Simultaneous Support For Multiple Body Portions Patents (Class 5/632)
  • Patent number: 6055687
    Abstract: A support pillow comprises a resilient cushion body having 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 and to position first and second end portions of the arms in a confronting relation to one another. The cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define a generally circular open well. A head member is attached to the cushion body proximate to an end portion of one of the cantilever arms. The head member is attached to the cushion body such that the head member extends in a direction generally parallel to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Susan H. Matthews
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6052848
    Abstract: A body support pillow stuffed with a resilient deformable filler having a U-shaped central section and depending legs, the pillow having a center opening equal to the body width of a user. In a first embodiment the pillow's total length is substantially equal to the height of a user, and the legs are selectively foldable over one another to create a double thickness for additional support under the user's knees, with a detachable body-encircling strap securing the pillow about the user. In a second embodiment for use in a chair the legs support the arms of a user, and may be raised by rotating them 90 degrees. In a third embodiment, the interior of the pillow is divided by sewn-in baffles into three separately stuffable compartments all accessible through a single continuous zipper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jean Kelly
  • Patent number: 6052847
    Abstract: A mattress having a wedge-shaped mattress body with an inclined upper surface, the upper surface divided by a transverse breast concavity into a head-supporting portion and a body-supporting portion. The mattress has a flat position in which the concavity is open to receive breasts as well as an upright position in which the concavity functions as a hinging mechanism and the mattress is held in the upright position by adjustable mechanisms. In the flat position the mattress may be used in the prone position, laying on the back, or in a yoga position. In the upright position, the mattress may be used laying on the back and partially sitting upright, or, by adjusting the position of the mattress, sitting upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: DGF Outdoors
    Inventors: Timothy James Allyn, Nicholas George Sarantes
  • Patent number: 6050265
    Abstract: A therapeutic pillow is fabricated in one or more separate sections that may be attached to each other, may be filled to suit the user, and may incorporate the use of heating and message devices as well as a plurality of small magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Albert Lee Richardson
  • Patent number: 6049927
    Abstract: A surface pad apparatus for a surgical table includes a body pad section positioned to lie beneath the torso of the patient and including a pad core and a cover defining an interior region configured to receive the pad core. The pad core includes a thermal pad having a casing defining a channel configured to receive a thermoregulation fluid. The apparatus also includes a leg pad section longitudinally spaced apart from the body pad section and positioned to lie beneath the lower legs and feet of the patient. The leg pad section is coupled to the body pad section and includes a pad core and a cover defining an interior region configured to receive the pad core. The pad core includes a thermal pad having a casing defining a channel configured to receive the thermoregulation fluid. The channel of the thermal pad of the leg pad section is in fluid communication with the channel of the thermal pad of the body pad section so that thermoregulation fluid can pass therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: James Milton Cherry Thomas, Robert C. Novack, Karl Norman Caldwell, John Alan Bobey, Marla Dukes Repik
  • Patent number: 6047420
    Abstract: A head and upper body support system comprising three distinct supports: a head support and two upper body supports. The head support has a concave face contacting surface to receive the forehead of an individual therein. Each upper body support has an inclined lower portion to support and gradually lift the abdomen of the individual and an upper portion to support the corresponding shoulder, axilla (underarm), and side of the upper body. The upper portion of each upper body support has an arcuate groove formed in the side thereof to contour the axilla, which prevents the support from pressing against the breasts or chest of the individual or impeding the expansion thereof during breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Proper Position, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Orr Priester, III, Robert Edward Morris
  • Patent number: 6047419
    Abstract: A support system that is used to provide support to a pregnant patient positioned in the lateral recumbent position. The support system includes a wedge shaped main body portion for elevating one side of a patients body while lying thereon and a contoured, inclined pillow section having a spaced curved neck and head support portions defining an ear positioning trough therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Patricia A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6045178
    Abstract: An outdoorsman's support or chair is comprised of a substantially filled flexible container provided with shoulder straps for easy transport. The flexible container is filled with pellets and is preferably waterproof. It is adaptable to conform to the shape of a person providing comfortable support and insulation from the environment. The flexible container may be provided with a plurality of other straps which may be utilized for attaching other objects or gear to it during transport and for mounting the chair to various other structures, such as the trunk and limbs of trees. The chair is comprised of a spherical structure at one end and an elongated portion at a second end. The elongated portion at the second end may be folded over and juxtaposed to the spherical structure and secured by a folding strap for ease in transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Istari, Inc.
