Support Means For Discrete Portion Of User, Useable With Bed Or Surgical Support Patents (Class 5/630)
  • Patent number: 6763539
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow comprises a pillow body comprising a medial region and two opposing arms with ends extending from the medial region to define an inner well region. The pillow body is sized and configured to permit the medial region to rest on a user's lap, with the ends of the opposing arms being generally adjacent to the user's waist. A support member is disposed across at least a portion of the well region such that the ends of the arms extend beyond the support member. The support member is sized and configured to assist in supporting a baby when lying on the pillow body while the ends of the arms are generally adjacent to the user's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Nancy Bartley, Teresa Mead, Clarice Bonzer, Sheila Littlehorn
  • Publication number: 20040123392
    Abstract: An adjustable body support device for applying supportive pressure to spaced areas of the human body comprising two elongated resilient foam-like cushions adjustably joined for adjusting the spacing between them. The cushions may be provided with covers having pockets for holding hot or cold packs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: The Idea People LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Stewart, Thomas Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20040123390
    Abstract: As the former triangle cushion is suitable for putting it between the body and the bed for body position changes at recumbency, effective for preventing bedsores, flexible enough to hold the correct position on the wheelchair for those who have difficulty in sitting upright, and it is helpful to sit straight, the five surface form cushion is used to avoid wear-out on vertex points of the triangle cushion without replacing hard materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Shigeo Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20040123391
    Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Evan W. Call
  • Patent number: 6751818
    Abstract: An Airway Management Apparatus (AMA) and method for easing the breathing and aiding the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the airway of an obese individual in the supine position. The AMA includes an upper-body support, and a head and neck support having a partially concave and partially convex surface coupled to the upper-body support. The AMA eases breathing by raising the individual's upper body at an angle, causing the individual's abdominal mass to fall away from the diaphragm. The AMA provides a support for the individual's neck to be extended, and for the head to be rotated backwards, to aid in the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the individual's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Troop
  • Patent number: 6751817
    Abstract: A contoured body pillow adapted to permit unlimited positioning options to facilitate relief from persistent back and neck pain, respiratory and digestive disorders, and to provide a sensation of closeness, comfort and security by conforming to the body of a user, thereby permitting the user to sleep comfortably through the night, the contoured body pillow having a substantially candy cane shape comprising a first terminal end having a semi-bell shape connecting to a U-shaped portion, a downwardly extending leg connecting to the U-shaped portion, the leg expanding at its lowermost portion to form a bell shape, the bell shape terminating at a second terminal end in a beveled edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 6735798
    Abstract: Chiropractic aids for releasing tension in the muscle groups that act to form anteroposterior curvature in the lumbosacral region. Usable with wedge-shaped pads and a rectangular pillow, the principal aid is a convertible triangular pillow having two right-triangular members detachably hinged along their right-angle corners by a first surface fastener. A second surface fastener is provided on each right-triangular cylindrical member edgewise opposite the right-angle corner. Thus the surfaces defined by the counterpart short sides of the right-triangular cylindrical members can be detachably fastened together by the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Seishin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 6708353
    Abstract: A protective apparatus for human backbones is disclosed. This apparatus has an inside body, which is made of a fabric, such as a cotton fabric or a taffeta, and defines an interior space filled with an appropriate filler. An all-cotton fabric covers the inside body to form an outer cover of the apparatus, with two ends of the all-cotton fabric being fastened together using a zip-fastener or a Velcro fastener, thus forming a seamed junction. The apparatus has a columnar shape with a circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, or an octagonal cross-section. This apparatus properly aligns the spinal vertebrae of a user while sleeping or taking a rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Wan-Seok Han
  • Publication number: 20040031101
    Abstract: Our device is made of different materials that may stretch in four directions, aiding in support and comfort. The overlapping cylinder like shapes provide 3-D, 360° support to the anatomical area to which they are placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 6675417
    Abstract: A device is provided for aiding in conception. The device includes a wedge section with a top inclined face, a flat bottom face, and depending side faces. The top face is inclined in order to support and raise the lower torso of a female while keeping the upper torso flat. Also provided is a three-dimensional contoured member placed on the inclined top face of the wedge section to support and hold the buttocks of the female during sexual intercourse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Daniela Spector, Juval Spector
