Chin Support Patents (Class 297/392)
  • Patent number: 11938051
    Abstract: Cervical collars, components thereof, and methods of using them overcome issues with conventional cervical collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Alexis Doty, Tara VandenBerg, Robert Bejarano, Kevin Patrick Larmer, J. Andrew Moulds, Jeffrey M. Mullally, Paul J. Klock
  • Patent number: 11827174
    Abstract: A cushion apparatus for attachment to a rigid structure having an edge includes an elongated structure and a securing mechanism. The elongated structure is formed of a soft material and has a channel/slot/groove along its length that is configured to receive a portion of the rigid structure that includes the edge. The securing mechanism is configured to secure the elongated structure to the rigid structure. The securing mechanism may be integrated with the elongated structure and configured to removably secure the elongated structure to the rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Albert D. Massi
  • Patent number: 10932971
    Abstract: A neck collar can include a unitary foam pillow having extending from a first side first and second collar straps that extend opposite one another and terminate in respective distal ends separated by a space having a first distance in a relaxed state. The neck collar can also include an elastically deformable spring member embedded in the unitary foam pillow, the elastically deformable spring member being generally C-shaped in the relaxed state and having portions extending into both of the first and second collar straps. The elastically deformable spring member can be deformed such that the first distance is increased to a second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Carla Stokesbary
  • Patent number: 10548794
    Abstract: A surgical head support device. A head cushion supports the patient's head while the patient is lying in the prone position during surgery. An air conditioning unit is adjacent to the head cushion and provides temperature control to the head cushion. A camera is positioned for viewing the patient's face as the patient is lying in the prone position on the head cushion. A secretion container is positioned to collect discharge from the patient's nose and mouth as the patient is lying in the prone position on the head cushion. A support platform is positioned under the head cushion and provides support for the head cushion, the camera and the secretion container. A height adjustment device is positioned under the support platform and is utilized to adjust the height of the head cushion for the safety and comfort of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventors: An Vu, Anderson Vu
  • Patent number: 10238945
    Abstract: A two part device for teaching a wearer to maintain a neutral head position while performing an action, like a gymnastics move. The device comprises a top part having a flat top surface and a thickness that is shaped to curve around the neck of a wearer and a bottom part shaped like a wedge which is securely connected to the top part on one end while the opposing end presses into the sternum or chest area of a wearing when the top part is positioned around the neck. The device is placed around the neck and pressed against the sternum or chest area of a user to ensure the wearer's head is in a neutral position. If the wearer performs the action and the device remains in place, the wearer knows that their head remained in a neutral position during the entire action, providing instant feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Val Balent, Yuri Kostovetskiy, Mikhail Nasikan
  • Patent number: 9956895
    Abstract: Apparatus, devices, systems, and methods for clamping a length adjustable hook on a portable headrest with chin support to a top or side of a seat back, which is both adjustable and foldable to be portable for ease in transport. The horizontal chin rest pivotally attached to the bottom of a vertical member allows a sitting person's head to be supported in an upright position, while restricting movement both forward and side to side. The headrest can have telescoping vertical members which are length adjustable for different sized users. The chin support can have a cushion that is rotatable at different increments for comfort. The cushion can be slotted to allow the vertical member to be placed inside the slotted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: John Hungerford
  • Patent number: 9888793
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a travel pillow for sleeping in a vertical or near-vertical reclined position. When sleeping in these positions, gravity tends to pull the head forward of the shoulders causing it to droop. The current state of the art travel pillow does not provide a support means to counter this forward drooping tendency. Moreover, its rear support displaces the cervical spine forward, further increasing the tendency for the head to slump forward. The present invention holds a resting head in an upright and stable position to prevent forward head drooping and does so without forwardly displaying the cervical spine. The five novel elements of the present invention are integrally configured to maintain a healthy alignment between the occipital bone of the head, the cervical spine of the neck, and the thoracic spine of the upper back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Cedric Thelonious Macillian Walker
