With Means To Permit The Passage Of Air For Breathing Patents (Class 5/638)
  • Patent number: 6922860
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of user while the user is lying in a face-down position, a face-up position or a side position. The apparatus includes a head cradle with ventilation and a pair of elongated dependent arms that can be manipulated to serve as a chest support, or a neck support or a head support depending on how the user is lying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Robert B. Cuddy
  • Patent number: 6842924
    Abstract: A unitary support for holding and cushioning the head and face of a surgical patient has a resilient body of molded foam. The resilient body has a cavity formed in the upper face for receiving and cushioning the head and face of a patient. The resilient body has access openings therein for additional apparatus, such as an endotracheal tube, and to permit viewing of the patient's face during surgery. The resilient body has stiffening structure to prevent constriction of the openings during use and to prevent constriction of an endotracheal tube or similar apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Omni Therm, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew K. Walters
  • Publication number: 20040155158
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of user while the user is lying in a face-down position, a face-up position or a side position. The apparatus includes a head cradle with ventilation and a pair of elongated dependent arms that can be manipulated to serve as a chest support, or a neck support or a head support depending on how the user is lying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert B Cuddy
  • Patent number: 6763538
    Abstract: A pillow mainly includes two side frames, at least one crosspiece firmly engaged at two outer ends with locating holes provided at two opposite inner sides of the two side frames, and a plurality of round bars extended between the two side frames with respective outer ends rotatably inserted into insertion holes correspondingly spaced along outer edges of the two opposite inner sides of the side frames. With a predetermined clearance existed between any two adjacent insertion holes, the round bars inserted thereinto are adapted to form rotatable and air-pervious supporting surfaces on the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Peikang Food Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chin Kuo Tsai
  • Patent number: 6745418
    Abstract: A pillow for supporting the head of user when the user is laying on their stomach. The pillow includes a body member defining an annular bore whereby the body member is substantially toroidal shaped. The body member is designed for supporting the head of the user whereby the annular bore is for receiving a face of the user when the user is laying face down. The body member has a plurality of ventilating bores extending through the body member. Each of the ventilating bores extends into the annular bore whereby the ventilating bores are designed for permitting air to flow to the user when the face of the user is positioned in the annular bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: David H. Turner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6739006
    Abstract: A surgical table apparatus is provided for supporting a patient before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The surgical table apparatus includes a base and a table top. The table top includes a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient and a head support section adapted to support the head of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Borders, Mark Graham, David C. Newkirk, Christian H. Reinke, Gary S. Siegle, Stephen R. Hamberg
  • Patent number: 6721978
    Abstract: A head bed having a head cushion adapted to extend in an inclined position on the upwardly-facing top surface of a support adjacent an edge of the support, and an upper torso cushion adapted to hang down across the edge of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Harry Tankersley
  • Patent number: 6718582
    Abstract: A padded face rest having a single cam lock, double pivoting adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a pair of cantilever members, each cantilever member being comprised of a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel cantilever plates having locking members at each end. One of the locking members is adapted to lockingly engage a locking member attached to the padded face rest, and the other locking member is adapted to lockingly engage a locking member attached to the face rest attachment frame. A locking rod extends through the mid-portion of all of the cantilever plates. A cam clamp is attached to an end of the locking rod and, upon rotation, causes the plates of each cantilever member to be pulled towards each other to thereby lockingly engage adjacent locking members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald E. Tinsley
  • Patent number: 6694551
    Abstract: A facial support device having a frame and a cushion, or webbing, for supporting an individual's head, when the individual is reclining in a prone, face down position. The device of this invention is ergonomically designed to provide a gradual transition from the plane of an individual's reclining torso to his head, and thereby avoid or minimize stresses to the cervical spine, and to the musculature of the neck and back. This device includes an asymmetric opening associated with its cushion or webbing to permit unrestricted breathing by an individual when reclining in a face down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Alpa, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfonso R. Garrido
  • Patent number: 6684431
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable tabletop personal support apparatus includes a positioning base for positioning on the top of a table, a supporting mattress unit pivoted to the positioning base and adapted to support the user's head and chest, and an angle adjustment unit provided between the positioning base and the supporting mattress unit and adapted to support the supporting mattress unit on the positioning base in a tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: LifeGear, Inc..
