bottom member, a polyester filling and a plurality of hook and loop receiving strips. The polyester filling is disposed between the top and bottom member, and the top and bottom member are secured in fixed relation to one another by means of stitching located along the perimeter of both the top and bottom members. The surface of the top member is constructed of satin, which provides a low co-efficient of friction, allowing an individual to easily slide upon the surface. The bottom member is provided with a non-slip, rubberized backing, which, due to the low co-efficient of friction afforded by the non-slip rubberized backing, grips to the surface upon which the frictionally variant seat pad rests, thereby preventing movement of the frictionally variant seat pad.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a low friction bed sheet or the like for facilitating changing the position of a person or part of a person in prone position. The low friction bed sheet includes at least a low friction surface comprising a material with low friction and adjacent to the low friction surface are high friction surfaces comprising materials with high friction. The low friction surface is placed only on the side against the person in bed while the underside against the bed is mainly comprised of at least one high friction surface. The width of the low friction surface is less than the width of the bedding for which the low friction bed sheet is intended. In the transition between the low friction surface and the high friction surface there are transition zones at least lengthwise in the bed which can be perceived by the person in the bed.

Abstract: A bed elevating apparatus for use between a mattress and a box spring that is supported by a bed frame or is insertable within the mattress. The bed elevating apparatus is made of foam or rubber and has opposite spaced apart first and second ends. The first end has a first height and the second end has a second height with the first height being greater than the second height. The bed elevating apparatus also has a top surface that extends substantially in a single angularly extending plane with respect to the ground surface. The supported mattress and the mattress having the bed elevating device inserted inside the mattress have spaced apart mattress first and second ends whereby the mattress first end is elevated above the mattress second end in a single angularly extending plane with respect to the ground surface.

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 blanket with waterproof frictional backing comprising an upper layer attached to a lower layer, and frictional strips attached to the lower layer. The upper layer is a non-abrasive textile such as canvas or terrycloth, and is intended to provide a comfortable seating surface for an occupant. The lower layer is a waterproof material such as plastic or nylon, and serves to protect an occupant from a wet surface upon which the blanket with waterproof frictional backing rests. The frictional strips are fabricated of a material such as rubber or other suitable material, and are intended to prevent the blanket with waterproof frictional backing from slipping on a wet surface, thus enhancing the comfort of an occupant as well as decreasing safety risk.

Abstract: This invention relates to sleeping beds, and in particular, a safety accessory for attachment to a sleeping bed for preventing the occupant from falling out. The invention provides for a guard rail that can be affixed to a bed, where the guard rail is held in place by a member that both crosses under the sleeping surface, and additionally, protrudes out of the other side of the bed, to make contact with the other side of the bed.

Abstract: A pad is located on a bed between a human patient and the bed sheet. The pad has a slick, smooth bottom wall, such as satin. The bottom wall reduces the friction between the pad and the bed sheet, whereby the patient together with the pad can be smoothly moved on the bed or off of the bed and onto a waiting gurney. The pad has a top wall and padding interposed between the top and bottom walls, the layers joined together with channels of quilting stitches and digital eyelets which prevent caregivers accidentally dropping a patient when the patient is being moved to or from a bed/gurney, or turned, the pad is made of materials which are permeable to air and dissipate body perspiration and bodily fluids, thus promoting sanitation and can be position under the patient for indefinite periods of time to reduce the incidence of bed sores.

Abstract: A hollow body for use as a seat pad is provided. The hollow body includes a generally planar resting region, a generally planar sitting region substantially parallel to the resting region and a transition region extending therebetween. The transition region is of generally donut or toroid shape. The resting region, sitting region and toroid region may be formed from a plastic skin. Hollow interior portions may be filled with a fluid.

Abstract: An air mattress for supporting an individual within a circular tent. The inventive device includes a circular upper web coupled to a circular lower web by a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An air valve is directed through the sidewall for permitting pneumatic inflation of the mattress. A plurality of spacing projections extend from the lower circular web and cooperate to support the mattress above a floor web of an associated tent.

Abstract: The invention is a cooling pillow container insert which provides a continuous cool pillow surface and absorbs a pillow user's lost metabolic heat. Preventing thermal discomfort which causes pillow flipping and tossing and turning is the primary goal of the invention. The container slides between a conventional pillow and pillow case. The container is composed of a soft vinyl bag which snugly surrounds a fluid saturated porous foam core. A resealable valve allows fluid to be added or removed at will and the container's temperature to be adjusted. The container promotes heat transfer from the pillow user to the container. The heat is then dispersed uniformly throughout the container's fluid ensuring a uniformly cool pillow surface. Heat is also continuously lost to the surrounding environment. A pillow user's sleep is enhanced in warm temperatures without using an energy source. The container insert can also be used with or without a pillow, as a cooling bed for an animal or a pet.

Abstract: A bedskirt assembly made up of a non-slip grip deck made from non-slip fabric with releasable fasteners. The grip deck is installed between the mattress and box springs of the bed and stabilizes the location of the mattress relative to the box springs and provides for easy attachment of segments of skirting, in one panel or several panels. The position of the panels is adjustable for height and length and to suit individual bedframes. The skirt panels can be quickly and easily removed and replaced without having to remove the mattress from the box springs.

Abstract: A contour skirt for mattress pads or covers and the like is provided with a high friction inner surface to hold the pad or sheet firmly in place on a mattress. Foam material such as polyurethane may be stitched to the inner surface of the skirt in a pattern that produces "puffs" of foam that act as "treads" to grip the mattress. Alternatively, high friction polymeric material such as latex or neoprene may be bonded in strips to the inner surface of the skirt.

Abstract: A fitted mattress pad has a flat top portion with a skirt portion depending from its sides and edges. At least part of the skirt portion has frictional holding means for holding the mattress pad securely in place over a mattress. The frictional holding means help to grip the mattress and keep the mattress pad from shifting during use.

Abstract: A medical patient shifting device consisting of a thin flexible rollable platform adapted to be placed under a drawsheet on a patient support to facilitate moving the patient by sliding over the platform to a second adjacent support.

Abstract: The bed handle system of the present invention, which includes a pair of handle elements, is used for facilitating movement into and out of a bed. Each handle element can be anchored to a bed mattress and has an upwardly extending handle section dimensioned to extend above the bed mattress. In use the handle portion is positioned adjacent a first side of the mattress, and the pair of handle elements are positioned in spaced relation to each other. The spacing between the handle elements may be adjusted to permit a user to grasp one handle section with each hand and to sit between the elements on the mattress preparatory to moving into or out of the bed.