Abstract: A travel pillow device for providing an armrest for an occupant of an automobile. The device includes a door engagement member, a cushion support member, and a cushion. The door engagement member is sized and configured to slide into a window slot of an automobile to thereby secure the device on the door. The cushion support member extends from an upper end of the door engagement member. The cushion is disposed on an upper surface of the cushion support member, and is positioned to provide support and comfort to the arm of the occupant when the door engagement member is secured on the door.

Abstract: A fill for cushions that includes a quantity of resilient beads and a quantity of gelatinous particles. The resilient beads are deformable and have shape memory. The gelatinous particles are elongatable and deformable. The gelatinous particles are tacky and tend to hold the resilient beads together in a maintainable yet deformable shape of the user's choosing.

Abstract: Pillows which are designed to fit the legs of a user during sleep or recovery from surgery are provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a cushioning article, which comprises: providing an injection molding apparatus having plural injection orifices, said orifices each having a discharge angle from 5° to 45° inclining from the vertical direction; injecting a thermoplastic polymer material in the form of strand from said plural orifices into a mold; and cooling said mold followed by demolding. The discharge angles of said orifices as projected into a horizontal plane each preferably has a phase difference of from 5° to 120° relative to those of adjacent orifices. Also disclosed is a cushioning article molded by the production process.

Abstract: A substantially spherical frameless chair comprising an at least partially gas permeable outer liner, an at least partially gas permeable inner liner positioned inside of the outer liner, and a plurality of polyurethane foam pieces having a density between approximately 1.0 and approximately 3.0 pounds per cubic foot retained within the inner liner. The outer liner includes a first end component having a substantially circular peripheral geometry, a second end component having a substantially circular peripheral geometry, and an intermediate component having a substantially rectangular peripherical geometry wherein the first and second end components are secured to the intermediate component to, in turn, form a substantially spherical outer liner.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define an outer perimeter and a generally open well. A cover is disposed about the cushion body and comprises an outer section that extends about the outer perimeter and an inner section that extends about the open well. Further, the inner section has a width in the range from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. Such a configuration facilitates separation of the arms without tearing or damaging the cover while also permitting the pillow to return to its original shape upon release of the arms.

Abstract: A breastfeeding breast support roll is constructed of an outer layer of soft, absorbent material filled with compressible and or resilient material. The breastfeeding breast support roll is placed underneath the breastfeeding breast, allowing a woman to breastfeed an infant in an upright position without difficulty. The breastfeeding support roll lifts the breast upright and directs the nipple outward to enable proper positioning of the baby to latch onto the nipple for proper breastfeeding. The breastfeeding breast support roll promotes successful breastfeeding efforts by providing a breastfeeding aid that is portable, compact, convenient and simple to use and position.

Abstract: A stress reducing orthopedic pillow having a low density polyurethane foam outer region, a high density polyurethane foam middle region that are provided in both a unitary embodiment and in an embodiment that includes removably attachable layers, so that the size of the device may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and preferences of individual users. The pillow advantageously includes leg clasps for securely engaging the inner thighs of an individual in a side lying position, the clasps including a stem and a pair of crescent shaped buttresses. The buttresses resist rotation to the prone and supine lying positions. The foam within the stem separates the knees to reduce spinal stress. Advantageously, a supine sleeping position is accommodated by positioning said pillow under the legs to flatten out the spine while supporting the legs at the thigh and calf regions.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an orthotic base which has a flexible body of sufficient strength to support a user while conforming to the buttocks and legs of the user and pillars on the bottom of the base to support the same and being of desired height and positioning to position the user in a desired position. The disclosure shows a preferred composite cushion comprising the orthotic base; a foam top on the base with a T-shaped cutout at the rear to accommodate an air cell pad; a balance foam underpad of smaller front to rear measurement than the base and movable from the front to the rear of the base to incline the user in a desired front to rear positioning and from left to right to position the user in a left to right direction; and a cover enclosing the base, the foam top, the air cell pad and the underpad. Removable support members are attached to the pillars beneath the orthotic base at predetermined locations to shape the top surface when a load is applied.

Abstract: An adjustable height pillow that offers a user the option of many heights and degrees of firmness, and which encourages proper posture in various meditation and other sitting positions. The pillow is comfortable for the user in either meditation or normal sitting environments including workstations. The pillow includes at least one encircling belt either within a concealing sleeve or exposed as a dramatic design statement. The belt can cinch and constrict the medial portion of the pillow by reducing its circumference, thereby causing the filler material to move from the medial portion to respective upper and lower portions of the pillow thus increasing the height of said pillow.