    Inventor: Richmond Marlin Miller
  • Patent number: 6032309
    Abstract: The adjustable surgical frame of the present invention comprises two side frame members made from rectangular rods forming closed loop, disposed in parallel and spaced apart relationship that provides the surgical frame with the predominate portion of its structural integrity. The configuration of the side frame members is such that the base portion of each side frame member is substantially narrower than the base portions of the surgical frames of the past. The reduced width of the base portion permits the surgical frame of the present invention to be placed closer to the end of the operating table without diminishing the strength and stability of the surgical frame. The side frame members are configured so as not to interfere with the area near the wound and permit the placement of peripheral surgical equipment, such as an instrument stand, adjacent to the wound site and level with the patient's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Karlin Michelson
  • Patent number: 6021535
    Abstract: Systems which allow one to operate a computer device from an ergonomically superior, recumbent position. Provision is made for supporting the computer device and the body parts of the operator at elevations and inclinations which make the computer device the most comfortable and ergonomically superior to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: David M. Baus, Gary T. Lobdell, Kevin J. Gould
  • Patent number: 6003174
    Abstract: An elongated patient support table with a horizontal patient support surface is provided with a radiolucent table extension connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient. The outer end of the extension has a reduced width compared to the support table to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension into a scanning zone of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner. The table extension has at its outer end a tool support for supporting and stabilizing medical instruments, and the table extension is tiltable above and below the horizontal. The combination of the support table with the radiolucent table extension supports the patient in a desired posture for an operative procedure both during the scanning and surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Allen Kantrowitz, In Ki Mun, Charles E. Dinkler
  • Patent number: 5996583
    Abstract: A chiropractic device having front and rear portions, a central semi-circular raised portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the device and notches formed in the sides of the front portion of the device. A patient rests his or her torso on the device by placing his or her sternum on the central semi-circular raised portion of the device. The device has first and second sides, each side having a front side portion, a middle slanted side portion extending outwardly from the front side portion to define a notch in the front portion of the device, and a rear side portion. The patient's arms are accommodated by the notches formed in the sides of the front portion of the device. The central raised portion places the patient in a superior position for treatment and protects the patient's chest from being pressed against the upper surface of the device during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Wallace E. King
  • Patent number: 5987675
    Abstract: A spinal support and stretch pillow system offers a distinct, adjustable support for sleeping in either a supine position or a lateral-lying position. The spinal support and stretch pillow system can be laid over a conventional mattress or a floor. The spinal support and stretch pillow system is comprised of a bottom liner pad, a cervical and spinal support pad, a height adjustment pad, an adjustable shoulder support, an adjustable thoracic and lumbar support pad, and a top support pad. The bottom liner pad is used as a container to retain the components of the spinal support and stretch pillow system and for covering the user's legs and feet. The cervical and spinal support pad has a U-shaped cutout portion for allowing the head of the user to fall back and stretch the neck of the user. The height adjustment pad is positioned underneath a cervical section of the cervical and spinal pad for adjusting the height of the cervical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Susan Young-Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 5987674
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ergonomically designed pillow having a shape that offers support for a user's head and/or limbs through a portion of their range of motion with respect to the user's torso without having to reposition or reconfigure the pillow. In the preferred embodiment the pillow has a substantially fixed radius curved shape designed to correspond to the rotation of the head with respect to the shoulders. Therefore, the head of a user resting on their side can be comfortably supported on the pillow and will be similarly supported as the head is rotated forward and backward with respect to the shoulders. In addition, this substantially uniform curved design enables the pillow to be rotated forward or backward and provide the same head support while also providing support for the user's arms or back, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Todd Schaffner, Casey Powell
  • Patent number: 5978990
