Abstract: An inflatable body contour support cushion comprises a bladder comprising a flexible material. Said bladder is configured to retain a quantity of material to maintain said bladder in a flaccid state in which the material flows freely within said bladder. Said bladder is further configured to support a body contour by filling the space between the body contour and a surface against which the body contour is resting. A valve mechanism is configured to enable addition and removal of the material from said bladder in which a user can adjust a level of the support.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A portable, unitary, lightweight, weather-proof support mat to reduce physical stress on a user caused by standing, sitting or kneeling on a hard surface for prolonged periods. The support mat provides a non-slip surface and an integral handle opening. The support mat is manufactured of rubber or other resilient material and may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An automotive bolster pillow for providing a barrier that prevents personal items from falling into a gap between a vehicle seat and a center console. The device comprises an elongated pillow adapted to be pressed into the seat/console gap and optionally have an attached insertion tab or seat belt securement loop. Tab insertion or loop attachment limits the bolster freedom of movement such that the apparatus stays securely in place while the vehicle is in motion. The compressible nature of the interior pillow stuffing material provides users with a comfortable cushion for the driver or passenger while its outward appearance is that of a decorative bolster pillow that matches the interior decor. The device provides a boundary to prevent personal articles and loose change from falling into the seat/console gap.

Abstract: A generally C-shaped infant support pillow ideal for small, premature or disabled infants. The pillow comprises a center section with two curved arms. The arms may be the same length or one may be longer than the other. Preferably, the end of one arm is receivable in a recess formed in or near the end of the other arm, so that the pillow has an open and a closed position. The arms may have opposing, inwardly-extending bulges that divide the central well into a larger and a smaller secondary well. The inner perimeter of the center section may be elasticized to “hug” the infant. The pillow may include a strap that extends from one arm and attaches to the other. The strap can be stored in a pocket and then unfurled and removably connected to the other arm to hold the ends of the pillow together.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element that has a first end portion and a second end portion and a top surface disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the support element. The second end portion has a height greater than the first end portion. A riser element is configured to be coupled proximate to the second end portion of the support element. A body element is configured to be disposed on at least one of the support element or the riser element. The body element has a first arm and a second arm connected together by an arc portion.

Abstract: An adjustable breast support apparatus and method of use having a base, an upright support, and one or more breast supporter assemblies having breast supports for supporting the breasts and easing the weight and strain placed upon a user's back and torso. The base rests or attaches with a table, a chair, or another structure or the base may be mounted with the user's belt. The breast supports are shaped to comfortably conform to the underside of the users breasts. A retaining strap holder and retaining strap allow for a third point of support whereby the apparatus is further secured with the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a support pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side and a second side. The pillow body further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region. The pillow body further comprises a fill material and a cover enveloping the fill material. The cover comprises a main section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so as to be located along the inner periphery. Also, the center panel is constructed of a woven fabric having two grain directions that are generally perpendicular to each other and a bias. The woven fabric is generally non-stretchable in at least one of the grain directions, and the center panel is coupled to the main section so as to be substantially on the bias.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow designed to address the limitations in current available shoulder pillows. An orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges; a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface.

Abstract: Support structures which can be placed around the waist of a user, for example a mother nursing twins. A front member and a rear member cooperate to provide an openable enclosure which can first be placed around, and then closed around, the waist of the user. The front member provides a platform which is in front of the user and on which are placed one or more babies, or other items desired by the user. The platform has desired characteristics, for example a first surface which is horizontal and a second surface which is inclined towards the user.

Abstract: A device for lying or sitting on includes a frame and also a covering which is stretched over the frame and defines a surface for lying or sitting on of the device for lying or sitting on. A tensioning device is adapted to interact with the frame and/or the covering in order to vary the pre-tensioning force which acts upon the covering.

Abstract: The pillow includes upper and lower substantially identical fabric sections, each having a peripheral edge with a gusset extending therebetween. A zipper assembly includes a gusset zipper portion and a pillow zipper portion which extends around substantially the entire periphery of the pillow from the end of the gusset zipper portion to a terminating point just before the end of the gusset zipper portion.

Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.

