Abstract: A device for spine rehabilitation comprising a support frame, immovable crossbars, movable crossbars, and a holder and systems of actuators supporting a patient's head, shoulders, hip, knees, and feet, characterised in that it is equipped with linear actuators (8) mounted to the holder (7) supporting the patient's head and shoulders, whereby the holder (7) has a driving mechanism (9) situated horizontally and mounted to an immovable crossbar (6) of the support frame (1) and in its lower part is rotationally mounted, at the rotation point (10) of the holder, to the immovable crossbar (6). A method for spine rehabilitation using the device for lateral deviation of the patient's torso, whereby the patient's body situated horizontally, face up, is lifted on eight sling hangers taking hold of his/her head and his/her back in the points of shoulder girdle and pelvis girdle.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preventing pressure ulcers, where the system includes one or more actuators, one or more bearings assemblies each including a multiplicity of movable bearings and optionally an enveloping strip operatively associated with the actuator. The bearings can be rotated to allow shifting locations of the bearings in respect to a part of the patient's body laid thereover for changing pressured touch points between the part of the patient's body and the bearings over time for preventing development of pressure ulcers. This is done by moving the patient's body caused by the rotation of the bearings.

Abstract: A mattress with built-in massage capabilities that is arranged so the mattress can be used as a standard sleep surface when the massage function is idle. In standard sleep mode a user will not notice the massage aspects of the mattress. Massage is performed by air pumps and air bags controlled to simulate various massage protocols such as wave, stretching, kneading, and percussion.

Abstract: The chair/bed for the disabled is a wheeled, medical appliance for disabled persons that can alternately convert from a chair to a bed when desired. The appliance incorporates structure for applying body massages and for moving the patient in a rollover motion. Ancillary features, such as a pillow, a night light, study and dining tables and a support for mounting a television or tablet are included on the appliance. A control module is provided to allow the appliance to be operated by a remote control device.

Abstract: An improved therapeutic bed includes a bed frame; at least one spring holder, each extending along a first direction of the bed frame and including first channels provided at a top area of the at least one spring holder; coil springs disposed respectively in the first channels of the at least one spring holder, each of the coil springs extending along a second direction of the bed frame between two sides of the bed frame; at least one vibration shaft member disposed below the at least one coil spring holder and extending along the first direction of the bed frame; and a motor configured to generate vibration to the at least one vibration shaft member. The vibration is transferred from the at least one vibration shaft member to the coil springs through the at least one spring holder, whereby the therapeutic bed has improved durability and massaging effect.

Abstract: An electric massage bed includes a bed frame having a plurality of support brackets, a plurality of mattress sets each having a retaining plate mounted on one of the support brackets of the bed frame and a mattress supported by the retaining plate, and a vibrating motor mounted on a bottom side of the retaining plate of one of the mattress sets. When the vibration generated from the vibrating motor is transmitted to the associated mattress of the mattress set that is equipped with the vibrating motor, the unexpected vibration won't occur in the other mattress sets because the mattress sets are spaced from each other, thereby enhancing the comfort of a user lying down on the mattresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a sleep support surface that includes a resiliently deformable sleep support having a person-supporting surface and a resiliently deformable layer with a substantially closed elongate opening that accommodates part of a massaging apparatus that has resistive compressive properties of a resiliently deformable layer lacking an elongate opening when the opening is closed. In one embodiment, the sleep support is a mattress having a foam layer with a slit formed therein in which a movable massager that is a massager head of the massaging apparatus is received. One mattress embodiment includes a foam submattress having a lengthwise extending slit extending substantially the length of the mattress and a mattress topper overlying the massager head.

Abstract: An adjustable bed (10) includes an adjustable bed base (12) for supporting a mattress (14). The adjustable bed base (12) comprises an articulated deck (50) comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards (54, 56, 58, 58) hingedly joined together and supported from a frame (32). At least one of the support sections has an opening (72, 74) and a pocket (86) secured underneath the opening. Inside the pocket (86) is located a vibratory motor (100), the vibratory motor (100) being electrically coupled to a powered drive unit (66) for vibrating a portion of the adjustable bed (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides an infant bed having a support frame, an elastically inflatable mattress removably disposed on the support frame, an inflating and heating apparatus operably connected to the elastically inflatable mattress, wherein the inflating and heating apparatus continuously circulates heated air through the elastically inflatable mattress vibrating, expanding, and contracting an upper sleeping surface of the elastically inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A body support is provided utilizing a cushion formed in rectangular segments in which the segments alternately pivot to change pressure points on the surface of the user's skin. The body support can be used as a wheelchair seat cushion to prevent non-ambulatory patients from developing bedsores and other ailments. Electrical circuitry provided includes a timer to adjust the length of time between activation cycles thereby changing the pressure points at desired intervals.