  • Publication number: 20030204912
    Abstract: A device is provided for aiding in conception. The device includes a wedge section with a top inclined face, a flat bottom face, and depending side faces. The top face is inclined in order to support and raise the lower torso of a female while keeping the upper torso flat. Also provided is a three-dimensional contoured member placed on the inclined top face of the wedge section to support and hold the buttocks of the female during sexual intercourse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Daniela Spector, Juval Spector
  • Patent number: 6640366
    Abstract: A lumbar reinforcement device for supporting the lower back of a contacting human body, including two cushionable structures connectively separated by a center structure, wherein the cushionable structures define inner spaces which hold removable inserts containing a deformably cushionable supporting material, said cushionable structures being deformable upon contact with a human body and which moldably deform to the shape of the contacting human body to provide support thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Draves
  • Patent number: 6629324
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a pillow specifically designed to avoid pressure on the ears, lobes and cartilage and to evenly distribute pressure on the other surfaces of the face. Its top surface is contoured such that the curvature of the head and neck is accommodated. The ears are protected by the presence of recesses in the top surface of the pillow which are shaped similarly to the ear with one generally arcuate side and one generally flat side and positioned somewhat closer to the front edge of the pillow. The recesses are of sufficient size and depth so that as a person lies his head on one side with one ear positioned in a recess, there is no pressure on the ear, its lobe, or cartilage. The pillow is especially effective for reducing the pain of recovery from lobe or cartilage piercings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Ritalee Shapiro
  • Patent number: 6625831
    Abstract: A ring shaped medical positioner and method for its manufacture the positioner includes a ring shaped insert wrapped in a surgical vinyl. The vinyl is divided into a first and second pieces, the first piece being formed by forming dyes engaging opposite sides of the vinyl, which is stretched between the dyes and progressively relaxed as the material is drawn into the female forming dye by the male dye and suction. The insert is placed within the formed surgical vinyl. The second piece is a flat disc which is placed over one of the surfaces of the insert and sealed to the edges of the first piece of vinyl to thereby provide a wrinkle free covering which may be easily disinfected for repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Laughlin
  • Patent number: 6601252
    Abstract: A double pillowcase assembly comprising a pair of fabric envelopes connected together along a central seam line, the envelopes being capable of holding pillows therein and an anchor pad extending outwardly from the double pillowcase and being connected thereto along the central seam line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20030131415
    Abstract: The abstract of the invention is a concept of a design as shown in drawings. The original design offers non limited added ornamental features, materials, colors, textures, features, size to the original concept. The design as shown in drawing offers non limited purpose with the change of added features and ordimental added design to the original concept. The purpose is to offer the ordimental features and added features to the original concept in creation of marketing and sales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Laurie A. Stancil
  • Publication number: 20030126684
    Abstract: A protective apparatus for human backbones is disclosed. This apparatus has an inside body, which is made of a fabric, such as a cotton fabric or a taffeta, and defines an interior space filled with an appropriate filler. An all-cotton fabric covers the inside body to form an outer cover of the apparatus, with two ends of the all-cotton fabric being fastened together using a zip-fastener or a Velcro fastener, thus forming a seamed junction. The apparatus has a columnar shape with a circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, or an octagonal cross-section. This apparatus properly aligns the spinal vertebrae of a user while sleeping or taking a rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Wan-Seok Han
  • Patent number: 6578218
    Abstract: A pillow having a pivoting butterfly structure with two cushions pivotably interconnected by a hinge element to pivot between an open position and a closed position. Each cushion has a hinge end adjacent the hinge element, and a connecting end disposed at the end of the cushion opposite the hinge end. A middle portion is located between the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. The cushions have a relatively flat inner surface and a curved contoured surface that extend the length of each cushion. The contoured surface projects away from the inner surface and forms two peaks near the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. Between the peaks, the contoured surface curves inward back toward the inner surface and forms a concave groove near the middle portion of each cushion. A cover encases both cushions and contours the shapes of the cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Tempur World, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerda Wassilefsky
  • Patent number: 6564801
    Abstract: A medical device for positioning a patient correctly in the sitting position when performing spinals or epidurals. The medical device is wedge shaped and inflexible. The device can have handles adjacent to the front wall of the wedge or can be used without the handles. The device is used by first placing it on an elevated surface, then having a patient sit on the device so that the patient's knees flex at the front and upper juncture of the device. The patient is then instructed to sit upright. By sitting upright, the pelvis will rotate backwards thereby promoting flexion of the lumbar/thoracic spine. On the medical device with handles, the flexion of the lumbar/thoracic spine can be augmented by having the patient push upward, palms up, on the handles. The upward pushing forces will force the lumbar spine posteriorly and further increase thoracic/lumbar flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Simon Jacob Frank
  • Patent number: 6560800
    Abstract: A lumbar reinforcement device for supporting the lower back of a contacting human body, including two cushionable structures connectively separated by a center structure, wherein the cushionable structures define inner spaces which hold removable inserts containing a deformably cushionable supporting material, said cushionable structures being deformable upon contact with a human body and which moldably deform to the shape of the contacting human body to provide support thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Draves
  • Patent number: 6557197
    Abstract: A surgical pillow is provided for supporting, cushioning and positioning a patient while in a prone position on an operating table during rectal surgery. The pillow comprises an elongated, self-sustaining, flexible body unit of compressible material having shape return memory. The body unit is provided with an indented upper face defined by a longitudinally extending, centrally located channel and chamfered downwardly inclined patient positioning surfaces on opposite sides of the central channel. Converging, inclined side surfaces of the body unit are configured and strategically located to accommodate the axilla areas of a patient while the patient is supported on the body unit. A removable cover that substantially conforms to the configuration of the body unit is provided in full covering relationship to the body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20030079291
    Abstract: A surgical pillow is provided for supporting, cushioning and positioning a patient while in a prone position on an operating table during rectal surgery. The pillow comprises an elongated, self-sustaining, flexible body unit of compressible material having shape return memory. The body unit is provided with an indented upper face defined by a longitudinally extending, centrally located channel and chamfered downwardly inclined patient positioning surfaces on opposite sides of the central channel. Converging, inclined side surfaces of the body unit are configured and strategically located to accommodate the axilla areas of a patient while the patient is supported on the body unit. A removable cover that substantially conforms to the configuration of the body unit is provided in full covering relationship to the body unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20030041380
    Abstract: The present invention is an infant protective and support system and method. The system includes two support pillows having a case and a filling. The support pillows are connected with one another via adjustable releasable fastening strips such as Velcro® strips. The invention may be used to constrain an infant in a desired position during sleeping periods or diaper changes. It may also be used to support and infant's head and neck during periods of travel in an automobile. Lastly, the invention may aid in teaching a child to sit. The system may be used with multiple infants such is the case in of daycare centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Hanley, Lita Hanley
  • Patent number: 6499164
    Abstract: A body pillow having an upper end which is essentially in the shape of a horseshoe and a lower end which is essentially in the shape of a J, a straight portion connecting the horseshoe-shaped top with the J-shaped bottom, the cross-sectional diameter of the body pillow being between 7 and 12 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 6490742
    Abstract: A support for an appendage comprising a plurality of stackable bolsters in which mating surfaces are engaged to provide both frictional and lateral support between adjacent bolsters to stabilize the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Toni Hall, Ronald Hall, Edwina Conley, Jerome Raynor
  • Publication number: 20020166788
    Abstract: An inflatable web, and method and apparatus for inflating the web, which generally includes two sheets having inner surfaces sealed to each other in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers of predetermined length, each of the chambers having at least one change in width over their length; an inflation port located at a proximal end of each chamber, the inflation ports being formed by intermittent seals between the sheets; and longitudinal flanges formed by a portion of each of the sheets that extend beyond the inflation ports and intermittent seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Publication number: 20020162172
