Abstract: A number of generally wedge shaped backrests and legless leisure chairs for sitting on the floor or on a bed, which orient the user's upper back at a higher angle than the user's lower back. These are ideally suited for people who want to be in a reclining type position, but yet want to do something like watch television. The backrests/leisure chairs disclosed use a support foundation (42 and 46). The backrests/leisure chairs described also have a way of maintaining the lumbar region of the user's back in a relatively natural lordotic curve, some through a high firmness lumbar support member (28) on the support foundation (42 and 46) placed in a hollow in the back of the main cushion (26), and others through making a convex contour on the lower portion of the backrest/leisure chair. All of the leisure chairs for sitting on the floor have a seat cushion (34) to prevent the user from slipping down out of place and these chairs can also have a pillow (32) for a headrest.

Abstract: A seat has a frame, including a bench and a back, padded upholstery including a particular fabric pattern on the frame covering the bench and the back with a pocket in the upholstery in a forward-facing lower portion of the back as it covers the back, a cushion symmetrical about a centerline and having first and second sides and sized to fit in the pocket in the upholstery to fill the pocket and having first and second differing upholstery fabrics on the first and second sides, respectively, and complementary retainers on the cushion and in the pocket cooperative with one another including loops and clasps for a lower portion of the cushion and male and female snap portions for an upper portion of the cushion to retain the cushion in the pocket in a first orientation showing the first upholstery fabric and a second orientation showing the second upholstery fabric, wherein the first upholstery fabric is also the particular fabric pattern and the second upholstery fabric is different from the particular fabric

Abstract: A support device is disclosed that includes a base attached to two spaced straps with a plurality of adjustable footholds. The support device permits users to maintain a seated position with their legs drawn up on a bed or other support surface without requiring any effort or exertion on the part of the user to retain their legs in this position. The device does not require attachment to the support surface, but rather depends upon the user's own weight to anchor the base and support the user's feet and legs.

Abstract: A nursing pillow adapted for use with twins that can be used by anyone wishing to breastfeed or bottlefeed one baby, or two babies simultaneously. The design of the nursing pillow is generally a squared U-shape with symmetrical sides of equal length and firmness to accommodate the heads and bodies of two babies at once. The pillow can support growing babies from birth to two-years-old, or up to 70 pounds of total baby weight. The nursing surface preferably has an inwardly-angled slope so babies roll naturally and safely towards the user. A detachable back pillow may be included to provide lower and mid-back support for the user.

Abstract: Ergonomic support members formed of and contoured to a corrected spinal curvature of an individual. The matrix provides the rigid support necessary for correction of the spinal curvature by gradual realignment with continued use of the support members, and may have channels for optional forced air flow, for heating and cooling and comfort of the individual during sleep or rest. Each support member is closely contoured to have a concave cross-section dimensioned according to the serial cross sections of a respective body section (e.g. head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs) while laying supine. The resulting contour of the support member thus provides the necessary convexity to evenly distribute body weight along the entire longitudinal axis of the spine and thereby provide corrective support for the spinal curvature. In the transverse plane, the contour forms a snug concavity wrapping up the sides of an individual.

Abstract: The pelvis retroverter of the invention for straightening lumbar lordosis by retroverting the pelvis simultaneously with synergetic exercising of the abdominal, pelvis-trochanter, gluteal, ischio-tibialis, and lumbar muscles while reclining on the front, presents in succession in a direction specified by an axis of symmetry (3):an ergonomic top face (1a) having a middle and recessed abdominal zone (4) between two ilium support zones (5), with a middle pubic support zone (6) behind, and an intermediate zone (7) in front; anda functional base (1b) separated from the face (1a) by a height (h) and coming into contact with the ground (2), comprising two plane zones (8 and 10) that are at an angle (c) to each other and interconnected by an arc (9).

