Patents Examined by A. Grosz
  • Patent number: 7546648
    Abstract: A bed, such as for a child, includes a plurality of block components releasably interconnected to form a ring with an open area therein large enough for a person to sleep in, the block components including inner and outer surfaces simulating a stadium for a professional sport such as football, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, or the like. Accessories such as goal posts, lights, a score board, and box office seating can be attached to the block components, and also additional accessories such as pillows, rugs, mats, mattresses, and the like can be positioned in and around the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Jason R. Steffes
  • Patent number: 7546649
    Abstract: A sheet securing apparatus includes an apparatus frame and a plurality of sheet engaging members adapted to detachably engage the apparatus frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: David A Fleming
  • Patent number: 7546647
    Abstract: A support module for a bedding foundation comprises two wire-form elements each a single length of wire configured to have a central bridge portion, two spaced legs extending in a common direction therefrom, and feet at terminal ends of the legs. The bridge portion the feet lie in parallel planes with the legs extending therebetween. The feet of one wire-form element are affixed to the bridge portion of the other wire-form element with the respective legs of both elements extending in a common direction and with the bridge portion of the one element and the feet of the other element in a common plane. The bridge portion of the other wire-form element is secured to a base of a bedding foundation and the feet of the other wire-form element and the bridge portion of the one wire-form element are secured to a support surface of a bedding foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kevin N. McCraw
  • Patent number: 7540046
    Abstract: A crib railing includes a driving means, an opening/closing means and a railing coupling with the driving means and the opening/closing means. The driving means' seat has a top surface formed as a helical parabolic surface to allow the railing to automatically return at any angles relative to the driving means. The opening/closing means has an upper cover, a depressing means, a handgrip means, a slider, a lower cover and a linkage bar. The depressing means and handgrip means are single-handed operable at meantime, and can drive the linkage bar running through the handgrip means up and down to form an open or latch relationship with the railing. The handgrip means has a wedge with an inclined member to drive the slider to latch on a latch member of the railing. The invention provides the opening/closing movements of the driving means and opening/closing means and swiveling return of the railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-I Lai
  • Patent number: 7536741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person's spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a trunk rest having a trunk rest surface and a trunk rest face, the trunk rest surface operable to support a trunk of a person laying in a sleep-on-side position; and a head rest having a head rest surface and a head rest face, such that when placed in operative relation to the trunk rest, the head rest face opposes the trunk rest face and is separated from the trunk rest face by a separation distance such that the trunk rest and the head rest cooperate to define a cavity to receive a lower arm the person laying in the sleep-on-side position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: John Schultz
  • Patent number: 7536736
    Abstract: The child's neck pillow is a device that can be employed to provide comfort and support for a child when the child is riding in a vehicle. The pillow is designed to fit around the child's neck and includes legs that fall forward over the child's body. The legs may have mating fasteners to secure the legs together to prevent the child's head from falling forward. A sleeve is provided to encase the pillow. The sleeve can be removed for washing. The sleeve may hold ice or medicinal packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Rachel A. Martinez
  • Patent number: 7536735
    Abstract: A system configured to ensure a sleeping person remains in a desired position. The system includes a head pillow and a leg pillow. The head pillow includes a locating area configured to receive a portion of the head of the sleeping person. In addition, the head pillow includes a receiving area configured to receive a portion of an arm of the sleeping person. The leg pillow includes a receiving area configured to receive a portion of the leg of a sleeping person. The leg pillow is generally located between the legs of the person and maintains the legs in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Sharon P. Stump
  • Patent number: 7536738
    Abstract: A patient helper apparatus that is attachable to a hospital bed is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket that is mountable on the hospital bed, a support arm rotatably mountable on the bracket, and a handle assembly that can be gripped by a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy Richards, Darrell Borgman
  • Patent number: 7536739
    Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is provided including an encasing housing a base layer and a patient support layer in a cavity of the encasing. The base layer has a foam base member and foam side panels connected to the base member. The patient support layer is provided above the base layer and has a plurality of sections or zones. In one embodiment the plurality of sections is made of an inflatable component, and another of the plurality of sections is made of a non-inflatable component. In an alternate embodiment, each of the sections contains an inflatable component. In one embodiment, the zones of the patient support surface include a head zone adjacent a head of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, a seat zone adjacent the head zone, and a knee zone between the seat zone and the foot zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Poulos
  • Patent number: 7533427
    Abstract: Bed clothing in panels which extend the length or width of the bed and which can be fastened together to make up bed cloths, and which can be fully separated from each other for laundering. Where the panels extend longitudinally in the bed, and the panels have effective widths of about 19 inches to about 23 inches, the panels can be used to make up bed clothing which fits all standard size beds within 10 inches of conventionally-used bed clothing widths. The panels can have adjustable widths (W) which enable the user to assemble a bed cloth to more closely approach the conventionally-used bed clothing widths. A longitudinally-extending panel can be segmented so as to be separable into two or more panel pieces along transversely-extending edges of the respective panel pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Tami L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7526821
    Abstract: A fastener system is implemented to assemble a fabric element with a frame structure of a nursery device for supporting a baby occupant. The fastener system includes a first connecting structure joined with the fabric element and configured to complementarily mate with a second connecting structure having a protrusion extending along a support beam of the frame structure. The first connecting structure includes a flat affixing portion joined with an edge of the fabric element, and an engaging catch linked with the affixing portion through a joint portion. The second connecting structure complementarily mates within the engaging catch of the first connecting structure to fasten the fabric element with the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Zheng-Wen Guo, Ze-hua Yi
