Patents Examined by Nicholas Polito
  • Patent number: 9913551
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for covering padded home décor insert forms by means of securing fabric or other pliable materials around or to said inserts using magnets to clasp the fabric or other pliable material around a padded insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Jean M. Baker
  • Patent number: 9848798
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus configured to actively assist the support, positioning, or support and positioning of a patient on a patient support apparatus is provided. The positioning apparatus includes a sliding bearing unit to allow the positioning apparatus to be supported in a movable manner on the patient support apparatus, and a bearing unit with at least two bearing regions. At least a first of the at least two bearing regions is configured to support and/or provide support on the patient support apparatus, and at least a second of the at least two bearing regions is configured to assist the positioning of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Yvonne Candidus, Daniel Driemel, Hubertus Fischer, Wolfgang Kraus, Thomas Kundner, Martin Zigann, Stephan Zink
  • Patent number: 9833080
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lateral recumbency back support designed to support various portions of the body generally comprising a contoured and flexible foam wedge design allowing flexibility at all points along the length of same and having sufficient firmness to provide support for the desired portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis Ray
  • Patent number: 9833369
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patient support systems, such as hospital beds, and particularly to reconfigurable patient support systems movable among a number of different positions. The present disclosure further relates to control algorithms and interfaces for use in patient support systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Darrell Borgman, Timothy Joseph Receveur, Gregory W. Branson, Sandy Mark Richards, Howard J. Boyd, David W. Hornbach, Robert Mark Zerhusen, James Maurice Allen, Jennifer Fearing, Mark S. Chiacchira, Jonathan D. Turner, Mark Lanning, Aziz A. Bhai
  • Patent number: 9820905
    Abstract: The present invention includes a bed sheet having one or more features to accommodate a user's grasp whereby to assist the user in safely lifting a patient with the bed sheet. The invention further includes a hoist system configured to raise and lower the bed sheet via the one or more features to accommodate a user's grasp. The one or more grasping features of the bed sheet may include handles that are secured to the bed sheet using an integrated webbing that allows the bed sheet to be used to transport patients from one location to another, such as from a gurney to a hospital bed. An integrated webbing of the bed sheet strengthens an interface between handles and a top portion of the bed sheet so that patients of substantial weight can be transported via the bed sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Science Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Bullock
  • Patent number: 9820593
    Abstract: A plurality of interlocking stackable foam pillow segments together with a head and neck support and an elongated generally cylindrical resilient neck support member. The pillow segments are generally rectangular defining interlocking members which facilitate the stacking and interlock of the pillow segments in a vertical stack. The head and neck support defines a pillow resting surface and a head resting surface. The head resting surface further defines an ear clearance cavity surrounded by a face support surface. The head and neck support further includes a flexible mesh fabric ear coupling having an outer edge joined to and surrounding the face support surface and encircling the ear-receiving cavity. The ear-receiving cavity is sized to receive the user's ear into the ear coupling and is elastically constricted to close upon the user's ear between the ear and head surface to captivate the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Adams
  • Patent number: 9814639
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively supporting a section (9) of an articulated bed platform in a raised position relative to a frame of the bed includes a stay (11) having engagement member (13) which is able to reciprocate in a guide (15) provided on the frame. Locking means allow the engagement member (13) to be selectively engaged, such that the engagement member (13) either reciprocates in the guide (15), or is prevented from doing so. When the engagement member (13) is engaged, the stay (11) can support the bed section (9) in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Hollyoak, Robert Hugh Jones
  • Patent number: 9795529
    Abstract: An appliance for working with patients, includes an essentially sheet-like basic structure and includes as a combination a layer (1) lying against the base, which slides well in one direction and poorly in another, a support layer (2) permitting lifting, and a moisture-absorbent layer (4), which is equipped with a protective layer (3) impermeable to moisture. It also includes handle parts (7) permitting gripping, on at least two sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MEDIMATTRESS OY
    Inventor: Juha Lehtio
  • Patent number: 9795222
    Abstract: Convertible seat which can be located in public places which seat comprises a seat part (1) and aback rest (3) in which case the back rest (3) can be turned in relation to the seat part (1), mechanism (9) in order to convert the seat essentially into a horizontal plane to become a resting surface, equipment in order to secure the items of the user, equipment in order to collect the use charge and equipment in order to cover the seat which has been converted to become at least a resting surface to become at least a partly closed resting space in which case the equipment in order to cover the resting space comprises a covering device (16) with a standard width which can be moved from the back part of the seat forward which covering device comprises control elements (7) which are installed at the both sides of the seat to such height that a needed resting space is formed underneath the covering device (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SHORT REST SOLUTIONS OY
    Inventors: Jussi Piispanen, esko Koikkalainen
  • Patent number: 9782014
    Abstract: A folding mattress support system replaces a conventional bed frame with rails and the box spring. The mattress support system is lighter, easier to transport, and provides more storage space beneath the mattress. The mattress support system includes bed frame assemblies, central connecting bars, edge attachments, headboard attachments and a bed skirt. Leg supports fold out from the bed frame assemblies, which themselves unfold in the middle. Central connecting bars connect inner side edges of the bed frame assemblies. Plastic edge attachments are attached at outer corners of the bed frame assemblies and hold a bed skirt taut when the frame assemblies are standing on extended leg supports. A mattress is then placed on top of the assembled mattress support system. Optionally, metal edge attachments at the head corners hold both the bed skirt and a headboard. Alternatively, headboard attachments protrude from under the bed skirt and support a headboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Zinus Inc.