    Abstract: Comfort Maternity Pillow allows pregnant women to rest or sleep in any desirable position at any stage of their pregnancy without disturbing their previous resting habits. The object of this invention comprises a rectangular pillow that has two attached extensions. The detachable pillow extensions are uniquely curved to form an open cavity when placed together. This allows a pregnant female to rest or sleep on her expanding abdomen in prone position. When the above said pillow extensions are pulled away from each other, they function in assisting a pregnant woman who is resting in side position. In this scenerio, one pillow extension supports a woman's back, and another extension, supports her abdomen and legs, when placed between her knees. Comfort Maternity Pillow aides pregnant women with many other positions by means of manipulating the pillow extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Zhanna Akey
  • Patent number: 5970545
    Abstract: Backrest support apparatus comprising an inflatable flexible bag structure which comprises two hollow limbs (11, 12) configured and connected at a junction or tethered to assume a stable configuration when fully inflated, and to collapse to a substantially planar configuration in which one limb (11) at least partially overlies the other (12) when the structure is deflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Mangar International Limited
    Inventors: David Edmund Talbot Garman, Richard Edmond Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5937461
    Abstract: A reconfigurable support for an infant includes a main body and two reconfigurable restraints or support members mounted to opposite ends of the main body. The infant support can be used to securely position an infant that is either lying prone on a flat surface or that is seated in a child's seat, such as a car seat.The first configurable support member is formed as a cylindrical cushion and contains a bendable element that can be configured into a variety of shapes. The first support member retains the shape into which it is configured and thus can be configured and positioned to securely position an infant.A second reconfigurable support member is provided at the opposite end of the main body. The second member is integrally formed with the main body and includes two or three planar members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dombrowski, Brian L. Aiken, Kenneth Von Felten
  • Patent number: 5933887
    Abstract: A seat is adjustably mounted immediately forwardly of the front end of an adjustably inclinable patient support table. A patient whose back and head are supported on the inclined table is positioned so that the seat has a rear portion adjacent a front of the table to support the patient under the buttocks, so that the patient's epigastric region is frontally accessible by a doctor positioned in front of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Paul S. Strange, Cynthia P. Ruegg
  • Patent number: 5916089
    Abstract: A support article for use with a carrier device provides adjustable cushioned support to an infant placed therein in a travel position and comprises an elongated pad adapted to be interposed between the infant and the carrier device and a raised cushion assembly. The elongated pad has a first surface upon which the infant can be placed, an opposite second surface and a pair of longitudinally extending side edges. The raised cushion assembly is disposed on the first surface and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart cushion elements that are adjustable in position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Diana R. Ive
  • 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: 5893183
    Abstract: A dual cushion body support system includes a relatively thin, elongate, substantially flat, top cushion and a relatively shorter base cushion that is configured to underlie and elevate a central part of the top cushion to provide upwardly arched support to a person lying in a prone, face down position to comfortably elevate the upper back and shoulders of the person for gently stretching, positioning and exposing muscles of the neck and back for treatment such as massage. The top cushion serves as flexible pad and as a protective cover that drapes the underlying base cushion and relies on the base cushion to provide a properly arched body support contour. An end portion of the top cushion that drapes beyond the length of the base cushion is provided with an upstanding forehead support formation to assist in comfortably supporting the person's head; and, the top cushion is sufficiently flexible to permit its being rolled up for ease of transport and for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bechtold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5836653
    Abstract: A number of generally wedge shaped backrests and legless leisure chairs for sitting on the floor or on a bed, which orient the user's upper back at a higher angle than the user's lower back. These are ideally suited for people who want to be in a reclining type position, but yet want to do something like watch television. The backrests/leisure chairs disclosed use a support foundation (42 and 46). The backrests/leisure chairs described also have a way of maintaining the lumbar region of the user's back in a relatively natural lordotic curve, some through a high firmness lumbar support member (28) on the support foundation (42 and 46) placed in a hollow in the back of the main cushion (26), and others through making a convex contour on the lower portion of the backrest/leisure chair. All of the leisure chairs for sitting on the floor have a seat cushion (34) to prevent the user from slipping down out of place and these chairs can also have a pillow (32) for a headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Walter J. Albecker
