Adapted To Accommodate Disparate Article Patents (Class 5/639)
  • Publication number: 20020166173
    Abstract: A neck pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that extend from the medial region to form a generally open well. A bib is coupled to the pillow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Susan Matthews Brown
  • Publication number: 20020144351
    Abstract: A pillow capable of being highly useful and convenient to a user. An alarm is arranged at a predetermined portion of a stuffed doll which is made in imitation of a real or fanciful animal or the like. The alarm may be actuated through a timer. The timer may be driven through a cell or a spring. The alarm is constructed so as to generate sound, voice, vibration, light or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: MASAHARU FUJII
  • Patent number: 6438779
    Abstract: A knee pillow for separating the knees of person while lying on their side. The knee pillow includes a pillow. The pillow comprises a cushion portion. The cushion portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall. The front wall has a length at least twice a length of the back wall. The first and second side walls taper from the front wall to the back wall. The cushion portion has a concave shaped depression therein extending about the cushion portion such that the depression is positioned in the front, back, top and bottom walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Eric J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6438778
    Abstract: A multi-purpose pillow is provided having a pillow portion, and a handle for grasping which is connected to the pillow portion along a hinge. A retaining member may be attached to the handle to enhance the ability of the user to hold on to the pillow during use. The pillow may rotate about the hinge, thus providing a user enhanced or increased force when striking a targeted object. Many uses are contemplated for the invention to include sleeping, recreation, sitting, cleaning of upholstery and rugs, as well as ornamental use of the invention in combination with ornamental components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Maban Corporation
    Inventor: Mack Priest Johnson
  • Patent number: 6434769
    Abstract: A dual purpose plush, toy characters is used as both a sleep enhancer toy and headrest pillow. The combined plush character headrest pillow includes a pouch with manually movable recreational members, such as storybooks or puppets, inserted therein to help a young child fall asleep comfortably. The plush character toy may also be an elongate amphibian type of animal, such as a lizard or worm, wherein a concave spinal portion of the animal is an orthopedically correct pillow headrest. Puppets may be provided within a hollow portion within the plush character toy, so that after the pillow portion is pivoted down, a further puppet stage set with a pop up type landscape or fantasy scene is erected by spring action upon a base portion of the puppet stage set. Thereafter, the child can insert his or her hand within an open proximal end of an attached sleeve portion, wherein at a distal end thereof there are provided the puppet portion, such as a plurality of finger puppets or a single hand puppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Eric Koenig
  • Patent number: 6427272
    Abstract: An anesthesia pillow formed from resilient foam. The anesthesia pillow having multiple tube access channels, a neck support channel and a throat receiving channel all in connection with a hub opening adapted for supporting the back of a user's head in one configuration and supporting the user's face while allowing access to the user's mouth and nose in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Yacoub E. Yacoub
  • Patent number: 6408468
    Abstract: A pillow that has an upper and a lower major surface and at least one hole for receiving a user's ear. The hole extends through the entire thickness of the pillow from the upper to the lower surface of the pillow. The pillow can be filled with conventional, resilient materials, or it can be an inflatable pillow filled with air. A pillowcase fits over the pillow with holes corresponding to the holes in the pillow. The pillowcase can also have a soft mesh material within the hole, or the entire pillowcase can be made of a soft mesh material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Kristen Comfort
  • Publication number: 20020050008
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is the Tooth Treasures “Baby Tooth Exchange Pillow”. The Tooth Treasures “Baby Tooth Exchange Pillow” is a friendly tooth shaped character pillow with a hidden pocket for the exchange of a baby tooth for treasures left by the “Tooth Fairy”/parent. Tooth Treasures “Baby Tooth Exchange Pillow” is shaped like a molar tooth with a friendly face on the crown portion. The upper crown portion of the Tooth Treasures “Baby Tooth Exchange Pillow” is sewn on the top portion of the pillow leaving a flap that attaches to the lower root portion of the tooth. When the flap of the upper crown portion is lifted it exposes the hidden pocket for tooth exchange. This flap is secured to the lower root portion of the pillow by velcro.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Ann Sloderbeck
  • Publication number: 20010047548