  • Patent number: 9855874
    Abstract: A device to support a passenger in a vehicle, where that device includes a U-shaped frame having a member extending outwardly from a first end of said frame, a securing mechanism extending outwardly from the frame to engage a portion of a passenger seat in the vehicle, and a cushion attached to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Carlos Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9855182
    Abstract: The physiotherapeutic device provides periodic upward pulling to a user's legs by driving a sliding member back and forth within a shaft. The sliding member is joined to a suspension member where the user's legs are suspended in handle rings of the suspension member. As the sliding member moves downward, a cushion member provides safe and smooth relaxation to the user's spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Shan-Lau Chou
  • Patent number: 9586529
    Abstract: A headrest hook hanger that clamps to a headrest rod with a hook is attach to a stand that holds upright a dual hook and the stand can rotate at any angle and the elongated clamp has a series of groves for the rod to fit into different position on the clamp and a latch at the end of the clamp holds the two sides of the clamp together and the handle locks the clamp down. The headrest hook hanger mounts to the side of a headrest inside a car, truck, and suv allows the drivers and passenger to hang their hats, caps, coat, and jacket along the side of the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Roy C Sanchez, Marnel Estepa
  • Patent number: 9434283
    Abstract: A cushion optionally includes an interface for support on a surface and a head supporting section and a neck positioning section. The head support may include a U-shaped outwardly bowed ledge for supporting an occipital bone and/or a temporal bone. The head support may include a wall for blocking lateral movement of a temple. For example the pillow may be ready to use without reshaping by a user, for example having a substantially fixed shaped. The pillow may supply superior support and/or anterior support to a head and/or support the head from rotating forward and/or laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Amos Spalter
  • Patent number: 9408471
    Abstract: A sleeping aid device for use when a person is in a seated position, which may provide support for one side of the person's head and/or neck in a semi-lateral direction toward one shoulder through a pillow having a filled shape adapted to rest on the shoulder and support the side of the head, and a counterweight sling strap that goes across the body, connected to the pillow, forming a loop for holding the person's forearms. The sling strap may have a length sufficient to allow both forearms when crossed to be rested on its looped length, and a width sufficient to form a sling to stably support both forearms crossed thereon. The length of the sling strap may be adjusted for better balance in holding the person's forearms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AOREN ENDEAVORS LLC
    Inventor: Aran Higa
  • Patent number: 9357864
    Abstract: A pillow includes a torso cushion tapering from a top end to a bottom end. A torso support surface extends from the top end to the bottom end of the torso cushion. A back surface joins to the bottom end of the torso cushion at a first elevation angle between the back surface and the support surface. A head cushion attaches to the top end of the torso cushion. The head cushion includes a back surface joined to the back surface of the torso cushion, a first angled surface joined to the back surface of the head cushion at a second elevation angle, and a second angled surface joined to the back surface of the head cushion at a third elevation angle. The first angled surface and the second angled surface join to one another along a crest extending from the top end of said torso cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Gino Campagna
  • Patent number: 9132027
    Abstract: An embodiment of an adjustable cervical collar system includes a collar body and a chin support structure assembled together, about respective pivots at opposed ends, for pivotal movement about a pivot axis so that the angle subtended by the collar body and chin support structure can be adjusted. The collar body and chin support structure can be locked in a selected position by a locking mechanism. A release mechanism permits the wearer to release the locking mechanism using one hand, and the angular position of the chin support structure relative to the collar body is changed manually. When the release mechanism is released, the locking mechanism automatically locks the chin support in the new position. A neck strap is detachable from the chin support structure and the collar body, and its length is also adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne A Calco
  • Patent number: 8985693
    Abstract: An upright sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the eyes, nose, mouth and chin of a passenger placing his or her face against the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment, sleeves that open in front to support the passengers arms, and a chest cushion on the back of the device. The chest cushion receives the passenger's chest in a forward leaning position. The head cushion is deployable from a backpack and the chest cushion is integrated into the back of the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William J. Purpura, Paula K. Purpura