  • Patent number: 7526824
    Abstract: A seat cushion is disclosed for use as a display surface and as a temperature regulated seating surface, the seating cushion comprising a first flexible sheet having a first outer periphery; a second flexible sheet having a second outer periphery; and a first connector joining at least a portion of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet together adjacent the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, the first connector forming a cavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet, and the connector forming a first opening between the first sheet and the second sheet, into the cavity wherein the first opening has a first given length, the cavity adapted to removably retain a heating or cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Regina M. Pontes
  • Patent number: 7526822
    Abstract: Set of attachments, including one or more attachments are attached to a portion of bedding for storing an item, such that someone lying in bed may comfortably reach the item while in bed. The set of attachments may include various sorts of holders for holding personal items, such as one or more pockets and/or one or more straps. In an embodiment the bedding is a fitted bed sheet. In other embodiments, the bedding may be other pieces of bedding where the set of attachments may be placed within reach of the person. In an embodiment, the location of the set of attachments is based on an average sized individual of a particular population and the size of the bedding. In another embodiment, the location of the pocket is based on the dimensions of the individual for which the set of attachments is made and on the individual's bedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Teresa M. Joyce
  • Patent number: 7523514
    Abstract: An accessory support system adapted for use with a stretcher with a mattress, the mattress being supported by a frame. A segment of an elongated rail member is spaced apart from the mattress a sufficient distance to enable an accessory support mounted on the segment to be moved free from interference from the mattress. A cable support is aligned with the segment adapted to support a portion of cabling of an accessory mounted on the support, the cable support capable of receiving and retaining cabling from the accessory irrespective of the position of the accessory support on the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Children's & Women's Health Centre of British Columbia Branch
    Inventors: Doug Salt, Dennis John Schweers, Arthur Francis Cogswell
  • Patent number: 7522062
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary frame, a first head deck mattress support member supported by the frame, a second seat deck mattress support member supported by the frame and pivotally coupled to the head deck mattress support member, a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring, and a motorized drive assembly operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and to the first mattress support member. The adjustable bed may be such that detection of the snoring sound actuates the motorized drive assembly thereby causing relative movement of the first mattress support member with respect to the second mattress support member. The sensor assembly may further be adapted to recognize a sound associated with snoring of a particular person and actuation of the motorized drive assembly may move the first mattress support member between an inclined position and a horizontal flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Managment Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 7516501
    Abstract: Medical device with a patient tunnel lined by a lining and a patient couch that can be moved into and out of the tunnel and accommodated in a recess in the lining enclosing the sides of the patient couch, with the patient couch having a clearance from the lining when fully withdrawn from the tunnel, with an element that can be moved against a resetting force being provided at both sides in each case in the area of the recess near to the couch, it being possible for said element during a vertical movement from a lowered position into the completely withdrawn position or at the start of the inward movement to be deflected by the patient couch against the resetting force to a position separated from the patient couch by a narrow gap or to a position abutting against the patient couch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd Maciejewski
  • Patent number: 7516502
    Abstract: A wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.). The wheeled attachment system generally includes a support structure including a shaft, a plurality of wheels and at least one support, wherein at least three of the plurality of wheels are rotatably attached at each opposing end of the shaft and wherein the plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon each of the opposing ends of the shaft. The support extends outwardly from the shaft between the opposing ends of the shaft, wherein the support stabilizes the support structure upon an object positioned adjacent the support structure. An attachment structure extends from the support structure, wherein the attachment structure removably secures the attachment structure and the support structure to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Donald O. Larson, Kasey P. Larson
  • Patent number: 7516504
    Abstract: The pillow (10) comprises a body (12) made of an elastically deformable material provided with a top side (14) upon which the head of a user can be rested, and an underside (16) for being placed upon a pillow support. The top side (14) is joined to the underside (16) by at least one shoulder side (18, 18b). Said shoulder side is provided with a shoulder cut-out (20A, 20B) that forms an opening for the cervical vertebrae of the user when he is lying on his back, and forms an accommodating space for the shoulder of the user when he is lying on his side. The top side (14) preferably comprises a recess (22) that partially accommodates the head of the user (H), called the head receiving recess (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Gerard Guez
  • Patent number: 7516503
    Abstract: A wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.). The wheeled attachment system generally includes an end support, a pair of wheel assemblies extending from opposing sides of the end support, a pair of side supports extending from the end support adjacent the pair of wheel assemblies and at least one strap extending from the pair of side supports. The side supports and the end support define a cavity adapted to receive an end of a spine board, wherein the strap is adapted to secure the pair of wheel assemblies about the spine board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Donald O. Larson
  • Patent number: 7513001
    Abstract: A multi-purpose pillow with attached blanket. The pillow comprises a body with one or more inwardly-turned arms. One edge of the blanket is attached to the pillow, and a pouch is formed in the pillow so that blanket is stowable inside. A pocket may be included for holding an MP3 player or other accessory. A flap wraps around the body to cover the pouch opening and the accessory pocket when the blanket is stowed. In its preferred embodiment, the pillow provides a convenient infant support pillow with a blanket that may be deployed beneath the pillow to provide a clean playing, napping or changing area or to spread over or wrap around the infant. This pillow also is a handy travel pillow for toddlers through adults, one of the arms serving as a head and neck cushion, while the body supports an MP3 player in a convenient position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach