With Substantial Foam Component Patents (Class 5/655.9)
  • Patent number: 7073223
    Abstract: The present invention 100 discloses a flatulence filter seat cushion for absorbing odor and providing sound attenuation from an anal discharge of a seated individual. The flatulence filter seat cushion is primarily comprised of an exterior cotton fabric casing with an unlimited design 101, 102 sewn together along perimeter sides with a predetermined pore opening to aid in flatus diffusion; a predetermined, replaceable sound dampening/air diffusing and/or odor removal element 105 and a replaceable odor removal element 106. The said replaceable filter elements are inserted through a zippered opening 103 in the bottom of an exterior shell 102. A hook and loop fastener 104 is applied on both sides 102 to retain the flatulence filter seat cushion in position while one is seated. A predetermined material of polyurethane foam construction 105 may be impregnated with a blend of activated carbon for additional odor removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: James P. Huza
  • Patent number: 7051389
    Abstract: A pillow including a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity and filler material positioned within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Tempur World, LLC
    Inventor: Gerda Wassilefky
  • Patent number: 7024714
    Abstract: A seat cushion includes a flexible base having a pandurate shape symmetrical and foldable along the centerline thereof. An undulant pattern of cells is disposed on one side of the base and extend outwardly from each side of the centerline to a base perimeter with each of the cells being defined by a fabric adhered to the base in the undulant pattern. A gel is provided which fills each of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 7024712
    Abstract: A seat pad is provided with a lower pad member and a upper pad member that is attached to the lower pad member by an adhesive. A pair of projections is formed at the front portion of the seat pad. A concave is defined between the projections. The upper surface of the seat pad is inclined to be lower toward the front end of the seat pad when the seat pad is put on a seat of a chair. When a person sits on the seat pad, a pelvis is held in a proper position, which improves the flow of blood and the behavior of nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Foot Techno, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Fujita, Ryoko Murotani
  • Patent number: 6996864
    Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare, LP
    Inventor: Evan W. Call
  • Patent number: 6968585
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heel pad for reducing the likelihood of decubitus ulcers on a patient's heels when the patient is lying on a mattress, the heel pad including, a cushion adapted to rest on the mattress beneath the calves of the patient, wherein the cushion has a front, a rear, a top, a bottom and a pair of ends, the cushion including a core layer having an arched profile, wherein the core tapers downward toward the front and the rear, and a top layer covering the core layer, the top layer being softer than the core layer, and thicker toward the front and rear edges, wherein the top of the cushion tapers downwardly toward the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Shaw
  • Patent number: 6951035
    Abstract: A protective cushion includes an outer shell enclosing a pad comprising high-density foam. The cushion provides protection to a user's knees, such as while praying or meditating. The outer shell of the cushion is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and able to withstand excessive wear and tear. Further, the outer shell comprises designs, pictures, and text to aid the user in prayer or other worship activities. The cushion can be foldable and portable with a carrying handle provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventors: Darlene L. Kinchen, Charles H. Cession
  • Patent number: 6941603
    Abstract: A cushioning element (1) such as a mattress or a pillow for beds and the like, consisting of a support surface (2) having at least one primary hole (5) provided with at least two portions consecutive to each other in longitudinal section. The portions (5a, 5b) have different cross-section widths and are separated from each other by a transition region. The element (1) further has a base surface (3) opposite to said support surface (2), in which a secondary hole (7) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Gommagomma S.r.l.
    Inventor: Sergio Radice
  • Patent number: 6931683
    Abstract: A reflux wedge for supporting an infant suffering from acid reflux is disclosed. The reflux wedge includes a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side. In addition the reflux wedge includes a torso support section providing a substantially flat incline of approximately 25 to 45 degrees to receive and support the torso of the infant in a prone position. The torso support section is located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main body. The reflux wedge also includes a head support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving and supporting the head of the infant. An arch runs down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the infant and encouraging protraction of the shoulders. A crater is optionally located on the bottom side for receiving an infant in a supine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Robynne R. Elkin, Craig Troop
  • Patent number: 6928678
    Abstract: A pillow includes a transparent, apertured pillowcase having a receiving space inside and a plurality of deformable resilient blocks disposed inside the receiving space. Each of the resilient blocks is made of a foam material, such as latex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Heng-Tai Chang
  • Patent number: 6925669
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cushion and system of cushions with fabric coverings adapted to provide frictional contact between one or more additional similarly covered cushions for creating a wide variety of body support configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: One Up Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Louis Friedman, Don Cohen
  • Patent number: 6918149
    Abstract: This invention is a infant and child polyurethane foam 24? square support cushion with a 12? square center cut-out well region in which the child sits who needs help sitting up unsupported at rest or play or to learn how to support self on knees while learning how to crawl. This invention offers the new concept of offering a firmer, more durable cushion that supports children with four surrounding 5? high sides that do not allow the child to fall over and that teach the child how to support self in a seated position or a crawling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Diane B. Gowaty
  • Patent number: 6918145
