With Means To Permit The Passage Of Air For Breathing Patents (Class 5/638)
  • Patent number: 5848448
    Abstract: A pillow that does not promote facial wrinkling or earaches including a solid foam body. The body is sculptured to have hollows or cutouts positioned and specifically shaped on its longitudinal axis for receiving the facial tissue of a user so as to prevent wrinkles to the facial tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: UltraDerma, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ardis M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5829080
    Abstract: A recliner chair having a fabric panel for supporting the head of a person reclining on the chair. An annular resilient cushion is placed on the upper surface of the fabric panel to cradle the person's head and distribute the weight of the head onto a relatively large annular surface area of the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Julie Robillard, Dennis Robillard
  • Patent number: 5778887
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a rigid member for supporting a person's body, two rigid extensions which extend outwardly from the rigid member and a forehead support member which is coupled to the two extensions. The rigid member preferably includes a contoured padding to comfortably support the person's abdomen, chest and neck areas, and a recessed padded portion to support a person's chin. The forehead support member is preferably formed of a flexible strap or rigid pad and is longitudinally adjustable along the length of the rigid extensions. The apparatus is positioned on a bed such that the rigid extensions are cantilevered from the head of the bed. The person then rests his or her abdomen, chest, and neck onto the contoured padding of the rigid member, chin into the padded recessed portion and forehead onto the forehead support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Frederic M. Curtiss
  • Patent number: 5682632
    Abstract: A jaw thrust support suitable for engaging the angles of the mandible of a patient for accomplishing a jaw thrust maneuver to proved a patient with a patent airway. The device is constructed of polymeric materials suitable for conforming to the angles of the patient's jaw while continuing to provide suitable support to the jaw by distracting the jaw forward away from the patient's head and neck thus distracting the patient's tongue and associated support structures lifting the tongue from the patient's oropharynx and hypopharynx and lifting the epiglottis from in front of the patient's laryngeal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: James L. Cotroneo
  • Patent number: 5678894
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning the oral cavity of a dental patient are described. An apparatus, includes: a pivotable chair including: 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. 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 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher D. Eley
  • 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: 5675852
    Abstract: The present invention solves a possible contributing cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A body support pad has a support portion and a pillow portion. The support portion is removably connected to the pillow portion. The pillow portion provides ventilation to the infant. The pillow portion has a thin outer sheet permeable to the passage of air. The pillow portion also keeps the head of the infant in healthy repose. The interior of the pillow is subdivided into an upper portion containing a porous foam material and a lower portion containing an air pocket. An air pump supplies air to the air pocket to thereby supply air to the nose and mouth of the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Eugene Watkins
  • 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: 5652981
    Abstract: A cushion is disclosed herein for supporting a pregnant woman in a face-down position for resting and preparatory to and during a massaging procedure. The cushion is composed of a soft, foam-like material having a central recess or cavity defined by a surrounding continuous ridge to provide an integral unitary construction. The ridge includes sidewalls joined at a front end by a neck and chin transverse end wall and joined at a rear end by a leg and knee support. Sloping wall sections join the sidewalls with the leg and knee support whereby a flat planar surface of the leg and knee support resides below the top surface of the sidewalls. Internal sloping walls connect the front and rear ends with the bottom of the recess or cavity. A cushioned insert is carried within the recess that is reversible and having opposite textured or contoured sides. A cover, a handle and a carrying strap are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventors: Judy H. Singer-Leyton, David Leyton
  • Patent number: 5642543
    Abstract: An incrementally adjustable ergonomic pillow, of a fitted fabric or other type holder for already shaped foam, poly or other type inserts, placed inside of the pillow case and held there by way of Velcro strips, zippers or other restraint attachments was developed because of the needs of the various sizes of persons engaged in the sleep process, due to those horizontal variations and vertical differences between the shoulder of different sizes of persons engaged in the sleep process, due to those horizontal variations in vertical differences between the shoulders of different size persons and the need of individuals to have a horizontal alignment of the entire system (tip of vertebrae where they join the base of the skull, neck vertibrae of the back) while lying on the sides, back or stomach while resting or sleeping. It also tends to inhibit snoring when an obstructed passageway for air may be the cause. Orthopedic and therapeutic values are imputed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: James Benjamin Huntley