Abstract: The present embodiment is a pillow designed to support various portions of the body either in the prone or sitting position. The current embodiment primarily comprises a singular hollow flexible tube filled with a malleable substance allowing flexibility at all points along the tube and having sufficient firmness to provide support for the desired portion of the body.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A multilayer infant support and reclining pillow device for laying, propping, sitting and supporting infants and toddlers having a top layer, bottom layer and an insert which are able to be attached and secured to each other. The multilayer infant support and reclining pillow device allows for the placement of an infant or toddler within an inside portion in order to help the infant to develop his or her sitting posture. The multilayer infant support and reclining pillow device also assembles in such a form as to provide an angled base onto which an infant may be laid face up and thereby be assured of a safe breathing posture.

Abstract: A prop to hold a patient on his/her side while in a hospital bed in which a standard-sized hospital pillow is stowed in a rolled condition within a launderable sleeve having a sleeve-attached flap of approximately eight inches tucked beneath the patient's side which allows limited patient rolling movement against the prop which contributes to patient comfort. The eight inch dimension of the flap keeps the prop close to the patient so that more drastic movement which could cause injury does not occur.

Abstract: A support cushion for a person in a lateral decubitus position, comprising a base, two lateral structural supports, and a central concavity, said lateral supports being sufficiently stiff to resist rolling of the person, said central concavity distributing a weight of the person. The support may be adapted for supporting the human flank above a surface, relieving pressure on an upper arm, and having comprising a structural bladder and a support cushion. The support cushion may be employed to limit a pressure on an upper arm and to maintain a patient in the lateral decubitus position during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an orthotic base which has a flexible body of sufficient strength to support a user while conforming to the buttocks and legs of the user and pillars on the bottom of the base to support the same and being of desired height and positioning to position the user in a desired position. The disclosure shows a preferred composite cushion comprising the orthotic base; a foam top on the base with a T-shaped cutout at the rear to accommodate an air cell pad; a balance foam underpad of smaller front to rear measurement than the base and movable from the front to the rear of the base to incline the user in a desired front to rear positioning and from left to right to position the user in a left to right direction; and a cover enclosing the base, the foam top, the air cell pad and the underpad. Removable support members are attached to the pillars beneath the orthotic base at predetermined locations to shape the top surface when a load is applied.

Abstract: A torso support device for an infant comprises an I-shaped padded member that fits between an infant's legs and is secured by fasteners around the infant's torso to support the infant in a sitting position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ergonomically designed pillow having a shape that offers support for a user's head and/or limbs through a portion of their range of motion with respect to the user's torso without having to reposition or reconfigure the pillow. In the preferred embodiment the pillow has a substantially fixed radius curved shape designed to correspond to the rotation of the head with respect to the shoulders. Therefore, the head of a user resting on their side can be comfortably supported on the pillow and will be similarly supported as the head is rotated forward and backward with respect to the shoulders. In addition, this substantially uniform curved design enables the pillow to be rotated forward or backward and provide the same head support while also providing support for the user's arms or back, respectively.

Abstract: A backbone straightening device includes a base plate, a platform member firmly secured to the base plate, and a plurality of circular ring-shaped supporting members. The platform member has a vertical cavity and two obliquely angled cavities. The vertical cavity is formed in a generally central area on a top surface of the platform member and has a rectangular opening in plan view, and the two obliquely angled cavities are respectively formed on opposite sides of the vertical cavity.

Abstract: A method for inflating cushioning devices which comprise at least first and second distinct chambers having an interconnecting passage providing fluid communication between the chambers. The method comprises either: (1) limiting the volume of at least one of the chambers, filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point and sealing the interconnecting passage, or (2) filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point compressing at least one of the distinct chambers, and sealing the interconnecting passage. The method is particularly suited to manufacture of a footwear cushion comprised of a body of elastomeric material having a plurality of sealed non-communicating cells having a single inflation point. At least two cells sharing a single sealed inflation passage are at different pressures.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A device which positions a user in a posture for maintaining all of the lumbar discs in a maximally flexed, relatively low load configuration, as occasioned when in a deep squatting position, while eliminating the lower extremity discomfort experienced by those who have not developed an ability to maintain a deep squatting posture for a prolonged period of time, and a method of lumbar spine therapy.

Abstract: A vehicle seat back cushion assembly includes a substantially U-shaped outer cushion with a removable cushion insert positioned within the central opening formed by the substantially U-shaped outer cushion. The removable cushion insert cooperates with the outer cushion to form an aperture therebetween. Plastic strips are provided on the outer cover and cushion insert such that at least one Christmas tree-type fastener may be inserted through the plastic strips to attach the removable insert and outer cushion to the seat back frame. The cushion insert is also zippered to the outer cushion.

