With Distinct Adjustable Parts Patents (Class 5/640)
  • Publication number: 20110225735
    Abstract: A pillow that can be manipulated into a variety of bent/folded/twisted configurations and can retain each of those configurations until manipulated into a different configuration. The pillow has a segmented toroidal shape and includes an envelope and a flowable fill filling the envelope so that the fill is under positive pressure throughout. The pillow has a plurality of constrictions that, in conjunction with the pressurized fill, provides the pillow with soft hinges that facilitate bending/folding/twisting of the pillow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: HIP INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Heroux, Jianping Cai
  • Patent number: 8015640
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multi-position cervical pillow and an adjustable pillow set thereof to support a user's head and neck. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-position cervical pillow comprises a rectangular memory foam pad, the transversal cross section of which is bone-shaped with two lobes protruded towards two opposite lateral ends and a shallow trough in between forming a concave head support portion on each of the two support surfaces; said two lobes are different in size and asymmetrical in shape. By inverting and reversing the pillow pad it provides four unique positions. An adjustable pillow set comprises a main multi-position cervical pillow and an unattached ancillary pillow, the upper surface of the latter has a transversally convex, asymmetrical curvature for the main pillow to stack and slide on top of it, forming four stacking configurations, with each providing two unique positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Xi Sun
  • Patent number: 7987537
    Abstract: A pillow structure substantially has a bottom board 1 mounted at a bottom inside a pillow body 10 and at least one resilient pad 2 controlled by an adjuster 4 mounted on the bottom board 1. By having the resilient pad 2 to support a buffering layer 3 for neck leaning, curved degrees of the pillow body 10 are adjusted corresponding to different users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Chern Shing Top Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sheng Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7975336
    Abstract: A pillow is provided that includes a center section; a first bolster; and a second bolster. The first bolster is attached to the center section on a first lateral side and the second bolster is attached to the center section on a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, and at least one of the first and the second bolsters has a first cross sectional area at a bottom of the bolster and a second cross sectional area at a top of the bolster greater than the first cross sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Mary N. Perry, Nancy Sinoway
  • Patent number: 7962984
    Abstract: Variable-use tubular pillows having attachable and detachable ends and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a tubular pillow in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein may include a pillow body having first and second ends being opposed to one another and being attachable to and detachable from one another. The pillow body forms a tube shape having a central tunnel when the first and second ends are attached. Further, the tubular pillow may include a removable cover for covering the pillow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Phreddie D. Popp
  • Publication number: 20110131729
    Abstract: Provided herein is an improved pillow construction comprising at least one configurable support location and further comprising at least one movable pouch. The location of the pouch can be changed to accommodate a user's preference for sleeping on the side, back, stomach, or having multiple sleeping positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Shiao
  • Publication number: 20110113557
    Abstract: An embodiment is a travel head support to support a traveler's head as, for example, they sleep while sitting substantially upright. By supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may increase the comfort, quality, and restfulness of the traveler's sleep. In particular, by supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may substantially prevent the embarrassment and/or sleep interruption of one or more hypnic jerks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Leo Aguilera
  • Patent number: 7926134
    Abstract: A pillow includes a flexible outer shell including a plurality of internal dividers that define a plurality of compartments. Stuffing material is within each of the plurality of compartments. The pillow has a tapered center region defining a center region longitudinal axis and a top region defining a top region longitudinal axis that is approximately orthogonal to the center region longitudinal axis. The top region has a left portion, a center portion, and a right portion. The tapered center region has a thicker end that is adjacent the center portion of the top region, and a thinner distal end. At least one of internal dividers is located within the tapered center region and is oriented approximately orthogonal to the center region longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of internal dividers is located within the top region and is oriented approximately orthogonal to the top region longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Victor Ramon Carlos
  • Publication number: 20110078860
