Support For Users Body Or Part Thereof Patents (Class 5/652)
  • Publication number: 20090025731
    Abstract: A surgical pillow for supporting the head and neck of a user includes a neck rest member to support the neck of the user and having an aperture, a headrest member to support the head of the user, a base member to position and support the neck rest member and the headrest member, a support member to cooperate with the aperture of the neck rest member to support the neck rest member. The headset member includes a first outwardly projecting member and a second outwardly projecting member. The first outwardly projecting member and the second outwardly projecting member form an angle of approximately 90°. The aperture may be substantially D shaped, and the support member may be substantially a cylinder. The first outwardly projecting member and the second outwardly projecting member may form a substantial V shape and the first outwardly projecting member and the second outwardly projecting member includes a curved top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gery Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090007335
    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 stretchable material and has a variable width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Kristin A. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7472443
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow is constructed of a pillow body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion has a curved end and two curved sides that are generally parallel to each other. The middle portion is generally cylindrical in geometry. The bottom portion includes an enlarged section that flares outward from the middle portion. The bottom portion may also include a curved central section and narrow end section having a curved end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Sheila Littlehorn, Catherine McNeil
  • Patent number: 7472445
    Abstract: A device for assisting a user in getting into and out of sitting and prone positions on a piece of furniture, like a bed, which has a large base to fit between the mattress and box springs of a bed and that includes a receiving portion and an adjustable handle for the user to grasp while getting into an out of bed and while adjusting positions in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Standers, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 7461423
    Abstract: A device for supporting at least one arm of an operating person during a surgical or medical operation comprises at least one supporting element for supporting the at least one arm of the operating person, the supporting element being arranged at a carrying structure for carrying the at least one supporting element, wherein the carrying structure is configured such that the at least one supporting element can be lowered or raised for adjusting the height of the operating person's arm. The carrying structure comprises at least one carrying arm, which is pivotable about at least one at least approximately horizontal pivot axis such that pivoting of the carrying arm raises or lowers the at least one supporting element. The carrying structure further comprises a mechanical control system acting on the pivotability of the at least one carrying arm in the upward direction differently from the downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: University of Dundee
    Inventors: Ian Rutherford, Leslie Kelly, Stuart Brown, Timothy Graham Frank, Alfred Cuschieri
  • Publication number: 20080289111
    Abstract: A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert H. Graebe
  • Patent number: 7448101
    Abstract: A cushion for edema relief having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end having a first height and the proximal end having a second height, the height of the distal end being greater than the height of the proximal end. An angled surface extends from the distal end to the proximal end being adapted to receive an extremity and an associated limb lying thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Heather E. Millar
  • Publication number: 20080250567
    Abstract: A breast and bottle feeding infant head support including a slip-on sleeve open at opposite ends and inclusive of inner and outer linings forming first and second outwardly opposing face surfaces of predetermined length and width, and a cushion insert between the inner and outer linings forming at least one of the outwardly opposing face surfaces wherein the sleeve, when worn on the arm, is of a length to extend past the crook of a wearer's elbow and towards the palm of the wearer's hand for the fingers to hold the sleeve in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Pillarl
  • Patent number: 7430774
    Abstract: A pillow comprises a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A padded attachment member is removably attached to the pillow body to adjust the vertical height of the pillow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Patent number: 7426764
    Abstract: A tubular-shaped, circulation-enhancing pillow or cushion device worn on any part of upper or lower extremities as a rest and/or sleep aid. The device may include a semi ridged, yet flexible and resilient tubular core, a soft fabric elastic liner and an outer cushioned tension wrap. The device may allow one to instinctively change sleeping postures, while remaining asleep or while resting, whether laying in a supine, prone, side or upright position. The device may isolate the part of an extremity that would otherwise have a tendency to become numb, achy or “fall asleep” due to pressure exerted from above by one's resting head, torso, knee, ankle, or other overlying body part, while at the same time act as a pillow or cushion to the overlying body part at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: David Ekins
  • Patent number: 7424761
    Abstract: A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Roho, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H Graebe