Abstract: Applicant's invention defines a lounging cushion designed to be useful primarily around a swimming pool. Key features of this invention are it's utilitarian design allowing easy storage, floatation properties so that the cushion may be used for buoyancy, simple floatation or as a kick board, and the ribbed underside allowing for drainage of water underneath so as to eliminate any suction force between the pool decking and the cushion. The cushion's main purpose is to provide a seat area at poolside which will protect a bather from catching the fabric of his or her swimsuit on the rough or abrasive decking surrounding the pool, and therefore preventing excessive wear and potential ruining of the bather's swimsuit.

Abstract: A convertible seat and tote bag apparatus includes a first panel foldable relative to a second panel. A support member is adapted to interconnect the first panel and second panel so that when a person sits on one of the panels, the support member restrains rearward movement of the other panel as the person leans against the other panel. In one aspect of the invention, a pair of connectors extend from opposite side edges of the first panel and are adapted to be removably attached to corresponding side edges of the second panel to define a tote bag. In another aspect of the invention, a connector is attached to one of the first and second panels and is adapted to releasably engage the support member to define a handle when the apparatus is configured as a tote bag.

Abstract: A therapeutic bedding pad having a body portion and two laterally spaced elongated portions. The body portion is preferably disposed to overly a bedding mattress and includes a head end and a foot end. The two elongated portions are symmetrically disposed laterally opposite the body portion and are substantially the same length as the body portion. The portions further define curved surfaces that are elevated several inches above the surface of the body portion to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A cushion that includes a cushioning element. The cushioning element has a number of substantially parallel elongate columns formed in a gelatinous cushioning media. The columns are configured so that when a force is applied to the cushioning element in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the columns, the cushioning element will yield by a combination of compressability of the cushioning media and bucklability of the walls of the columns. In particular, the walls of columns which are located beneath a protruberance on an object being cushioned tend to buckle, permitting the cushioning element to conform to the shape of the cushioned object while evenly distributing a supporting force across the contact area of the cushioned object and avoiding pressure peaks. The preferred cushioning media is a gelatinous elastomer or gelatinous viscoelastomer. Various configurations of cushioning elements, including sidewall supports, are disclosed.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting humans and animals, particularly domestic pets, includes a plurality of layers including a layer of absorbent and anti-static material providing a cover, a first intermediate layer formed from an absorbent material, a second intermediate layer formed from polyester fill material, and a fluid impermeable inner layer having a plurality of cushioning elements formed therein. The pet bed of the present invention is stain-resistant, washable, hypoallergenic and non-toxic.

Abstract: A bolster has an axial compressibility profile chosen so that lumbar pain can be relieved when the user places the bolster under his or her spine and rolls from a softer portion of the bolster to a firmer portion of it. A preferred bolster comprises a tubular outer portion formed from a resilient closed-cell polymeric foam material such as polyurethane. This outer tubular portion serves to cushion the user and prevent discomfort. The bolster has a relatively rigid portion at one or both ends, and a transition portion between the rigid end and a softer portion some distance from the end.

Abstract: A support pillow assembly is usable for cushioning the body of a person while the person is lying on his/her side on a mattress and includes an abdominal support pillow adapted to partially underlie the person's abdomen and a leg support pillow adapted to be positioned between the person's legs. The leg support pillow can be two pillows interconnected by flap structures. Alternately, the two leg pillows can be combined into a single leg support pillow.

Abstract: An Auto Control Pillow for cars, trucks, vans and tractors, has a hook and loop fastener material atop the pillow, with tube-like element placed beneath a soft foam filler and U shape plastic piece inserted within the plastic tubing for mounting onto a thigh to control the auto. The auto control has a conventional steering wheel cover for effective and safe use.

Abstract: A cushioning net structure having an apparent density of 0.005-0.20 g/cm.sup.3, which comprises three-dimensional random loops bonded with one another, wherein the loops are formed by allowing continuous fibers of 300 denier or more mainly comprising a thermoplastic elastomer to bend to come in contact with one another in a molten state and to be heat-bonded at most contact points, and a method for producing the net structure. The structure of the invention can provide unstuffy cushions superior in heat resistance, durability and cushioning property. The cushioning structure is advantageous in that it can be easily recycled.