Abstract: A generally u-shaped first structure comprises a first lateral member and two first legs. A generally u-shaped second structure comprises a second lateral member and two second legs. Two connecting legs are provided, each connecting leg being pivotally attached to one of the first legs and to one of the second legs, such that the first structure remains generally parallel to the second structure as the first structure is pivoted toward and away from the second structure. A generally u-shaped third structure comprises a third lateral member and two third legs. The two third legs of the third structure are pivotally attached to one of the second legs of the second structure. A pair of support members extend between the second legs of the second structure. Each of the support members has a plurality of spaced pins extending there-from. A pair of arms is provided, each of the arms having a first end pivotally attached to one of the third legs of the third structure.

Abstract: A folding backrest has a rigid rectangular frame supporting a resilient fabric planar panel stretched thereon. A wedge shaped support structure folds flat against the fabric for storage and transport and unfolds to support the frame tilted up on the sand with either end of the frame against the sand to provide selectable high or low inclination angle on the supporting sand. The panel fabric may extend beyond the frame ends to provide a covering on the sand for sitting thereon.

Abstract: A therapeutic cushion with detachable jade protrusions comprises a removable lattice of cylindrical members, an outer cover, and cushion fill. The removable lattice of cylindrical members are attached to a plurality of other cylindrical members in a uniform fashion by a plurality of threads which are interwoven through each member, forming a symmetrical lattice. The lattice is placed inside the outer cover and the plurality of cylindrical members are pressed through the plurality of apertures. The cushion fill is also placed inside the outer cover which presses against the lattice thereby maintaining the plurality of cylindrical members within said plurality of apertures. The outer cover is then sealed by a zipper to maintain the cushion fill and the lattice in place. The result is a cushion with a plurality of protrusions made of jade extending from the cushion, providing a massaging and therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A therapy pillow comprising a wedge-shaped resilient foam element having a planar recess in the medial portion of the top surface thereof. A flexible plastic container adapted to be sealingly filled with a fluid snugly fits into the planar recess of the foam element so as to be substantially coplanar with the top surface thereof when filled with a suitable fluid such as water.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary support pillow and methods for its use. An exemplary method is provided for supporting an object in front of a person's torso. According to the method, a support pillow is provided having a resilient cushion body with a medial region and first and second opposing cantilever arms extending from the medial region. The cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis to define a substantially toroidal configuration for the cushion body. The cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define a generally circular open well. The support pillow is placed around the person's torso with first and second end portions of the cantilever arms being at the back of the person's torso, and with the medial region of the support pillow being at the front of the person's torso. The cantilever arms are biased around the person's torso to hold the support pillow vertically positioned relative to the person's torso.

Abstract: A shoulder arthroscopy attachment for use with a surgical table wherein the attachment may be attached to a seat section of the table in place of an articulated leg section. The attachment includes a lumbar support assembly for supporting the lumbar portion of a patient's back, and a headrest assembly including an upper back support and a headrest. The upper back support is adjustable in a lateral direction whereby either of a patient's shoulders may be exposed for an operation while supporting the opposite shoulder on the upper back support. The headrest is adjustable relative to a frame for the headrest assembly whereby the head of a patient may be accommodated at a variety of positions.

Abstract: A waist supported carrying case including a therapeutic back support for supporting the lower back region of a user in a seated position. The carrying case includes a belt for securing the carrying case to the waist of an individual and a pouch assembly positioned on the belt. The pouch assembly includes at least one sleeve having a therapeutic back support therein.

Abstract: An ergonomic pillow includes a body having a top with upper, middle, and lower stepped portions descending from the rear to the front thereof, and a transverse, elongated support member arranged between the upper and middle stepped portions. The pillow is usable for supporting a supine person for sleeping, so that the head is supported on the upper stepped portion, the neck is supported on the elongated support member, the shoulders are supported on the middle and lower stepped portions. Thus the head is tilted back slightly relative to the back, so as to promote shortening and relaxation of the muscles on the back of the neck and shoulders. The pillow is also usable for supporting a person sleeping sideways, so that a shoulder is supported on the middle and lower stepped portions, and the head is supported on the elongated support member in a comfortable, natural position.