  • Patent number: 8888187
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable head and neck rest device supporting the side of the neck and head while mounted on a vehicle or automobile sears head rest. It uses a cylindrical support bar and cushion to support the side of the neck and head. The supports are made adjustable by the pivoting motion of the cylindrical support bar about a pivoting pin and about a threaded rod. The device is securely fastened to the existing pillars of a sears head rest with the use of a threaded ā€˜Vā€™ or ā€˜Lā€™ shaped damp. Installation and removal of the device from an automobile seat head rest requires no external tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Alan A. Albino
  • Patent number: 8814106
    Abstract: An embodiment is a travel head support to support a traveler's head as, for example, they sleep while sitting substantially upright. By supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may increase the comfort, quality, and restfulness of the traveler's sleep. In particular, by supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may substantially prevent the embarrassment and/or sleep interruption of one or more hypnic jerks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Leo Aguilera
  • Patent number: 8783776
    Abstract: An inflatable comfort means for a child car seat includes a pair of inflatable pillows each of which further comprises a cover and a fastening means. The pillows each comprise a kidney-shaped pillow with a soft exterior which provides comfort to a child occupying the child car seat. The fastening means comprises a pair of fabric strips provided with fasteners in order to allow the strips to removably attach to the straps of the child car seat and to removably secure the pillow in place. The inflating means is a user-activated means to inflate and deflate the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Wade Perkins
  • Patent number: 8708414
    Abstract: A travel headrest comprises a right side and a left side. The right side of the headrest includes a right side occipital support portion and a right side mandible portion which extends outwardly from the right side occipital support portion. When a person leans against the right side occipital portion the right side mandible support portion exerts a force against the person's mandible and thereby provides support to the mandible. The left side of the headrest includes a left side occipital support portion and a left side mandible portion which extends outwardly from the left side occipital support portion. When a person leans against the left side occipital portion the left side mandible support portion exerts a force against the person's mandible and thereby provides support to the mandible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Stanley Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 8528978
    Abstract: A sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the nose and chin of a passenger placing his face against the head cushion and a chest cushion attached to the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment. The chest cushion receives the passenger's chest in a forward leaning position. Suspension arms are attached to the hinged support structure and extend over the passenger's shoulders for attachment to a seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William J. Purpura, Paula K. Purpura
  • Patent number: 8469032
    Abstract: An airway positioning device facilitates the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head during anesthesia. A flat base supports a supine patient's head. A pair of rails slope downward from a first end of the base to a second end of the base. A track mounts with at least one of the rails. At least one adjustable support arm movably mounts with the track via a locking coupling device at an end of the arm distal to the patient's head. A patient engaging member mounted with an end of the arm proximal to the patient's head supports the patient's head in a desired position during an operation or procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy J. Farnum
  • Patent number: 8172328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removable suspended device which serves as both a head rest and a head restraint for the passenger of a vehicle. The invention is essentially characterized in that the device is suspended in space such that it can move without any direct contact being established between the supporting area and the seat, thereby maintaining the vertical position of both the head and the neck. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a rigid suspension element (6) which is generally secured to the highest part (7) of a seat and from which the main body (MB) of the device is suspended. The lower occipital region of the head is supported by the lower area of the main body of the device (2). The head is further restrained by means of a front area (4) restricting forward movement and two vertical side areas restricting side movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Siesta Systems, S.A.