    Inventor: Robson L. Splane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6668404
    Abstract: A device for maintaining the body, for use as a pillow, includes at least one surface (1) for supporting the head and a central clearance (2) defining two side surfaces (3a, 3b) extending the support surface. The pillow has a length (L) not less than the body measurements of an adult user from the lower ribs to the ear, thereby adjusting the pillow support surface on the body in all positions of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Lanteri
  • Patent number: 6659545
    Abstract: A tray assembly for use with a child's booster seat in an automobile, the booster seat having a back and a pair of sides, each side having a side top, the tray assembly including a foam tray and an anchoring strap. The foam tray is made of a continuous piece of foam rubber which is covered by cloth. The foam tray has a forward portion having a cutout for accommodating the child, the cutout defining a pair of wings. The anchoring strap includes an elastic portion and a pair of anchoring pins. A pair of anchoring holes are located in the wings of the foam tray to accommodate the anchoring pins of the anchoring strap. In use, the foam tray is positioned upon the side tops of the booster seat, the anchoring strap is extended around the booster seat, and the anchoring pins are mated with the anchoring holes to thereby hold the tray securely in place upon the sides of the booster seat, immediately above the child's lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Susan McMillan
  • Patent number: 6637058
    Abstract: A surgical prone pillow structure utilizing a base member formed of a compressible resilient material which rapidly assumes an original configuration upon the release of pressure. A upper member formed of a molded resilient closed cell foam material is also employed. The upper member possesses a soft outer surface which is contoured to contact the head of a patient while the patient lies in a prone position. The base member and the soft upper member are connected to one another to form seams which are soft to the touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Steve Lamb
  • Patent number: 6557195
    Abstract: An advantageous interoperative system includes a scanner [20] with an enclosed scanning zone, an image guided system [24] operatively connected to the scanner [20], a surgical table [22] having a radiolucent member [228] attached to one end thereof with a radiolucent support [264] held near an outboard end [236] of the radiolucent member [228] by a radiolucent adaptor assembly [210], the radiolucent adaptor assembly [210] being hingedly connected to both the radiolucent member [228] and the radiolucent support [264]. The table [22] and the radiolucent member [228] attached thereto are movable relative to the scanner [20] to locate the radiolucent member [228] and the head of a patient supported thereon within the scanning zone, to facilitate interoperative scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Ohio Medical Instruments Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Dinkler
  • Patent number: 6539567
    Abstract: A pillow with a breathable valley for an infant includes a pillow having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a center portion. The top surface has a smoothly transitioning concave surface forming a top valley. The top valley is positioned about the center portion of the top surface. The top valley has an upper perimeter with a first closed side and a first open side. A first top valley extension projects from the first open side. A breathable semi-porous membrane rests within the top valley and the first top valley extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Stacey S. Bae
  • Publication number: 20030051293
    Abstract: A head support apparatus (10) when positioning a person in a prone position comprises a base (199) slidable under a support surface. The base (11) has a central supporting post (12) supporting a frame (16) carrying a head support tray (18). A pressure reducing ring (23) is mounted on the head support tray (18) by straps (24). Contact points along the surface of the pressure reducing ring (23) are protected by a fitted pads (25) designed to improve comfort levels for the user. The pressure reducing ring (23) is clear and comprises a multi-channel air bladder to allow alternating inflating and deflation of the individual chambers to provide pressure relief. The visual and physical access to the users head and facial area is maintained at all times. The structure is self stabilising and can be used with most bed frames, or independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Paul William Chapman, Simon Edward James Collinge, Anthony George Smith
  • Publication number: 20030000018
    Abstract: A device for maintaining the body, for use as a pillow, comprising at least one surface (1) for supporting the head and a central clearance (2) defining two side surfaces (3a, 3b) extending the support surface. The pillow has a length (L) not less than the body measurements of an adult user from the lower ribs to the ear, thereby adjusting the pillow support surface on the body in all positions of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Lanteri
  • Publication number: 20030000020
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a permeable mattress, or permeable pillow, which includes a base (1). Cushioning support (3) are attached to the top of the base in a distributed manner, to support a mesh (4) which supports a person, or person's head. Adjacent to the mesh there may be one or more layers of each, or any, of the following; permeable fabric, permeable foam, permeable fibres or perforated rubber. The mattress may be covered in a layer of permeable fabric (6). Any of the layers may be removably attached to the mattress assembly. In a further embodiment of the invention, beneath the base of the mattress, or integral with the base, there may be provided a spill tray that has a contoured structure, to guide fluids such that they flow under gravity into a collecting bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Neville John Sharples