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multi-position cervical pillow and an adjustable pillow set thereof to support a user's head and neck. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-position cervical pillow comprises a rectangular memory foam pad, the transversal cross section of which is bone-shaped with two lobes protruded towards two opposite lateral ends and a shallow trough in between forming a concave head support portion on each of the two support surfaces; said two lobes are different in size and asymmetrical in shape. By inverting and reversing the pillow pad it provides four unique positions. An adjustable pillow set comprises a main multi-position cervical pillow and an unattached ancillary pillow, the upper surface of the latter has a transversally convex, asymmetrical curvature for the main pillow to stack and slide on top of it, forming four stacking configurations, with each providing two unique positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Xi Sun
  • Patent number: 7909036
    Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xoran Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Kusner, Jr., James A. Bertolina, William C. Van Kampen, Joseph Webster Stayman, Jonathan Alspaugh
  • Patent number: 7874033
    Abstract: A universal support pillow usable by both back and side sleepers includes a first chamber having multiple filled compartments that define a first side of the pillow and a second filled chamber that defines a second side of the pillow. The multiple compartments of the first chamber are designed particularly to receive a head of a back sleeper, and the second chamber is designed to receive a head of a side sleeper. The universal support pillow, in one version, includes a closable opening that is disposed between the two chambers for receiving a pillow insert to provide user-customized thickness and firmness characteristics of the universal support pillow. Multiple types of pillow inserts having different thickness and/or firmness characteristics may be provided, wherein a user is able to select one of the pillow inserts based on the user's sleep pillow preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: United Feather & Down, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Palmer, Robert Hickman
  • Patent number: 7865987
    Abstract: A head positioning apparatus and method comprises a support member, at least one strap, and a ring. Said support member can be adjustably located proximate to a users head, neck, or other body parts, in order to limit movement of those body parts during activity. Said apparatus and the disclosed methods may comprise additional elements, for example additional straps; means of fastening said straps to an attachment point; one or more cushions slidably affixed to said straps; one or more buckles; and means to adjust tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Neck Guard Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Douglas Deetsch
  • Publication number: 20100325803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory (1) for supporting the head (T) of a recumbent individual (I), in particular while said individual is sleeping, said accessory being characterized in that it comprises a base (2) that is substantially rigid and that supports at least one first cushion (3) for resting the head in the supine position, and at least one second cushion (4, 5) for resting the head in the laterally recumbent position, said second cushion being positioned on a substantially rigid plate (8, 9) that is carried by a coupling arm (6, 7) extending from the base (2) along an axis that is perpendicular to the base and to the plate (8, 9), the plate being mounted on the arm (6, 7) in a manner suitable for being pivotable about the axis of the arm, which arm maintains a spacing (E, E?) between the plate (8, 9) and the base (2), making it possible for an arm (B) of the individual to pass between the base and the plate when the head (T) of the individual is placed on the second cushion (4, 5) carrie
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Requena
  • Publication number: 20100325802
    Abstract: Improved face cradles, more properly called head cradles, provide increased comfort for clients. Various embodiments of novel frontal and temporal skull support pads eliminate the discomforts of existing face cradles. The head cradle embodiments remove the pressure caused by conventional horseshoe face cradles. These pressures can cause facial discomfort, congestion, and restricted breathing, all of which can adversely affect the ability of the user to maximize relaxation. In addition to novel pad embodiments, the head cradles features embodiments whereby the support bars that attach to the support pads, as well as the support pads, can provide a variety of possible adjustments (e.g. lowered, raised, widened, narrowed, lengthened, and angled) to accommodate individual users. Some embodiments mimic fingers of human hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Cara C. Schwartz, Kendyl A. Roman
  • Patent number: 7856687
    Abstract: An adjustable pillow device includes a base adapted to be disposed on a supporting surface, a pillow unit disposed above the base and movable vertically relative to the base, and an adjustable supporting unit mounted on the base, disposed between the base and the pillow unit and operable so as to support the pillow unit in a desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Hung-Chien Chou
  • Patent number: 7856686
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pillow includes a pillow portion and an adjustment portion below the pillow portion. The adjustment portion includes a planar portion and an arc portion connected with the planar portion, the planar portion being connected with the pillow portion. The longitudinal section of the adjustment portion has a shape of the letter ā€œDā€ when the height direction of the person lying on the pillow is taken as the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Kwong Ming Cho
  • Patent number: 7849540
    Abstract: A support system including a cushion or pad having a foam core and cover is disclosed. The support system is capable of taking a variety of different shapes and can be adjusted for firmness. The support system may be used during and after surgery and more generally, any time when it is desirable to utilize a sterilizable, adjustable cushion. Additionally, multiple cushions may be used in a variety of combinations at any one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Health Care Positioners, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell G. Hill