    Inventors: Youn Jae Lee, Suk Kan Oh
  • Patent number: 9782009
    Abstract: A body support bridge comprising a four panel hinged device with top plate capable of adjustable flexed mounting into a generally arched shape from a folded flat configuration. A top plate and front plate are covered with foam. A hinged adjustment plate engaged against adjustment tabs lifts and flexes the top plate into at least four different height levels for multiple functions, including lumbar support positioned between a user's back and the seat, thigh support positioned on a seat behind a user's knee, a foot rest with the device placed on the floor, and a head rest positioned with the front plate placed on a tray table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Everett Backer, Mona Dehshid
  • Patent number: 9775452
    Abstract: A pillow system includes a head pillow having a top end, a bottom end, and a connector disposed at the bottom end. A leg pillow has a top end, a bottom end, and sides extending between the top end and the bottom end. The leg pillow also includes a top connector at the top end, and a side connector at one of the sides. The connector of the head pillow is configured to be coupled to the top connector of the leg pillow. The pillow system also includes a torso pillow having a top end, a bottom end and two sides, and a connector disposed at one of the sides. The connector of the torso pillow is configured to be coupled to the side connector of the leg pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Boppy Company, LLC
    Inventors: Haley Gibbons, Eric Bradley Greene, Keith LaMar Poulson, Nancy Gale Hackett Harrison, Rachel Cynthia Carter
  • Patent number: 9770118
    Abstract: A changing carrier for a playard includes a frame used to be attached detachably to the top of the playard, and a fabric body wrapping around the frame to confine a receiving space within the frame. The frame includes a pair of brackets, each of which is adapted to be connected slidably and detachably to a respective one of two upper side rails of the playard. The frame is movable relative to the playard between a detached position, where each bracket is not connected to the respective upper side rails, and a stop position, where each bracket connects to the respective upper side rail and where the frame abuts against an upper end rail of the playard interconnecting the upper side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jonathan K. Mountz
  • Patent number: 9750349
    Abstract: This invention provides protection from mosquitoes for an individual lying on a bed. An articulated frame supports mosquito netting over the exposed flesh of the individual. The articulated frame is easily deployed and retracted by the individual while lying on the bed. In the retracted position the bed is fully accessible for making-up or changing the bedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: James R. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9750657
    Abstract: An accessory flat-top panel for use with a surgical table includes a board adapted to support a patient, a left attachment pylon coupled to the board, and a right attachment pylon coupled to the board. The left and right attachment pylons are each formed to include channels sized to receive a rail included in a surgical table. The width of the board between a left side and a right side of the board is greater than the width of a pair of rails included in a surgical table to support portions of a patient wider than pair of rails included in the support top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse S. Drake
  • Patent number: 9744088
    Abstract: An electric bed includes a base frame, a movable frame slidably disposed on the base frame and moveable backward and forward, a back frame having a rear end pivotally connected with the movable frame, and a driving member extendable and retractable in length, having a rear end pivotally connected with the movable frame and located below the rear end of the back frame, and a front end pivotally connected with the back frame. A linkage has a front end pivotally connected with the base frame, and a rear end pivotally connected with the back frame and located between the rear end of the back frame and the front end of the driving member. When the driving member extends longer, the back frame is rotated upwardly to enable the rear end of the back frame and the movable frame to horizontally move forward together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Chuan-Hang Shih
  • Patent number: 9737149
    Abstract: A height adjustable bed framework 12 includes a base frame 24, an elevatable frame 30, a lift chain 50 and a power module 52. The lift chain is connected to the base frame or the elevatable frame and the power module is connected to the other frame. The power module includes an energy converter such as an electric motor 90, a planetary gear train 110 driven by the energy converter and a chain driver, such as a sprocket 160, engaged with the lift chain and driven by the planetary gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Heidlage, David W. Hornbach, Stephen Hutchison
  • Patent number: 9730536
    Abstract: A pillow for sleeping on one's side that comfortably accommodates the user's shoulder by having an indentation at a middle section of the pillow. The indentation is created by a first interior face and a second interior face that tapers inwardly towards a center axis from lateral sides of the pillow. The first and second interior faces also taper from a top side towards the bottom side of the pillow. The indentation can be replicated on the opposite side so that the pillow can be reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Raymond F. Hall
  • Patent number: 9730535
    Abstract: A cover for rest supports such as pillow cases, seat cushions, headrests, armrests, bedding and pet bedding is disclosed with layered secure spare flaps. A plurality of spare flaps are attached in respective layers to the cover at an end of each flap and another end is successively folded around the cover and secured thereto to provide additional unused resting surfaces for a person or an animal. The spare flaps therefore provide multiple fresh resting surfaces between launderings. Embodied flaps may also be disposably detached from the cover to preclude launderings altogether. The layered flaps may include use indicia and be to secured to each other and a rest support cover via a fastener on a flap and a complementary fastener disposed respectively on the cover. Disclosed fasteners include thin magnets, hook and loop, grommet and tie, button and hole and ganged hole and post pairs and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Brent Thomas Martin
  • Patent number: 9724254
    Abstract: An adjustable bed having two bedframe halves and a gear hinge assembly for simultaneously translating the bedframe halves and for rotating one bedframe half. The gear hinge assembly is mounted to a carrier assembly that provides lateral movement and causes the bedframe halves to move from side to side. The gear hinge assembly includes an arm mounted to each bedframe half and a pair of nested cups, including gears, which are mounted to one of the arms. A pair of offset gear tracks interact with one of the gears at a time to cause the gear to rotate. When the gear rotates, the arm connected to the gear also rotates. The rotation of one arm and bedframe half occurs simultaneously with the translation of both bed halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Daryl L. Cole