  • Patent number: 6490737
    Abstract: A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients for facial support during surgery. The helmet apparatus is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable, substantially transparent helmet casings, which are removably attachable to a plurality of dismountable facial cushions providing even support to the facial surface of a patient. The removable facial cushions are dimensioned on and interior surface to accommodate different sized facial structures of different patients to yield maximum pressure diffusion on the face and chin of the patient and are replaceable when worn. The exterior surface of the facial cushions are dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior surface of the helmet casing. A plurality of different facial cushions and helmet casings are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodate the broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dupaco, INC
    Inventors: William Mazzei, Gregory P. Jordan, An P. Vu
  • Patent number: 6427272
    Abstract: An anesthesia pillow formed from resilient foam. The anesthesia pillow having multiple tube access channels, a neck support channel and a throat receiving channel all in connection with a hub opening adapted for supporting the back of a user's head in one configuration and supporting the user's face while allowing access to the user's mouth and nose in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Yacoub E. Yacoub
  • Patent number: 6412127
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of user while the user is lying in a face-down position, a face-up position or a side position. The apparatus includes a head cradle with air holes and a pair of elongated dependent arms that can be manipulated to serve as a chest support, or a neck support or a head support depending on how the user is lying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Cuddy
  • Patent number: 6408465
    Abstract: A portable massage table including a planar padded base having a centrally located concave first notch in one end, and a planar padded extension that has an aligned second notch. The extension is slidably movable with respect to the base between a first position where the base and extension are aligned so that the first and second notches form a small face opening, and a second position where the base and extension are spaced apart and the first and second notches form a large face opening. One end of the base is supported by foldable legs that are telescopically adjustable in height, while the other end of the base is supported by a conventional bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6408468
    Abstract: A pillow that has an upper and a lower major surface and at least one hole for receiving a user's ear. The hole extends through the entire thickness of the pillow from the upper to the lower surface of the pillow. The pillow can be filled with conventional, resilient materials, or it can be an inflatable pillow filled with air. A pillowcase fits over the pillow with holes corresponding to the holes in the pillow. The pillowcase can also have a soft mesh material within the hole, or the entire pillowcase can be made of a soft mesh material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Kristen Comfort
  • Patent number: 6397414
    Abstract: An adjustable face rest for use with massage equipment such as tables and chairs includes at least one handle for locking or unlocking adjustability of the face rest. A cross support member is bent or curved to avoid encroaching a person's chin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20020059680
    Abstract: A pillow consisting of foam rubber material covered with a non porous vinyl material, to support the airway of an unconscious adult. Constructed to provide a natural airway while easing the process for placement of an artificial airway. It is also intended to maintain placement of the artificial airway during movement and transport of said patients by emergency medical technicians.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: James Christopher Mahoney, Laura Rodgers Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6374441
    Abstract: A headrest for a chiropractor's table for supporting the user's head by direct engagement with the user's face by supportive engagement with frontal sinus, maxillary sinus and facial bone (especially zygomatic bone) areas of the user's face. By using such facial contours, the headrest of the present invention increases the surface area of contact in specific areas of the face, while the patient is in a prone position. The wider surface area reduces the pressure to the frontal sinus and maxillary sinus regions and the facial bones, thereby increases patient comfort substantially over the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Suzanne Begell
  • Patent number: 6276012
    Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a head support coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Borders
  • Patent number: 6230350
    Abstract: A support pad or pillow for supporting the head in a face down, prone position, the pad having a face recess providing a breathing void and at least one air flow conduit extending from the face recess through the body of the support pad to the exterior to provide fresh ambient air to the face recess area, where the air flow conduit contains rigid support means to prevent the conduit from being compressed, restricted or closed by the weight of the user's head, and a filter to block particulate matter from entering the air flow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Allen H. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 6226818