  • Patent number: 7832034
    Abstract: A pillow cover includes a pillow casing and a neck support provided thereon. A neck support includes an elongated retention pocket and a neck supporting element received in the retention pocket therewithin. The user is able to use his or her own pillow to incorporate with the pillow cover such that when the user sleeps in a bed by using his or her own pillow for head support in a comfortable way, the neck support of the pillow cover provides a substantial neck support to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Fong Yu Liu, Lisa Wang Arnold
  • Publication number: 20100281616
    Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: James Karlson
  • Patent number: 7797773
    Abstract: A neck rest includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member has a first recess for receiving a user's neck and defines a cushion extending around the recess for at least partially surrounding the user's neck. The second body member is different from the first body member and connected to the first body member. The second body member defines a second recess for receiving at least a lower portion of the user's head. The second body member defines a cushion extending around the second recess for at least partially surrounding the lower portion of the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 7788749
    Abstract: A foldable neck/waist support includes a foldable board and a soft pad. The foldable board includes a central flat portion, a pair of inner oblique portions extending from two opposing sides of the central flat portion, a pair of outer oblique portions extending from the pair of inner oblique portions, a pair of insertion portions extending from the pair of outer oblique portions. The soft pad is a rectangular sheet to be stuck on the central flat portion and the pair of inner oblique portions with adhesive to form one piece. The soft pad has two opposing ends extending over the pair of inner oblique portions. An engaging slot is not coated with adhesive. When fording the present invention, top dents formed on the foldable board are bent rearward such that the outer oblique portions and the insertion portions are folded behind the central flat portion. When assembling the present invention, the top dents are pushed forward and inner dents and outer dents are pushed rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Chou Ku
  • Patent number: 7788751
    Abstract: A sitting neck support device preferably includes a support base and at least one air valve. The support base includes a first boundary sheet and a second boundary sheet. The perimeters of the first and second boundary sheets are secured to each other. A breathing opening and two hand openings are preferably formed in the support base. A plurality of air chambers are formed in the support base with a plurality of partitions. First and second positioning straps extend from opposing ends of the support base. A strip of hook or loop fastener is preferably applied to the first and second positioning straps. In use, the sitting neck support device is inflated with the at least one air valve. The support base is curled into a substantial cylinder by securing the first and second positioning straps; tucked under the face; and placed on or over the legs of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen K. Diemer, Rodney T. Herdina, Janet L. Diemer
  • Patent number: 7788750
    Abstract: A multi-function pillow for therapeutic neck and head support is provided. The pillow generally includes first and second pillow sides united so as to form a sealable pillow cavity, and fluid retaining and neck support elements receivable within the cavity. The first pillow side includes a chamber containing a fill material therethrough. The second pillow side includes at least two chambers, at least one chamber of the at least two chambers containing a fill material therethrough, and one chamber of the at least two chambers defining a central depression for the second pillow side. The fluid retaining element, which is substantially co-extensive with the pillow sides, includes a fluid chamber circumscribing a central region thereof which is to underlie the central depression of the second pillow side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Core Products International Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Norstrem
  • Patent number: 7770248
    Abstract: A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Arden Companies
    Inventor: Gary Jay Furlow
  • Patent number: 7757319
    Abstract: The present invention is a wound elevation device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on a wound, blemish, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the affected area above a surface and surrounding the wound without directly contacting or covering the wound, for allowing increased air and blood flow to the wound. An interior filling of the present invention is composed of a Visco/Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, or a combination thereof, or other suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is enclosed in a unitary, elongated, flexible hollow member, and an additional removable and/or reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening means allow the user to reconfigure the shape of the device to provide the required support for each use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Helen R. Kimball
  • Patent number: 7758125
    Abstract: A portable support for providing support for the head of a seated individual includes an elongated pillow having an enlarged upper end portion and a lower pillow end portion. Connector structure is provided to position the larger pillow end portion above the shoulder of a seated individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: John Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 7730563