    Abstract: Disclosed is a 22″×72″ air cushion levitation apparatus that is used when a medical patient is required to be moved from a hospital bed to a gurney and ten to examination tables. The apparatus is placed under the patient on the bed, a pressurized air supply is then applied, causing the apparatus to vent air from the bottom of the apparatus which causes the apparatus to lift in the air on a cushion of air. An attendant can then glide the apparatus and the patient from the bed to the gurney without physical exertion. The air supply is then terminated and the patient is gently lowered onto the gurney and taken to an examination table. The same procedure is employed to return the patient to their bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Federowicz
  • Patent number: 6467486
    Abstract: An extricating device for persons with spinal injuries including a support board positionable on the back, neck, and head of the person. The support board is conformable to the back, neck, and back of the person. The support board includes a main section and an upper section extending upwardly from the main section. The upper section is positionable under the neck and head of the person. A plurality of straps are coupled with the support board for securing the support board to the person. Each of the straps are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Kleinschmidt
  • Patent number: 6449788
    Abstract: A therapeutic pillow having a malleable core and at least one layer of foam surrounding the malleable core. The malleable core allows the therapeutic pillow to retain the bent shape as needed by a user. If the therapeutic pillow has more than one layers of foam and the layers of foam may be of different firmness allowing the user to have increased comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Mary L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6438777
    Abstract: A supporting device includes a plurality of frame elements. Each end of the frame elements is hingedly connected to one end of an adjacent frame element to define a closed structure. The length of each frame element is adjustable, and the angle formed between adjacent frame elements is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Tri-Medics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley D. Bender
  • Patent number: 6434770
    Abstract: A support pillow comprises a resilient pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms extending from the medial region to form a generally open well. The pillow body includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. A handle is coupled to the medial region at the outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews Brown
  • Patent number: 6381782
    Abstract: A body supporting tool for a bed includes a guide rail (3) releasably fixed to a frame (1) of the bed, a slide housing (6) guided by the guide rail (3), a turning support (11), and an abutment plate (19) moving forward and backward along the guide rail (3) together with the slide housing (6) and supporting a body of a person lying on the bed while abutting the body. When an operating handle (14) is turned in a set direction by a set angle, the slide housing (6) switches its states from a moving state to a fixing state, and when the handle (14) is turned in a direction opposite to the set direction by the set angle, the slide housing (6) switches its states from the fixing state to the moving state. As a result of this construction, a simply operable body supporting tool is provided, which can releasably be mounted on a bed easily and whose position can be adjusted conveniently, quickly, and reliably after mounted on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon M.D.M.
    Inventors: Yasuo Watanabe, Toru Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20020040501
    Abstract: An inflatable positioning device is provided. The device includes a pump, a tube extending from the pump, a valve intermediate the length of the tube and non-rectangular inflatable pillow connected to the end of the tube remote from the pump. The non-rectangular inflatable pillow is dimensioned for positioning portions of a patient's body during surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: O.R. Comfort, LLC
    Inventors: Nigel E. Sharrock, William F. Urmey, L. Henri Marguet
  • Patent number: 6367105
    Abstract: A device to comfortably support the body regions and body limbs of physically disabled children or adults. The device consists of a plurality of aesthetically shaped malleable pillows and a pillow case. The malleable pillows have a firm and pliable inner core and an outer layer that is soft and resilient, which makes the malleable pillow easy to mold to conform to a person's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Linda F. Farley
  • Patent number: 6360387
    Abstract: A support pillow for elevating the hips of a woman after sexual intercourse to facilitate entry of sperm into the uterus, the pillow including a generally wedge-shaped resilient body having a pair of generally triangular side surfaces, a sloping generally rectangular hip support surface extending between the sloping upper edge of the triangular side surfaces, a generally rectangular flat bottom surface, a rear surface connected generally perpendicular to the rear edge of the flat bottom, the wedge-shaped resilient body having a wedge-shaped piece of rigid material therein, the wedge-shaped resilient body having a soft cover thereon, the cover having a strap on each side thereof for grasping by the hands of user to position the pillow beneath the hips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mirchana S. Everhart
  • Patent number: 6357829
    Abstract: A body cushion, comprising: a posterior portion for placement against the posterior of a user; and a pair of leg extensions integrally formed with the posterior portion and extending therefrom, the leg extensions for placement against the upper portions of the legs of the user, wherein each of the leg extensions includes extendable features which permit the leg extensions to extend and contract along a length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Colby Enterprises