    Inventor: Javier Ferro MontĆ­u
  • Patent number: 8011731
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable head cradle for use by a seated user on an upwardly-facing top surface of a support that has a peripheral edge around the top surface. The portable head cradle includes a support structure configured to be placed on the top surface of the support and shaped and dimensioned for overlying engagement by a seated person's head. The support structure has a first substantially rigid portion and a second substantially rigid portion, the first substantially rigid portion and the second substantially rigid portion joined along at least one edge by a substantially flexible portion. A cradle portion is substantially inverted-U shaped when viewed by a user and dimensioned for engagement by the user at the forehead and cheeks of the user. At least one hook is extendable from the support structure and configured to engage the peripheral edge of the upwardly-facing top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas James Goddu
  • Patent number: 8007044
    Abstract: A headrest for baby to be used in baby seats and car seats is disclosed. The headrest includes two conjoined soft hands which are joined to the wrist at some angle to form wide U or boat shape. The head of the baby rest into the soft conjoined hands and the chin resting on the middle/center joining part of the hands of the headrest stopping the unwanted forward movement of the head. Cheeks and temples of the baby rests on palm and fingers of the hands which stop unwanted side to side movement of the head Headrest has straps attached at the outer layer/back side of the conjoined hand and strap's other end is attached to the baby seat with the fastening system to hold the headrest in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventors: Megha Dubey, Neelesh K Sharma
  • Patent number: 7958582
    Abstract: A travel pillow includes a U-shaped cushion formed of a pair of spaced side panels, each having a front end, a rear end, a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface of each side panel has an upwardly-inclined front portion that extends to a concave, downwardly-facing shoulder indention, proximal the rear end. Interconnecting the front ends of the side panels is a substantially-tubular cross member having a contoured upper surface that nudges the head rearwardly toward a seat backrest when engaged by a falling chin. On the rear end of each side panel is a fastener for engaging a mating fastener positioned on a passenger seat backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Scamardo
  • Patent number: 7909406
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is securely supported resting apparatus that includes a resting platform sufficient to support the leaning weight of the user and a configuration of straps to provide support in a limited or enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Leif-Erik A. Samuelsen
  • Patent number: 7883150
    Abstract: A portable and self storing head and neck support having a horseshoe shaped portion filled with batting material attached at the top to a rectangular shaped portion having closed sides and a continuous open interior resulting in an open end opposite the point of attachment to the horseshoe shaped portion with an internal strap secured at the closed sides said strap incorporating an elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Laura D. Grenier
  • Patent number: 7784871
    Abstract: An occupational support chair system and method that provides frontal support to a user. The support chair system includes a lower support frame composed of a dual section hydraulic frame and an upper support frame. The upper support frame can be configured as a spinal column associated with a number of individual locking segments. The upper support frame further includes a breast support and a removable chin support in order to provide frontal support to the user. An adjustable swivel seat can be attached to the upper support frame to relieve stress and fatigue stemming from prolonged periods of standing. The support chair system further includes a stabilizing base segment, which comprises retractable wheels and a housing for batteries, electrical and computer components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis Cochran
  • Patent number: 7500279
    Abstract: A sleep device for use in a seated position comprises a hollow shaped body formed from a resilient polymer having a plurality of sidewalls extending generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis, a top surface centered about the central axis, the top surface being adapted to receive the chin of a user, a recess intermediate the top surface and the plurality of sidewalls, and an annular bottom edge. A base is formed from the resilient polymer having a bottom surface, a vertical wall extending from the base, and a radial flange. The base is fastened to the body annular bottom edge by for example an adhesive or other suitable fastening means. In some embodiments, the body and base are fastened to create an airtight seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Elfrem Jackson
  • Patent number: 7393057
    Abstract: A portable headrest apparatus engages a top of a chair with a U-shaped bracket sized for clamping onto the chair top. The bracket provides a quick-release clamp holding a telescoping rod extending downwardly. An adjustable elbow joint at a downwardly terminal end of the rod enabled rotation of a support arm extending to a head rest mounting plate which is pivotally engaged with the support arm. A head rest cushion is removably attached to the head rest mounting plate which is thus able to be positioned for comfortably resting one's head in almost any position desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Lorraine Fraser
  • Publication number: 20070222269
