JASPER, Ind., Sept. 2, 2025 – JSI has been awarded its second U.S. patent in just four weeks, reinforcing its leadership in human-centered innovation for healing environments. Today, the U.S. Patent Office officially granted U.S. Design Patent No. D1,091,167 for the Trans4rm™ system—a breakthrough feature of the Kindera recliner that enables safer, more seamless patient transfers, including for larger patients requiring lift systems.

When hospitals are built to be state of the art, shouldn’t the recliner, where patients spend hours of their recovery, be just as advanced? That belief drove JSI’s development of Kindera, a performance recliner designed to ease the work of caregivers while providing elevated comfort and dignity for patients.

The Trans4rm™ system allows either arm of the recliner to retract smoothly into the frame, creating a stable, unobtrusive platform for transfers. This eliminates the need for bolt-on components, while empowering caregivers to maintain natural eye contact and connection with patients during movement. The result: less stress for patients, fewer injuries for caregivers, and a better experience of care for both.

“Kindera brings forward the next generation of healthcare seating. It’s engineering excellence designed for the moments that matter most,” said Audrey Meyer, Healthcare and Education Market Strategist at JSI. “Hospitals are investing in smart technologies throughout their environments. We asked: why should the recliner be any less innovative? With Kindera, we’re reimagining comfort, functionality, and connection through a human-centered lens.”

Already recognized with a 2024 Nightingale Award, Kindera has been embraced by healthcare design leaders for its blend of comfort, durability, and thoughtful features. Highlights include: intuitive caregiver controls for recline, Trendelenburg, and mobility; optional integrated heat and power for infusion or long-term care; and cleanable surfaces with replaceable high-use parts that extend product life.

Developed in collaboration with noted healthcare designer Mike Shields, Kindera reflects a holistic design ethos. “Every detail of Kindera is about connection,” said Shields. “It’s about giving caregivers the right tools while making patients feel secure, respected, and at ease during care and recovery.”

This latest patent builds on JSI’s legacy of innovation that stretches back to one of the industry’s earliest patents in the 1890s. From the dust-free tambour curtain to modern-day breakthroughs like MagLinx™ and now the Trans4rm™ system. The common thread? Products designed for real people, in real environments, that make a real difference.