    Abstract: An improved, ring-pillow (14 & 18) made of a fancy-cloth and having a hollow out hole (16A) going down part way into top section of pillow (14), along with a removable box (12) which is inserted down into said hollow out and completely lined hole (16A & 16B). In addition, having a secure fastening method preferably of Velcro (20A & 20B), etc., adhered to bottom of said removable box (20B), as well as to inside section (20A), of hollow out hole (16A) giving removable box (12) ability to be removed and inserted into hole (16A) repeatedly, without damaging fancy fabric of pillow (14 & 16) or of box (12). The pillow (14 & 16) is made of two pieces, a top section (14) and a bottom section (16), of fancy cloth which are joined onto a one-piece along outer edges, but having a hollow out hole which is completely lined (16A & 16B), thereby giving a secure and deep area for placing the completely removable box (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Margaret Catalano-Carriveau
  • Patent number: 6324710
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient support device specifically designed to facilitate punctures and injections into the cervical (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back). The cushion support device provided by this invention has a raised V-shaped support cushion surface and a raised and rounded transverse cushion at one end for supporting a patient reposing therein in a facedown (prone) position and resisting lateral movement or rotation by that patient and reducing the lordosis (natural inward curve) of the lumbar spine or alternatively maximizing the flexion of the cervical spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Arthur S. Hernandez, Maria Christina G. Herrera
  • Patent number: 6321402
    Abstract: A disposable pillow made of recyclable and environmentally friend pulp through vacuum molding is provided. The pillow includes an open-bottomed hollow outer body and preferably an inner support having a plurality of upright ridge portions. The outer body has a top surface within which a smoothly curved recess is formed for comfortably supporting a patient's head. The inner support is adapted to be positioned in and below the outer body with upper ends of the ridge portions fitly contacting with and therefore firmly supporting an underside of the top surface of the outer body, preventing the top surface from downward collapsed when a patient's head is supported thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Tsai Ming-Chung
  • Patent number: 6311350
    Abstract: A fabric article including a design arranged on the outer surface of such fabric article and having conductive composition arranged in registration with the design and with a printed circuit pattern is disclosed. The conductive composition effectively forms part of the electrical system of the interactive fabric article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ferber Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Terrance Z. Kaiserman, Keith J. Margolin
  • Patent number: 6270050
    Abstract: A pillow carrying book holder includes a frame in the form of a plate within the pillow. The plate supports retraction mechanism which is connected externally of the pillow to a pair of book engaging fingers. The retraction mechanism includes a pair of springs having one end mounted within the pillow and the other end secured to the book engaging fingers. A housing within the pillow encloses the retraction mechanism within the pillow and separated it from filler material within the pillow. The filler material may include freely moveable particulate for conforming the pillow to the shape of the surface on which the pillow is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: David L. Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20010008214
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6256818
    Abstract: A heated massage pillow for allowing the massage packs to be removed and for keeping hair looking nice. The heated massage pillow includes a pillow. The pillow is comprised of a first pillow case and a foam rubber cushion. The foam rubber contains a heating means. A power supply means, adapted to fit inside the first pillow case adjacent to the foam rubber, is operationally coupled to the heating means. Vibrating means are adapted to fit inside the first pillow case adjacent to the power supply. The vibrating means are operationally coupled to the power supply means. An actuating means, located outside of said first pillow, is operationally attached to the vibrating means. The actuating means is adapted to activate the vibrating means and the heating means. A second pillow case of satin is adapted to fit over the first pillow case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Angela Y. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6249923
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting a patient. The apparatus includes a frame, a patient-support deck coupled to the frame and configured to support the patient, and a bracket coupled to the patient-support deck for pivoting movement about a transverse first pivot axis. The bracket extends away from the patient-support deck. The apparatus also includes a head rest having first and second spaced-apart sides which is coupled to the bracket for pivoting movement about a transverse second pivot axis, and a grip handle coupled to the head rest. The grip handle has a side handle portion extending alongside the first side of the head rest in spaced-apart relation therewith so that the side handle portion can be grasped to control pivoting movement of the head rest relative to the patient-support deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Patrick J. Minnelli, James L. Walke