  • Publication number: 20080196165
    Abstract: A pair of identical pressure applying members for use in treating pain in the sciatic nerve of a person, the members each consisting of a cylindrical bottom section and a conical top section extending upwardly from the top of the cylindrical section. The height of each member is about two and one half inches with the diameter being about two and one quarter inches and with the height of the bottom section being about one quarter of the height of the member. The members are adapted to be placed under a person lying on a flat horizontal surface with one member under the buttock of the person on the side of the person where the pain is and the other member under the knee of the person on the same side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Richard McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7404222
    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 stretchable material and has a variable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Kristin A. Tidwell
  • Publication number: 20080155754
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for a craniosacral therapy technique is provided. The apparatus (10) is configured as a headrest for a human being to rest their head on. The apparatus (10) is comprised of a resilient monocoque structure having a sidewall made from a thermo-plastic elastomer. The apparatus (10) is comprised of a base portion (105), two semi-spherical shaped protuberances (120, 130) extending upward from the base portion (105), and a channel (125) formed between the two protuberances (120, 130). The adjacent protuberances (120, 130) put stabilizing bi-lateral pressure on the occipital region of the head to induce what is known as a “still point”. After a rest period of up to twenty minutes, the pressure on the occipital region is removed. The release of the apparatus (10) allows production of cerebrospinal fluids which then gently flushes these areas of tissue restrictions or adhesions thereby improving circulation and facilitating greater balance and function of the central nervous system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: THE UPLEDGER INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Roy Donald Desjarlais, Donald Charles Duncan
  • Publication number: 20080154670
    Abstract: The present invention is a pillow certification system and method for using the certification system. The purpose of the system is to make it easier for consumers to make choices regarding their selection of a pillow and to provide retail stores and hotels/motels with a convenient and personalized feature to attract business. The system comprises pillows manufactured to meet a matrix of specifications so that each pillow has the requisite values of each characteristic specified, each pillow having a certification marking affixed thereto that identifies the specified characteristics of that pillow. Hotels can use the certification system to give each guest a pillow having the characteristics that guest prefers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew S. McAlhaney
  • Patent number: 7367071
    Abstract: An apparatus for alleviating lower back pain while sleeping on a front side portion of one's body comprising: a pillow cover having a width generally equal to a width of the body, said pillow cover having an elongate opening therealong for insertion of a pillow insert and opposite lateral side straps extending therefrom for encircling the waist of the user; and, a pillow insert having a central portion and similar lateral side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Edward J. Yesalusky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7363667
    Abstract: A multi-purpose textured pad. There is: a first flexible planar member, second flexible planar member; a first compressible padding material; a second compressible padding material; an array of elongated texture devices disposed in a layer above the top surface of the first flexible planar member, each including: a plurality of elongated texture members, an elongated base member and a plurality of flexible strips; and two pairs of fastening mechanisms. The second flexible planar member is coupled to the first flexible planar member at a plurality of edges. The first compressible padding material supports a user. The second compressible padding material generates an audible sound when compressed. The base member extends along the first flexible planar member. The elongated texture devices provide density and thickness to a top surface of the first flexible planar member. The fastening mechanisms secure the planar members in a folded mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: Regina Borror, Samantha Borror, Joan Blumreich
  • Publication number: 20080092298
    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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Orlando Calvo
  • Patent number: 7353552
    Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7331071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Julian Cherubini, Jesse Drake
  • Patent number: 7331073
    Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved main pillow having a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A curved lower back pillow is operably attached to one of the ends of the main pillow such that the back pillow is positionable at the user's back when the main pillow is placed adjacent to the user's stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Publication number: 20080028529
    Abstract: A pillow/pillow cover combination is transformable between a relatively compact folded configuration where it functions as a comfortable stand-alone pillow for travel situations where personal space may be limited, such as inside a car or plane, and an unfolded configuration where it functions as a padded pillow cover, able to accept a standard pillow inside an attached pouch, thereby making it suitable for use as a personal pillow enhancer for enhancing a pillow provided in a hotel room or other travel lodgings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Louisville Bedding Company