  • 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: 5615432
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an individual's head or neck which includes a base member and a cushion portion being removably mounted on and spaced from the base member. The cushion portion includes a first section adapted to support an individual's head or neck, and additional recessed regions extending angularly from each end of the first section to form a substantially u-shaped cushion portion. The cushion portion is selectably engageable with an individual's head or neck forming an air channel when an individual lies in a horizontal prone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas F. Von Ohlen, III
  • Patent number: 5613501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a face support device specifically for the purpose of facilitating surgery on humans in the prone position providing for the complete relief of pressure to the areas of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth of a patient. The face support has a concave curved upper portion, a concave lower surface and a central opening for avoiding pressure on the eyes, nose and lips of the patient, while providing for increased support with decreased pressure and skin shear experienced by the patient's face in contact with the face support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gary K. Michelson
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 5546619
    Abstract: A new and improved head support which enables a user to comfortably rest upon his or her stomach. The support includes a horseshoe-shaped head support having a first opened end, a second closed end, an inner periphery, an outer periphery, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side and a second side. The inner periphery is adapted to support a user's head. A first set of legs is provided for supporting the first side of the rigid head support. Each leg of the first set is pivotally connected to the lower surface of the head support. Furthermore, each leg of the first set has a first position adjacent the lower surface of the head support, and a second position substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the head support. A second set of legs is provided for supporting the second side of the rigid head support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Mary J. Braun
  • Patent number: 5537703
    Abstract: A pillow includes a first main face having an essentially planar main surface. This planar main surface includes a head receiving recess. The second main face of the pillow, located opposite the first main face, includes a plurality of extending fingers arranged in rows, wherein the fingers extend such that a base of the finger is located closer to the first main face than is the tip (or free end) of that finger. The fingers are of a length such that the finger tips essentially lie on a common plane which is essentially parallel to the essentially planar main surface of the first main face. Several recesses are defined in the area between a finger and the surrounding, adjacent fingers of the second main face. In particularly preferred embodiments of the pillow, the recesses between adjacent fingers extend through the pillow so as to provide vent holes through the pillow in the area of the head receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Carpenter Co.
    Inventors: Darla D. Launder, Edward O. Norris
  • Patent number: 5535468
    Abstract: A safety pillow assembly is provided for use by an infant to prevent suffocation of the infant when lying in a face down position thereon. The pillow assembly includes a hollow, rigid core having spaced-apart top and bottom walls defining an air reservoir. A multiplicity of openings are formed in the core for allowing substantially unobstructed passage of air into and out of the reservoir. An air-permeable, cushioning sleeve encloses the core and provides a soft comfortable surface to cushion the head of the infant. The sleeve allows a free flow of air from the reservoir through the openings in the core and to the infant when lying in a face down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Wayne B. Mallernee
  • Patent number: 5520623
    Abstract: A medical device immobilizes a patient's head and enables the patient to lie face down without turning the face to either side. A cushioned face-shaped frame has a rigid convex open mesh attached to it so that the patient's face is spaced apart from a support surface when the periphery of a patient's face lies against the cushioned frame. A transversely extending base having an adjustable height is connected to the frame by an interconnecting member having an adjustable length. The patient's chest overlies the base and therefore the face-receiving frame is held against movement when the device is in use. The effective height of the base and its distance from the frame are adjustable for the comfort of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Dallas Williams
  • Patent number: 5466039
