Compartmented Patents (Class 5/645)
  • Patent number: 6170103
    Abstract: Traditional rectangular sleeping pillows with filling are improved. There are several pillow configurations in this invention. Each configuration has two heights available for its user to choose. The user can also make choice of the neck support or not. The arrangement of the two heights also allows the user to easily get proper supports for two sleeping postures, i.e. shoulder vertical and shoulder horizontal. Portion of the pillow contour gives comfortable and secure feeling like baby sleeps on mother's breast. All the configurations can use existing pillowcase in the market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Rong-Shuang Wang, Rong-Ine Ma
  • Patent number: 6151733
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a pillow which has the pillow user's most comfortable height and shape and which he can have a comfortable sleep with a relaxed posture and in which he is not prevented from turning in bed and in which is free from headache or nausea from receiving pressure on his neck. The method for producing a pillow which can have the most comfortable height and shape which differs in accord with body shape and sleeping posture is shown and described. Furthermore, a pillow is disclosed for an individual having a flat pad and a cushion having a convex portion as its basic components, and in which necessary numbers of pads used for adjusting height as well as pads for adjusting pressure on cervical vertebra can be added into a flat pad and said cushion having a convex portion and insertable into a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Hisato Takashima
  • Patent number: 6088856
    Abstract: A versatile pillow having a container and fluid pouch combination for both supporting a user's head and dispensing fluids therefrom. Fluids may be dispensed from the fluid pouch while the container supports the neck and head of the user. The container further includes one or more thermal barriers to thereby insulate the fluids contained within the fluid pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Boyer
  • Patent number: 6052848
    Abstract: A body support pillow stuffed with a resilient deformable filler having a U-shaped central section and depending legs, the pillow having a center opening equal to the body width of a user. In a first embodiment the pillow's total length is substantially equal to the height of a user, and the legs are selectively foldable over one another to create a double thickness for additional support under the user's knees, with a detachable body-encircling strap securing the pillow about the user. In a second embodiment for use in a chair the legs support the arms of a user, and may be raised by rotating them 90 degrees. In a third embodiment, the interior of the pillow is divided by sewn-in baffles into three separately stuffable compartments all accessible through a single continuous zipper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jean Kelly
  • Patent number: 6047425
    Abstract: A orthopedic pillow for providing relief to user's neck and upper back pain. The orthopedic pillow includes an inflatable bladder comprises a spaced apart pair of end lobes and a plurality of middle lobes interposed between the end lobes of the inflatable bladder. An outer pad substantially covers the inflatable bladder. A resiliently deformable sheet is embedded in the outer pad between the upper contours of the outer pad and the top faces of the lobes of the inflatable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Adnan Khazaal
  • Patent number: 6042604
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an extremity of a person includes a body having a recessed support surface for supporting the extremity, and a flap connected to the support surface. The body has a fastener that couples with a coupler on the flap to define a re-closable chamber. An ice bag or other similar heat absorbing apparatus may be secured within the chamber, thereby enabling the apparatus to both support the extremity and provide the anti-inflammatory function of the ice bag. The body, which may be crescent shaped, may include an interior for containing stuffing material. Both the body and the flap may be manufactured from the same fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Debra Gennetti
  • Patent number: 6026330
    Abstract: A multi-function pillow includes a bag body having a ventilative first layer and a ventilative second layer connected peripherally to define an receiving chamber therein, an intermediate layer mounted between the first and second layers to divide the receiving chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, a plurality of wheat hulls filled inside the first chamber, a plurality of far-infrared emission granules evenly distributed inside the first chamber and mixed with the wheat hulls, and a supporting filler disposed inside the second chamber. The multi-function pillow can provide better support to the user's head and neck at a comfortable position that, regardless the weight and the movement of the user's head, the bottom portion of the user's head will still be well supported by the pillow and may avoid direct contact with the mattress or bed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Henry Chuang