    Inventor: Diane E. Abell
  • Patent number: 7322061
    Abstract: A multipurpose support pillow is provided. The pillow is generally apostrophe-shaped and can be placed and adjusted along any part of the body to provide the desired comfort and support useful for countless applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: NuAngel, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa P. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7293310
    Abstract: A bifurcated pillow for use by expectant mothers so they can comfortably lie on their sides. The pillow supports an expectant mother's abdomen and legs and has soft flaps that engage the rear of the woman's legs so the pillow will remain in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Bonnie J. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20070251013
    Abstract: A multi-purpose textured pad. There is: a first flexible planar member, second flexible planar member; a first compressible padding material; a second compressible padding material; an array of elongated texture devices disposed in a layer above the top surface of the first flexible planar member, each including: a plurality of elongated texture members, an elongated base member and a plurality of flexible strips; and two pairs of fastening mechanisms. The second flexible planar member is coupled to the first flexible planar member at a plurality of edges. The first compressible padding material supports a user. The second compressible padding material generates an audible sound when compressed. The base member extends along the first flexible planar member. The elongated texture devices provide density and thickness to a top surface of the first flexible planar member. The fastening mechanisms secure the planar members in a folded mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: REGINA BORROR, SAMANTHA BORROR, JOAN BLUMREICH
  • Patent number: 7288077
    Abstract: A device to alleviate lower back pain, aligning the spine in the lumbar region, stretching the spine and reducing inward curvature of the spine which is an integral, elongate, symmetrical ovoid-section rigid sheet on which the user lies in a supine position, device opening upward to receive the individual, spanning the back of the user from the buttocks to the shoulder blade area. The device, upon the user lying supine on the device, forms an air pocket formed between the user's lower spine and the surface of the device. Raising his/her knees to the chest and then lowering the feet, puts the user in a therapeutic position, the lower spine being forced down against the surface of the back due to the vacuum formed. This action applies a stretching pressure and pulls the spine down, allowing the vertebrae in the spine to align, due to the shape of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Russell L. Notestine
  • Patent number: 7222380
    Abstract: SEEPS gel and gel foam molded shape articles for use in medical and sport health care, such use include therapeutic hand exercising grips, dental floss, crutch cushions, cervical pillows, bed wedge pillows, leg rest, cushions, mattress, bed pads, elbow padding, dermal pads, wheelchair cushions, helmet liner, cold and hot packs, exercise weight belts, traction pads and belts, cushions for splints, slings, and braces, cushions for the hand, wrist, finger, fore, knee, leg, clavicle, shoulder, foot, ankle, back, rib, soles for orthopedic shoes, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 7188381
    Abstract: A portable prayer cushion comprises a top surface partitioned to a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion including first and second loop lines each having a foremost. A first imaginary line through the first foremost point toward the rear portion is substantially parallel to a second imaginary line through the second foremost point toward the rear portion where surface portions inside the loop lines are recessed to form first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Elois Lombert
  • Patent number: 7188382
    Abstract: This device is made to protect the bony surfaces of a foot from prolonged pressure and ultimate skin breakdown. It consists of a cylinder of dense foam that is fitted to encompass the lower leg of a user from the knee to the ankle. When in place on the leg a of a user lying in bed, it will support the lower leg such that the foot will not be in contact with the firm surface of the bed, thus providing total pressure relief to the foot. The user can also lie in any position, even prone, with out interference from this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Eleanor L. Taylor, William Gregory Taylor
  • Patent number: 7127760
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow comprises a pillow body comprising a medial region and two opposing arms with ends extending from the medial region to define an inner well region. The pillow body is sized and configured to permit the medial region to rest on a user's lap, with the ends of the opposing arms being generally adjacent to the user's waist. A support member is disposed across at least a portion of the well region such that the ends of the arms extend beyond the support member. The support member is sized and configured to assist in supporting a baby when lying on the pillow body while the ends of the arms are generally adjacent to the user's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Nancy Bartley, Teresa Mead, Clarice Bonzer, Sheila Littlehorn
  • Patent number: 7114206
    Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7089614