    Abstract: A head support system that has a fixation arc system that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally and is mounted to a patient support structure. The fixation arc system is positionable adjacent to, and provides lateral support for, the patient's head. A pin support is connected to, and extends from the fixation arc system. A pin is adjustably mounted to the pin support and contacts the patient's head to provide a lateral fixation thereof. The pin has a centerline that is rotatable about two axes of motion substantially perpendicular to the pin centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Integra LifeSciences Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick Sklar, Charles E. Dinkler, II, Kevin R. Easton
  • Patent number: 7730564
    Abstract: A pillowcase display has a skirting attached to and forming the hem of a pillowcase, with a number of display apertures passing through the skirting, the skirting includes a number of fabric pieces which may be any size, shape or color, with co-aligned apertures. The apertures can incorporate an elastomeric material, for placing the display items through, so that a figure such a doll or plush toy can be displayed with the head outside the pillowcase and the body within the pillowcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Merideth Eastridge Moore
  • Patent number: 7722122
    Abstract: A portable support for supporting the head of a seated individual including an elongated pillow and a flexible retention member having fasteners enabling the flexible retention member to assume different loop configurations enabling the portable support to alternatively be connected to an upper seat corner or be supported by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: John Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 7681266
    Abstract: An adjustable reclining infant bed apparatus having a head base with at least one elevating wedge attachable on a center side surface of the foot base is shown. The elevating wedge operates to elevate the head base at an angle. A foot base is shown comprising a lower body support surface having a modified S curve shape. Head and foot base are connected at center sides with hook and loop fastener. Connecting flaps attachable to the head base and the foot base reinforce connection of the head base to the foot base. The connecting flaps are configured to provide ports to the head base and the foot base. A triangular harness having one attachable point for attaching to the foot base and two attachable points for attaching to the head base and three attachable points to separate mattress pad is shown. The triangular harness is configured to support a torso of an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Randy Jean Gerlach
  • Patent number: 7681263
    Abstract: Modular pillow systems include one or two individual bolster component(s) and a traditional pillow component. When two bolster components are employed, the traditional pillow component is positioned between the two bolster components, and when one bolster component is employed, the traditional pillow component is positioned to one side of the bolster component. The density and diameter and/or size of the individual modular components may be selected based on the anatomical characteristics and/or comfort and support characteristics of the user. The bolster component(s) and the traditional pillow component may be contained in a shell or cover or conventional pillowcase sized and dimensioned to snugly fit around the bolster component(s) and traditional pillow component and hold the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Tanya L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7676870
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pillow to prevent snoring. The pillow includes a base and a mobile seat A shift control assembly shifts the mobile seat between positions and includes a motor, gear set and drive assembly. The shift control assembly also contains a motor output control module for controlling the rotational cycle of output end of the motor. The mobile seat shifts to different positions prior to and after shift based on the set value of the rotational cycle, and this rotational cycle is accurately controlled. The head position or posture happens through different positioning of the mobile seat prior to and after shift, thus helping to stop the snore with improved applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Jian Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 7669265
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to pillow devices comprising a pair of opposing lobe cushions connected by a cross member comprising a neck supporting cushion. In some embodiments the cushions may define a region for receiving a back portion of a human head in a cradling relation. Furthermore, according to some embodiments the cradle region can optionally be adjustable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mary Jane Weise
  • Publication number: 20100017966
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pillow includes a pillow portion and an adjustment portion below the pillow portion. The adjustment portion includes a planar portion and an arc portion connected with the planar portion, the planar portion being connected with the pillow portion. The longitudinal section of the adjustment portion has a shape of the letter ā€œDā€ when the height direction of the person lying on the pillow is taken as the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: KWONG MING CHO
  • Patent number: 7644460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for relieving back pain, the apparatus having a top and a leg assembly for supporting the top when the apparatus is placed on a surface. A method of relieving back pain is also provided, wherein a user adjusts the height of an apparatus according to the user's buttock popliteus length, and lay on the surface and place his/her lower legs or feet on the top of an apparatus such that the knees are bent at substantially 90 degrees and his/her back is flat on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Orlando Calvo
