Simultaneous Support For Multiple Body Portions Patents (Class 5/632)
  • Patent number: 7441293
    Abstract: One embodiment comprises a set of three stacked cushions to support a lower shoulder and both extended arms of a patient in a lateral and semi-lateral position on a bed. A bottom cushion has a flat compressible surface to support the patient's lower shoulder and a middle cushion. Smaller middle and top cushions stack on the bottom cushion. The middle and top cushions each comprises a top surface with a furrow for support and access to the arms. In addition, the middle and top cushions have cut-off corners that provide access to the person's nasopharyngeal cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Singer Starr Stacker, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Joel Singer, Arthur Starr
  • Patent number: 7430774
    Abstract: A pillow comprises a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A padded attachment member is removably attached to the pillow body to adjust the vertical height of the pillow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Patent number: 7426762
    Abstract: Pillow (1) suitable for women's body, allowing an easy resting an easy resting to women's chest, keeping breasts separated therebetween and raised, unflattened by the body. The pillow has a donut shape additionally allowing an effective body side support, and it comprises: a substantially oval annular pillow main body (2), having a central opening allowing breast insertion and a resting surface (3) for the chest area surrounding the breast; a pillow secondary body (4) of elongate shape, located transversely to the opening of the main body (2) so as to position itself between the breasts, at the sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Cecilia Dazzi
  • Publication number: 20080222813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a body support pillow made and contoured to promote side lying to reduce snoring and negate the consequences of sleep apnea and symptoms. It consists of a body support pillow with integrated, semi-rigid yet flexible support for a person's head, back, and legs while lying on their side thereby encouraging either left or right side position sleeping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Aikman
  • Patent number: 7421749
    Abstract: A body support for medical applications comprising a main body piece, at least one expansion piece, and at least one, preferably two arm pieces, which may have their own expansion pieces. All of the pieces are preferably made of soft flexible materials. In one embodiment, the pieces are a soft cloth covering containing an internal cushion without an internal rigid frame. In an alternate embodiment the pieces are a soft cloth covering containing an internal cushion with an internal rigid frame. In yet another alternate embodiment, the pieces are a soft cloth covering containing a rigid or quasi-rigid internal frame and covered with a cushioning padding, such as foam rubber, batting or the like. The main body piece is of a generally triangular prismatic shape and has a single concavity in its front face, proximate the intersection of the front face and the back of the main body piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Hiatt Herschel
  • Patent number: 7415743
    Abstract: A child's bed is made of upper and lower wedge shaped sections providing a generally V-shaped bed. The upper and lower sections are unconnected to each other and are made of one or more wedge shaped members that are unconnected to each other. A fitted sheet holds the components together as a unit. An egg crate foam layer may be affixed to the lower section and draped over the upper section to improve stability. The incline of the upper and lower sections is adjustable by adding or removing one or more of the wedge shaped members. The low point of the V-shaped bed is disposed adjacent the knee of the sleeper so the person can sleep in a fetal position with the feet and lower leg preventing the sleeper from sliding down the incline of the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Horacio C. Rubio
  • Patent number: 7415741
    Abstract: A modular surgical patient positioner unit is formed by attaching a plastic linear extension board to a peg board by means of a perforated metal bridging plate. An elongated metal support bar is fastened along one side of the linear extension board for added strength and functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: IMP Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Wasley, James Bailey
  • Publication number: 20080178390
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes cushions which support a patient's thighs and lower legs and which have cut out areas in the areas of the patient's popliteal fossa at the back of the patient's knees. By avoiding contact with the popliteal fossa complications such as compression of the patient's nerves and blood vessels are avoided. This prevents the harmful effects of pressure on the popliteal fossa in loss of sensation in the lower legs and feet, and occlusion of blood and lymph vessels in the lower legs. A number of embodiment cushions are disclosed, some embodiments comprised of a relatively firm core foam material with a relatively softer viscoelastic foam in areas which are in contact with the patient's skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Matt DuDonis
  • Publication number: 20080148487
    Abstract: A body pillow including an elongate cushion having first and second ends. The cushion includes an arcuate first portion and an arcuate second portion, and a mid-portion extending therebetween. The cushion is configurable between a relaxed configuration and a coiled configuration. In the relaxed configuration the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle and the second portion extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle. In the coiled configuration the second portion is congruent with a least some of the first portion. The body pillow may further include an interior panel joined to an inner periphery of the first portion for retaining the first portion in its arcuate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: BASIC COMFORT, INC.