    Abstract: A pillow is described herein. The pillow including an upper section, a lower section, and an interconnecting section that interconnects the upper section to the lower section such that a user in a first position can interpose the upper section between his or her arms and can interpose the lower section between his or her legs while his or her legs are bent at the hip at substantially a right angle. Also, the upper section, the lower section and the interconnecting section are dimensioned such that the interconnecting section separates the lower section from the upper section a distance sufficient to space the lower section from the user's crotch when the user is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Spillow, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Clapp
  • Patent number: 7086703
    Abstract: A seat and shoulder belt protective cushion configuration for use in motor vehicles and the like. The cushion has pairs of elongated cushion extension arms extending from a central body member and a removable vertically disposed cushion portion that extends to provide shoulder belt displacement preventative element above the co-planar top edge surface of the respective upper cushion arm extensions for a child. The protective cushion is positioned between the occupant and a seat belt assembly securely restraining the occupant in place in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Anna Jones
  • Patent number: 7055196
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow comprises a curved pillow body having a top region and a bottom region. The top region is larger in size than the bottom region. Also, the bottom region is adapted to be placed between a user's lets while the user is lying on her side while the top region conforms to the user's stomach and chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Sheila Littlehorn
  • Patent number: 7055198
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a cushioning member with an undulating conformation comprising a plurality of elastically deformable bands provided in a juxtaposed arrangement relative to each other according to a substantially longitudinal orientation, wherein each such band features a plurality of undulations which are inclined relative to a resting plane, and a plurality of joining strips are provided between at least two bands and arranged transversely relative to these bands. The cushioning member is produced as a single-piece molding, in which the bands are integral with the strips and are assigned a final and definitive shape thereof, as required for use to which the cushioning member is intended to be put.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Gilda Design Di Vania Cadamuro
    Inventors: Vania Cadamuro, Roberto Cadamuro
  • Patent number: 7020918
    Abstract: A cushion set for positioning a human body, including a face support cushion, a spacer block cushion, an upper torso support cushion, a lower torso support cushion, a calf support cushion and a bolster. The face support cushion is generally in the shape of an inverted “U” having a generally inverted U-shaped opening passing therethrough. The upper torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the face support cushion, the lower torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the upper torso support cushion, the calf support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the lower torso support cushion, and the bolster is adapted to be releasably attached to the calf support cushion. The spacer block cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the underside of the face support cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald E. Tinsley
  • Patent number: 7017212
    Abstract: A support pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define an outer periphery and an inner periphery, wherein the inner periphery defines a generally open well. At least one flap is coupled to the pillow body at the outer periphery to adjust the position of the pillow when worn about a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews Brown
  • Patent number: 7000275
    Abstract: A pillow for holding an infant comprises a pillow body having a padded region and a well region. The padded region comprises an upper section, a lower section and two side sections that surround the well region. The padded region further comprises a cover and a fill material stuffed within the cover. The pillow body angles upward from the lower section to the upper section such that when an infant is placed onto the pillow the infant is inclined, with the infant's bottom resting in the well region and the infant's back and head resting on the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Susan H. Matthews Brown, Sheila Littlehorn, Clarice Bonzer
  • Patent number: 6990699
    Abstract: A therapeutic cylindrical support device, preferably made of foam or some other such flexible, compressible material, that works on a pneumatic basis whereby once a person's head, neck, back or any other body part is rested upon the device, the weight of the person will cause a small amount of air to discharge from the device and at the same time, maintain a comfortable level of firmness, thus providing the desired outcomes for the therapeutic results from the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Grant Hedges
  • Patent number: 6973691
    Abstract: A portable, elongated support pillow that when propped between the chin and lap of the user limits both head and torso movements caused by resting or sleeping while sitting in an upright position. The pillow is a single unit having a top contour, a bottom contour and a center section. The top contour is a crescent shaped headrest that cradles the chin and face, the bottom contour conforms to the top of the user's thigh, and the center section connects the top contour to the bottom contour. The top and bottom sections have a wider width than the center section giving the pillow an hourglass-shape. The support pillow is encased in a cover having sling style pockets, adapted to accommodate a user's arms or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Lora May Cordova, Richard Patrick Cordova