    Abstract: A generally square or rectangular multiple firmness pillow includes a relatively firmer fill material placed toward one diagonal corner thereof. The multiple firmness pillow may be used in pairs with the portions of firmer fill material facing one another and separated by a small distance to provide support for the face of a person sleeping or resting in the prone position, and support the face and head above the underlying surface to provide a breathing space for the face-down person. The present pillows may be filled with loose fill materials of different firmnesses, such as shredded foams, synthetic fibers and feathers, with an internal divider separating the two fill materials, or may be filled using molded resilient foam materials molded or cut as a single cohesive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Maly Rudick
  • Patent number: 6199233
    Abstract: An elongated patient support table [22] with a horizontal patient support surface has a contoured radiolucent table extension assembly [26, 126] connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient [27]. An outer end of the extension assembly [26, 126] has a reduced width compared to the support table [22] to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension assembly [26, 126] into a scanning zone defined by a central opening [112] of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner [20]. The table extension assembly [26, 126] supports the patient [27] via an inboard radiolucent horseshoe headrest [32, 132] and an outer tool support [54, 122] for holding an outer stabilization device [66, 166] such as a radiolucent skull clamp [74, 174].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Allen Kantrowitz, In Ki Mun, Charles E. Dinkler
  • Patent number: 6154903
    Abstract: A body rest structure includes a torso support for supporting the torso of a human body in a prone, elevated position which serves to induce a mild stretch of the user's thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The torso support includes an upper chest and shoulder support platform and a lumbar support platform. An open region extends longitudinally between the platforms to provide room for at least a portion of the weight of the chest below the shoulders to pull down on the body between the platforms. The support may include a rear supporting surface to provide lifting support from below the hips and abdomen of the body. A head support for supporting the head of the body in a downwardly facing position when the torso is supported by the torso support is also disclosed. The head support includes a front portion for providing lifting support to the forehead of the body, and parallel opposed side portions for supporting opposed sides of the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Wai-Chung
  • Patent number: 6151734
    Abstract: A head support apparatus useful for converting a conventional bedding mattress set into a massage table. The apparatus comprises a base having a pair of upright legs supporting a face plate. A head or face cushion is attached to the face plate. The face plate and the cushion are configured to enable unrestricted airflow to the nose and mouth of a person whose head is supported thereon, particularly in a face-down position. The legs are affixed to a front end of the base, and the face plate is cantilevered beyond the base plate enabling the base plate to be inserted between two support surfaces, including a mattress and box spring, such that the face plate is positioned immediately adjacent an edge of the support surfaces. The legs are preferably configured to enable vertical height adjustment of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: William H. Lawrie
  • Patent number: 6142844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting a person lying down. The device comprises a vertical breathing hole designed to allow a person to lie face down and continue breathing. In a preferred embodiment where this device is a raft, there is additional provision for breathing so that there is a series of lateral breathing holes disposed above a waterline. In this way, when a person lies face down, that person places their face adjacent to these breathing holes, and draws air into their lungs. Thus, the person does not have to turn their head to the side to breathe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Klauber
  • Patent number: 6128797
    Abstract: A support cushion for face down tanning or massage. The cushion is composed of inflatable plastic or rubber material, or solid foam material, and has an elongated recess for accommodating a person's face. Ventilation apertures extend from each side of the cushion and communicates with the recess to provide a constant fresh air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy A. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6112333
    Abstract: A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients during surgery . The helmet is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable helmet casings which is removably attached to one of a plurality of dismountable chin supports. Removable ocular and chin support cushions chosen from a set of interchangeable ocular and chin support cushions are mountable to the interior face of the helmet casing and chin support. The removable cushions contact the allow for optimum sizing of the apparatus to face of the patient providing padding and maximum disbursement of weight and pressure of the head over a wide area of the patient's face and head. The cushions and helmet casing and chin support are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodation for broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: William Mazzei