Abstract: An automatic mattress surface contour and support changing apparatus includes a wave-emitter assembly which emits waves and is worn by a person lying in bed. A wave-responsive mattress/control assembly responds to the waves of the wave-emitter assembly for adjusting top surface support characteristics of the wave-responsive mattress/control assembly. The wave-responsive mattress/control assembly includes a plurality of signal-responsive, adjustable-height support assemblies and a top layer covering and supported by the plurality of signal-responsive, adjustable-height support assemblies. The top layer provides a top support surface for supporting the person in bed. A plurality of wave sensor assemblies are ready to sense waves from a wave-emitter assembly when the wave-emitter assembly moves substantially close to one or more of the wave sensor assemblies. With one embodiment, each wave sensor assembly is connected to an associated signal-responsive, adjustable-height support assembly.

Abstract: Chair for a straight sitting position of the user with crossed legs (yoga position). The chair as characterized according to the invention has a seat raised on both sides, which is wider towards the front and adapted to the contour of the body resulting from the crossed legs of the user. In the back area of the seat a central elevation is provided which forms an extension of the user's coccyx. The chair's back rest surface has a protrusion located approximately in the area of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae of the user. The seat adapts to the contour of the body which contour results from the crossed legs of the user.

Abstract: A modular pad assembly includes at least two elongated plate members. Each of the elongated plate member has two opposed ends, and upper and lower faces. Each of the lower faces of the elongated plate members has two longitudinally spaced retaining rings formed thereon. The axes of the two retaining rings are aligned with one another and are parallel to a longitudinal axis of one of the elongated plate members. Each of the retaining rings of the elongated plate has an L-shaped support rod mounted rotatably thereto. Each of the L-shaped support rods has a first arm which is journalled to one of the retaining rings and a second arm which is connected perpendicularly to the first arm. Each of the second arms of the L-shaped support rods has a free end which is formed with a connecting loop. Each of the connecting loops of the L-shaped support rods has an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of one of the elongated plates.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow for relieving various types of low back pain. The pillow comprises two hemispherical end sections joined by an elongated midsection. The midsection is a substantially flat lumbar support portion with sloping surfaces extending to each end section, to provide a pillow that is substantially concave in shape. In use, when sleeping on one's side, the pillow is placed generally transverse to the length of the body under the side. The midsection provides support and alignment for the lumbar spine, thereby relieving pain associated with sagging of the spine. Further, by placing one hemisphere close to the back or hip, the pillow will wrap around the hip area and place pressure on the sacro-iliac joint, for pain relief in that particular area of the body. The pillow can also be placed transverse to the body under the stomach when one sleeps on his or her stomach, again to support and align the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A multipurpose floating pillow including an ellipse dish-like lower member having a spherical recess formed on its top surface for receiving an inflatable sac therein. A molded and resilient upper member covers and engages with the lower member. A container may be disposed in a recess formed on the bottom side of the lower member to receive, for example, a weight scale. Pads made of slightly rigid material may be disposed between the inflatable sac and the upper member. The resiliency and softness of the floating pillow can be adjusted through the inflation of the inflatable sac. The floating pillow will therefore not become deformed after long periods of use and may provide different functions on different occasions.

Abstract: A support pillow for the leg and foot comprising a substantially solid foam member, the foam member being of uniform cross-section and having a first support arm rising to a first height, a second support arm rising to a second height, and a support channel located therebetween. The height of the first support arm is selected to prevent sideward or rotational movement of the foot.

Abstract: An inflating system for use in supports, mattresses, cushions, and the like is shown. In their erect configurations, the supports have opposed, end portions interconnected to a tubular, longitudinal portion to form an airtight chamber. The longitudinal portion comprises flexible material. Transverse, vertical cross-sections of the longitudinal portion have a high surface area relative to their corresponding rectangles. These are the rectangles with equal perimeter and equal width, where width is the maximum dimension. This geometric efficiency causes the cushions to be highly supporting when stretching of the support material is limited.The supports are inflated by moving the stiffened end portions from a horizontal configuration to a vertical one. This causes air to be drawn into the airtight chamber through a valve. The air is then trapped to form an air cushion.Various embodiments are shown. Pulling and attaching mechanisms can facilitate erecting and inflating.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating sexual intercourse between a female partner lying in an inclined supine position and a male partner in a standing position includes a platform mounted on a frame, such that the platform is inclined at an angle and situated at an elevation which places the vaginal passage of the female in alignment with the distended genitalia of a male partner standing adjacent to the lower end of the platform. The apparatus includes stirrups and handles which allow the female excellent freedom of movement to permit repositioning of her body as desired.

Abstract: A multiple position, resilient support cushion, has a generally triangular shape and may be used in any of three positions to create a lying, sitting and in-between resting position, and which provides support for the head and body of the user when in any of these positions. The cushion has first, second and third support surfaces extending between parallel side surfaces. The first and second surfaces have generally continuous configurations, and the third surface has a multiple contour or stepped configuration. The third surface has a pair of generally equal length portions joined together by an inwardly extending intermediate portion which forms an intermediate corner. The second and third surfaces form a flexible triangular-shaped upper portion at their junction when the cushion is supported on its first surface, which upper portion positions the weight of the body over the second surface of the cushion rather than against it.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: An inclined body support includes a frame having a pair of triangular end braces joined-together by stays extending between corresponding corners of the end braces. A releasable coupling arrangement permits the frame to be varied slightly in size and disassembled for storage. A transverse connector joining the lowermost pair of stays near their respective midpoints reinforces the frame. Each of the stays further includes a pair of arms joined by a hinge for relative movement thus permitting the frame to conform to nonplanar supporting surfaces. A padded tent is suspended from the stays for retaining the upper body of a user at an inclination. For additional user comfort, the frame is covered with close-fitting foam pads.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bench pad for a weight lifter's bench which has a first elongate portion of a first substantially uniform predetermined width, a second portion disposed longitudinally of the first elongate portion and having a second substantially uniform predetermined width and a third portion disposed between the first elongate portion and the second portion and connected to each of them. The third portion is positioned to be located under the shoulders and cervical area of a person lying supine on the bench pad. A first end of the third portion is connected to the first elongate portion and has a width substantially equal to the width of the adjoining end of the first elongate portion and a second end of the third portion is connected to the second portion and has a width substantially equal to the width of the adjoining end of the second portion.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight, one-piece rotation molded children's cot having a base, four side walls, and a cot surface. The cot surface contains grooves which serve to collect liquid waste from a child's bed-wetting accident, so as to sanitarily separate the child from the waste. The cot also is provided with a storage compartment as well as hand grips for easy moving and cleaning. The cots may be stacked for storage.

Abstract: A portable pillow for support of an infant, toddler or young child is disclosed. The upper and lower surfaces are rounded, resulting in a generally tubular shape, tapered at the ends and curved in an oval so that the tapered ends engage one another when the pillow is not in use. The pillow is generally concave with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry, and since the left and right sides are symmetrical, the infant body is provided with sufficient pressure and vertebral support that he or she is prevented from rolling over when placed in the center well of the device. The pillow also provides anatomically correct support along the vertebral column of a toddler or young child. This support is accomplished by firm, resilient padding and thus minimizes vertebral strain for all ages.

Abstract: A pillow having an hourglass shape for placing between an individual's legs to provide support when positioned along the upper thighs just above the knees. When the individual is lying on his or her side, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the spine, hips and knees to relieve pain and pressure on muscles, joints and nerves so the body can relax and rest more comfortably. It is beneficial to those who suffer from a variety of back problems, arthritis and sports related injuries as well as those who are convalescent, bedridden or pregnant.

Abstract: The posture board according to the present invention is contoured to a spinal mating shape. The board comprises an upper back supporting portion having a leading edge and a lower back supporting portion terminating in a trailing edge. The board has a longitudinally extending sine wave configuration with an up curve at the lower back supporting portion. The board further has a side to side concave curvature defining a trough like center region and upwardly turned outside edges. The center region along at least part of the upper back supporting portion and at the trailing edge is in contact with the supporting surface on which the posture board is used. The up curve defines a gap beneath the center region along the lower back supporting portion and the supporting surface.

Abstract: A device to prevent a user from sleeping on or rolling onto the abdomen during sleeping including a resilient foam cushion having a generally wedge-shaped cross-section. The cushion is formed with a base having length and a width sufficient to engage major portions of the user's abdomen and sternum. The cushion further has two converging sides extending from the base, the elevation of the sides being between about 0.5 and 1.5 times the width of the base. A belt is used to maintain the cushion in position on the user's abdomen and sternum during sleeping. The belt extends from the cushion and is arranged to engage the torso of the user.

Abstract: A device and method for maintaining and restoring normal curvature of a person's lumbar spine. The device is of non-deformable material, has a base lying in a plane and an upper surface curved in the direction of the sagittal plane to conform to the normal curvature of a person's lumbar spine. The curvature is preferably circular with a radius of between 14 and 20 centimeters, but generally approximately 17 centimeters and the base preferably extends in the direction of the sagittal plane for approximately 17 centimeters. The method of maintaining and restoring the normal curvature of the lumbar spine includes placing the device between a firm surface and the person's lumbar spine and preferably elevating the person's legs 12 to 18 inches for a finite period of time.