    Inventors: John Lord, Donald Seigler
  • Publication number: 20080134437
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical support pillow and method for supporting a patient in the lateral position while maintaining an open airway. The Lateral Airway Support Pillow includes a chest support, a shoulder recess, a head support, and a posterior bolster. The orientation of these components support the patient in the lateral position, with the spine and airway in a straight position, thus eliminating possible airway obstruction. One embodiment of the invention contains a head support with a posterior recess and a neck support which provides for straightening the neck and airway and aligning the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the airway. Other embodiments position and elevate the patient in such a manner to treat or prevent soft tissue pressure injury, gastroesophageal reflux, congestive heart failure, or sleep apnea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas J. Small
  • Publication number: 20080115284
    Abstract: A body support for medical applications comprising a main body piece, at least one expansion piece, and at least one, preferably two arm pieces, which may have their own expansion pieces. All of the pieces are preferably made of soft flexible materials. In one embodiment, the pieces are a soft cloth covering containing an internal cushion without an internal rigid frame. In an alternate embodiment the pieces are a soft cloth covering containing an internal cushion with an internal rigid frame. In yet another alternate embodiment, the pieces are a soft cloth covering containing a rigid or quasi-rigid internal frame and covered with a cushioning padding, such as foam rubber, batting or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Herschel Hiatt
  • Publication number: 20080115285
    Abstract: A kit for medical applications comprising a main body piece, at least one expansion piece and a sanitation cover. All of the pieces are preferably made of soft flexible materials. In one embodiment, the pieces, except the sanitation cover, are a soft cloth covering containing an internal cushion without an internal rigid frame. In an alternate embodiment the pieces, except the sanitation cover, are a soft cloth covering containing an internal cushion with an internal rigid frame. In yet another alternate embodiment, the pieces, except the sanitation cover, are a soft cloth covering containing a rigid or quasi-rigid internal frame and covered with a cushioning padding, such as foam rubber, batting or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Herschel Hiatt
  • Patent number: 7367072
    Abstract: A device for elevating a sleeper's pillow to allow an arm to be comfortably placed between the pillow and mattress includes an elliptical padded disc having a predetermined thickness. The disc is preferably encapsulated with a removable cover allowing both the disc and cover to be cleaned. Accordingly, when the device is placed beneath a sleeper's pillow, the pillow is elevated allowing a sleeper to comfortably place an arm between the pillow and mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: David Lubin
  • Patent number: 7353552
    Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7353551
    Abstract: A cushion for use by a person, the cushion having a main portion and a subsidiary portion joined to the main portion. The main portion and the subsidiary portion have unequal volumes wherein a part of the main portion is adapted to be placed between the legs of the person while the person is lying on a side of the person, and the subsidiary portion is adapted to support the abdomen of the person while the person is lying on the person's side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Trimester Cushion Company
    Inventor: Glen Andrew Racovolis
  • Publication number: 20080066233
    Abstract: A cushion or pillow (10) can include a t-shaped porous enclosure formed from fabric and a plurality of bead-like members (20) retained within the enclosure. The porous fabric can be made from cotton or a cotton blend. The plurality of bead-like members can be a plurality seeds such as flax or sesame seeds, synthetic foam beads, or other material that can be placed within the enclosure. Herbs such as lavender, peppermint or orange peel can also be placed or retained within the enclosure. A t-portion (12) of the t-shaped porous enclosure can fit under a person's neck while a straight portion (14) can lie under the person's spine while the person is lying down. The t-shaped porous enclosure can be enclosed using stitching (16 or 18) or zipper members (32) or other means. Further note, the cushion can be heated or cooled to provide the appropriate healing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: KI, INC.
    Inventor: KYRA RUSSELL
  • Publication number: 20080052832
    Abstract: A cushion for use by a person, the cushion having a main portion and a subsidiary portion joined to the main portion. The main portion and the subsidiary portion have unequal volumes wherein a part of the main portion is adapted to be placed between the legs of the person while the person is lying on a side of the person, and the subsidiary portion is adapted to support the abdomen of the person while the person is lying on the person's side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Glen Andrew Racovolis
  • Patent number: 7331073
    Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved main pillow having a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A curved lower back pillow is operably attached to one of the ends of the main pillow such that the back pillow is positionable at the user's back when the main pillow is placed adjacent to the user's stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Patent number: 7322061
    Abstract: A multipurpose support pillow is provided. The pillow is generally apostrophe-shaped and can be placed and adjusted along any part of the body to provide the desired comfort and support useful for countless applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: NuAngel, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa P. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20080005840
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend above the patient table and supports a patient's head above a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah Ruth Zelnik
  • Publication number: 20080005841
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend beyond an end of a patient table and to support a patient's head relative to a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Deborah Ruth Zelnik, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 7316707
    Abstract: Inflammation of the muscles of the posterior thoracic spine can lead to a number of physical ailments. This inflammation can have a number of causes, one typical cause being overuse in a work environment leading to stress or tension within these muscles. Although many related physical ailments can be treated with medication and a properly prescribed and maintained exercise program, at present, an effective, simple-to-use and inexpensive means for correcting the position of the thoracic spine is not available. Embodiments of the present invention provides a resilient pad that is adapted to be interposed between the upper thoracic spine of a user and a substantially hard surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventors: John Kalina, Pamela Siekierski, Richard Cuthbertson
  • Patent number: 7310840
    Abstract: A pillow of complex shape includes a head support assembly having a pair of side structures extending along sides of the pillow. The side structures have an upper surface inclined from a high end adjacent a head end of the pillow and a low end intermediate the sides of the pillow. The side structures taper from a maximum width in a middle area toward both the upper and lower ends of the wings. The head support assembly includes a central section that may be either of a simple cross-sectional shape or a more complex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Horacio C. Rubio
  • Patent number: 7293310
    Abstract: A bifurcated pillow for use by expectant mothers so they can comfortably lie on their sides. The pillow supports an expectant mother's abdomen and legs and has soft flaps that engage the rear of the woman's legs so the pillow will remain in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Bonnie J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7291121
    Abstract: A cervical immobilizing device includes a pair of arms that can be folded to an upright position to engage and support a patient's head, an actuating device for folding the arms to the supporting position, and a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position. The actuating device is coupled to the outer ends of the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the actuator device is flexible member that passes around a guide to a position which can be gripped by the user. The locking device can be a cinching, ratcheting or clamping device, or a combination thereof, on the actuator device. In one embodiment, the folding arms include a coupling device for coupling the arms to a base in a sliding arrangement to enable the arms to slide along the base to a folded position. A blank is also disclosed that can be folded to form the cervical immobilizing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ambu Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Rudy, Jr., Freddy T. Lee, Thomas Murphy, Sanjay H. Parikh
  • Patent number: 7288077
    Abstract: A device to alleviate lower back pain, aligning the spine in the lumbar region, stretching the spine and reducing inward curvature of the spine which is an integral, elongate, symmetrical ovoid-section rigid sheet on which the user lies in a supine position, device opening upward to receive the individual, spanning the back of the user from the buttocks to the shoulder blade area. The device, upon the user lying supine on the device, forms an air pocket formed between the user's lower spine and the surface of the device. Raising his/her knees to the chest and then lowering the feet, puts the user in a therapeutic position, the lower spine being forced down against the surface of the back due to the vacuum formed. This action applies a stretching pressure and pulls the spine down, allowing the vertebrae in the spine to align, due to the shape of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Russell L. Notestine
  • Patent number: 7284290
    Abstract: Dual-modal-shaping capability is added as a new feature in bed lounges of the type having a fabric slip-cover enclosing foam padding on a main structure formed from plastic sheet material. User adjustment is provided for back tilt, head-rest tilt and height, arm-rest spacing, and back support location. Modal transition is provided by an internal mechanism that interlinks the two arm-rests via a weighted lock-pin that locks the arm-rests in place for normal use but that can be disengaged by merely inverting the bed lounge so the lock-pin drops out from the linkage gravitationally, thus allowing the arm-rests to be folded out to convert to an overall flat modal-shape that can be conveniently stored, e.g. under a bed or hanging in a closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Robert L. Swezey, Richard Swezey
  • Publication number: 20070214572
    Abstract: A cushion for use with sexual stimulation devices is disclosed. The cushion has a plush body with a first flap and a second flap extending from the plush body. The first flap and the second flap selectively interconnect to arch the plush body outwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Buben
  • Patent number: 7234181
    Abstract: An incline sleeper for an infant has a base and a resilient insert adapted to fit in the base within a peripheral lip. The resilient insert and the base cooperate to support a top surface of the resilient insert at an angle with respect to a lower surface of the base. The top surface of the resilient insert includes an infant-receiving depression that is adapted to receive and support the infant in a supine and angled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Christine Griggs
  • Patent number: 7210179
    Abstract: A body support device includes a base section with a wall ergonomically contoured to conform generally to the portion of the human back between the head and lower torso as it reclines in a posture intermediate prone and supine positions. The contoured wall further supports a user in seated and supine positions. The base may also include a cavity disposed at the end of the base that receives an object. A cap connects to the base to cover the cavity and secure the object therein. In addition, a connecting member may be used to connect multiple support devices together at a desired angle. A protective cover may also be used to prevent damage to the body support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Donald E. Kidwell
  • Patent number: 7171710
    Abstract: A system used for the prevention of positional plagiocephaly in which an infant receiving member includes an infant supporting surface, a first portion, and a second portion. An inclined member is positioned at least partially under the first portion of the infant receiving surface such that the first portion of the infant receiving surface is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Mann
  • Patent number: 7168114
    Abstract: An arm positioning device for scanning devices and the like is described. The device has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first leg and a second leg. Each of the legs has a first end and a second end. The first end of each leg has a height less than the height of the second end of each leg. The second ends of the legs are connected to a body portion. The body portion has a height greater than the first ends of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: William Larenas
  • Patent number: 7150057
    Abstract: A pillow approximately like the letter P in a prone position with a substantially flat or even top or upper surface that upwardly underlies the lower legs, beginning from the calves towards the heels, of the supine user to relieve stress or leg fatigue from long hours of work, shopping, standing or walking, to improve blood circulation and to help prevent varicose veins. It is made of spongy or resilient material, and covered by an inner overlay as a lining and a replaceable outer outlay as a pillowcase. It is intended for use at home, office or any room or place with adequate space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Lourdes Baluyot Santiago, Loreto Ganzon Santiago
  • Patent number: 7134158
    Abstract: A bed apparatus having a base and two inflatable members for elevating the torso and legs of a user is provided. The inflatable members are removably attachable to the base and can be selectively spaced apart, making the bed spatially adjustable. The extent to which a user's body is elevated is controlled by inflation of the inflatable members, making the bed vertically adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Marilyn Theresa Tokarz
  • Patent number: 7114206
    Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7111347
    Abstract: The nursing pillow is a firm foam wedge with feeding surfaces covered in softer, cushioning foam. The pillow itself supports baby and is angled to encourage proper elevation of baby's head necessary for good digestion and proper alignment of baby's mouth and mother's nipple. The outer layer of cushioning foam supports and cradles the baby while reducing the amount of effort required by the mother. The pillow has two covers: one waterproof inner cover and one removable, washable outer cover with a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Annette Marie Cottrell
  • Patent number: 7100225
    Abstract: A modular surgical patient positioner unit consists of three perforated plastic boards arranged for interconnection together and for attachment to a hospital O.R. table. Two outer boards of similar length and width and a central board of similar width and greater length are employed. When employed with regular-sized patients, the three boards are arranged such that the widths thereof are in alignment. When employed with bariatric patients, the longer central board is rotated perpendicular the other two boards, to provide added width to support the bariatric patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: IMP Inc.
    Inventors: James Bailey, Earl Cole
  • Patent number: 7089614
    Abstract: A pillow is described herein. The pillow including an upper section, a lower section, and an interconnecting section that interconnects the upper section to the lower section such that a user in a first position can interpose the upper section between his or her arms and can interpose the lower section between his or her legs while his or her legs are bent at the hip at substantially a right angle. Also, the upper section, the lower section and the interconnecting section are dimensioned such that the interconnecting section separates the lower section from the upper section a distance sufficient to space the lower section from the user's crotch when the user is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Spillow, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Clapp
  • Patent number: 7055196
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow comprises a curved pillow body having a top region and a bottom region. The top region is larger in size than the bottom region. Also, the bottom region is adapted to be placed between a user's lets while the user is lying on her side while the top region conforms to the user's stomach and chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Sheila Littlehorn
  • Patent number: 7020918
    Abstract: A cushion set for positioning a human body, including a face support cushion, a spacer block cushion, an upper torso support cushion, a lower torso support cushion, a calf support cushion and a bolster. The face support cushion is generally in the shape of an inverted “U” having a generally inverted U-shaped opening passing therethrough. The upper torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the face support cushion, the lower torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the upper torso support cushion, the calf support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the lower torso support cushion, and the bolster is adapted to be releasably attached to the calf support cushion. The spacer block cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the underside of the face support cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald E. Tinsley
  • Patent number: 7017209
    Abstract: A curved wing board is provided for use on a CT cradle having a curved upper surface. The wing board includes a base with a curved lower surface and opposite sides. A pair of wing boards extend upwardly and outwardly from the sides of the base to support a patient's arms raised above their head. A pair of hand grips are provided on the base for gripping by the patient. The curved wing board matingly engages the curved CT cradle so as to comfortably support the patient in a stable orientation during CT imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Medtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis S. De Jong, Thomas G. Kockler
  • Patent number: 7017213
    Abstract: A sleeper-support device designed to minimize cervical rotation with respect to the torso for a person lying prone. The device includes a wedge-shaped head support that maintains the head in repose at an intermediate orientation between zero rotation and the traditional 90-degree rotation typical of the prone sleeper. The device also includes a wedge-shaped torso piece that constrains the torso from rotating in the direction that would increase the angle between the head and neck (the head-turn angle). The support this device provides prone sleepers allows them to sleep comfortably without incurring the back and cervical stress and strain commonly associated with sleeping in the prone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Chisari
  • Patent number: 7010820
    Abstract: The present invention provides an nursing aid device and methods of using the device to provide support over a Cesarian section incision while also providing support for the mother's arm while nursing in a chair or in a bed. The shape of the nursing aid device acts like a substitute “lap” for the mother and the nursing aid device is configured to tuck under her arm for comfortable nursing sessions. The nursing aid device may include a covering having a short length, a long length opposite the short length, and a wing on each end of the long length. The covering may define a trapezoidal shape or a triangular shape, and may include a plurality of undulating curves on an outer periphery. The nursing aid device is designed to fit within or on a mother's lap, rather than around her torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Carol Ann Veravanich
  • Patent number: 7007328
    Abstract: A device for upper body support of a recumbent person is provided, which comprises a first support portion, a second support portion, each of which is wedge-shaped. Each portion is, in vertical cross-section, substantially a right triangle. The longest surface of each portion forms a support surface and the thin end of the wedge of the first portion is hingedly connected to the support surface of the second portion at a position spaced from the thick end of the support surface of that portion. The portions are formed of a solid, yielding support material, such as polyurethane foam. Preferably the support portions have a water proof outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Terry Bailey
  • Patent number: 7000273
    Abstract: Shaped body pillows and pillowcases of comfortably curved shapes and hollows are provided. Articles of the invention include pillows and cases having three-dimensional shapes including a headrest portion, a trunk portion, and a tail portion, bounded by arcuate margins which form three-dimensional modified comma shapes or modified J-shapes. Advantageously, shaped pillows and pillowcases of the invention include a comfortable hollow formed between the headrest and trunk portions for supporting the head and other portions of a child's body. Pillows and pillowcases of the invention are provided with at least one character zone for permanently or reversibly holding and displaying one or more characters, such as a kitten, dog, rabbit or mouse. Articles of the invention may comprise one or more pockets or pouches that may be integrated with the design elements of the product, and may comprise a portion of the one or more characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Deborah Rivera-Wienhold, Elizabeth Gradie-Chinn
  • Patent number: 6944898
    Abstract: A pillow comprises a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved with an average radius of curvature in the range from about 6 inches to about 16 inches. The pillow also has a length from one end to the other that is in the range from about 21 inches to about 42 inches. The pillow is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Susan H. Matthews Brown, Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Patent number: 6931683
    Abstract: A reflux wedge for supporting an infant suffering from acid reflux is disclosed. The reflux wedge includes a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side. In addition the reflux wedge includes a torso support section providing a substantially flat incline of approximately 25 to 45 degrees to receive and support the torso of the infant in a prone position. The torso support section is located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main body. The reflux wedge also includes a head support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving and supporting the head of the infant. An arch runs down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the infant and encouraging protraction of the shoulders. A crater is optionally located on the bottom side for receiving an infant in a supine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Robynne R. Elkin, Craig Troop
  • Patent number: 6928675
    Abstract: A pillow cover that can be quickly and effortlessly placed over and removed from a conventional pillow, thus facilitating as many changes and/or replacements of the pillow cover as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Hugo Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6922860
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of user while the user is lying in a face-down position, a face-up position or a side position. The apparatus includes a head cradle with ventilation and a pair of elongated dependent arms that can be manipulated to serve as a chest support, or a neck support or a head support depending on how the user is lying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Robert B. Cuddy
  • Patent number: 6921372
    Abstract: A therapeutic acupressure device has a mat with a top surface shaped to conform to the back contour of a person lying on it in a supine position. Two elongated spaced mutually parallel fuzzy fabric strips are provided at the center of the mat. The mat has a transverse rounded hump to support the lordotic curve of the lumbar spine. A cervical support is adjustably positioned on the mat to support the person's neck portion. A plurality of resilient twin spherical acupressure balls of various hardnesses are placeable at selected positions on the fuzzy fabric strips to provide desired therapeutic treatment for the person. A grid is marked beside the sides of the fuzzy fabric strips to guide the placement of the acupressure balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Derek Shin