Abstract: A cushion comprises a resin body with a spring structure having permeability comprising a three-dimensional structure including voids at a predetermined bulk density, the three-dimensional structure being obtained by contacting, entwining, and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of continuous filaments made from a thermoplastic resin in such a manner as to allow the resulting structure to have a layered structure in which layers composed of filaments having a high bulk density as superficial layers are formed on a front and a rear of the resin body in a lengthwise direction, and a layer composed of the filaments having a low bulk density as a core layer is interposed between the superficial layers; and a speaker incorporated in the resin body or disposed on one of the superficial layers of the resin body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.

Abstract: An system for providing a highly adjustable sleep system has box frame assembly and a mattress assembly with a plurality of support cylinders, where the support cylinders may be spring loaded or pneumatic. The pressure of each individual support cylinder may be automatically adjustable by changing the tension on a spring, or by modifying the internal air pressure of a pneumatic support cylinder. The box frame may have a moving tool head configured to move along a gantry and carriage assembly, and having actuators to engage valves on the bottom of each pneumatic support cylinder to add or release compressed air from a pneumatic support cylinder. Each support cylinder may have sensors or therapeutic modules, which may be controlled and monitored by a control module in the box frame assembly.

Abstract: A body support for providing a beneficial effect has a frame and a first and a second plurality of flexible parallel bands, which are interdigitated. A primary shaft rotatably mounted in a frame can tighten and slacken the first plurality of bands. This can be done by having the shaft wind and unwind the first plurality of bands or by appropriately positioning a camshaft or the like at one edge of the body support surface to adjustably hold each of the first plurality of bands there. In the latter case the shaft provides a plurality of support locations at the first edge of the support surface that are moved, in order to alternately tighten and slacken the first plurality of bands. Other disclosed apparatus and methods can tighten and slacken the second plurality of bands as well.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having an upper frame mounted to translate with respect to a lower frame. A center support is connected to the upper frame and has a head support pivotally connected to one end thereof. A thigh support is pivotally connected to the other end of the center support and a foot support is connected to the other end of the thigh support. The bed includes an improved mounting for a massage motor in which a massage motor is suspended from a mounting plate having openings therein resting on a mattress pad or base supported by an articulated support platform.

Abstract: A fluid-control medical mattress includes a platform and multiple supports mounted on the platform. Each support is a bladder for selectively receiving fluid to support a patient. A skirt is mounted to a periphery of the platform and surrounds the platform for retaining water with the platform for a nurse to conveniently clean the body of the patient who lies on the platform. The multiple supports respectively correspond to the head, neck, shoulder, pelvis and knee for supporting the patient who lies on the platform when the multiple supports are full of fluid.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having an upper frame mounted to translate with respect to a lower frame. A center support is connected to the upper frame and has a head support pivotally connected to one end thereof. A thigh support is pivotally connected to the other end of the center support and a foot support is connected to the other end of the thigh support. The bed includes an improved mounting for a massage motor in which a massage motor is suspended from a mounting plate resting on a mattress pad or base supported by an articulated support platform.

Abstract: A mattress cover with massaging mechanism and heating element built in that includes a foam padding structure, positionable over the top of a mattress and having a cavity provided therein, a padding structure cover and a number of multi-fold, massaging ridge members that pass through the cavity and into connection with a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism being controlled by a remote control unit provided to allow a user to adjust the frequency and intensity of the massage, providing movement of the multi-fold, massaging ridge members generated by operation of the drive mechanism while laying down on the padding structure cover; a heating element is optionally added to the padding structure to cover across the user to receive heat treatment while receiving a massage.

Abstract: The contour and topography adjusting mattress distributes the weight equally over the entire contact surface, thus prevents morning sore spot formation and prevents decubitus wound formation in the prolonged bed-ridden patients. The massaging action of the mattress relieves muscular pain, relaxes the body, increases the blood circulation, also it further prevents sore spot and decubitus wound formation in the bed-ridden patients. It can be used in hospitals or at home.

Abstract: A body support that can prevent bed sores (decubiti) has a first frame with a first plurality of parallel bands, and a second frame with a second plurality of parallel bands. The first plurality of bands is interdigitated with the second plurality of parallel bands. A driver can reciprocate the first plurality of parallel bands, and the second plurality of parallel bands. The driver produces relative motion between the first and the second plurality of parallel bands. A replacement band can be attached end to end with a selected one of the bands of the first and the second plurality of parallel bands. Then the selected one of the bands can be pulled in a direction to insert the replacement band into a position originally occupied by the selected one of the bands.

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a base, a frame supported by the base, a deck supported by the frame, and a unit received in an opening formed in an upwardly-facing top surface of the deck so that the unit is accessible from the top side of the deck.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having a bed frame and a center support section supported by the bed frame. A second support section has one end pivotally attached to one end of the center support section, and the second support section has an opening therethrough. A massage motor assembly has a housing mounted to the second support section over the opening. A massage motor is disposed in the housing, and a resilient material is disposed in the housing between the massage motor and the housing. Enclosing the massage motor in the resilient material reduces its operational noise and permits the massage motor to move in its natural orbital motion.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for supporting a lower body region of an immobilized person for avoidance and relief of decubitus ulcers which provides regular intervals of seating pressure reduction below a predetermined seating pressure for a predetermined relief period. The seating apparatus includes a plurality of slats/cushions which may be displaced between a first support position wherein each of the slats/cushions is co-planar with a defined plane and a second displaced position wherein each of the slats/cushions is displaced a distance D from the defined plane for the predetermined relief period whereby capillary blood pressure is reduced below the predetermined seating pressure in the unsupported portion of the lower body region.

Abstract: A device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject includes a body-engaging element configured for engaging a region of the subject's body inferior to the lumbar vertebrae while the subject lies in a supine position. A drive mechanism is configured to move the body-engaging element through a repetitive cyclic motion which includes an operative motion along a first path including a primarily vertical lifting motion followed by a primarily horizontal tensioning motion, and a return motion along a second path, the second path lying generally below the first path. The body-engaging element preferably includes at least one surface configured for engaging a rear surface of both of the subject's legs from the knees downwards.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for supporting a lower body region of an immobilized person for avoidance and relief of decubitus ulcers which provides regular intervals of seating pressure reduction below a predetermined seating pressure for a predetermined relief period. The seating apparatus includes a plurality of slats/cushions which may be displaced between a first support position wherein each of the slats/cushions is co-planar with a defined plane and a second displaced position wherein each of the slats/cushions is displaced a distance D from the defined plane for the predetermined relief period whereby capillary blood pressure is reduced below the predetermined seating pressure in the unsupported portion of the lower body region.

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a base, a frame supported by the base, a deck supported by the frame, and a unit received in an opening formed in an upwardly-facing top surface of the deck so that the unit is accessible from the top side of the deck.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having an upper frame mounted to translate with respect to a lower frame. A center support is connected to the upper frame and has a head support pivotally connected to one end thereof. A thigh support is pivotally connected to the other end of the center support and a foot support is connected to the other end of the thigh support. The bed includes an improved mounting for a massage motor in which a resonator board is mounted on resilient spacers on an upper surface of a support platform.

Abstract: A cushion/backrest including an integrated reading lamp tethered at the end of a flexible member is disclosed for providing the user with a source of light for reading or watching television. The cushion may also include built in massage motors for providing the user with a massaging action to the back. Controls for adjusting the massaging action and the reading lamp may be incorporated in an armrest.

Abstract: In operation of a support for a patient's body, used in medical or veterinary treatment, which applies alternating-pressure to the body in order to reduce or minimize the risk of pressure sores caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, inflatable cells of the support are inflated and deflated cyclically in a predetermined sequence. To provide improved effect in relieving or preventing pressure sores, the cells are deflated in the sequence in such a manner that the interior pressure falls from 10 mmHg (135 Pa) to 0 mmHg in a time period of not more than 15 s. Preferably the interior pressure falls to below 0 mmHg (ambient atmospheric pressure). A vacuum pump or pumps may be employed to achieve this result.

Abstract: A bed includes a number of holes for receiving a number of pneumatic actuating devices, such as the air bag type or the bellows type pneumatic actuating devices. An air pump supplies a pressurized air to the pneumatic actuating devices via a number of air valves to actuate the pneumatic actuating devices to act on the users. An air reservoir is disposed between the air pump and the air valves for storing the pressurized air. One or more seats are disposed on the bed and each has a pneumatic actuating device for acting on the side portion of the user.

Abstract: A passive-motion having a support surface provided by a plurality of bellows-like or bladder-like cells which are sequentially or independently inflatable and deflatable to alter the configuration of the support surface continuously to cause a person seated on the support surface to continuously and instinctively adjust the additude of his spinal column and associated muscles.

Abstract: First and second air cell units 2 and 3, respectively, are divided into their right and left air cells 2a, 3a, 2b and 3b, respectively, and central bent sections 2c and 3c. Each of the bent section 2c and 3c connects associated right and left air cells together at offset relationship in the direction of the mat length. The first and the second air cell units are alternately inflated and deflated, so that the air cells are inflated asymmetrically to thereby support a patient lying thereon at asymmetrical portions. The bent sections 2c and 3c are configured to gently deform the respective air cells so as to allow the bent sections to abut closely on the patient's back without a sense of incompatibility with the air cells. The air mat may thus provide well-balanced and well-distributed supporting forces for the patient, which is suitable for preventing decubitus of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel mattress having massage effect for being cushioned by a human back, and comprising an upholstered seat, a number of springs, a plurality of magnetic stones and an upholstery covering said upholstered seat; wherein, said upholstered seat is provided an accommodating space therein, a lying surface on the top surface thereof, a peripheral stretcher protruded and extended upwardly and provided on at least one end on the lying surface, and a supporting plane formed at the bottom surface of said upholstered seat, the central part of said supporting plane being slightly protruded downwardly; and wherein, said springs are installed in said accommodating space, every two of said springs are linked together, and directions of compression and stretching of each spring are always perpendicular to the lying surface and the supporting plane; further, said magnetic stones are disposed on the lying surface of said upholstered seat, and each of them has a kneading part on the top periphery there

Abstract: A water jet massaging mattress is provided including a mattress having an interior formed of a soft material and having a solid rectangular configuration. Such interior is defined by a planar top face, a planar bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. A water impermeable flexible layer encompasses the interior. A plurality of horn-shaped apertures are formed in the interior of the mattress each with an open top of a first diameter and coincident with the top face of the interior of the mattress. An open bottom of each horn-shaped apertures has a second diameter less than the first diameter and remains coincident with the bottom face of the interior. A jet assembly includes a plurality of jets each situated adjacent the open bottom of an associated one of the horn-shaped apertures. A water pump is situated below the mattress and is connected to a bottom of each of the jets via a plurality of conduits for circulating water through the horn-shaped apertures and against the water impermeable layer.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes a foam pad having top and bottom profiles and a composite volume VC of foam; and a vibrator coupled to the foam pad for vibrating the pad. The pad is formed including a first foam phase defining the bottom profile and having a first phase volume V1 being not less than approximately 50 percent of the volume VC, and a second foam phase defining at least a portion of the top profile and having a second phase volume V2 being a pin member projecting from proximate the side surface, through the solid portion of the threaded insert, and engaging the first structural member on opposite sides of the cavity, the pin member securing the threaded insert in the cavity.

Abstract: A multi-function healthful bed including a bed frame, a bottom bed board, an upper bed board, air valves, a blower, two mufflers, an eccentric motor, four elastic feet supporting four feet of the bed frame, four swayable rods placed on four corner feet of a support plate, a massage bar, an air percolating plate, and a pillow. Air valves fixed in the upper bed board allow air to flow from an air chamber around the body of a user. Warm or cool air may be circulated. The massage bar also includes air valves. The eccentric motor sways the entire bed frame.

Abstract: Support structure consisting of a plurality of elements for chairs, beds and the like, which may be moved individually or in groups, in which the mechanism which performs the movement of the generic element downwards and successively upwards is composed by an articulated parallelogram having one side integral with said element, that side presenting a small wheel which is in rolling contact with a cam fitted to a shaft supported by a lug integral with the frame.

Abstract: A mattress for recumbent prophylaxis, which has a plurality of support elements in sequence relative to one another, with each support element having at least two air-inflatable double chambers or inflatable members connected together by a fillet. Each double chamber or inflatable member has a bottom hollow body connected to an opposite, top hollow body by a common partition wall with at least one opening. The support elements are detachably connectable with one another and are arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mattress. Each of the bottom hollow bodies are connectable by a short connecting piece through hose connections to an air pump assembly in such a manner that the different chamber systems which are not communicating with one another can be acted upon with air alternately.

Abstract: A multipurpose sickbed including a body turning-over mechanism, which includes a sheet-like bearing element upon which the sick person lies, and two revolving shafts connected to the sheet-like bearing element at two opposite sides and alternatively controlled to take up the sheet-like bearing element in turning over the body of the sick person, a sit-up mechanism controlled to turn a head plate and a back plate in helping the sick person to sit up, and a massaging mechanism controlled to reciprocate a transverse rod under the sheet-like bearing element in massaging the back of the sick person.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a plurality of symbiotic sacs juxtapositionally transversely secured in a mattress envelope, having a plurality of primary and secondary symbiotic sacs alternatively pulsated in the envelope for continuously changing the pressurized areas of a bed-ridden patient for preventing pressure sores such as bed sore or decubitus ulcer, with each symbiotic sac consisting of an upper pulsating sac portion alternatively inflated and deflated and a lower static sac portion constantly inflated to maintain at least a partial fluid pressure in each symbiotic sac for continuously cushioning the patient even when a power failure is caused or bed transfer is required, and having a plurality of tertiary symbiotic sacs constantly inflated for cushioning a patient head portion, with each symbiotic sac independently secured in the mattress envelope whereby upon breaking of any one sac, only an individual broken sac should be replaced with a new one without abandoning the whole mattress.

Abstract: A fluidized patient support having a tank with side walls and a bottom holds a mass of fluidizable beads and includes a diffuser board disposed near the tank bottom to define a plenum which receives air flow from a blower. The fluidized patient support is provided with a percussive patient support surface by operative components that superimpose percussive fluidization in at least one preselected portion of the support surface formed when the beads are fluidized. The superimposed percussive fluidization results in large slugs of air reaching the patient support surface. Upon reaching the patient support surface, these slugs of higher pressure air percuss the body of the patient that is supported where such large slugs breach the surface.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy bed includes a substantially water-tight enclosure having an open top. The top of the enclosure is covered by an upper and lower layer of thin rubber having an intermediate layer of thixotropic gel approximately one half inch thick. The rubber layers are mounted in a peripheral groove using a strip of T-shaped molding and a supporting net is mounted beneath the lower rubber layer in another peripheral groove by attaching edge loops of the net to a plastic coated half hinge which is inserted into the peripheral groove. A pair of parallel tracks is mounted inside the enclosure and an array of upwardly directed water jets is carried on a cross member which is movable along the tracks. The cross member is coupled to an endless cable wound around pulleys mounted at ends of the tracks. One of the pulleys is coupled to a motor which drives the cross member along the tracks. The cable is kept from crossing over itself on the drive pulley by threading it through a TEFLON.RTM.

Abstract: A hydromassage pillow comprising a sealed hollow cushion filled with water for placement under a head and neck, or lower back of a person. A framework is within the sealed hollow cushion. An assembly is coupled to the framework, for heating and pulsating the water within the sealed hollow cushion to provide a warm water jet-type massage to the head and neck, or lower back of the person resting on the sealed hollow cushion, so as to relieve muscle tension by greatly reducing and in some circumstances eliminating low back pain, neck pain and a headache in the person.

Abstract: A bed is described which includes a plurality of body support members telescopically received in and protruding vertically from closely spaced vertically aligned body support guides. A fluid chamber underlies the guides. A downward pressure applied to one body support member is transmitted via fluid in the fluid chamber to all body support members. The body support members are telescopically movable relative to the guides in response to fluid pressure. A pressure counterbalance is provided which exerts pressure upon fluid in the fluid chamber to counter pressure exerted upon fluid in the fluid chamber by a body at rest upon the body support members.

Abstract: A bedstead mounted on a bedframe is divided into a plurality of separation pieces. The separation pieces are set swingable on the bedframe. A drive shaft is provided on the bedframe. The drive shaft is rotationally; driven by a driver. The rotational motion of the drive shaft is converted by a power transmitting device to an up and down motion whereby the separation pieces are so driven as to be swingable over the bedframe.

Abstract: Mattresses and cushions, which have a rolling-massaging function and magnetic-therapeutic effect are described. The rolling-massaging magnetic-therapeutic mattress or cushion comprises an upper covering, an intermediate layer, an interior layer, a compound liner and a bottom covering. Between the upper covering and the intermediate layer there is provided a magnetic-therapeutic massaging layer including balls, magnetics beads, element frames and a locating substrate. The balls and magnetic beads are contained in subcavities of the element frames, rolling omni-directionally.