    Inventor: Robert C. Hanke
  • Patent number: 6327713
    Abstract: A pair of pajama pants with incorporated knee pillows including pajama bottoms comprised of a pair of legs adapted for receiving legs of a person therein. The pair of legs have inner seams and outer seams. A pair of pockets are secured to the inner seams of the pair of legs of the pajama bottoms. The pair of pockets are positioned to be aligned with the knees of the legs of the person. A pair of pillows are dimensioned for being received within the pair of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Frank Gomez
  • Patent number: 6327724
    Abstract: An inflatable positioning device is provided. The device includes a pump, a tube extending from the pump, a valve intermediate the length of the tube and non-rectangular inflatable pillow connected to the end of the tube remote from the pump. The non-rectangular inflatable pillow is dimensioned for positioning portions of a patient's body during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: O.R. Comfort, LLC
    Inventors: Nigel E. Sharrock, William F. Urmey, L. Henri Marguet
  • 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: 6305040
    Abstract: An Acupressure pillow provides selective pressure by location and force applied to a body of a user. By selection of a body member, a location on that body member, and a pressure point thereat, an acupressure pillow may be used for gauging and applying a localized, selective force or pressure at a designated point for a user. For example, headaches have been attributed to various causes including stress, tension, and so forth, all of which may result in involuntary tightening of muscles. Tightening of muscles affects blood flow. Restriction of blood flow may be responsible for certain headache pain. By applying a steady, predictable, reliable, continuing pressure at a designated acupressure location on member of a body of a user, muscles may be relaxed. Massage therapy requires knowledgeable application of pressure and motion. An acupressure pillow applies steady pressure, to which the body will become accustomed and relax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Scott G. Myler
  • Patent number: 6292964
    Abstract: An inclined support pillow includes a foam wedge and a resilient foam section substantially of the same length and width as a top surface of the foam wedge, with the bottom surface of the foam section attached to the top surface of the foam wedge. A covering of fabric or cloth is dimensioned for securement over the foam wedge and the foam section. At least two fastening strips are attached to the covering on a plane parallel to a top surface of the foam section. Two resilient cushions, each having a semi-circled top surface, a flat bottom surface and a covering of fabric or cloth, are provided with complementary fastening strips attached to the covering on a plane parallel to the flat bottom surface. The two cushions are aligned with the top surface of the foam section by press mating the complementary fastening strips to the fastening strips. The first of the cushions is relatively larger than the second cushion. The first cushion is to be used for lower back support and the second cushion for neck support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Macarena M. Rose, Erin L. Koogle
  • Patent number: 6279185
    Abstract: A support pillow comprises a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define an outer perimeter and a generally open well. A cover is disposed about the cushion body and comprises an outer section that extends about the outer perimeter and an inner section that extends about the open well. Further, the inner section has a width in the range from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. Such a configuration facilitates separation of the arms without tearing or damaging the cover while also permitting the pillow to return to its original shape upon release of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6272703
    Abstract: A knee support pillow is configured with a main body disposed between a pair of end members configured to have an elliptical cam-shape cross-section that allows for variable height and support by rotating or adjusting the unit to provide any number of heights to comfortably support a user's knees and legs. The cam-shape is configured to provide handles built into the end members act as handgrips to facilitate easy gripping to rotate the unit forward and back to obtain an optimal comfort setting for the user. The user can position and adjust the support pillow while remaining in a seated or reclining position, and can re-adjust the support as needed to accommodate changing tasks or activities. An easily removable and replaceable fabric outer cover extends over the usable region of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Robert L. Swezey, Richard Swezey
  • Patent number: 6256804
    Abstract: A pillow-like protector and body support device having a central section stuffed with polyurethane and covered with soft hypoallergenic material is provided with cut-away air gaps and medial seams that form air grooves or channels. The pillows and supports are made for supporting various body parts, e.g., the neck, shoulder, torso, elbows, and tailbone. Many of the pillows/supports are capable of being used together into an integrated system for alleviating bedsores and other medical problems associated with sitting or lying in the same position for long periods of time. One embodiment of the invention relates to a coccyx protector and is adapted to slip over a bedpan. In addition, embodiments are disclosed related to breast supports. One version is a small pillow/protector with an airflow pocket. Another version is sling-like and includes an air circulation seam for the skin just beneath the pillow. Yet another version of the breast support for protecting both breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Emeline Stevens