Abstract: A cushioning element has a first gelastic cushion element made from a flexible, resilient, gel cushioning media having shape memory. The first gelastic cushion element has a first hub section, and a first spoke and a second spoke. Each spoke has a proximal end that extends from the first hub section. Each distal end and the spoke area between the distal end and the proximal end does not interconnect to the other spoke, and/or a second gelastic cushion element having a second hub section and corresponding spokes. Each distal end is positioned near and/or contacts the second gelastic cushion element. At least one of the first hub section, the first spoke and the second spoke is capable of buckling beneath a protuberance that is located on the object.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly includes a seat cushion that has an outer surface with a first side for supporting an occupant in a seated position and a second side, which generally faces in an opposite direction than the first side. An air passage extends from the first side to the second side of the seat cushion. A support member has a first side that is configured to provide support to the seat cushion and a second side. the first side and the second side of the support member generally face in opposite directions. A distribution passage is in communication with the air passage and is formed at least in part by a recess formed at least in part in one of the first side of the support member and the second side of the seat cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element that has a first end portion and a second end portion and a top surface disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the support element. The second end portion has a height greater than the first end portion. A riser element is configured to be coupled proximate to the second end portion of the support element. A body element is configured to be disposed on at least one of the support element or the riser element. The body element has a first arm and a second arm connected together by an arc portion.

Abstract: A device avoiding the use of any motor or perpendicular or rectangular elements, having a convex asymmetrical longitudinal curve, a central longitudinal groove, and mirrored perpendicular and latitudinal, symmetrically-matched convex curves extending from the central groove to the sides, and optimally surfaced with a soft dense foam, uses gravitational force on the body of a user to provide an effective, yet gentle stretch along the length and across the width of the back, particularly at the thoracic vertebrae thereby relieving postural mechanical shoulder, back or spine pain. Additional alternative embodiments using a heating, cooling, or vibrational element along the central longitudinal groove are also described and claimed herein.

Abstract: An infant adaptable system includes a rectangular-shaped base member that is made of a soft, flexible material and has a plurality of holes formed between, and parallel to, the sides of the base member. A first cushion and a second cushion are mounted on the base member between the holes and a respective side of the base member. Fasteners are provided along each side of the base member for engagement with each other to configure the system for wear on an arm of a user or for attachment to an infant carrier. Toys can be selectively engaged with the holes on the base member, and held on the base member, to distract the infant during a use of the system.

Abstract: A support pillow includes a pillow body having a medial region and two curved arms that extend from the medial region. The pillow body has a curved exterior periphery and an interior periphery that defines a well when the pillow is in an open position. A first flap portion extends from the exterior periphery of a first one of the curved arms and a second flap portion extends from the exterior periphery of a second one of the curved arms. A fastening mechanism is configured to couple the first and the second flap portions to each other when the pillow body is folded in half to place the pillow in a closed position, with the first and the second arms being generally adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

Abstract: A pillow for supporting a baby at play. The pillow comprises a compressible, shape-sustaining, endless bolster having a center opening sized to receive the baby in a sitting position. Preferably, the bolster is toroidal in shape. The pillow includes a removable, washable cover with a center panel that spans the bottom of the center opening forming a seating area for the baby. The bottom of the cover has an elastic border that it grips the bottom of the bolster. In this way, downward tension on the center panel of the cover pulls the bolster portion of the cover inwardly, restraining the pillow around the baby.

Abstract: A body support pillow assembly is provided for holding a person in an upright position facilitating eating, performing certain tasks, or inhibiting acid reflux. The assembly includes a wedge having a top surface and a bottom surface. A pair of opposed side walls is coupled to the wedge and each of the side walls extends upwardly from a perimeter edge of the upper surface of the wedge. A pair of opposed arms grooves is provided. Each arm groove is positioned in a respective one of the side walls. A neck support is coupled to and extends between upper ends of the side walls.

Abstract: An elongated angular multiple position body pillow embodying an enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a substantially straight base, two arms extending longitudinally from the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto, the terminal ends of each arm being provided with one half of a fabric tie which fabric ties, when brought into contact with one another, cause the pillow to be temporarily fixed in a semi-toroidal shape, the elongated angular multiple position body pillow being adapted to support a user when the user is lying on her side, in a seated position, reclining with her back elevated, or nursing an infant.

Abstract: A protection device for a chest pad having a central section lying intermediate to first and second wings sections. A first cover having a first chamber encloses the central section. Second and third covers including second and third chambers enclosed first and second wing sections. At least the second or third covers include a portion formed of resilient material permitting expansion of the second or third chambers, respectively.