  • Patent number: 6944898
    Abstract: A pillow comprises a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved with an average radius of curvature in the range from about 6 inches to about 16 inches. The pillow also has a length from one end to the other that is in the range from about 21 inches to about 42 inches. The pillow is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Susan H. Matthews Brown, Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Patent number: 6938290
    Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Richard A. McKinney, Barbara J. McKinney, David P. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6898814
    Abstract: A bed cushion providing a soft feeling without bottomed feeling and providing a cushionability even against a small load and a durability, and a bed using the cushion; a forming die for cushion capable of smoothly and neatly releasing a product by reducing a sticky feeling and a blocking produced when releasing the cushion formed by using elastomer; the cushion, comprising thin-walled partition walls erected parallel with each other generally in a lattice shape in plan view, whereby a soft contact feeling near a water bed can be provided while preventing air blow noise from being produced by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kawamura, Yukihiro Takeda, Kenichi Tsuruhashi, Hirotoshi Kubota, Masao Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6886202
    Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion having separate compartment that can either exchange air between them or not acording to adjustments made by the user. The seat can also be folded into a small package when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Yolain Fréchette
  • Patent number: 6874183
    Abstract: A body support pillow having a semi-toroidal head support section (12), a substantially straight tubular back support section (14), and a semi-toroidal leg support section (16). To enhance range of motion, the head support section (12) terminates distally in a flared end (18), while the leg support section terminates distally in a tapered end (20). The proximate ends of the head support section (12) and the leg support section (16) are joined to the back support section (14) in an opposing manner to form an S-shaped pillow overall. Made of resilient and pliable material, the invention provides for direct, simultaneous, integrated, and flexible support of the head, back, legs, and feet of a side-lying individual, while allowing the ventral portion of the body to remain unobstructed. Hence the S-shaped body support pillow can be used to provide less stressful positions for anatomical members, contributing thereby to quality rest and sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Miriam Louise Taylor
  • Patent number: 6875713
    Abstract: A composite textile includes a batting layer, a cushion layer, and a face fabric. The batting layer has high melt temperature and low melt temperature fibers. The cushion layer is needled to the batting layer. The face fabric is bonded to the cushion layer by an adhesive. The face material/cushion layer/batting layer is heat set and rolled onto a roll for use in forming composite parts. The composite textile is more readily recyclable when the batting layer, the cushion layer, the adhesive, and the face material are all formed completely from material of the same chemical nature, such as polyolefin, polyester, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: David E. Wenstrup
  • Patent number: 6857149
    Abstract: A sleep support system for comfortably supporting a user during sleep. More particularly, a sleep support system for face-down sleep in essentially a sitting position. The system is adapted for use with equipment and fixtures commonly found in patient recovery rooms, such as hospital beds and over-bed tables. The system provides comfortable head and arm support with a plurality of user-selectable positional adjustments. The system is foldable and portable. The system may be adapted for use with a wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Damon Hoggatt, Emily Jo Hoggatt
  • Patent number: 6857150
    Abstract: A pillow for holding an infant comprises a pillow body having a padded region and a well region. The padded region comprises an upper section, a lower section and two side sections that surround the well region. The padded region further comprises a cover and a fill material stuffed within the cover. The pillow body angles upward from the lower section to the upper section such that when an infant is placed onto the pillow the infant is inclined, with the infant's bottom resting in the well region and the infant's back and head resting on the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Susan H. Matthews Brown, Sheila Littlehorn, Clarice Bonzer
  • Patent number: 6829799
    Abstract: A seat cushion including a first and second pillar positioned specifically for receiving the ischial tuberosities of a user. The pillars relieve the pressure of the ischial tuberosity areas, but are easy and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the position of the pillars can be customized for a particular user. Hence, pressure reduction is accomplished only where it is needed. The invention can be used on flat cushions and on cushions with a molded shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Paul J. Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20040237200
    Abstract: A “non-slip” covered positioner for maintaining patient positioning by nurses or other healthcare personnel. This is a positioner covered in a non-slip material on the bed contact side, (and a patient friendly material at the patient side), to utilize the “non-slip” characteristic to keep the positioner from sliding out of position which defeats the medical purpose of using the device. This “non-slip” covered positioner is able to be cleaned and re-used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Haskell Lee Sells