  • Patent number: 7644990
    Abstract: A personal support apparatus for supporting the head and body of a person sleeping in a seated position includes a generally U-shaped collar member for contacting the wearer's neck from the back, with the collar being made from a soft resilient material that retains its shape, and first and second side arm support members permanently or reversibly and adjustably attached to the collar, with the side arm support members being made from a soft malleable material that reversibly conforms to the contours of the passenger's body and/or the vehicle seat or other surface, the first and second side arm support members being characterized by a first level of firmness, and the collar member being characterized by a second level of firmness that is greater than the first level of firmness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jon D. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7640609
    Abstract: A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) and a resilient assembly (220). The support frame (226) is coupled to the massage device (11). The resilient assembly (220) includes a first resilient subassembly (256) that is coupled to the support frame (226), and a second resilient subassembly (258) that engages the first resilient subassembly (256). The first resilient subassembly (256) and the second resilient subassembly (258) cooperate and act in parallel to support the face of the user (16). The first resilient subassembly (256) can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members (360).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Roleder, William W. Chow
  • Patent number: 7636968
    Abstract: A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) and a resilient assembly (220). The support frame (226) is coupled to the massage device (10). The resilient assembly (220) supports the face of the user (16). The resilient assembly including a resilient subassembly (258) having an interior resilient region (472) and an outer covering (474) that surrounds and protects the interior resilient region (472). The outer covering (474) can include a bottom section (474C) that is made of a stretchable material. The bottom section (474C) can couple the resilient subassembly (258) to the rest of the headrest assembly (12) in a nonskid fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Roleder, William W. Chow
  • Patent number: 7634829
    Abstract: A self-contained head and chest support kit for indoor and outdoor use, which allows a user to support his head and chest for comfort, the kit consisting of a head and chest pillow, a head pillow cover, a chest pillow cover, an adjustment strap, an air pump to inflate the head pillow and the chest pillow, and a convenient storage bag. During use for sunbathing, the head pillow supports the forehead, while the chest pillow keeps the user's spine in prior alignment, thereby also elevating the face away from the sand or ground and preventing the face from burning due to overexposure from the sun. When used for sleeping, the head pillow and chest pillow allow the neck and back muscles to lie in a more relaxed position and create a better posture. Use of the pillows in the present kit helps alleviate tension in the neck and back muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah L. La Bar
  • Publication number: 20090309406
    Abstract: Pillow holders that have a sleeve for receiving and retaining a pillow coupled, optionally releasably, to a flexible and resilient enclosure (optionally less than a complete enclosure) for a headrest. The enclosure stretches over the headrest. The sleeve is made of a flexible and resilient material, and is coupled to the enclosure at a position that places the pillow in position to support the neck of the user of the headrest. The enclosure may optionally have a strap. The strap may be releasably and/or slidingly coupled to the enclosure. Optionally, the tube or sleeve may also be slidingly coupled to the strap. The pillow holder is designed for pillows of various shapes and sizes, including standard-sized pillows and stuffed toys. The enclosure may additionally be coupled to headrest supports. More than one enclosure may be coupled to one strap. The strap may optionally be worn as a shoulder strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Sharon Campa
  • Publication number: 20090288256
    Abstract: A headrest for protecting a hairstyle of a user including a base portion and a head-supporting portion extending substantially horizontally from an upper surface of the base portion. The head-supporting portion includes a support surface and at least three finger members that extend substantially vertically from a peripheral edge of the support surface. The first and second finger members are located opposite one another and extend upward past the cheeks of the user. The third finger member extends upward from the distal end of the support surface past the back of the head of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jean T. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20090276960
    Abstract: An adjustable pillow device includes a base adapted to be disposed on a supporting surface, a pillow unit disposed above the base and movable vertically relative to the base, and an adjustable supporting unit mounted on the base, disposed between the base and the pillow unit and operable so as to support the pillow unit in a desired state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Hung-Chien Chou
  • Patent number: 7614105