Abstract: A cell matrix expandable structure includes of a plurality of interconnected cells normally in flat form but readily expandable into the form of a container upon the introduction of fluid. The structures may be made out of recyclable films. Methods of manufacturing the cell matrix in a continuous manufacturing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cellular cushioning system includes cells or support units arranged in one or more stacked arrays. The cells are hollow chambers that resist deflection due to compressive forces, similar to compression springs. The arrays are attached to one or more intermedial binding layers. The intermedial binding layer(s) links the cells together while allowing the cells to deform independently of one another. An external load compresses of one of the void cells within an independent compression range without significantly compressing at least one void cell adjacent the compressed void cell. The independent compression range is the displacement range of the compressed void cell that does not significantly affect the compression of adjacent void cells. If the void cell is compressed beyond the independent compression range, the intermedial binding layers may be deflected and/or the void cells adjacent the compressed void cell may be compressed.

Abstract: Devices and methods of the present invention are directed to positioning a patient in a prone position that exposes the posterior thoracic lumbar spine during a surgical procedure, such as a laminectomy procedure. The device has at least three support members, with a first support member configured and adapted to support at least a portion of a patient's torso and the patient's hips; a second support member, generally contiguous with the first, configured and adapted to contact a patient's thighs and to position the patient's thighs in a desired angular position relative to the patient's hips and torso; and a third support member, generally contiguous with the second support member, adapted to support a patient's knees and lower legs and to position the patient's lower legs in a desired angular position relative to the patient's torso and thighs.

Abstract: An insect-repelling bed pad to be located between the mattress and a box spring of a bed or laid upon the ground inside and out of doors for use by individuals and pets during sleep. The bed pad is manufactured from a porous or loosely-woven material (e.g., burlap) and includes a plurality of chambers. The chambers contain a natural (i.e., green) insect-repelling substance (e.g., cedar wood chips and/or dust) having a scent that is adapted to drive away insects without the use of chemicals. The scent and/or the dust is blown from the chambers of the bed pad to repel insects which may reside between the box spring and the mattress or around the bed site when a compressive force is applied by a user to the bed pad to correspondingly squeeze the chambers.

Abstract: A vertebrae support device. The vertebrae support device includes a base made of a yielding material and having resting surface, a rail side, a first lateral side a second lateral side, a head end, and a foot end. A first rail extends from the rail side of the base from the resting surface of the base and adjacent the first lateral side and having a rounded surface opposite the base. A second rail extends from the rail side of the base from the resting surface of the base and adjacent the second lateral side and having a rounded surface opposite the base, a trough depending between the first and second rails and toward the base at least one inch. A headrest is formed on the head end of the base.

Abstract: An article of reconfigurable furniture is provided including a plurality of cushions, at least some of which are generally triangular in cross-section, the cushions being dimensioned to be stackable in a cube. A cube shaped cube cover is provided for covering said cushions when said cushions are stacked into said cube. The cushions are covered by cushion covers having interactive engagement elements for releasably securing said cushions one to another to provide at least one contoured support surface for supporting a user thereon in at least one selected pose.

Abstract: Ribbed gel devices for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: A nursing pillow system for providing support to one or more children during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The system preferably includes a cover-up which provides privacy during feeding. The cover-up may be removably attached and stored in an integrated pocket in the nursing pillow system. Other features, such as a bolster, belt, back pillow, elastic bands, and pockets may be included to increase the comfort and utility of the system.

Abstract: An easy back relaxing device. The device has three contour sections along the vertical axis and three contour sections long the horizontal axis. Along the vertical axis, one section is shaped to match and support a human lumbar spine, one section is shaped to match and support a human thoracic spine, and one section is shaped to match and support a human cervical spine. Along the horizontal axis, two side sections are for back aliment, and the middle section is lightly protruding for exerting pressure on spine hot points.

Abstract: A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. A system and method for ordering the seating pad assembly for a transportation seat includes at least one terminal configured for entering an identifier indicative of a type of transportation seat purchased, e.g., a class of service; a server configured for receiving the identifier, determining dimensions of the seating pad assembly based on the identifier, and generating an order to acquire the determined seating pad assembly; and a communications network for coupling the at least one terminal and the server. The terminal may be configured in the form of a computer, a kiosk or a mobile terminal. The system will allow a purchaser of a transportation seat to either purchase or rent the seating pad assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a supportive sleepy heads neck pillow comprising a pillow with a bone structure support inside the pillow and a clip/strap system that is fixed to the bone structure, wherein the bone structure support is fully incased in the pillow, and the bone structure support comprises three parts, which may be adjustable; a neck bone support, an arm bone, and an upper back bone. The invention can also be used awake for comfort and support while relaxing, watching TV, playing video games, gambling, etc. It can also be used for head and neck support for people who have neck injuries, or to prevent neck injuries during transportation.

Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.

Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.

Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for improving diastolic function of the heart comprising elastic elements and attachment elements, wherein said elastic elements and said attachment elements are configured such that they are capable of being interconnected to form a chain formed of an alternating series of said elastic elements and said attachment elements, and wherein said attachment elements are adapted to be anchored in the wall of the heart and with option for drug delivery to the wall of the heart. The invention further provides devices, methods and kits, for mounting the ventricular function assisting device of the invention.

Abstract: An improved support for use by a pregnant woman to achieve greater comfort while resting or sleeping on her side. The support comprises two pillows connected together by a piece of stretchable fabric. The pillows are shaped to provide greater comfort to the woman, especially over long periods of time, compared to prior designs that employ rounded pillows. Different types of foam are used for the two pillows to tailor the degree of support for the part of the woman's body that is being supported by each pillow. The stretchable fabric enables the support to adapt to the growth of the woman during pregnancy (particularly late term pregnancy). The support may be assembled into a compact, attractive unit for storage.

Abstract: Multi-purpose furniture that can be re-deployed as play-themed structures useable by children is disclosed. The multi-purpose furniture, in one version, includes slab-like cushion elements (e.g., foam cushions). An ornamental graphic having the appearance of vertical wooden logs typical of a fort, large stones typical of a castle wall, or some other graphic is disposed directly on the surface of the foam (if foam is used), or a material encasing the foam (e.g., a woven or nonwoven fabric). These cushion elements may then be connected with one another to assume different configurations, e.g., a comfortable chair, or a structure having the appearance of a fort or other themed context.

Abstract: A toroidal cushion sized to fit and support a posterior of a human user. The toroidal cushion slopes significantly from the back toward the front and comprises an upper cushion surface comprising a depressed center within a surrounding upper cushion surface. The depressed center and the surrounding upper cushion surface are configured such that the user's weight is essentially supported by the surrounding upper cushion surface whereas the depressed center is substantially non-body-weight-bearing and provides an upward force that contacts and supports a rectal area of a user when the toroidal cushion is sat upon.

Abstract: A meditation pillow using craniosacral therapy is disclosed. The meditation pillow includes a columna vertebralis supporting part formed in a user's neck direction to support a part of a columna vertebralis located thereon, an occipital region supporting part formed at a rear of the columna vertebralis supporting part to support an occipital region of a head located thereon, and an occipital region acupressure part protrudingly formed along a superior nuchal line between an atlas and an occipital bone to stimulate nerve fibers of the occipital region.

Abstract: A multi-use pillow is constructed of a pillow body having a medial region and two arms that extend from the medial region. The pillow body also has a curved exterior periphery and an interior periphery that defines a well. A plurality of use-defining images are positioned on the pillow body at locations indicative of where a particular use of the pillow may occur. Also, use-defining text may also be placed on the pillow body adjacent to or separate from each of the use-defining images. In this way, a user is provided with a variety of visual prompts about how the pillow may be used.

Abstract: The luggage attachable cushion device sections are held together with pliable hinges at the folding lines for wrapping the device around average carry on luggage. Two full-length cloth straps tie sections together lengthwise and wrap around an existing luggage. The strap ends fasten together at the top of the luggage using hook and loop. When unfolded, the device makes a bed, a chair cushion, or can cushion other surfaces as desired. The mat is removably attached to the folding blanket that can be used to further cushion or to cover a user as decided. The device may be especially sized to fit around carry-on luggage so that a user can more conveniently travel.

Abstract: A pad assembly for a child has arms that can wrap around the child and that can be connected to one another to facilitate carrying the pad in a rolled condition.

Abstract: A patient positioning support for an operating theatre table (2) has a saddle (18) for clamping to the rail (8) which runs alongside the edge of the table and a pair of articulating arms (26, 32) attached to the saddle for holding a pad in contact with a patients body or limb. The devices are mounted in pairs and are lockable in positions which overlie the tame or lie outboard of the table or below the table when not required. The locking action is by friction but radial arrays of teeth (66, 68), which are locked by hand screws (62), give the preferred locking action. Other items of equipment such as arm boards, neural head supports and stirrups can be substituted for the pad.

Abstract: A toroidal cushion sized to fit and support a posterior of a human user. The toroidal cushion slopes significantly from the back toward the front and comprises an upper cushion surface comprising a depressed center within a surrounding upper cushion surface. The depressed center and the surrounding upper cushion surface are configured such that the user's weight is essentially supported by the surrounding upper cushion surface whereas the depressed center is substantially non-body-weight-bearing and provides an upward force that contacts and supports a rectal area of a user when the toroidal cushion is sat upon.