  • Patent number: 6236621
    Abstract: A pillow alarm device for waking up a user. The device includes a pillow having a compartment therein with an alarm clock provided in the compartment. A vibrating device is also provided in the compartment. The vibrating device is adapted for vibrating the pillow to wake a user resting on the pillow when activated. The vibrating device is electrically connected to the alarm clock so that the alarm clock activates the vibrating device when an alarm of the alarm device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Cecilia C. Schettino
  • Patent number: 6216297
    Abstract: A travel pillow having an interior storage pocket for carrying pajamas and other overnight articles comprises an outer casement encompassing an inner compartment. There is an opening in the casement that provides an entrance to a pocket. Attached at the entrance of the casement and extending into the inner compartment are pocket lining walls. These walls are joined to the casement at the entrance of the pocket and at the perimeter of the sides and bottom of the pocket linings to form the pocket extending into the inner compartment. Surrounding the pocket on either side and generally filling the inter compartment is padding material as conventionally used in a pillow. The pocket opening may contain closure means such as a zipper or snaps to secure the pocket in a closed position when being carried. Handles or strap means may be located on the pillow to facilitate carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Alicia Lemke
  • Patent number: 6182313
    Abstract: A therapeutic head cradle apparatus has a pair of lateral side support members positioned to support the back, front or side of the head. Weight of the head will apply acupressure and shiatsu pressure to various pressure points located in the head area. Elastomeric cushion layers of different densities allow Chinese self-massage while the head is rolled side to side. A means to adjust the distance between the lateral support members is provided. Magnetic therapy and a sound system may also be part of the head cradle apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6154904
    Abstract: A combination head support and carry bag device having a cover encasing an internal frame assembly, where the frame assembly has a pair of base members pivotally joined to a pair of head support members, and a pair of post members pivotally joined to the free ends of the head support members, where an access opening is provided between the post members, and where the device can be positioned in an extended position with the post members connected to the base members or in a collapsed position with the post members disconnected from the base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Jesse A. Ehredt
  • Patent number: 6106360
    Abstract: A doll is described including a plush doll body having integral arms, legs, torso, and head. A face is provided on at least one side of the head, and at least one annular flange formed about the head and face along a coronal plane passing through the body. The flange extends radially outward of the head and loosely overlaps a portion of the torso. A pillow having a doll body receiving pocket formed therein releasably receives and covers the torso, arms, and legs such that only the head and flange are exposed outwardly of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Donna Joy Jenkins, Vera Signe Lundberg
  • Patent number: 6098220
    Abstract: The swinging pillow has a shape which can maintain the proper position of a user's backbone and can facilitate the user's turning over onto his side. The pillow can have a built-in sound source in its interior so that the pillow can be used also for relaxation or for the purpose of treatment sleeping disorders, such as sleeplessness, and has a function equal to or near that of an earphone or headphone, without employing such devices. The swinging pillow comprises a pillow body for accepting a user's head and left and right rising portions formed, respectively, as rising end portions positioned at both ends of the pillow body extending in a direction of a user's shoulder-width. The pillow is curved as a whole, being generally U-shaped, thus, the whole portion of the pillow functions as a pillow. Within the inside of at least one of the left and right rising portions, there can be provided a sound source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Koji Momma
  • Patent number: 6088856
    Abstract: A versatile pillow having a container and fluid pouch combination for both supporting a user's head and dispensing fluids therefrom. Fluids may be dispensed from the fluid pouch while the container supports the neck and head of the user. The container further includes one or more thermal barriers to thereby insulate the fluids contained within the fluid pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Boyer
  • Patent number: 6081949
    Abstract: A pillow with incorporated alarm system including a cover portion defined by a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and the back panel are secured together along an outer periphery thereof. The cover portion contains padded material interiorly thereof. An alarm clock is disposed within the interior of the cover portion. A plurality of pressure sensors are disposed within the interior of the cover portion in a spaced relationship. Each of the sensors are in communication with the alarm clock whereby a lack of pressure will subsequently deactivate the alarm clock when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Percy Delicia
  • Patent number: 6076211
    Abstract: A combined seat cushion for use by fans at sporting events, includes a seat cushion having a resilient cushion member, a pliable cover enclosing the cushion member including a handle formed therein at an edge of the cushion, a sign container disposed at the edge of the cushion, a marker detachably connected to the cushion, an eraser pad for the marker retained in the pliable cover, and a panel container overlying a side of the cushion. The panel container holds a folded panel having an unfolded dimension greater than the area of the side of the seat cushion, and the sign container holds preprinted signs or blank signs on which desired messages may be imprinted with the marker, or erased with the eraser pad as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Dean A. Chatman
  • Patent number: 6044161
    Abstract: The invention is a pillow speaker for use as a combination headrest and sound delivery system for transmitting sounds, including music to a person's head. The pillow speaker comprises a pillow headrest having an upper surface for receiving and supporting a person's head. Extending downward from the upper surface is a lower body portion. The lower body portion is adapted for support from an exterior stable surface, the pillow speaker being constructed from a homogeneous flexible material. A pair of spaced apart loud speakers are mounted through the upper surface, within the lower body portion. The loud speakers include an exterior face for projecting sound outward from the pillow speaker, and an opposing rear face for projecting sound into and through the lower body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Lee
  • Patent number: 6041715
    Abstract: A portable activity surface and pillow. The activity surface and pillow may be utilized in various configurations whereby either side of the activity surface may be utilized or the pillow may be used independently. A removable insert provides an alternate surface for one side of the activity surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph M. Jarke, Jan T. Jarke
  • Patent number: 6038720
    Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary support pillow and methods for its use. In an exemplary embodiment, a support pillow includes a resilient cushion body and an attachment member that is removably attached about the cushion body. The attachment member has at least one connector which is adapted to hold an article near the cushion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Camp Kazoo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susan H. Matthews, Cecelia O. Levine
  • Patent number: 6038719
    Abstract: A novelty pillow comprising a pillow base structure, a front surface and a back surface, at least one slit opening in at least one surface, a cavity recessed in the base structure below the slit, at least one phallic member extendable from the cavity out through the slit and indicia for conveying predetermined messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Doris Castagna
  • Patent number: 6029296
    Abstract: A pillow apparatus which is placeable on furniture or on the floor, this includes a top surface, a bottom surface and stuffing material contained therein for forming the soft pillows upon one would wish to rest their head. The pillow apparatus further includes a reversible pocket formed along at least a portion of the pillow, with the pocket extendable between a first tucked in position within the pillow and an extended position out of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Kathy S. Terrell
  • Patent number: 6010192
    Abstract: A travel pillow having a channel formed into a pillow member having a slope adapted for contoured support of the head and neck of the user and a rubber backed flap extending from the lower side edge thereof that extends downwardly past the back and shoulders of the user to allow the weight from the user's back and shoulder area to maintain the pillow in a fixed position during use. An alternate embodiment provides mounting brackets for attachment to a car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Jenny K. King
  • Patent number: 5918332
    Abstract: A recreation pillow includes a resilient foam rubber pillow having an elliptical shape. A slit is formed in the pillow, and the slit extends inwardly from the surface. The slit defines opposed walls that are normally juxtaposed, with the pillow being deformable such that the walls are distanced from each other and small items such as room keys can be placed between the walls. When the pillow is released, the items are held between the walls. The pillow is enclosed in a waterproof sleeve, and is ideal for beach use for both lying on and for carrying small items. Alternatively, the pillow can be hollow and can be made of relatively hard plastic or rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Kent L. Dees
  • Patent number: 5916088
    Abstract: The present invention is a pillow/headrest designed to keep a user cool and comfortable when sunbathing, using a tanning bed or reclining in any uncomfortably warm environment. The pillow system comprises a housing in a generally rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a lower surface with a front edge and a rear edge and side faces. A generally rectangular gel pocket is formed in the upper surface and is adapted to contain a layer of thermally conductive gel material. A slot is formed in the rear edge with a chamber for the removable receipt of a freezer pack of thermal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Martin Gueli
