Patents Examined by Nicholas Polito
  • Patent number: 9060626
    Abstract: An anti-wrinkle pillow including a pillow casing, first recess and second recess. The pillow casing has a bottom and top and is filled with fill material. The first recess is formed by securing the bottom to the top and is disposed at a first location. The second recess is formed by securing the bottom to the top and disposed at a second location. The second location is predetermined distance from the first location, such that the first recess and the second recess define first and second raised portions delineated by a trough portion. The first and second raised portions are configured to contact first and second portions of a user's face. The trough portion and the second recess are configured to remain contactless with the one or more portions of the user's face to mitigate wrinkling of the one or more portions of the user's face along the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Bicor Processing Corp.
    Inventor: Allan Berg
  • Patent number: 9056037
    Abstract: A two layer air support apparatus having at least two preformed air node circuits, where a top layer is radio frequency welded to a bottom layer for providing cyclic support to periodically shift pressure between different parts of a user's anatomy. The periodic shifting of the area supported by a user's anatomy over a period of time improves comfort and blood circulation. It is well known that periodic redistribution of skin pressure can help prevent some of the negative effects experienced through extended usage of beds and chairs. Additionally, enhancement of health and cosmetic improvement to vigorous individuals is suggested by the periodic shifting of supported anatomy due to improved rest from the benefits of a cyclic air support apparatus that has reduced complexity and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Paul B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9055821
    Abstract: A multifunctional furniture includes a stationary seat frame, a supporting frame, a back frame pivotally connected to the stationary seat frame to move between a sitting mode and a bedding mode, and a leg frame arrangement, which is provided underneath the stationary seat frame, the back frame and the supporting frame. When the back frame is in the sitting mode, the back frame is pivotally extended from the leg frame arrangement to form a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the stationary seat frame while the leg frame arrangement is arranged to support the stationary seat frame, wherein when the back frame is in the bedding mode, the back frame is pivotally moved to align with the seat frame to form a sleeping area, while the leg frame arrangement is operated to provide extensive support to both the back frame, the stationary seat frame and the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: FURNITURE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Lei Yang
  • Patent number: 9049942
    Abstract: A movable bed contains a base, a moving assembly, a first electric actuator, a second electric actuator, a driving shaft for matching with a support stand, and a lifting rack. The moving assembly includes four rollers fitted into two rails of the base. The base includes a centrally horizontal rod with a U-shaped piece. A top end of the first electric actuator is rotatably coupled with a connecting piece of the driving shaft, and the driving shaft has two ends connecting with the support stand and two U-shaped pieces. The second electric actuator includes a bottom end fixed on the moving assembly and a top end rotatably coupled with a L-shaped piece of a first plate of the lifting rack, one end of the first plate is rotatably joined with a second plate. The second plate is rotatably connected with a pushing bar also rotatably joined with the moving assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Apex Health Care Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Huang
  • Patent number: 9038212
    Abstract: The transfer assistance device includes a front supporting part that supports the torso of the person being assisted; a set of sub supporting parts configured to be adjustable in position with respect to the front supporting part; a driving unit that propels and drives each of the set of sub supporting parts toward the person being assisted being supported by the front supporting part; a force sensor that detects a pressure proportional to propulsion of the sub supporting part by the driving unit and counterforce generated by contact of the sub supporting part with the person being assisted; and a computer that controls the driving unit based on the pressure detected by the force sensor so that tightening force on the person being assisted by the sub supporting part approaches prescribed tightening force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuhei Yamaguchi, Atsushi Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 9038216
    Abstract: A medical examination table includes a seat, a compartment below the seat, a first extension, a second extension, a lift mechanism, a base, and a storage section formed in the base. The first extension is configured to be stored in the compartment, and is further configured to project outward relative to the seat when in an extended configuration of the first extension. The second extension is configured to be stored in the compartment with the first extension, and is further configured to project outward relative to the first extension when in an extended configuration of the second extension. The lift mechanism is configured to raise and lower the seat, the compartment, and the first and second extensions. The base is coupled to the lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Buege, Michael F. Hoft, Jack A. DeBraal
  • Patent number: 9032568
    Abstract: Drainable hammocks with an arrangement of drainage paths in the fabric of the hammock bed are disclosed, wherein the drainage paths are openings in the fabric of the hammock bed. In one example, the openings are formed by grommets that are positioned in the fabric of the hammock bed. A method of operation of the drainable hammocks includes, but is not limited to, the steps of water impinging the uppermost surface of the hammock bed, water flowing due to gravity from the high points in the hammock bed to the low points in the hammock bed, and water exiting the hammock bed through the drainage paths and onto the ground below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HATTERAS HAMMOCKS, INC.