  • Patent number: 6003177
    Abstract: A pillow is disclosed which comprises a central portion having a pair of head support limbs which curve outwardly from the head end of the pillow towards a foot end of the pillow. A pair of neck, chin and jaw support limbs extend outwardly at the foot end and inwardly of the head support limbs. The limbs are provided with curved, concave surfaces and define air breathing spaces between the limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Robyn Wendy Ferris
  • Patent number: 5974607
    Abstract: A head clip pillow is designed for being worn about the neck of a user to cover the user's ears in order to eliminate a substantial portion of ambient noise while providing support for the user's head. The pillow defines a substantially U-shaped configuration for being received about the back of the neck of a user. The central portion of the pillow defines a height to be received by the nape of the neck, while the terminal portions of the pillow define a height to cover the sides of the user's face, including the ears. A base member fabricated from a resilient material defines a contour substantially proportional to the overall contour of the pillow. A spring member is received about a portion of the base member. The spring member is configured to apply a biasing force about the neck of the user. Pressure applied to other areas of the user's head is accomplished indirectly through the base member. Surrounding the base member and spring is at least one layer of foam rubber or other cushioning type material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: VK Industries
    Inventor: Devron P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5937460
    Abstract: A proper height pillow for both upward and side-facing head positions. It comprises a base pillow having a unique adjustability feature wherein the height of the neck support region may be selectively increased by the addition of at least one further cushion within a slotted receptacle within that region. Moreover, the present invention comprises a pair of side posture support cushions which are preferably attached loosely to the base pillow along the lateral margins thereof. The side posture support cushions provide proper support for both the head and neck of a side-facing user. The attachment of the cushion to the base pillow permits the user to either position the side cushions on the base pillow for side posture support (while still allowing access to the underlying base pillow between the side cushions) or position the side cushions off the base pillow to permit access to the entire base pillow surface without encountering the side cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce A. Humphries
  • Patent number: 5933890
    Abstract: A therapeutic pillow for inducing a state of physiological relaxation. The pillow is formed from a substantially shaped sustaining material and comprises an upwardly facing concave supporting surface formed by four component surfaces which are separated by a cruciform shaped recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Gerard Cyril Codd
  • Patent number: 5918333
    Abstract: A deodorizing pillow has a core covered by a cover which has pockets formed both on its upper and lower sides. The pockets on one of the sides of the cover can removably contain charcoal or active carbon granule deodorizers, while the pockets on the other side of the cover are filled with chips of Japanese cypress. In an another embodiment, the core of the pillow is composed of an upper and a lower layer, and a deodorizer of active carbon granules or charcoal is tucked between the upper and lower layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Takashima Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshie Takashima
  • Patent number: 5898963
    Abstract: The cervical pillow of the present invention includes an elongated air tight casing with a resilient cushion mounted at one side thereof. An inlet valve in the casing permits air flow into the cushion portion. A conduit extending from the cushion portion into an air chamber in the remainder of the cervical pillow permits air flow into the air chamber. An electric pump is mounted within the cushion to pump air into the air chamber, and thereby pressurize the cervical pillow. A relief valve is mounted in one end of the air chamber to permit selective release of air from the air chamber. A cervical pillow is attached to a standard head support pillow along a longitudinal side of both pillows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Lynn D. Larson
  • Patent number: 5819347