  • Patent number: 5836900
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes a foam pad having top and bottom profiles and a composite volume VC of foam; and a vibrator coupled to the foam pad for vibrating the pad. The pad is formed including a first foam phase defining the bottom profile and having a first phase volume V1 being not less than approximately 50 percent of the volume VC, and a second foam phase defining at least a portion of the top profile and having a second phase volume V2 being a pin member projecting from proximate the side surface, through the solid portion of the threaded insert, and engaging the first structural member on opposite sides of the cavity, the pin member securing the threaded insert in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: JB Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Leventhal
  • Patent number: 5820573
    Abstract: A massage device disclosed consists of a rigid flat base (30), which when configured with contoured modules (34, 36, 38) and rigid pressure nibs (10, 12, 14) or blades (20, 24, 26, 28) contours the length of an adult human body. The device operates by arranging the massage elements including buttocks, back, shoulder, and neck modules with pressure nibs or blades to match the contoured surface of the backside of person. The person then lies upward facing on the device with massage pressure applied across the entire body for the desired therapeutic effect. The device includes adjustments for body size and shape and therapeutic intensities according to pain relief requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Grace Marie Ramos
  • Patent number: 5815863
    Abstract: A lateral slumber support member includes a longitudinally extending wedge shaped pillow, for supporting a user, such as a pregnant woman, in a lateral slumber support, while lying down on either the left side or the right side, with the longitudinally extending wedge shaped pillow providing compressible, but firm support for the spine and pelvic region of the user. The longitudinally extending wedge shaped pillow has a triangular cross section, and has an interior body made of a firm, compressible elastic material, such as foam, which can provide support, but which easily conforms to the spinal and pelvic regions of the user. The wedge-shaped pillow includes a fabric cover which is permanently sewn to a bed sheet along an imaginary line dividing the sheet in half so it can be used by the user lying on either the left or right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Dolisi
  • Patent number: 5815862
    Abstract: A portable orthopedic bed for the correct orthopedic support of a patient has a longitudinally adjacent array of laterally extending air inflatable chambers wherein the array has a first set of chambers and a second set of chambers. A set of chambers has a lower back supporting chamber adjacent a midpoint between the first and second sets of chambers, the lower back chamber also adjacent an upper back supporting chamber on an opposed side of the lower back supporting chamber from the midpoint, an upper foundation chamber adjacent the upper back supporting chamber on an opposed side of the upper back supporting chamber opposed to the lower back supporting chamber, wherein the upper foundation chamber is generally triangular in longitudinal cross section to thereby provide a buttressing foundation for the upper back supporting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Witold W. Rygiel
  • Patent number: 5809597
    Abstract: A body support comprises an assembly of individually inflatable compartments arranged in an upper tier of body-supporting compartments and a subjacent tier of lifting compartments; and, the individual compartments vary in size and shape when fully inflated and may be partially inflated to modify the overall shape of the assembled support as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Terry W. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5797153
    Abstract: A sound sleep system and provides a full body length orthopedic posture pillow that maintains correct spinal posture during supine, side lying, and prone sleep positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: James Minoru Amioka
  • Patent number: 5774916
    Abstract: Ergonomic support members formed of and contoured to a corrected spinal curvature of an individual. The matrix provides the rigid support necessary for correction of the spinal curvature by gradual realignment with continued use of the support members, and may have channels for optional forced air flow, for heating and cooling and comfort of the individual during sleep or rest. Each support member is closely contoured to have a concave cross-section dimensioned according to the serial cross sections of a respective body section (e.g. head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs) while laying supine. The resulting contour of the support member thus provides the necessary convexity to evenly distribute body weight along the entire longitudinal axis of the spine and thereby provide corrective support for the spinal curvature. In the transverse plane, the contour forms a snug concavity wrapping up the sides of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jaakko Kurhi
  • Patent number: 5754997