    Abstract: A new foldable lounge for providing a portable chaise lounge with a headrest adaptable to support a recumbent prone user's face in a downward position. The head rest includes foldable armrests positionable to comfortably support the recumbent prone user's arms. The foldable lounge comprises a base portion for supporting the lower body of a user. A rectangular frame separates laterally into a seat portion and a leg rest portion. Further included are leg means whereby the frame may be elevated above and essentially parallel to a supporting surface. Also included are support means whereupon the lower body of the user may be comfortably supported. A backrest portion is provided for support, in a generally upright position, the upper body of the user seated on the base portion. The backrest portion is adaptable for supporting, in a generally horizontal position, the upper body of a supine user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Gloria J. Umbrianna
  • Patent number: 5426798
    Abstract: A resting support, for example, a mattress, comprises an interior slot designed to support a person resting in the prone position. One embodiment comprises a slot having a first sidewall which extends at an angle downwardly from the substantially planar resting surface and a second sidewall which extends from a lower portion of the first sidewall, preferably at an angle which is steeper than the angle of the first sidewall. Also disclosed is a boxspring having a corresponding, and preferably, larger opening. A removable, supplemental facial support is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Frank V. Guarino
  • Patent number: 5423099
    Abstract: An infant safety pillow of molded plastic with side walls, and a rear wall molded integrally with a gently inclined central perforated surface joined to the walls by a rolled shoulder. The base of the wall have spaced openings in their lower edges. A sponge rubber strip runs between the left and right side walls along the lower face of the front edge of the perforate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Gulli
  • Patent number: 5388296
    Abstract: A novel bed accessory, such as a pillow, bed or crib sheet, is provided with a plurality of layers of foam rubber, elastomeric material or ther resilient material capable of creating air ventilation to the surface of the accessory, as well as transmitting and storing body secretions for subsequent removal, the layers having varying degrees of softness with the outer layers being softer than the inner layers to maximize comfort to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Mansour
  • Patent number: 5347668
    Abstract: A head support device to be used in cooperation with a treatment table for humans such as a chiropractic or therapeutic table. The head support device provides a comfortable support for a patient's head during therapy, wherein the head support device includes a baseplate of polygonal shape having at least four sides, including two opposing, longer sides and opposing top and bottom sides. The bottom side includes an opening that allows airflow to a patient when face-down on the table. The baseplate includes a pair of flanges connected to the opposing longer sides of the baseplate and extending upward from the baseplate within a range of 20 to 90 degrees. Attachment structure coupled to the head support device enables attachment of the head support device to the treatment table. A patient controlled pressure adjustment mechanism is attached to the pillow to permit the patient adjust air pressure to a desired comfort level. A second pillow having a medial hinged section is suspended from the baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Duane B. Manning
  • Patent number: 5305483
    Abstract: The present invention solves a possible contributing cause of Sudden Infant Death syndrome. A body support pad having a support portion and a pillow portion is disclosed. The support portion is connected to the pillow portion. The pillow portion provides ventilation to the infant. The pillow portion has a thin outer sheet permeable to the passage of air which keeps the head of the infant in healthy repose. The interior of the pillow is subdivided into an upper portion containing a porous foam material and a lower portion containing an air pocket. An air pump supplies air to the air pocket to thus supply air to the nose and mouth of the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5287576
    Abstract: A new and improved head support apparatus includes a base member and a nonrigid chin rest member, a nonrigid forehead rest member, and a number of peripheral guide members supported by the base member. The chin rest member and the forehead rest member project from the base member a first vertical distance which is longer than a nose of the person when the chin of the person is resting on the chin rest member and the forehead of the person is resting on the forehead rest member. The forehead rest member is spaced from the chin rest member by a horizontal distance which is greater than a height of the nose of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Lance G. Fraser
  • Patent number: 5269035
    Abstract: A head support means is provided for supporting a person's head while lying in the prone position. The support means provides support of the patient's head at the chin and forehead. A side opening provides means for an anesthetist to view a patient's face and for passage of endotracheal or other tubes and various probes that might be used during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Byron V. Hartunian
  • Patent number: 5231720
    Abstract: A support pillow comprised of a shell having a hollow interior, said interior being equipped with an adjustable expandable bladder which is connected to a gas line including a valve means that extends through said shell. The bladder can be inflated and deflated to provide a support means in which firmness can be varied and comfort maximized to accommodate the user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Jack Benoff