    Abstract: In a pillow comprising at least three substantially flat bags successively layered, each of intermediate layer bags other than top and bottom layer bags is provided with closure means and provided substantially at the middle of each intermediate layer bag with a pocket having also its own closure means through which cedar chips are enclosed in this pocket. Chips of synthetic resin are enclosed in one of the outermost layer bags and a fibrous member containing aromatic essence of Japanese cypress is enclosed in the other outermost layer bag. No content is enclosed in the bags other than the intermediate layer bags in their regions over- and underlying the pockets so that a recess having no significant thickness is formed in those regions over- and underlying the pockets. The regions of the intermediate layer bag(s) extending adjacent the periphery of the pillow may be loaded with cedar chip bags so as to adjust a thickness of the pillow in its peripheral region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Masuda Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Masuda
  • Patent number: 5819346
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a recreation utility pillow offering comfort, security and entertainment for the user thereof. The pillow of this invention is particularly adapted for use at the beach, or pool side, where such pillow includes a waterproof cover for use in or near water. The pillow utilizes a yieldable foam-like material to give comfort to the user, includes an audio transmitter and speaker to allow private listening, and further includes storage facilities for personal items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: David Minton Lane
  • Patent number: 5809594
    Abstract: To provide a pillow by which the cervical vertebras and the occipital region of a sleeper can be supported in stable, and the head of the sleeper is prevented from accidentally coming off from the pillow even if he should toss about while sleeping.A pair of pillow end core units are disposed at both cross directional ends of a pillow case 12 so as to form right angles to a cross direction of the pillow case 12. Between the pair of pillow end core units, a cervical vertebra support pillow core unit 20 and a first occipital region support pillow core unit 22 are disposed along the cross direction of the pillow case 12. Further, between the cervical vertebra support pillow core unit 20 and the first occipital region support pillow core unit 22, a second occipital region support pillow core unit 24 is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Lofty Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeaki Isogai
  • Patent number: 5778470
    Abstract: A pillow structure formed with an outer cover or casing in which a foam shell is enclosed, where in a horizontally disposed partition being mounted in the shell along the horizontal central axis of the pillow structure, wherein the partition controls the random movement of beads enclosed within each compartment defined by the partition, whereby the beads are prevented from moving or being transferred between the respective juxtaposed compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas T. Haider
  • Patent number: 5758375
    Abstract: An improved body support or bed pillow. A pillow cover is provided which is formed by sewing together two pieces of material. On the interior face of each of the two pieces of material are sewn a plurality of loops of material. A drawstring is fed through the loops of material from one side of the pillow cover to the other in a zigzag pattern. The body support is filled with granular material such as natural buckwheat. By pulling the drawstrings taut, the pillow is segmented into two distinct sections; one section may be utilized to support the head and neck of the sleeper and the other to support the body. The drawstrings are held in their tightened positions by tying them together or by proving a common drawstring brake thereby defining a neck roll portion of the body support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence Fraser Horowitz
  • Patent number: 5737787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pillow radio apparatus which comprises an ordinary pillow substantially covered by one or two sensors extending below the pressing element, e.g. the head of the child, on one or both sides of the pillow, said sensor being able to sense the force of the pressing element; the apparatus being located within a pillow case and being connected via actuating means to a receiver, the apparatus being also connected to at least one power supply unit.The sensor may be a capacity sensor; one or two webs being located at a suitable place and comprising a conductive net; or a bag comprising air or a fluid.The actuating means is, for example, an electronic circuit comprising a frequency oscillator; a unit which switches the oscillator on periodically; and a unit which switches the receiver on and off, which consists of a key and an optoisolator.The pillow case advantageously comprises the story to be told.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Rotem Ilan B.M.