    Inventor: Reid Roney
  • Patent number: 9027184
    Abstract: An acupressure pillow includes pressure members that are interconnected by an elastic member and arranged so that, when the user rests a body part (e.g., head or neck) on the pillow between the pressure members, the pressure members automatically adjust to accommodate the body part and produce pressure on the body part due at least in part to the elastic member, which biases the pressure members toward one another. Thus, the pressure exerted on the body part may have different vector components, including some pressure produced essentially perpendicular to the pillow surface on which the body part rests and some pressure produced at other angles due to the shape of the pressure members and the inward force on the pressure members produced by the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Steven M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9027185
    Abstract: The portable head support device of the present invention provides comfortable support for a user's head while the user is in a sitting potion. The pillow or cushion has a v-shape on the top where a user's chin can rest so that the head cannot fall forward or sideways but will stay in a comfortable and upright position. The pillow is held in place by hook and loop fasteners located on the pillow and, for instance, on straps extending from behind the user's back and over the shoulders or wraparound supports wrapped around standard seat belts. The head support can be used in child car seats to keep a child's head in a safe and stable position while they sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph L Garcia, Lori Garcia
  • Patent number: 9021640
    Abstract: A vacuum mattress for an operation table has plural foam strips oriented longitudinally with respect to a patient, the foam strips being laterally spaced apart, wherein the gaps are free from granulate of the vacuum mattress at least in their upper parts and the plural foam strips are separated from the granulate by a gas-impermeable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Marion Mohr
  • Patent number: 9021638
    Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of cells aligned and disposed on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body; and a pressure control member that changes a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. The cells are configured such that as the each cell is inflated by fluid supplied to the fluid chamber within the cell, the height of the each cell increases and a width dimension of the each cell in a direction of alignment decreases, and that peripheral portions of adjacent cells in the direction of alignment are overlapped with each other prior to cell inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Riko Company Limited
    Inventor: Akitsugu Misaki
  • Patent number: 9021631
    Abstract: Systems relating to a safe and easily removable and reusable waterproof pad with accompanying bottom layer that attaches to a crib mattress. The detachable waterproof pad of the present invention seeks to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by providing a tightly fitted pad to comply with current SIDS recommendations. The pad can be changed, cleaned, and replaced frequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Louise Miner
  • Patent number: 9009895
    Abstract: A bed comprises a deck having at least one section that is orientation adjustable about a laterally extending, longitudinally translatable axis and a mattress assembly including at least one volumetrically adjustable element associated with the orientation adjustable deck section. The volumetrically adjustable element is adapted to change the thickness of a portion of the mattress assembly adjacent to the deck section in a direction nonparallel to the orientation of the section and in response to a change in orientation of the deck section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 9009896
    Abstract: An adjustable foldable bed frame comprises an outer assembly having a body section and a leg section. Each section has a substantially rectangular periphery with an opening and is pivotally coupled together by a pair of first coupling members for movement between an open configuration whereby the sections are co-planar, and a closed configuration whereby the sections are parallel with each other. An inner assembly having a body component and a leg component are positioned within the opening of the body section and the leg section, respectively. The body component comprises a torso portion which is independently adjustable from a flat configuration to a plurality of reclined configurations. The leg component comprises a calf portion which is independently adjustable from a flat configuration to a plurality of elevated configurations. A connecting bracket assembly fixedly couples adjacent adjustable foldable bed frames such that adjacent torso and calf portions are adjustable together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pragma Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard J. Suh