    Abstract: The child's head support is adapted to support the head of the child seated in a car seat. The head support has a head and body taking the form of a plush animal. The top of the head provides a resting surface for the chin of a toddler, alleviating strain on the toddler's neck when the toddler leans forward to sleep or rest. The ears of the head support contain a flexible frame allowing the ears to be shaped to cradle the toddler's head. The cradling ears limit side-to-side motion of the toddler's head. A pair of legs attached to the head support is adapted to lie beneath/above the legs of the toddler, providing support for the head support. The legs contain a flexible frame, allowing the legs to be shaped to fit beneath the child's legs. An internal, adjustable length central frame provides support for the overall device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Tara J. Stoeckel, Brent A. Stoeckel
  • Patent number: 7055908
    Abstract: A head support system for supporting the user's head in an at least generally upright disposition, while the user, for example, naps or sleeps or otherwise rests while traveling sitting in a seat. The head support element (1) interfaces with the underside of and, preferably, up and around the front of the chin, i.e., the mental proturberance with its central clef, and underneath the user's chin and from side-to-side of and along side the chin, i.e., the mandible body, in ā€œface-to-faceā€ surface engagement over a relatively large area, essentially forming a supportive cup for the chin, with a self-supporting but soft, solid block of molded, supportive material having an oblong shape with a reduced sized central portion (10) for hand grasping, with its angled, flat bottom (31) resting centrally on the central upper chest area of the user, preferably over and across the manubrium sterni area, with an anchoring strap (41) positioned, for example, around and about the back of the user's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Don C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6973691
    Abstract: A portable, elongated support pillow that when propped between the chin and lap of the user limits both head and torso movements caused by resting or sleeping while sitting in an upright position. The pillow is a single unit having a top contour, a bottom contour and a center section. The top contour is a crescent shaped headrest that cradles the chin and face, the bottom contour conforms to the top of the user's thigh, and the center section connects the top contour to the bottom contour. The top and bottom sections have a wider width than the center section giving the pillow an hourglass-shape. The support pillow is encased in a cover having sling style pockets, adapted to accommodate a user's arms or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Lora May Cordova, Richard Patrick Cordova
  • Patent number: 6811222
    Abstract: This invention discloses a chin and head support device or brace enabling the head to move at will while allowing a rest at the chin and while supporting the weight of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Cynthia K. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6789851
    Abstract: A child's sleep collar for use with a child safety seat that includes a pair of collar supports, forming a left and a right collar support. Each of the collar supports has a body, an attachment end, and a coupling end. The attachment end includes an attachment strap and is designed to attach respectively to a left or right belt positioning clip of a child safety seat. The coupling end of each collar support forms a generally planar surface and has a left or right collar fastener respectively attached to the planar surface. Each of the collar fasteners is designed to releasably engage the other collar fastener. When the collar fasteners are attached, the left planar surface faces the right planar surface. The body of each collar support includes a cushion fill material and is preferably tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Carol J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6758526
    Abstract: A child's headrest for baby seats and car seats is disclosed. The headrest generally includes a base pad adapted to receive the child's head and rest over the seat. Two side cushions are connected to the base pad and generally run along the child's temples, cheeks and shoulders, and interconnect under the child's chin. The headrest provides support against side to side and forward motion of the child's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Sherri Marbutt
  • Patent number: 6721978
    Abstract: A head bed having a head cushion adapted to extend in an inclined position on the upwardly-facing top surface of a support adjacent an edge of the support, and an upper torso cushion adapted to hang down across the edge of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Harry Tankersley
  • Patent number: 6641221
    Abstract: An improved head and neck support pillow is presented that is light-weight, washable, and can be attached to a standard child's safety seat. The pillow is designed to support a child's head and neck while the child is in the seat and the vehicle is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Maribel Kastlunger
  • Publication number: 20030038520
    Abstract: A child's headrest for baby seats and car seats is disclosed. The headrest generally includes a base pad adapted to receive the child's head and rest over the seat. Two side cushions are connected to the base pad and generally run along the child's temples, cheeks and shoulders, and interconnect under the child's chin. The headrest provides support against side to side and forward motion of the child's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Sherri Marbutt
  • Patent number: 6523901