  • Patent number: 5906018
    Abstract: An elongate structure has a body support surface inclined with respect to a generally horizontal foundation surface and contoured to provide comfortable support for a sunbather in positions intermediate prone and supine for tanning side portions of the body. A hollow cavity formed in the structure provides a convenient storage and transport compartment and an integral handle facilitates portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Donald E. Kidwell
  • Patent number: 5898962
    Abstract: A new pillow with photograph displays for displaying favorite photographs on a pillow for viewing. The inventive device includes removable cover for receiving a foam rubber padding within an open end thereof. A plurality of clear pockets are secured to a front surface of the removable cover. The pockets each have a clear front window and peripheral side walls and a bottom wall. The pockets each have an open upper end for receiving photographs therethrough for displaying through the clear front window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Ella J. McNeal
  • Patent number: 5864903
    Abstract: A pillow having a storage pocket sized for retaining a packaged condom is provided. The storage pocket is located in the center of one side of the pillow, and is integrally formed with a seam running across the pillow face so that the pocket is substantially hidden from view. The pocket is sized such that a stored condom can be easily retrieved, yet small enough so that the packaged condom will not fall out, even when the pillow is shaken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Hope Newman
  • Patent number: 5819346
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a recreation utility pillow offering comfort, security and entertainment for the user thereof. The pillow of this invention is particularly adapted for use at the beach, or pool side, where such pillow includes a waterproof cover for use in or near water. The pillow utilizes a yieldable foam-like material to give comfort to the user, includes an audio transmitter and speaker to allow private listening, and further includes storage facilities for personal items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: David Minton Lane
  • Patent number: 5813065
    Abstract: The invention is a music-playing pillow with an internal music playing device. The device has a switch for automatically turning the music on when pressure is applied and turns off when pressure is removed. The pillow has an ovoid shaped depression for the head, consisting of tightly bound cotton material in the interior, which will be elevated on all sides, and up to the cheek bone area, with an elevated portion for the neck to give it warmth, protection and support. The bottom portion of the pillow will end into a "c" shaped curve which will come to either side of the upper trapezius and will support the three basic neck muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Petra C. Tinhorn
  • Patent number: 5806118
    Abstract: A spacer for alternately spacing apart and collapsing a first member and a second member which are pivotable about a pivot point. The spacer includes a planar sleeve for accommodating a portion of the first member and a ramped protrusion connected to, or integrally formed with, the sleeve portion for retaining the second member in a spaced apart position relative to the first member. The spacer is formed with an opening for accommodating a fastener for pivotably fastening ends of the first member and second member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Reuven Lerner
  • Patent number: 5778468
    Abstract: Base unit of child's Pillow-Tote-Angelic Companion is a fabric-made embodiment of a billowy, white cloud upon which a golden star and crescent moon have been attached. Configuration is such that: there is created, in the concave behind the moon, a hammock-like "dwelling place" for a detached, individualized, characterized toy angel; "cloud formation" (contour) differs from unit to unit. Such "cloud" pillow, together with books and small toys stored in an elasticized rear pocket, may be carried from place to place by its fabric handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Janis Edith Saarela, Kristi Kay Saarela
  • Patent number: 5737787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pillow radio apparatus which comprises an ordinary pillow substantially covered by one or two sensors extending below the pressing element, e.g. the head of the child, on one or both sides of the pillow, said sensor being able to sense the force of the pressing element; the apparatus being located within a pillow case and being connected via actuating means to a receiver, the apparatus being also connected to at least one power supply unit.The sensor may be a capacity sensor; one or two webs being located at a suitable place and comprising a conductive net; or a bag comprising air or a fluid.The actuating means is, for example, an electronic circuit comprising a frequency oscillator; a unit which switches the oscillator on periodically; and a unit which switches the receiver on and off, which consists of a key and an optoisolator.The pillow case advantageously comprises the story to be told.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Rotem Ilan B.M.