  • Patent number: 6081947
    Abstract: A device for use in providing or receiving massage therapy at home or in the office comprises a portable face rest attached to a support for positioning the device on a supporting surface, such as a bed, table or floor. The face rest may be adjustable relative to the support to selectively adjust the face rest to accommodate individual users. The face rest may be attached to the support in a manner which allows the face rest to be adjusted at an angle to the support. The device may also include arm rests for optionally supporting the massage recipient's arms during massage therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael J. Disher
  • Patent number: 6068342
    Abstract: Furniture for recreation and relaxation such as chairs that are lightweight, collapsible, and portable is disclosed. Chairs may have a plurality of sections at least one of which is a head section. The head section comprises a cavity that is substantially oval, with a surrounding mount which is attached to the head section of the chair. A moldable cushion having a cover envelopes the mount such that the head of a reclining individual may be placed on the cushion. The cavity is at least the size to allow the reclining individual to view through the cavity and perform tasks such as reading. The cover may be removable from the cushion. The head of the reclining individual rests on the cushion while viewing through the cavity. The cushion surrounds the mount and cavity to provide structure to the cover and conform to the features of the head of the reclining individual. The head section may be pivotally attached to other sections of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Renato P. Mariani, Michael L. Serafini, Leo R. DelSerra, Paul E. Hummel
  • Patent number: 6049926
    Abstract: The present invention is a head cradle for supporting the head of an individual during physical or massage therapy. The device of the present invention attaches to an article of furture such as a table and is lockably adjustable in position. The device may be used with individuals who are lying in either the prone position or the supine position. The device of the present invention supports the head of the individual without obstructing the access of the therapist to important portions of the neck and spinal region. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially J shaped and includes a detachable head rest. Furthermore, the present invention includes an accessory tray which is adapted to be used in combination with the head cradle and has a centrally located ointment holder and a projecting towel holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Manuel G. Amaral
  • 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: 6042184
    Abstract: A supporting device for supporting a person's head on a lounge chair is provided. The lounge chair has a support frame and webbing secured within the support frame. The supporting device includes a substantially flat base with the base having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The base also includes an aperture through the first side surface and the second side surface opposite the first side surface, with the aperture being sized and shaped to allow passage of a major portion of the user's head therethrough. A cushioned pillow is positioned adjacent the first side surface of the base with the cushioned pillow substantially surrounding at least a portion of the aperture. A securement mechanism releasably secures the cushioned pillow to the first side surface of the base wherein the base is mountable over the webbing of the lounge chair such that the cushioned pillow supports the person's head in a reclining, face-down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Virginia C. Kofoed
  • Patent number: 6023801
    Abstract: An improved headrest adapted for cradling a patient's face while medical treatment is being performed on the patient's posterior (i.e. back, shoulders, and rear of head). The U-shaped face rest/cradle is supported by four legs which are selectively lengthened to meet the situation required to provide full support to the face during the treatment. Extension legs are also provided which raise the U-shaped face rest so that the patient is able to be in a sitting position. In one embodiment of the invention a fan directs air across the patient's face to keep the patient more comfortable. Music is also communicated to the patient in some embodiments through either speakers or a vibration in the face-rest which conducts the musical sounds through the facial bones of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth Lamm
  • Patent number: 6009577
    Abstract: A transformable travel (neck) pillow is disclosed having two configurations: one, where the granular fill contents of the pillow are positioned in a collar end of a pillowcase to form a horseshoe-shaped type of pillow enclosure similar to neck pillows known at this time. Alternately, a flap of the pillowcase may be released and fill material allowed to move to a plain end of the pillow so that two tubular end sections which formerly formed the collars of the neck pillow are now empty and can be folded over the side of the pillowcase to form a rectangular-type pillow. It is expected that such a pillow would be used with organic granular-type fill materials, such as buckwheat husks (hulls).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Judy A. Day
  • 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: 5983427