  • Patent number: 8997274
    Abstract: An adjustable furniture apparatus is disclosed. The furniture apparatus includes a frame, an internal support structure, an incline assembly having a first and a second inclinable section, a plurality of lifting devices configured to selectively incline and support the first and second inclinable sections, and a cover disposed over portions of the incline assembly to form a comfortable seating intimate activity surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Edward Phillips
  • Patent number: 8990975
    Abstract: A user assistance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system may include a base and a platform rotatably positionable about the base. A lift assist chair may be disposed upon the platform, and handrails may be attached to the platform such that the handrails rotate with the platform. The handrails extend from the platform to define an entry, and the handrails are configured to assist a user as the user passes between the entry and the lift assist chair. Fixtures may be disposed in a generally curved arrangement to cooperate with the entry as the platform is rotatably positioned about the base. Related methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jerrell W. Harden, Russell J. Harden
  • Patent number: 8990987
    Abstract: A layered cushion that may be fully disassembled for easy cleaning is disclosed herein. The sleep system is durable and fire retardant. The layered cushion may include a foam layer, a layer of void cells, and a cover. The foam permits fluids to move freely there through and contours to a user's body to maximize comfort and reduce interface pressure. The reticulated foam layer resists compression set and thermosetting. The layer of void cells also permits fluids to move freely there through and provide additional support to the user's body. The individual void cells of the void cell layer are perforated to allow the transmission of fluids there through. The cover couples the other layers together to form the layered cushion and prevents the layers from deteriorating. The cover is removable to permit cleaning each of the layers independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Skydex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Thomas Wyman, Daniel Antonio Feighery, Eric William Sugano, Peter Foley, Thomas Manney, Collin Metzer, Gerald Michael Buchen, John Marcel Danis
  • Patent number: 8990981
    Abstract: A fitted sheet that is particularly well suited for use on a small mattress such as a child's sleeping mattress has elastic on some, but less than all, of its bottom surface periphery. The portion without elastic is wider than the portion with elastic, and defines a pocket part. A first end of the mattress is inserted into the pocket part. The pocket part holds the mattress securely while the elasticized portion is stretched and slipped over the remainder of the mattress. The pocket part not only allows for easier insertion of the mattress into that part, but also serves as a visual index that allows the user to easily identify which part of the sheet goes on which part of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ubimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Bensoussan
  • Patent number: 8984680
    Abstract: A convertible sofa and sofa frame deployable between a sofa orientation and a bed orientation. The frame has a base frame with a seat extension frame comprising a seat frame and a mid-frame pivotally secured to the base frame. Cushioning is on one side of the base frame. A seat back frame is pivotally secured to the base frame, the second cushioning on what is a back side when in the sofa orientation. Removable seat back cushions engage the front side of the seat back frame in the sofa orientation. In the bed orientation, the seat frame is extended, the seat back portion is pivoted horizontally, and the removable seat back cushions are located on the mid-frame between the seat frame and the seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Smith, Jeremy Seniff
  • Patent number: 8978181
    Abstract: An examination table including an integrated scale with automatic taring, weight capture in the presence of patient motion, and automatic table height adjustment. The examination table includes a controller that periodically tares the integrated scale when a patient is not on the table so that the scale is ready to measure the weight of a patient without manual taring by the table operator. When a patient is on the table, the controller detects the presence of patient motion based on signals from load sensors, and captures weights for patients experiencing uncontrolled motion or tremors by averaging and comparing sampled weight values over predetermined periods of time. To insure that the patient is fully supported by the examination table before weighing the patient, the controller automatically adjusts the height of the examination table support surface so that the patient's feet are not touching the floor prior to weighing the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Menke, Douglas Oda, John Alton