    Inventor: Ilan Iozef
  • Patent number: 5708998
    Abstract: The pillow of the present invention provides proper cervical support whether the sleeper is on his back or on his side. Side sections including cutouts on the left and right of the pillow provide clearance for the airways during side sleeping, and a multi-level construction provides the proper head and neck support for either back or side sleeping positions. A high quality fiber is used in rolled and layered sections to provide comfort for the sleeper and resiliency of the pillow over prolonged use. Dual neck rolls of different diameters allow two sleepers of different neck sizes to alternately use the same pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Anabolic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Angela M. Torbik
  • Patent number: 5689844
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved pillow having a multiple layer configuration. The pillow comprises an inner core, an intermediate layer and a surface layer. The inner core is integrally formed by three different materials each of which them has different elastic capability. The inner core has a corrugated outer surface. The inner core is further enclosed by an intermediate layer and is integrally formed by three different materials each of which them has different elastic capability. The intermediate layer has a smooth inner surface and a corrugated outer surface. The surface layer is made from son foam and has a smooth inner surface and a corrugated outer surface. By this arrangement, a supporting gradient is established in the resulting pillow. The pillow can be readily oriented to obtain suitable support for the head an neck portions to meet different requirements from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Hsin-Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 5682633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pillow with an insert and lobe of sufficient curvature to enable the user to obtain the intended firmness effects. The pillow includes a compressible and resilient body having a top portion and a bottom portion and a rounded lobe which upwardly protrudes from the bottom portion. Formed within the lobe is an opening which has an insert shaped and dimensioned for snug contact therein. The radius of curvature of the opening is at least 60% of the radius of curvature of the lobe. Inserts of varying compressibility, texture, and contour may be employed in single or multiple openings. Additionally, the pillow may be reversible, offering the user increased versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Banyan Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: E. Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 5661862
    Abstract: A multitiered pillow is provided that is especially adapted for supporting the head of a person while sleeping. At least two tiers of different height are provided by the pillow to accommodate and properly support a person's head and neck regardless of whether the person is sleeping on his side (shoulders vertical) or prostrate (shoulders horizontal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: James D. Ryndak
  • Patent number: 5652983
    Abstract: The Sit/Sleep Constructed Pillow provides multiple uses in functioning as a sitting pillow that transforms into a sleeping pillow while providing an envelope that forms a self contained enclosure for compression and stowage. The Sit/Sleep Constructed Pillow is fabricated from one length of material that encloses the pillow loft and forms an envelope that is used along with fasteners to reduce the perimeter dimensions of the pillow for sitting purposes that in turn transforms into a larger dimensioned sleep pillow with a separate fabric head rest and cover while providing an enclosure for compression and stowage of the pillow, an enclosure that can also be used for stowage when not used for pillow compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: John A. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 5644810
    Abstract: A pillow for supine and side-oriented sleeping positions comprises a pillow casing for a pillow having opposed horizontal side head end support units and a central head back support unit there between comprising vertically opposed neck-bones' support sections separated by an overall central head back rest section. The respective units and sections are segregated into attached, compartmentalized areas where the head back support unit is lower than the horizontal end support units, and the head back rest section is lower than the vertically opposed neck-bones' support sections. A first side head support unit is constructed at the end of horizontal end section of the pillow casing of the pillow. A second side head support unit is constructed at the opposed horizontal end section of the pillow casing. A head back support unit is placed between the first and second side head support units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Katsuya Kato
  • 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: 5608936
    Abstract: A pillow has a bag which is made of mesh or the like and fully filled with filling materials, each of which is made of a flexible resin, has a hollow configuration such as a hollow sphere or a hollow body and made of a flexible resin and has two or more openings on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Yamaichi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nomura
  • Patent number: 5586350
    Abstract: Described is a low flammability pillow comprising a cushioning core and a cover separable therefrom, wherein the cushioning core comprises a binder-consolidated nonwoven block from 5 to 15 cm in thickness and from 700 to 3000 g/m.sup.2 in basis weight comprising fibers or filaments having a linear density from 3 to 30 dtex and the cover is a pocket-shaped, closable casing comprising a textile sheet material comprising or consisting of woven or knitted fabric, the fibers and filaments of the cushioning core and of the casing comprising flame resistant polyester.Further, a process is described for the production of the low flammability pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Thonnessen, Hans H. Muhlhaus