    Abstract: A covered cushion is provided for continuously supporting a patient over gaps which occur between adjacent sections of a surgical table. The cushion is formed with a soft foam upper layer and a flexible lower layer which is sufficiently rigid to form a support for continuously supporting the weight of a patient across a gap located between adjacent sections of the surgical table. The lower layer is formed from an x-ray transparent sheet of material such as polypropylene, with a thickness of approximately 2 mm such that the polypropylene layer is flexible while also sufficiently rigid to form a bridge supporting a patient across the gap in the surgical table. The upper layer and lower layer are surrounded by an outer cover formed of an upholstery material, such as vinyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Andre R. Lussi, Donald R. Pennington, Keith A. Stickley, Cyril F. Reesby
  • Patent number: 5742963
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam having a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: John Trevino, Scott Allen Froboese
  • Patent number: 5727267
    Abstract: A therapeutic sleeping pillow for a user is generally rectangular with longer front and rear edges and a pair of shorter side edges and upper and lower surfaces. A central portion of the upper surface is provided with a cavity for receiving the user's head, with a neck-supporting ridge formed between the front edge of the pillow and the cavity in the central portion. A wedge-shaped extension of the pillow projects from the front edge to support the upper back of the user. At least one of the pair of shorter side edges has an extension disposed thereon. Each such side extension is provided with a relatively shallow central cavity on the upper surface for receiving and supporting the user's head and a front edge for supporting the user's neck. The upper surface of each such side extension slopes generally downwardly from the front edge towards the rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ed Keilhauer
  • Patent number: 5678266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a person in a seated or lying position, and for supporting a person's appendages, such as arms, wrists, hands and elbows, above a work surface. An appendage can be rested on an upper surface of a support pad provided on a work surface, the support pad having a plurality of fluid-filled cells separated by a plurality of seams. The support pad can be folded along at least one of the plurality of seams so that a first portion of the plurality of cells lies above a second portion of the plurality of cells to adjust the height of the support pad above the work surface. A portion of the plurality of cells can be removed from the support pad to create a desired configuration for a support pad. The support pad can be configured and used as a wrist rest for operating data input devices, such as a keyboard, a computer mouse, and a calculator, and used as an arm rest for writing or performing manual tasks on a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: P & K Products, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Petringa, Stanley K. Knighton, Susan Malone Knighton
  • Patent number: 5675851
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an extension device to be affixed to table in a radiology laboratory to hold a patient thereon. It is formed of sheet material and is transparent to x-rays. At the upper end, there is a head portion having a width and length to support a cushion to thereby enable a patient to rest on the cushion. The cushion is preferably circular with a central opening so that the patient can rest face down as required and the sheet member includes an opening therebelow. The trunk of the patient is support on the main portion which has a width sufficient to hold the patient thereon. Left and right clamps releasably secure the device on a table. Cushions are attached with strips of Velcro. Lengthwise runners on the lower side attach the device in a locked position on an x-ray table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: John A. Feathers
  • Patent number: 5664271
    Abstract: A support pillow assembly is usable for cushioning the body of a person while the person is lying on his/her side on a mattress and includes an abdominal support pillow adapted to partially underlie the person's abdomen and a leg support pillow adapted to be positioned between the person's legs. The leg support pillow can be two pillows interconnected by flap structures. Alternately, the two leg pillows can be combined into a single leg support pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph M. Bellavance
  • Patent number: 5661861
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Susan H. Matthews
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5661860
    Abstract: A device is provided that works in conjunction with conventional home furniture to comfortably support the head of a person who must remain face-down for extended periods of time. A rigid board having an opening in its center is supported above a flat surface by weight-bearing legs. The legs support the board above a support surface such as a bed, table or chairs. A thin-walled, under-inflated ring pillow rests on top of the rigid board. Rings of foam may be stacked on the board under the pillow to raise the pillow to a height appropriate to support the head in comfortable alignment with the spine. The openings of the pillow, foam, and board are aligned so that the patient may rest his face on the cushion and yet still breathe. The present device is used in conjunction with a bed for use while lying in a prone position, or is used in conjunction with a table or chairs for use while in a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Alfred J. Heitz