  • Patent number: 5222779
    Abstract: At times a person may wish to lie on a chaise lounge in a prone position. The chaise lounge has a head support section that includes a head rest. The head rest has a T-shaped or triangular opening for accommodating the person's face. The head support section also has an area of reduced width to accommodate the person's arms. The person can thus hold and read a book or magazine located below the chaise lounge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Douglas W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5220699
    Abstract: A facial support mask supports the face of a patient in the prone position during surgical procedures in spaced relation above a support surface and in a variety of selectively fixed positions relative to the torso and the support surface. The mask has a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinal crescent arms; at least one cross-strut interconnected with the longitudinal crescent arms; an inflatable chamber attached to the crescent arms and adapted to contact the patient's forehead and sides of his face; means and securement strap for securing the mask to the patient's face. The mask may also include an integral secretion collection dish for draining away secretions during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: R. David Farris
  • Patent number: 5216770
    Abstract: A body support device having a resilient surface with channels disposed in the surface for retaining tubing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: William J. Holt
  • Patent number: 5216772
    Abstract: A support pillow in two main sections, each section having an elongated resilient foam member each covered with fabric with a portion of the fabric extending outward to define a flexible panel. The top surface of one panel, and the bottom surface of the other panel are affixed with elongated hook and loop fastening strips which allow adjustable overlapping affixment of the two panels one to another in order to affix together the two sections of the support pillow. The two sections of the support pillow when affixed together define an open-ended and open-top vertical walled channel with the panels and fabric covered foam members providing an anti-roll device for the infant. The hook and loop attachment of the two panels provides for adjustability in the distance between vertical side walls of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: L. Jason Clute
  • Patent number: 5177823
    Abstract: An adjustable headrest whose height and angle may be selectively adjusted. The selected height may be adjusted by the use of a cam clamp that requires the use of only one hand to operate. The selected angle may be adjusted by the use of a cam clamp that also requires the use of only one hand to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Oakworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Riach
  • Patent number: 5165137
    Abstract: The invention is an improved head support stand used to smoothly and accuely position a patient's head when imaging the patient's upper spinal area. The improved stand includes a compound turnbuckle mounted between a base of the stand and a head cradle or face plate mounted to the base. The compound turnbuckle includes two rods threadingly engaged to a turnbuckle body so that the rods translate with respect to the body when it rotates. When the compound turnbuckle is in a fully retracted position, the rods are in a telescoped configuration within the turnbuckle body. When the compound turnbuckle is in a fully extended position, the rods are axially remote from each other and project substantially all the way out of the turnbuckle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bruce E. Amrein, Jeffrey D. Nickel
  • Patent number: 5127117
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a pouch pillow construction is described which comprises, a base pillow including a cover and casing, and an overlying pillow including a cover and casing. The base and overlying pillows are sewn along three adjacent sides and open on a fourth side to form a pouch into which a person's head can be conveniently inserted to gain warmth and mask light, both of which surprisingly combine permit a person to sleep deeply. But the person head can rest atop both the base and overlaying pillows without using the pouch if the restee so chooses. The casing of the overlying pillow can also include a layer of light impregnable material to mask light, such material along with the casing being light weight to prevent heat loss without using high weight that could disturb the sleeping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Bridges
  • Patent number: 5095569
    Abstract: A compliant cover sheet is provided for a face-down pillow which has a wedge shape and contains primary and secondary air passageways which facilitate breathing by the user of the pillow. The sheet is fabricated of a single piece of flat compliant thin material cut so as to have a perimeter edge configuration generally matching the configuration of the pillow. Intersecting slits adjacent the upper extremity of the sheet form triangular flaps which descend into the primary passageway. Fastening straps attached to the flaps are adapted to pass through the secondary air passageways and interengage edges of the sheet. A stabilizing strap attached across opposed edges of the sheet adjacent its lower extremity is adapted to embrace the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Mary G. Glenn