  • Patent number: 5575028
    Abstract: A tooth fairy pillow comprising a molar shaped cushion. A large rear pocket is on the molar shaped cushion for holding a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste which can be used by a child. A small rear pocket is on the large rear pocket for retaining a tooth lost by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Nancy Brau, Robert Brau
  • Patent number: 5557816
    Abstract: A down comforter includes a center region (22) and a border region (24) which extends around the comforter and defines the peripheral edge of the comforter. Typically, the center region (24) is approximately 53 to 62 percent of the total area of the comforter. The border region (24) is continuous and has the same width around the periphery of the comforter. A pillow includes upper and lower casing members (40, 42) between which are located upper and lower baffle members (44, 46). The baffle members 44, 46 are stitched together along two longitudinal lines of stitching (48, 50). The casing members (40, 42) and the baffle members (44, 46), all in registry, are stitched together along their respective longitudinal and end edges. The pillow is filled between the upper baffle member and the upper casing member and between the lower baffle member and the lower casing member, as well as between the two baffle members between the two lines of stitching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Company
    Inventors: Samuel B. Pedersen, Nicolas J. Hanauer
  • Patent number: 5528784
    Abstract: An adjustable pillow that supports the head and neck of a user when laying on his/her side or in face downward position is described. This pillow has a central base portion and one or more lateral protrusions, particularly including upper lateral protrusions, all of which are integrally connected to said central base portion. Means are provided for securing one or more lift pads beneath the pillow to vary the height of the pillow surface relative to the plane upon which the pillow and its user are supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Carolyn E. Painter
  • Patent number: 5524308
    Abstract: An improved camping sleeping mat and/or chair arrangement having improved lateral edge stiffening rod retention pockets and having coupling members for coupling various portions together in various configurations. A separate inflatable pillow may be detachably mounted on the camping sleeping mat and/or chair arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: Phillip Hwang, Lisa Hwang
  • Patent number: 5522105
    Abstract: A health pillow which emits the fragrance of wood and induces a pleasant mood leading to peaceful sleep. A plurality of cylindrical, hollow wood sections improve air circulation in the pillow while at the same time emitting a fragrance which lasts for a long time. Wooden sheets which include a plurality of half-cylindrical shaped pieces are fastened together to form a sheet of wooden tubes. This sheet is cut into individual tubes which are cut into pieces ranging in length from several millimeters to fifteen to sixteen millimeters, thus producing numerous small tubular pieces of wood. These small tubular pieces of wood are used to fill the interior of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignees: Ivy Inc., Tokiwa Corporation (KK Tokiwa)
    Inventors: Emiko Fujiwara, Fujio Soga
  • Patent number: 5479667
    Abstract: An ergonomic pillow assembly utilized to provide relaxing comfort and rest to a person having an upper torso problem with pain through the head, neck, and spinal assembly. The ergonomic pillow assembly includes 1) a head support assembly; 2) a thoracic support assembly connected to the head support assembly; 3) a waist and lumbar support assembly connected to the thoracic support assembly; and 4) an audio transmitter assembly to provide audio sound to the users thereof. The head support assembly includes 1) a head support member; 2) a side cervical support member; and 3) a rear cervical support member operable to provide the proper support to a skull member of the user thereof. The thoracic support assembly includes 1) a thoracic support member; 2) a thoracic cage retainer member; and 3) a shoulder cut-out and retainer area operable to receive a shoulder portion of the user thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Frank O. Nelson, Kathy L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5471691
    Abstract: A multitiered pillow is provided that is especially adapted for supporting the head of a person while sleeping. At least two tiers of different height are provided by the pillow to accommodate and properly support a person's head and neck regardless of whether the person is sleeping on his side (shoulders vertical) or prostrate (shoulders horizontal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: James D. Ryndak
  • Patent number: 5437070
    Abstract: A star-like or flower shaped pillow and conforming pillowcase (24) comprised of cushioned extensions (14) radiating out from a center section (16) which create open portions or cavities between said sections. The resulting surface area is designed to provide support for various portions of epidermal tissue to rest on, thereby letting preferred areas remain free from pressure as said areas are suspended over the hollow spaces, thereby avoiding creasing and pressure on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Carla Rempp
  • Patent number: 5367731