  • Patent number: 5661859
    Abstract: A shoulder arthroscopy attachment for use with a surgical table wherein the attachment may be attached to a seat section of the table in place of an articulated leg section. The attachment includes a lumbar support assembly for supporting the lumbar portion of a patient's back, and a headrest assembly including an upper back support and a headrest. The upper back support is adjustable in a lateral direction whereby either of a patient's shoulders may be exposed for an operation while supporting the opposite shoulder on the upper back support. The headrest is adjustable relative to a frame for the headrest assembly whereby the head of a patient may be accommodated at a variety of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5647076
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a maternity support cushion for supporting a pregnant woman in a prone position. A generally U-shaped support cushion supports an upper body of the woman, and includes two extending legs and a center connecting portion. A pelvic support cushion supports the pelvic area of the woman, and is at least partially received between the two extending legs of the U-shaped support cushion. The pelvic support cushion is slidable between the two extending legs in directions toward and away from the center connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Susan K. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 5632050
    Abstract: A body support platform comprises a foldable body support cushion formed of two wedge-shaped cushions covered with a washable fabric covering forming a hinge at which the cushion is folded. A head support cushion comprising three covered cushion components detachably affixed at one end of the body support cushion. The coverings of the body and head support cushions each have a pair of overlapping flap portions for inserting and removing foam elements into the coverings. The flap portions of the body support cushion also form a pair of pockets in the sides of the folded body support cushion for carrying the cushion components of the head support cushion and an ankle supporting bolster. A handle is provided adjacent the hinge for carrying the body support platform in its folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: Paul J. Zajas, Mary E. Zajas, Thomas P. Adams, Paulette Adams
  • Patent number: 5633286
    Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity oriented and non-oriented gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) or poly(styrene-ethylene-proplene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5630239
    Abstract: An orthopedic pillow for helping to correct and helping to prevent hyperkyphosis and rigidity of the thoracic spine and for returning the normal lordotic cervical curve comprises a base panel having a first end portion, a second end portion, a left top surface segment extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a right top surface segment extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a first crown for supporting the thoracic spine, the first crown being formed on the first end portion of the base panel, extending toward the second end portion of the base panel, and dividing at least partially the left top surface segment from the right top surface segment, and a transition ramp formed in the first end portion of the first crown for supporting the spine just under and below the shoulder blades of a reclining person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Paul W. Franzen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5586351
    Abstract: A support article is adapted to engage an infant's head, neck and shoulders in order to provide lateral stability to the infant's head and neck. The support article broadly comprises a pad having a first surface upon which the infant can be placed in a reposed position and an opposite second surface. An upstanding support pillow is secured to the pad and includes a central portion extending in an arcuate configuration around a region that is sized and adapted to receive the infant's head and a pair of end portions disposed on opposite ends of the central portion. The end portions project in laterally outward directions from one another to define should supports that are positioned against the infant's shoulders when the infant's head is received around the region. The central portion and the end portions provide stability to the head and neck during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald A. Ive
  • Patent number: 5579551
    Abstract: A pillow apparatus including an arch member having a generally rigid configuration, a cushioning material extending over an exterior of said arch member, and covering enclosing the cushioning material and the arch member. The arch member has a strength suitable for supporting a human head thereon. The arch member includes an interior radius suitable for allowing a human arm to extend therethrough. A hole is formed at a top of the arch member. This hole has a diameter suitable for receiving a human ear thereon. The hole is centered along the length of the arch member and is also centered along the width of the arch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph V. Tommaney
  • Patent number: 5575027
    Abstract: The method of supporting the chest and abdomen areas of a person laying in a supine position includes applying pressure to one side of the chest or abdomen with a body engaging member. Similarly, pressure is applied to the other side of the chest or abdomen with another body engaging member to provide sufficient oppositely directed force to the chest or abdomen areas for providing lateral support thereto. The application of the pressure to both sides of the chest or abdomen is maintained, thereby restraining the chest or abdomen between the opposing body engaging members. A further embodiment includes applying pressure to the lower abdomen with a strap member coupled between a pair of upright members, and maintaining the application of the pressure thereon with a buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: George B. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5573014
    Abstract: A complete (bed-time) back support system is disclosed that, while at rest in a horizontal position in combination with any flat surface, positions the spine of the user to a straight alignment, hence, relieving pressure of the lumbar region, and helps to maintain the alignment whether said user is lying in either a supine or a lateral decubitus position. In a preferred form, the system comprises a cushion having an elongated portion with a sufficient length to extend from the chest of said user to just below the knees of said user and a knee support joining the tube with a sufficient extension to extend from the outside point of one knee to the outside point of the second knee of said user. In a particularly preferred form, the elongated member is adapted to restrict the user from lying directly prone as well as to provide support while the user is in a lateral decubitus position, hence forcing a straight spine alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald L. Ginter
  • Patent number: 5572757
    Abstract: A body support includes first and second resilient cushions. The first cushion has a substantially semicylindrical shape defined by a semicylindrical top surface, two substantially semicircular end surfaces, and a substantially rectangular bottom surface having first and second long sides and two short sides. The second cushion has a substantially semicylindrical shape defined by a semicylindrical top surface, two substantially semicircular end surfaces, and a substantially rectangular bottom surface having first and second long sides and two short sides. The first long side of the second cushion is hingedly connected to the second long side of the first cushion so that the first and second cushions can be rotated with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position. A zipper is used to secure the first and second cushions in the closed position. A method of providing support to a person's neck and head, and a method of providing support to a person's back are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Dennis C. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5537702
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is disclosed a pillow for holding d restraining a patient's head and arms during tomographic imaging, said pillow comprising a bottom panel, two side panels, and a back panel, each of said side panels having a front-facing surface which is rearwardly and upwardly inclined from the bottom thereby providing, when a patient's head is placed within the pillow, a surface against which each of the patient's upper arms may rest, each said inclined surface further having an adjustable strap for restraining the upper arm against the inclined surface, said pillow further comprising a pair of adjustable straps on the back panel for engaging and restraining the patient's wrist or for grasping by the patient. The pillow also optionally comprises extra straps on the side for restraining or grasping, and straps on the bottom for attaching the pillow to a imaging table or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York
    Inventors: Audree J. Brown-Milants, Titus George
  • Patent number: 5522104
    Abstract: A torso and lumbar support and position stabilizing pillow for a lateral recumbency position comprising a substantially planar base member, a main body and a lumbar support member, the main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, an outside surface and an inside surface. The main body is shaped such that the bottom surface is planar and attached to the base member, while the outside surface of the main body is also planar and perpendicular to the base member, with the inside surface of the main body being opposite the outside surface and disposed at an acute angle with respect to the base member. Optionally, the inside surface can be concave to accommodate the natural curve of the spine, allowing room for the protrusion of a person's shoulder and buttocks areas. In use, the pillow is placed in firm contact with a person's back and side to provide lumbar support when a person is lying in lateral recumbency, on their side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Andrea J. Little
  • Patent number: 5515562
    Abstract: The present invention provides for perineal and sacral padding of a patient undergoing surgical procedures using manipulation or traction of the patient's lower extremities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Health Care Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Miller, Darrell G. Hill, Shelly Perpich