    Inventor: Ilan Iozef
  • Patent number: 5713741
    Abstract: A storybook pillow where a pillow that is designed to rest the head of a human includes a radio transmitter. Upon the pillow being used by applying pressure to the pillow by the users head, the radio transmitter is activated emitting a signal. A radio receiver, separate from the pillow but located in close proximity thereto picks up the signal and activates a sound playback device which reproduces a recorded sound. The radio receiver is to be mounted in conjunction with the representation of a book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 5652983
    Abstract: The Sit/Sleep Constructed Pillow provides multiple uses in functioning as a sitting pillow that transforms into a sleeping pillow while providing an envelope that forms a self contained enclosure for compression and stowage. The Sit/Sleep Constructed Pillow is fabricated from one length of material that encloses the pillow loft and forms an envelope that is used along with fasteners to reduce the perimeter dimensions of the pillow for sitting purposes that in turn transforms into a larger dimensioned sleep pillow with a separate fabric head rest and cover while providing an enclosure for compression and stowage of the pillow, an enclosure that can also be used for stowage when not used for pillow compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: John A. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 5644809
    Abstract: The present invention is a cervical pillow designed to be used by people while they sleep. The cervical pillow comprises a top portion having a neck support and a head support. A shoulder ledge extends from the top portion along the front edge of the pillow to accommodate the sleeper's shoulder when the sleeper rolls to one side. The cervical pillow has a V-shaped pocket formed in the bottom portion of the pillow under the shoulder ledge to accommodate a sleeper's shoulder. A first and second arm channel extends angularly from the V-shaped pocket to accommodate the sleeper's arm as the arm is extended under the pillow. Each arm channel has a shoulder opening in communication with the V-shaped pocket and a hand end which may extend to the back edge of the pillow adjacent to a side edge. Each arm channel is formed at an angle relative to the front of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Michael J. Olson
  • Patent number: 5644807
    Abstract: A Beach Towel With Pillow comprising a beach towel of highly absorbent fabric with an inflatable pillow attached to the towel by means of a hook and loop type fastener, which allows for ease of attaching and detaching. The inflatable pillow may be manufactured of vinyl with welded seams which prevent air leakage after inflation and a velvet-like flocking material may be applied to give the vinyl a cloth-like feel. One edge of the pillow is provided with a series of storage compartments for small items to be carried, the small storage compartments being fastened by means of a hook and loop type fastener. The Beach Towel With Pillow may be rolled up and bound by the binding cords attached to one lateral edge of the beach towel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Dawn A. Battistella
  • Patent number: 5613501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a face support device specifically for the purpose of facilitating surgery on humans in the prone position providing for the complete relief of pressure to the areas of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth of a patient. The face support has a concave curved upper portion, a concave lower surface and a central opening for avoiding pressure on the eyes, nose and lips of the patient, while providing for increased support with decreased pressure and skin shear experienced by the patient's face in contact with the face support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gary K. Michelson
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 5608935
    Abstract: A head rest for supporting a human head relative to a ground surface. The inventive device includes a base frame positionable upon a ground surface. An upper frame is supported at an angle relative to the base frame by a plurality of stanchions extending therebetween. A perimeter pad extends about the upper frame for engaging a human head. The upper frame is substantially oval in shape to accommodate a human head in both prone and supine positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher A. Warfield
  • Patent number: 5575028
    Abstract: A tooth fairy pillow comprising a molar shaped cushion. A large rear pocket is on the molar shaped cushion for holding a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste which can be used by a child. A small rear pocket is on the large rear pocket for retaining a tooth lost by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Nancy Brau, Robert Brau
  • Patent number: 5546620
    Abstract: A multifunctional baby device including a substantially toroidal shaped cushion having at least one strap for preferably removably securing a play toy to the device. The device may also include a mat integrally interconnected with the cushion for providing a clean, soft surface. This mat may define an interior portion of the cushion and may also extend beyond to cushion to provide a suitable surface for diaper changing. A baby may be placed in the cushion in a supine position whereupon the cushion provides support to the baby's head, or in a prone position whereupon the cushion provides support to the baby's chest. Preferably, the toys are interconnected with the support such that they are accessible only when the baby is in the noted prone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5538323
    Abstract: A neck rest for an automobile seat comprised of an attachment portion having an open first end and an open second end. The open first end has an elastic band secured therein surrounding a periphery thereof. The open first end is dimensioned to be positioned over a headrest portion of a car seat. The device contains a flexible extension portion having an open first end and an open second end. The open first end is integral with the open second end of the attachment portion. The device contains a cushion portion having an open first end, a closed second end, and an intermediate extent therebetween. The open first end is integral with the open second end of the flexible extension portion. The intermediate extent has a moldable pillow secured therein. The cushion portion is positionable against the headrest of the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: James O. Henkel