    Abstract: A multi-purpose bed for permitting a user to comfortably lay face-down during extended time periods may include a mattress with a linear passageway formed between top and bottom surfaces. The passageway may also extend from the center of the mattress to opposed longitudinal sides thereof. A plurality of openings, connected to the passageway, may be formed in the top surface of the mattress. A plurality of pillows may be removably attached to the top of the mattress and positioned along partial perimeters of the openings. A plurality of panels may be situated beneath the openings. A mechanism for independently adapting each of the panels between open and closed positions for permitting and prohibiting free flow of the ambient air through a corresponding one of the openings and the passageway may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Jermaine Jackson, Aisha Jackson
  • Publication number: 20090271927
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a pillow case having a top and a bottom, the top opposite from the bottom. The pillow case may include a first pocket attached to the top, and a second pocket attached to the bottom. The pillow case may have a main inner chamber located within the pillow case, such that a pillow cushion can be located within the pillow case. The first pocket may run substantially along an entire width of the pillow case, and the second pocket may run substantially along an entire length of the pillow case. The pillow case and cushion can be inserted into the first or second pockets. A variety of pillow configurations can be created from this apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Natalia E. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7610639
    Abstract: A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a resilient assembly (220) that supports the face of the user (15), a support arm assembly (222) that is secured to the massage device (10), and an adjuster assembly (224) that can be used to adjust the position of the resilient assembly (220) relative to the support arm assembly (222). The adjuster assembly (224) can include a first adjuster subassembly (240A) that forms a first, four bar type linkage assembly and a second adjuster subassembly (240B) that forms a second, four bar type linkage assembly. The four bar type linkage assemblies allow for improved range of movement and adjustment of the resilient assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Roleder, William W. Chow
  • Publication number: 20090250069
    Abstract: A pillow that provides relief from migraine headaches and is comfortable enough to allow for sleep. Within the structure of a soft pillow, is a spherical, hemispherical or conical shaped nodule, which is harder than the surrounding pillow. While the pillow provides support for the head to facilitate sleeping, the nodule provides passive and constant pressure to a single point of contact on the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Frey
  • Patent number: 7594288
    Abstract: A pillow for supporting the head of a user during sleeping, having a generally rectangular main body of resiliently compressible foam material presenting a lower surface configured to overlie stably on a sleeping platform and an upper surface for supporting a user's head. An interior void extending longitudinally between opposite ends of the main body generally centrally between the upper and lower surfaces and generally centrally between the longitudinal sides of the main body. A central opening extends interiorly into the main body and merges into the interior void of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: I Care Sleep, LLC
    Inventors: James Mike Holliday, Bradley Coleman McNeely, James Alexander Wall, Gerry Borreggine
  • Publication number: 20090235458
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a pillow convertible between an open position as a food and beverage holder and a closed position as a pillow. By way of example, the pillow has a first and second pillow portion that may be coupled and uncoupled to switch between a closed position and an open position. The pillow also has a food surface member with one or more beverage holders that is sized to fit within the interior of the pillow in the closed position. In another example, the food surface member is a two-piece construction with a slidable tray lock that moves between a first position when the pillow is closed and a second position that secures the two pieces together as a substantially coplanar surface when the pillow is open. In yet another example, the beverage holder is tapered so as to fit a variety of sizes of beverage containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel A. Yarmer, Jay Brock Matthews, Lawrence M. Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20090235459
    Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved pillow body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a midsection and a pair of curved arms that each have an end. The system also includes a padded booster that is configured to rest on the top surface of the pillow body. The booster has a midportion and a pair of ends. The ends have a height that is larger than the height at the midportion, and the midportion is flexible to permit the booster to be folded in half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: The Boppy Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kristin A. Tidwell, Sheila Littlehorn
  • Patent number: 7584516
    Abstract: A knee pillow assembly comprises a pillow and a tether assembly. The tether assembly comprises a tether and a waistband. The tether is supported in relation to the pillow at a first end and in relation to the waistband at a second end. The waistband is structured for attachment about a person's waist. The tether is adjustable in relation to the pillow so that the pillow may be positioned in relation to the waistband and between the person's knees to reduce the risk of the knees coming into contact. In accordance with a method of the invention, a waistband is attached to a person's waist by forming a first releasable knot with the waistband. A pillow is attached to the tether in relation to the pillow by forming a second releasable knot between a free end of the tether and a loop supported in relation to the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Ernest S. Sneed