    Abstract: A two-sided pillow that is capable of providing different degrees of support to a user's neck is disclosed. In one embodiment, pillow fill is enclosed between a first and a third panel. An exterior depression is formed in the central region of the first panel, and the central region of the third panel is supported in a substantially flat position. In another embodiment, pillow fill is enclosed between first and second opposed panels. Each of the first and second panels has a depression formed substantially at a central region thereof. A third panel is attached to the second panel for covering the depression formed in the second panel, and pillow fill is enclosed between the third panel and the second panel. In another embodiment, first and second opposed panels that are substantially identical and that each have a central region and four sides are joined together along the four sides to enclose pillow fill therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis C. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5363524
    Abstract: A pillow adjustable to maximize comfortable support of the cervical area of the neck and head includes a cover comprising upper and lower fabric cover panels forming therebetween an interior space filled with a flowable filler material such as buckwheat hulls. Internally protruding snap fasteners in vertically aligned locations on inner facing sides of the upper and lower cover panels are fastenable and unfastenable by application of external pressing or pulling forces applied to the cover panels, thereby forming or unforming subdivisions of the interior space of the pillow into which filler material may be externally manipulated into or out of. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular array of fasteners offset to one long side of a rectangular pillow allows narrow or wide tubular neck support sections to be formed by subdivisions within the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Makura Corporation
    Inventor: Gary E. Lang
  • Patent number: 5345633
    Abstract: A cushion that can detachably secured to a seat back of an automotive or other vehicle by a pair of adjustable straps, which cushion can support the neck of a person while riding in the vehicle, and has an internal storage pouch with a closure. An auxiliary strap is provided which attaches to the adjustable straps to fasten the cushion to a person's waist if it is desired.The cushion includes a body portion which is contoured to fit the neck, preferably filled with a resilient plastic foam, with an outer protective cover of vinyl, and which has a horizontal opening in the back with a zipper to provide selective access to the storage pouch. The auxiliary strap is attached to the adjustable straps to enable the cushion to fit the waists of different sizes of persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Robert Harnish
  • 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: 5299335
    Abstract: A pillow for increased comfort while sleeping which is stuffed with a fibrous filling in which are embedded capsules impregnated with a volatile substance. The volatile substance may be either a fragrance, a medicinal agent or a sanitizing agent. The capsules are held within the pillow in such a way as to prevent them from migrating through the filling. Devices for preventing such migration include strips of porous fabric with one or more compartments formed therein. The compartments retain individual groups of capsules in spaced apart relationship to each other within the pillow. Alternately, the fibers of the filling are pretreated with a volatile agent which is adsorbed on the fiber surfaces, preventing the agent from migrating within the filling. In pillows with a filling otherwise capable of releasing volatile agent(s) but having a non-breathable, air impermeable ticking of vinyl or the like, small vents are formed in each corner of the ticking to allow such agent(s) to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventors: Philip K. Ivester, Edgar L. Watson
  • 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: 5175915
    Abstract: A method of making a pillow which has padding as well as an inflatable insert which starts with two integral and identical pieces of cloth and is particularly efficient in terms of the amount of labor and the type of equipment required to produce a high-quality article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventors: John S. Doyel, James E. Trapp
  • Patent number: 5173979
    Abstract: An inflatable cushion apparatus for maintaining a person's lower leg, ankle and foot, in an elevated and substantially horizontal position relative to the person's head and upper body. The inflatable cushion apparatus includes an angled front wall for supporting a person's upper leg in an inclined position. A top wall is provided which extends horizontally when the apparatus is inflated. A valve is provided to facilitate filling of the cushion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: H. Peter Nennhaus
  • Patent number: 5138728
    Abstract: The interior container insert for any pillow, cushion, or stuffed toy consists of an insert bag with an anchor which can be inserted into and anchored to any of the above forms. The insert bag is pressed into a hollow of typical pillow, cushion, or stuffed toy and has space for the storage of articles of a personal private nature and/or valuables and provides a passive security for same. Once inserted and anchored to the forms described above, it is covered with an exterior casing of any decorative or functional material to camouflage its presence within. The interior container insert is removable, flexible, washable, and replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: Joan F. Aston
  • Patent number: 5119519
    Abstract: A pillow and tote bag combination including two cushions and a durable soft collapsible sheath with a closable opening therein and handles attached thereto, interconnected between the cushions to form a convenient soft sided tote bag. One part of a two part separable zipper is interconnected to each cushion around its circumference, such that the sheath can be collapsed between the cushions, and the cushions joined together to form an attractive and functional pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Bryan C. Foreman