    Abstract: A child's sleep collar for use with a child safety seat that includes a pair of collar supports, forming a left and a right collar support. Each of the collar supports has a body, an attachment end, and a coupling end. The attachment end includes an attachment strap and is designed to attach respectively to a left or right belt positioning dip of a child safety seat. The coupling end of each collar support forms a generally planar surface and has a left or right collar fastener respectively attached to the planar surface. Each of the collar fasteners is designed to releasably engage the other collar fastener. When the collar fasteners are attached, the left planar surface faces the right planar surface. The body of each collar support includes a cushion fill material and is preferably tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Carol J Smith
  • Publication number: 20020043859
    Abstract: A child's sleep collar for use with a child safety seat that includes a pair of collar supports, forming a left and a right collar support. Each of the collar supports has a body, an attachment end, and a coupling end. The attachment end includes an attachment strap and is designed to attach respectively to a left or right belt positioning clip of a child safety seat. The coupling end of each collar support forms a generally planar surface and has a left or right collar fastener respectively attached to the planar surface. Each of the collar fasteners is designed to releasably engage the other collar fastener. When the collar fasteners are attached, the left planar surface faces the right planar surface. The body of each collar support includes a cushion fill material and is preferably tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Carol J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6219865
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a head support that is comfortably resilient and adjustable to fit around the neck and under the lower jaw of the wearer to support the head in a generally erect posture enabling the wearer to relax, and perhaps sleep, while stabilizing the head to permit, for example, coiffuring and drying the hair without active participation or attentiveness on the part of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Carla R. Stokesbary
  • Patent number: 6116691
    Abstract: A head support pillow formed of a visco-elastic foam that is securable to a car seat, baby carrier, or the like that includes a number of support surfaces for maintaining the head of a user in an upright position by providing support to the back of the head, the left and right sides of the head and the chin. The head support pillow also includes a cervical support portion for supporting the cervical spine in a comfortable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Jennifer S. Reece
  • Patent number: 5975638
    Abstract: A dual unit to gently and user adjustably support a user's head from slumping either too much forward or too much to either side while allowing proper air circulation for user comfort when the user is in an upright position with the unit releaseably held to a chair back is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin E. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5971890
    Abstract: A chin and neck exercising device made from foam and which may be in the shape of a ball is disclosed. One half of the ball may be made from one type of foam and the other half of the ball may be made from another type of foam. In this way, different resistance is provided to the person using the device. The device also has a side which is cut-out so that the device is contoured to fit under the person's chin and rest on his or her neck and clavicle. The cut-out area is covered with fabric so as to provide a better grip and to prevent perspiration from contacting the ball. Various exercises may performed by the person in order to tone and strengthen his or her chin and neck muscles. While the device has been described as being formed in the shape of a ball, other sizes and shapes may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Philip J. Tyne
  • Patent number: 5934754
    Abstract: A pet head rest that is attachable to the top edge of an automobile passenger side or driver side window. The head rest provides a cushioned support for a dog to rest its head when extending same outside of the automobile window. The head rest includes an elongate U-shaped cushioned body having opposing ends and a pair of generally parallel side edges which extend between opposing ends and extend the entire length of the cushion body to define a slot opening for receiving the top edge of the automobile window. A clipping mechanism is provided for biasing the side edges of the cushion body inwardly for releasably mounting the head rest to the top edge of the automobile window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Christina Raffa
  • Patent number: 5645319
    Abstract: An inflatable pillow on which passengers seated in rows of forward-facing seats may lean forward, rest their heads, and relax. The pillow's shape, once inflated, is predetermined to substantially occupy the space in front of such passengers. In one embodiment, the predetermined shape includes faces that fit snugly against a support means, such as a tray table, and abuts against a vertical restraint, such as the back of the seat in front. The predetermined shape nonetheless allows the vertical restraint to recline towards the pillow without causing the pillow to move. In another embodiment, the predetermined shape includes a plurality of flexibly connected cells that may be folded to form a shape that substantially occupies the available space while still allowing the seat in front to recline. A means is also included to inflate the pillow optionally with air supply from an external climate control near the passenger such as an air conditioning vent, where such an external climate control is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Robert R. Parks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5633286
    Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity oriented and non-oriented gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) or poly(styrene-ethylene-proplene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5508334
    Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are fromed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5336708
    Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen