7153results about "Spring mattresses" patented technology

A cushioning element that has a number of substantially parallel elongate columns which buckle under an appropriate load. The cushioning element may be formed from a soft, easily deformable elastic or visco-elastic cushioning media. As a force is exerted against the cushioning element generally parallel to a column, the cushioning media may compress, and eventually the walls of the column may buckle. This equalizes pressure across the contact area of the object being cushioned.

A multi-layer cushion having a shaped base on which is positioned a resilient, cushioning layer. The shaped base is constructed from a supportive foam and has front and lateral bolsters. The cushioning layer is an inflatable air cell cushion having a flexible base and an array of individual air cells arranged in rows across the flexible base. Rows of cells around the perimeter of the air cell cushion are configured to provide comfortable transition areas between the bolsters and the air cell cushion. The cushion includes a cover that has a lower compartment for the foam base and an upper compartment for the air cell layer. The cover functions to keep the air cell layer in place on the foam layer.

A therapeutic mattress system and bed are disclosed for providing a comprehensive system of pulmonary and skin care therapies for the critically ill, immobilized patient. The features provided include rotational therapy, percussion therapy and pulsation therapy on a critical care bed frame with a low air loss patient support, all of which are controlled with various types of feedback from particularized sensors in the bed.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically adjusting patient platform support height in response to patient related events. Sensor data is accessed from sensors that are monitoring a patient resting on a support platform that is a specified height above floor level. It is detected from the accessed input data that the patient is attempting to exit the patient support platform. The height of the support platform is lowered from the specified height to a lower height to reduce the potential fall distance of the patient in response to detecting that the patient is attempting to exit the support platform. In some embodiments, a support platform is rapidly lowered to essentially floor level in a controlled manner.

A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

A trim cover for use with a vehicle seat having an air bag includes an outer layer. The outer layer includes a front portion having first and second ends. The outer layer further includes first and second bolster portions connected to the first and second ends, respectively, and an intermediate portion connected to the first and second bolster portions at first and second bolster seams, respectively. The first bolster seam is configured to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. A first reinforcement panel is positioned adjacent the first bolster portion. The first reinforcement panel has a first end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first end of the front portion, and a second end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first bolster seam. A second reinforcement panel is positioned adjacent the intermediate portion. The second reinforcement panel has one end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first bolster seam, and an opposite end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the second bolster seam. The reinforcement panels are configured to reinforce the outer layer during deployment of the air bag so that the air bag deploys through the first bolster seam.

A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided. A rotation monitoring system and temperature control system of the patient support apparatus are provided. A display activation system is also provided.

According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. The bed also includes a lower portion configured to support the upper portion and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion. In some arrangements, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device.

A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

An operating table including at least three elements which are moveable in relation to each other; at least two actuators, each controlling displacement of two elements in relation to the other; a controller which drives each actuator; a sensor to detect a risk of collision of one of the elements with an obstacle when executing a displacement request of a first actuator; a controller which determines a corrective command order of a second actuator different from the first actuator upon detecting a risk of collision, wherein execution of the corrective command order by the second actuator causes cessation of the detected risk of collision upon subsequent execution of the displacement request of the first actuator; and a display to view the corrective command order.

According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. The bed also includes a lower portion configured to support the upper portion and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion. In some arrangements, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device.

A chair includes a control housing, a seat and a back support including an upwardly extending upright portion and a link portion extending forwardly from a lower portion of the upright portion. The link portion is pivotally connected to the control housing about a first pivot axis. The seat is connected to the link portion and is pivotable relative thereto. A linkage is coupled to the seat and is pivotally connected to the control housing at a second pivot axis positioned rearwardly and downwardly from the first pivot axis.

A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a support structure having a top side configured to support the cushion member, a bottom side and an interior space generally located between the top side and the bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of the support structure generally facing in opposite directions, a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system. The fluid temperature regulation system includes a fluid transfer device, a thermoelectric device and a conduit system generally configured to transfer a fluid from the fluid transfer device to the thermoelectric device. The fluid temperature regulation system is configured to receive a volume of fluid and deliver it to the flow conditioning member and the topper member.

An improved comfort product that uses an airflow through a heat exchanger and into the comfort product to selectively heat or cool an occupant has a support layer contacting and supporting a channel layer. The channel layer has at least one channel with an opening to accept air. The channel layer contacts and supports an engineered distribution layer that has numerous small holes making it air permeable. The engineered distribution layer contacts and supports an air permeable comfort layer that is of such size and shape to support an occupant of the comfort product. The comfort product also has a heat exchanger assembly for supplying heated or cooled air to the opening in the channel. The heat exchanger assembly includes an air intake having an intake fan, an exhaust outlet and a heat exchanger for selectively heating or cooling air flowing through the heat exchanger resulting in selectively heated or cooled supply air and exhaust air. The intake fan forces air through the heat exchanger where some of the air is selectively heated or cooled to be supplied to the comfort product and some air is used as exhaust air (to remove the unwanted heat if the supplied air is cooled or to warm the exhaust side of the heat exchanger if the supply air is warmed.). The selectively heated or cooled supply air then moves through the channels in the channel layer and the exhaust air exits through the exhaust vent. The selectively heated or cooled supply air then moves through the engineered distribution layer where the numerous small holes diffuse the air and then the selectively heated or cooled air then moves through the comfort layer where the air is further diffused and where the selectively heated or cooled air can selectively heat or cool an occupant of the comfort product.

A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and / or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

An improved gelatinous elastomer is disclosed which uses an A-B-A triblock copolymer having a molecular weight in the range of 125,000 to 175,000, or about 150,000, and a plasticizer.

In one embodiment, the digital bed system is comprised of an array of support cells. Each support cells is capable of communicating with a controller and increasing and decreasing in firmness in response to commands issued by a controller. The support cells are operatively connected to a communication channel that is also connected to a controller. The controller is capable of receiving data from the support cells and is also capable of issuing commands to each of the support cells. The controller is programmed issue commands to increase or decrease the firmness of individual support cells within the support cells.

A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a support structure having a top side configured to support the cushion member, a bottom side and an interior space generally located between the top side and the bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of the support structure generally facing in opposite directions, a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system. The fluid temperature regulation system includes a fluid transfer device, a thermoelectric device and a conduit system generally configured to transfer a fluid from the fluid transfer device to the thermoelectric device. The fluid temperature regulation system is configured to receive a volume of fluid and deliver it to the flow conditioning member and the topper member.

A bed foundation is provided which is constructed of blow-molded plastic and may be assembled without using tools. The components of the bed foundation all have lengths of less than 60 inches and may be packaged together in a container having a length less than 60 inches and a girth less than 84 inches, so as to avoid shipping penalties. The components are constructed and arranged to allow disassembly and storage when the foundation is not in use. One embodiment provides a bed foundation that, when assembled, has a top panel which overhangs the side rails to permit an oversized mattress to be placed thereon. Additionally, bed legs are provided that are configured to mate with contours in the foundation.

A foam mattress includes a reticulated, viscoelastic foam that makes up the mattress in whole or in part. The reticulated nature of the viscoelastic foam allows a user to enjoy the benefits of softness and conformability of a viscoelastic foam and also an improved breathability. The foam mattress may include a plurality of zones of foam and / or a plurality of layers of foam, where one of the layers may be reticulated urethane for improved breathability and humidity resistance, as well as heat dissipation.

A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

A seat portion or a backrest portion of seating assembly comprises a recessed area or wide groove along its exterior surface. The recessed area can be configured to receive a spacer (e.g., spacer fabric, member, module, etc.) that helps maintains the spatial and structural integrity of the recessed area. In addition, a scrim layer can be positioned over the spacer fabric to help direct and / or distribute air or other fluid to an exterior surface of the seating assembly. The recessed area can also be configured to receive one or more films, occupant sensory devices, comfort layers, scrims, temperature sensors, heating devices and / or the like.

A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint.

A multiple convective cushion seating and sleeping system for providing temperature modified air to multiple surfaces, such as a seating surface and a sleeping surface, with the same air cooling or heating source. The invention includes the use of tubular spacer material including tubular spacer fabric. A power unit including a heat pump and blower is in fluid communication with a first convective cushion by a first duct and with a second convective cushion by a second duct to provide the temperature modified air to both convective cushions for controllably heating or cooling multiple users. A thermoelectric heat pump, a Stirling cycle heat pump or other type of heat pump can be used. The invention includes the use or one or more valves to control the air flow to one or more of the convective cushions and provides for manual operation, electronic control and operation by a remote telecommunications unit. The invention can be utilized in vehicles, such as tractor trailers and recreational vehicles, and in buildings such as apartments, dorm rooms and houses.

A breathable seat comprises a seat body formed of urethane foam, a three-dimensional network cushion body incorporated in that region of the seat body which bears a user's body, a seat cover having breathability, and a pan frame. The cushion body is formed of a large number of continuous linear elements of thermoplastic resin. The linear elements are looped windingly so that their respective contact portions are fused together. The seat body is formed having venting holes that penetrate the urethane foam in its thickness direction. The venting holes communicate with the cushion body and apertures of the pan frame. The seat cover envelops the seat body and the cushion body.

Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for controlling humidity (i.e., moisture) within and / or adjacent a coverlet associated with a multi-layer air mattress. Humidity sensors may be incorporated at selected locations within the coverlet and coupled to a controller that is configured to provide a closed-loop control signal to vary air flow rate through the coverlet to control the rate of moisture adjustment, such as removal. In part, present subject matter may include a combination of a Low-Air-Loss (LAL) topper, having a pair of humidity sensors, one of which is at an inlet to the LAL topper and the other of which is at a selected one of existing outlets of the LAL topper. Air flow through the LAL topper is kept constant, in accordance with its basic operation, while the two humidity sensors are part of a closed-loop feedback control system, which adjusts the humidity of the air being input at the inlet. Additionally portions of a closed-loop feedback control system may depend on the sensed rate of change of moisture, to facilitate more rapid response to changing moisture conditions. Separately, and not as part of the control feedback loop, a temperature sensor may be provided for simply indicating the temperature of the air relative to the LAL topper.

A ventilated vehicle seat includes a porous upper surface layer, a resinous film non-porous first layer, a non-porous second layer, and a spacer layer. The resinous film non-porous first layer is beneath the upper surface layer and includes ventilation holes. The spacer layer is between the non-porous layers for providing cushioning and for ensuring airflow in lateral, longitudinal and perpendicular directions, even when the seat is occupied. The spacer layer is fixed in position between the first layer and the second layer for preventing slipping of the spacer layer.

A cushion that is heated convectively using a positive coefficient of resistance type resistive heating element that is provided with heat exchanging surfaces, includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module preferably includes a PTC type heating element in conduction with a base plate and a number of heat exchanger fins. Preferably the heating element is sandwiched between a pair of the base plates and the heat exchanger fins, and there is a seal between the base plates to minimize air flow from the blower from passing there between. A remote control for the user's convenience may be provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication between the remote control and controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion is able to control the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface. The invention advantageously replaces the current carrying, conductive wires and insulation found inside prior art heated mattresses, enhancing safety and performance while at the same time offering a cooled or ventilated capability.