Abstract: According to the invention, a support pillow has a shape and construction that makes the support pillow particularly useful in situations in which it is necessary or desirable to have a support surface near the body of a user. The support pillow can be securely attached to the body to, for example, aid in supporting a baby during feeding, provide support of the elbows, forearms and wrists while reading or using a keyboard, or provide support for the forearms or external objects while engaging in an activity such as watching television or eating. The support pillow cushions and supports the back, and helps to hold the back in an orthopedically correct position. The support pillow also relieves muscle stress associated with holding a baby or other object by enabling the baby or object to be supported by the pillow.

Abstract: A rounded, pliable, resilient spinal support with straddling contours and defining slopes which gives direct, firm-felt support and massaging therapy to the spine. The round flexing pivot (10) fits between a backrest and the recesses of the user's back, anchored in place by sacral stabilizer (12) and the sacrum. Stabilizer (12) is thin for comfort and allows defining slope (14) to push downward against the sacrum, while the thicker lumbar arch support (16) pushes in against the lumbar region of the back, and defining slope (18) pushes upward against the lower thoracic region of the back. The thin, tapered thoracic stabilizer (20) allows the shoulders to push against the backrest and to anchor my support in place at the upper end. This interrelated pushing encourages the "S"-shape curvature of the spine desired for good posture.

Abstract: A portable backrest for a picnic bench or bleacher. The backrest includes a back-engaging member having a substantially U-shaped frame; support posts for supporting the back-engaging member in any of a plurality of upright positions; and a clamping mechanism for urging the two prongs of the U-shaped frame against the bench or bleacher for securement thereto.

Abstract: An orthopedic portable cushion providing back support when used in connection with all kind of seats, has an adjustable geometry to permit fitting it to different seats and different users, and comprises an essentially rigid, stiffening element (backbone), having a configuration that is essentially curved in horizontal cross section.

Abstract: A back support for placement on a back of a person. The back support comprises a concavity having opposing lateral slopes and formed by a flexible structure having a thickness and a longitudinal central site disposed substantially equidistant between the opposing lateral slopes. A protuberance having a thickness extends into the concavity, and preferably is substantially tubular in shape and disposed substantially equidistantly between the opposing lateral slopes of the concavity along the longitudinal central site. The thickness of the protuberance is greater than the thickness of the flexible structure forming the concavity. A lip surrounds the concavity to thereby aid in achieving a suctorial characteristic for the back support whereby the concavity in concert with the lip will function in substantially the same manner as a suction cup. The back support is preferably constructed of a single piece of material wherein the protuberance is a thickened region of the flexible structure forming the concavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable chair structure, and particularly to a chair structure that when folded down is space-saving and easy for carrying for leisure activities, comprising air cushion body, seat cover, and support rods wherein said air cushion body composed of a plurality of air cushions joined together, and on the top end of each air cushion having an intake for filling or discharge of air in or out of air cushion; on each end of seat cover having an awning for air cushion body to set therein, and each side of seat cover having support rod that provides support function to make the user of the chair feel more comfortable, and on each side of awnings having a connection strip connected to connection device, and the angle between the seat back and seat cover of chair can be adjustable by means of adjusting buckles on connection device.

Abstract: The present invention is a pillow prop apparatus which is portable. The pillow prop apparatus is used for supporting a person's back while sitting or sleeping at an angle. The pillow prop apparatus forms a 90.degree. right angle triangle which has a 30.degree. angle at one location and a 60.degree. angle at the other location. There are a multiplicity of shaped openings on all surfaces of the pillow prop for preventing the pillow prop from sliding on the bed or on a surface on which it is placed.

Abstract: A multiple position, resilient support cushion, has a generally triangular shape and may be used in any of three positions to create a lying, sitting and in-between resting position, and which provides support for the head and body of the user when in any of these positions. The cushion has first, second and third support surfaces extending between parallel side surfaces. The first and second surfaces have generally continuous configurations, and the third surface has a multiple contour or stepped configuration. The third surface has a pair of generally equal length portions joined together by an inwardly extending intermediate portion which forms an intermediate corner. The second and third surfaces form a flexible triangular-shaped upper portion at their junction when the cushion is supported on its first surface, which upper portion positions the weight of the body over the second surface of the cushion rather than against it.