  • Patent number: 6253400
    Abstract: A cushion, particularly positioning, supporting and nursing cushion, has a tubular cushion body which is formed of or filled with a flexible or shape-variable filler material. A cushion cover encloses the cushion body. At least one fastening device is mounted on an end area on the cushion cover or the cushion body, and can be brought into a detachable connection with at least one anchoring point mounted on the interior side of the cushion cover or the exterior side of the cushion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Troesch Scheidegger Werner AG
    Inventors: Sylvia Rüdt-Sturzenegger, Christoph Rüdt-Sturzenegger
  • Patent number: 6223368
    Abstract: A support device provided to be arranged on a base member (1) such as a mattress, a bunk or a bed, and comprising an inflatable portion (2) which is arranged to be in an inflated state in order to lift a person resting upon the inflatable portion (2), the inflatable portion (2) comprising an inlet opening (5) and an outlet opening (6) for the supply and evacuation respectively of an inflation medium. The inflatable portion (2) comprises a lateral projection (4) provided to project beyond a lateral edge (3) of the base member (1) and at which the inlet opening (5) and the outlet opening (6) are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Jyrki Anslin
  • Patent number: 6223749
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing the cervical spine includes a generally U-shaped upper structure for fitting about the back and opposing sides of a head of a user, a lower support structure connected to and extending downwardly from the upper structure, a pair of shoulder restraints connected to and extending from the lower support structure in a forward and downward arcuate direction to overlie the upper thoracic region on opposite sides of the spinal column of the user. The lower support structure having a length extending to a position which would underlie the scapulas of the user, and a width being generally the approximate width of a person's back. The shoulder restraints having an interior side which substantially conforms with the shape of the posterior midline portions of the shoulders and upper thoracic region of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: W Roger Beaty
  • Patent number: 6182314
    Abstract: A stress reducing orthopedic pillow having a low density polyurethane foam outer region, a high density polyurethane foam middle region that are provided in both a unitary embodiment and in an embodiment that includes removably attachable layers, so that the size of the device may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and preferences of individual users. The pillow advantageously includes leg clasps for securely engaging the inner thighs of an individual in a side lying position, the clasps including a stem and a pair of crescent shaped buttresses. The buttresses resist rotation to the prone and supine lying positions. The foam within the stem separates the knees to reduce spinal stress. Advantageously, a supine sleeping position is accommodated by positioning said pillow under the legs to flatten out the spine while supporting the legs at the thigh and calf regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Larry G. Frydman
  • Patent number: 6154901
    Abstract: A patient support device for supporting a patient at four points during back-related surgery. The device includes a generally rectangular frame having two opposing end members and two opposing side members. Two front posts are slidably mounted to one of the two end members. A travelling member is slidably mounted to both side members and may be displaced in a longitudinal direction between the two end members. Two rear posts are slidably mounted to the travelling member and may be displaced therealong, in a transverse direction between the side members. A front lead screw assembly is connected to the two front posts and allows simultaneous and opposing displacement of both front posts along the end member so that both front posts may be moved an equal distance from a center axis. Similarly, a rear lead screw assembly is connected to the two rear posts to allow simultaneous and opposing displacement of both rear posts along the travelling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: New York Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled Maintaining the Hospital for Special Surgery
    Inventor: James Carr
  • Patent number: 6095894
    Abstract: A pillow-like protector and body support device having a central section stuffed with polyurethane and covered with soft hypoallergenic material is provided with cut-away air gaps and medial seams that form air grooves or channels. The pillows and supports are made for supporting various body parts, e.g., the neck, shoulder, torso, elbows, and tailbone. Many of the pillows/supports are capable of being used together into an integrated system for alleviating bedsores and other medical problems associated with sitting or lying in the same position for long periods of time. One embodiment of the invention relates to a coccyx protector and is adapted to slip over a bedpan. In addition, embodiments are disclosed related to breast supports. One version is a small pillow/protector with an airflow pocket. Another version is sling-like and includes an air circulation seam for the skin just beneath the pillow. Yet another version of the breast support for protecting both breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Emeline Stevens