    Abstract: An adjustable pillow, wherein through-holes 7 are formed at the both ends of a plurality of parallel support bars 6 constituting the head rest. Protrusion adjustment bolts 8 are inserted into these through-holes, and screwed into vertical female thread holes 4, 5 formed in a female thread hole unit section 2, 3 erected on both sides of a base 1. A blocking piece 9 carrying the support bar is attached to the protrusion adjustment bolt 8, at the lower surface of the support bar 6, for blocking the movement in the direction along the axis thereof. A substrate 12 is disposed under the base 1. Height adjustment bolts 14 are inserted into a plurality of through holes 13 formed in the substrate. On the upper side of this substrate, another blocking piece 15 is attached to the height adjustment bolt 14 for blocking its displacement of the substrate in the direction along the axis of the bolt 14 and so as to allow its rotation in respect to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Seishun Igei
  • Patent number: 5970546
    Abstract: A portable headrest for sunbathing including a head support member having a generally U-shaped configuration. The head support member includes an outer material covering, an internal foam support cushion and a rigid support plate on the bottom thereof; a rigid base support member having a generally curved-shaped configuration for providing a stable support on sand, soft ground, or grass; a plurality of spaced-apart support connecting members for connecting the head support member to the base support member; and the plurality of spaced-apart support connecting members defining a plurality of air passageways between the bottom of the head support member and the top of the base support member for allowing the passage of air therethrough to the user's face when the face is embedded in the head support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Shalita
    Inventor: Gina Danis
  • Patent number: 5960494
    Abstract: During a surgical procedure being performed on a patient in the prone (face down) position, the patient's head and face are supported by a facial support mask having two or more contoured cushions that are independently inflatable and deflatable with respect to each other. The inflatable cushions are sequentially pressurized and depressurized, thus providing continuous, soft support for the patient's head, while alternatively relieving compression forces applied to pressure-sensitive facial areas. Alternately pressurizing and depressurizing the inflatable cushions shifts the location of compressive forces, thus relieving compressed tissues and permitting recovery of normal blood circulation in sensitive facial tissues. The patient's head, neck and face are not disturbed while the support cushions are cycled through various pressurization and depressurization states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Grant D. Gilliland, Thaddeus H. Ashmore, Guy D. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 5884351
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pillow (1) and a mattress (6) the anatomical shape and rigidity of which help to combat pathological lordosis of the forward convex curvature particular to the cervical region and spondylitis in the dorsal region of the vertical column. The pillow (1) consists of two rounded lobes (2) and (3) with an anatomical shape for resting the head when the body is lying down in an antero-posterior position. The mattress is rectangular in shape and its anatomical shape and rigidity allow for perfect posture of the vertebral column in a dorsal or lateral recumbent position, thus guaranteeing decompression of the vertebral discs, which is an essential factor for combating spondylitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Sanna Tonino
  • Patent number: 5864904
    Abstract: A sectioned pillow having two pillow covers, which are connected by a fabric tether, inner pillows, and a decorative pillow case for each of the tethered inner pillow covers. The tether prevents separation of the two pillows beyond a predetermined maximum distance. The space created between the two pillows provides a cradle for the head in a supine sleeping position. In a prone sleeping position, the space between the two pillows acts as an air channel allowing for the free flow of air to and from the sleeper's nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Maly Rudick
  • Patent number: 5865505
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning the oral cavity of a dental patient are described. A method includes: providing: a pivotable chair with: a reclinable back; and a headrest connected to the reclinable back, the headrest including: a bracket for attaching the headrest to the reclinable back; and a pad connected to the bracket, the pad including an internal perimeter that defines a hole through which a prone patient's nose and mouth can protrude so that the prone patient's oral cavity can be reached from below the prone patient; locating the dental patient on the pivotable chair in a prone position so that the dental patient's nose and mouth protrude through the hole; pivoting the pivotable chair; and reaching into the dental patient's oral cavity from below the dental patient. The systems and methods provide advantages in that back and neck stress on the dentist is reduced while dental prophylaxis is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher D. Eley
  • Patent number: 5865181
    Abstract: The invention herein provides an inclined recovery device for a patient's upper body and an aperture so that a prone patient will still have a broad field of vision when lying thereon. The device is well suited to holding a person's head in a stable position as required when recovering from eye surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Royall H. Spence, Jr.