Abstract: An exercising device of an overall length relating to the length of an exercising person lying prone thereon and of a width relating to the width of an exercising person. The device has a first section having a concave portion for accommodating the back of the exercising person, a second mid section having a convex portion of an overall height greater than the first section for accommodating the body portion of an exercising person between the gluteus maximus and the lower back portion of an exercising period and a third section having a convex portion of an overall height greater than the second section for accommodating the rear knee portion of an exercising person, the second section being spaced from the third section by a concave portion for supporting the gluteus maximus of an exerciser.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: An ergonomic bed lounge is made with a fabric slip-cover enclosing foam padding on a main structure that is formed from plastic sheet material to provide the required strength while keeping the weight ultra light: lighter than all-foam construction. Side arms are provided that can pivot inwardly for storage and outwardly for entry/exit, for providing different resting conditions and for comfortable accommodation of different-sized users. The side arms are each equipped with a convenient storage pocket. A lower back support pillow is removably contained in pockets provided in the slip cover in a manner that enables the user to locate and orient the back pillow for maximum support and comfort. An adjustable neck pillow with an elliptical cross-sectional shape can be adjusted in height and oriented for optimal neck support in terms of head position and attitude.

Abstract: An inclined body support includes a frame having a pair of triangular end braces joined-together by stays extending between corresponding corners of the end braces. A releasable coupling arrangement permits the frame to be varied slightly in size and disassembled for storage. A transverse connector joining the lowermost pair of stays near their respective midpoints reinforces the frame. Each of the stays further includes a pair of arms joined by a hinge for relative movement thus permitting the frame to conform to nonplanar supporting surfaces. A padded tent is suspended from the stays for retaining the upper body of a user at an inclination. For additional user comfort, the frame is covered with close-fitting foam pads.

Abstract: A portable bed or mat for use at the beach, pool, or elsewhere outdoors includes a pad of lightweight, soft material such as foam rubber covered with nylon for waterproofing, with an inflatble wedge head and shoulder rest at the head end of the mat extending a substantial distance along the length of the bed and provides support for both the head and shoulders adding to the comfort of the user. The mat is also provided with removable towelling attached to the top surface. Storage pockets form part of the mat at the foot end for receiving personal items such as car keys, reading material, sunglasses and so forth. The mat may be rolled into a compact tube shape, with ends secured by retaining clips, and with an integral shoulder strap for carrying the mat.

Abstract: An orthopedic cushion for supporting the back when sitting comprising a cushion assembly and a rear support is disclosed. The cushion assembly has a front outer surface and a stiffening backbone that is essentially curved in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the front outer surface. The backbone is also provided with spaced zones. The rear support has an upper portion and a lower portion and is foldable about a zone interposed between the upper and lower portions. Means is provided for removably connecting the upper and lower portions to the spaced zones of the backbone.

Abstract: A combination back support for use during stretching and/or sitting with the legs extended or not extended. The device includes a substantially rectangular lumbar back support with a multiplicity of pairs of inelastic straps used in a first configuration to engage the knees of a user and with the addition of a strap extension used to engage the feet of a user. When the user is in one of the various seated positions, the straps are connected to form loops which are fitted over either the feet or Knees of the user. As the user applies pressure with the feet or knees, the lumbar rectangular support is pulled tight around the user's lower back, providing ample support.

Abstract: Cushion (50) for anatomical support, especially of the lumbar and cervical regions, for mounting onto backs (42) of seats (41) generally, includes a curved elastic plate (51) having longitudinal ends connected by a posterior brace formed by a pair (55, 60) of rods threaded in opposite directions that screw into an intermediately placed cylindrical scroll (63) so that it is possible to vary the convexity of the plate (51) and therefore the extent to which the cushion projects from the seat back (42) by rotation of the scroll (63) in one direction or the other. It is also possible to adjust the height of the cushion, when placed inside the seat back (42), by a special internal mechanism (51, 71, 72, 74) operated by a knob (45) placed on the outside.

Abstract: An exercise aid for use by individuals which is adapted to be supported on a support surface such as a floor. The exercise aid comprises a pad assembly having a pad channel formed through an upper surface and extending a distance through the pad assembly through the lower surface. The individual sits on the upper surface of the pad assembly with the individual's spine being about aligned with the pad channel and the lower surface of the pad being disposed on the support surface.

Abstract: A combination back support for use during stretching and/or sitting with the legs extended/not extended. The device includes a substantially rectangular lumbar back support with a multiplicity of pairs of inelastic straps configured in a first configuration to engage the feet of the user and in an alternative configuration to engage the knees of the user. When the user is in one of the various seated positions, the straps are connected to form loops which are fitted over either the feet or knees of the user. As the user applies pressure with the feet or knees, the lumbar rectangular support is pulled tight around the user's lower back, providing ample support.

Abstract: A generally triangular bolster of rigid material provides firm support for persons wishing to recline or lounge upon a surface, while at the same time providing the comfort desired due to its specific structure. The bolster includes three sides which may be equilateral, with each of the sides preferably including an inward or concave curvature. The curvature not only provides additional comfort for the user, but also results in relatively sharp apex edges. The apex edges thus tend to penetrate a compliant surface, such as carpeting, grass, or sand, and thereby prevent the lateral displacement of the bolster when a person reclines upon it. The bolster may be formed of a variety of materials, such as plywood or other wood sheet, or molded or extruded from plastic. Handles near each apex edge provide easier portability, and the bolster may further include internal bracing which also provides storage shelf space within.

Abstract: A method for patient elevation above a fluidized surface utilizes a web of filter sheet material disposed beneath the patient and between the patient and the main filter sheet that covers the fluidized surface. The web is loosely mounted about a pair of support rods which are connected via a pair of splice bar linkages to a pair of dual acting hydraulic cylinders. The support surface is defluidized before the patient is elevated. Activation of the cylinders causes the two rods to separate from one another. The separation takes up the slack in the web and renders it taut about the two support rods. Further activation of the cylinders elevates the two support rods above the fluidized surface by pivoting them through the splice bar linkages. This raises the web and the patient supported on the web.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic table for the treatment of spinal ailments which consists of a horizontal platform or table divided into three segments. An upper segment supports the patient's torso and head, a center segment supports the pelvic region of the patient and a lower segment supports the legs of the patient. The patient, while lying on his or her back, is securedly strapped to the upper and center segments, whereupon the center segment is caused to move upward diagonally at approximately a 45 degree angle. This linear, angled motion, which is reciprocally repeated, results in simultaneous arching and tractioning of the patient's spine, thereby decompressing the vertebrae and providing therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A support for selectively seating and protecting an infant while developing balance and motor control in a seating position comprises a free standing support body having a substantially planar base, front, rear and opposed side surfaces. The front surface includes a backrest portion which is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the base and spaced-apart side arms which extend forwardly in the plane of the base from opposite sides of the front surface. The support body has sufficient weight and stability to inhibit movement or tipping of the support body. A seat cushion is independent of the support body and is attachable thereto in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the seat cushion combines with the support body to form a rearwardly inclined infant seat having a seat surface formed by a top surface of the seat cushion and a backrest surface formed by the backrest portion of the support body.

Abstract: An apparatus for patient elevation above a fluidized surface includes a web of filter sheet material disposed beneath the patient and between the patient and the main filter sheet that covers the fluidized surface. The web is loosely mounted about a pair of support rods which are connected via a pair of splice bar linkages to a pair of dual acting hydraulic cylinders. Activation of the cylinders causes the two rods to separate from one another. The separation takes up the slack in the web and renders it taut about the two support rods. Further activation of the cylinders elevates the two support rods above the fluidized surface by pivoting them through the splice bar linkages. This raises the web and the patient supported on the web. A solenoid valve is provided in the hydraulic circuit to enable rapid lowering of the support rods and the web when an emergency procedure such as CPR must be administered to the patient.