    Abstract: A pillow adapted to allow a female user to comfortably assume a postcoital position that will enhance the likelihood of becoming pregnant. The pillow includes a lower concave portion placed beneath the buttocks of the user to maintain the hips in an elevated position and an upper convex portion having a height of at least 16 inches to support the legs of the user in a generally vertical upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Christy Drangula
  • Patent number: 6912748
    Abstract: A self inflating pneumatic seat cushion, especially for automobile seats, has foam filled bladders and bolsters. A pneumatic pumping chamber intakes air through an inlet and distributes air to the cushion bladders and bolsters through outlet tubes. The motion of a seat occupant against the pneumatic pumping chamber bladder operates to let air in through the inlet and distribute it through the outlet tubes. A collapsible seat has an exhaust valve for compressing the bladders in a stowed position. The exhaust valve may have an adjustable pressure release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: James R. VanSickle
  • 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: 6871369
    Abstract: A kit composed of several thin approximately paraboloid shaped foam inserts (14) of various thickness (20, 22 and 24), firmness (30, 32 and 34) and base size (40, 42 and 44) adapted for correcting the contour of a sagging mattress (11) and box spring (12) and, modifying the mattress (11) top firmness. One, or more, inserts (14) are inserted between the box spring (12) and mattress (11) and/or placed on top of mattress (11) until desired comfort is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin John Long
  • Patent number: 6866915
    Abstract: A support cushion including a first underlying layer made from a flexible foam, at least one side of the first underlying layer being configured with a non-plane surface. The support cushion also includes a second underlying layer made from a flexible foam, at least one side of the second underlying layer being configured with a non-plane surface. The second underlying layer is placed in abutment with the first underlying layer. The support cushion further includes an overlying layer placed in abutment with the second underlying layer, the overlying layer being made from a visco-elastic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tempur World, LLC
    Inventor: Dag Landvik
  • Patent number: 6857151
    Abstract: A cushioning device has a flexible container and a plurality of polymeric beads within the flexible container which flows under a slight force and shears easily. The cushioning device is capable of receiving a physical object that applies a force to the cushion. When the force is initially applied to the cushioning device, the cushioning device is deformed to conform to the physical object from its original shape. When the physical object is not applying the force, the cushioning device reverts to a shape that is close to but not identical to the original shape, except for a limited number of materials such as molded elastomeric materials. In addition, the pressure exerted by the cushion on the physical object will reduce pressure that would cause tissue damage and lead to decubitus ulcers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Jusiak, Roland E. Flick
  • Patent number: 6848136
    Abstract: A bedding is designed so that a cushion body may not be in direct contact with affected part. The bedding includes a cushion body and a cover enclosing. The cushion body formed of an elastic material and defining at least one through hole for removably receiving therein at least one cushion member. The cover defines take out opening which can be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Teruo Sonobe
  • Patent number: 6838155
    Abstract: A foam pad comprising a surface to which a trim cover can be secured, the surface comprising a channel having a width of up to about 15 mm. Disposed in the channel is one of a male portion or a female portion of a releasably engageable male-female trim cover attachment system. A trim cover having the other of the male or female portion attached thereto may be readily attached to the foam pad. A process and a mold for producing the foam pad are also described. The foam pad is particularly useful as a component of a vehicular seat system (e.g., seat bottom, seat back and the like).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Woodbridge Foam Corporation
    Inventors: Debra Marie Cappucci, Randall Joseph Lansue
  • Publication number: 20040255385
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable seat cushion for furniture that can be customized to an individual level of comfort by the user of the furniture. The adjustable seat cushion has an auxiliary support member that can be inserted into or removed from the support member of the cushion. The auxiliary support members come in a variety of firmnesses so that a desired level of comfort or firmness for the adjustable seat cushion can be achieved by selecting the appropriate auxiliary support member. The cushion can come with a piece of furniture as part of a kit that includes a group of auxiliary support members of varying firmnesses for each adjustable seat cushion on the piece of furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Rodney England
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6829795
    Abstract: A foam article comprising: a foam element; and a trim cover comprising a finished outer layer and an inner layer in contact with the foam element, the inner layer comprising a material having a kinetic coefficient of friction with respect to the foam element of less than about 0.75 when measured pursuant to ASTM D1894-00 using the conditions set out in GM9206P. The foam article is advantageously suited for use in a vehicular application such as a car seat (seat bottom, seat back and the like). The invention allows for the production of improved quality products while mitigating and obviating the need for additional material and/or labor costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Woodbridge Foam Corporation
    Inventor: John V. Labish
  • Publication number: 20040216236
    Abstract: A seat cushion, in particular for an aircraft seat, provided with:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Lievestro, John Willem Herman Heijs
  • Publication number: 20040123391
    Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Evan W. Call
  • Publication number: 20040098806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped body, in particular for a seat cushion, having a lower, supporting gel layer (2) which forms a lower covering surface (1), consists of a polyurethane gel and, on its upper side, has integral supports (3) which are spaced apart from one another via expansion channels (4) and on which a polyurethane foam layer (6) rests, the upper side (5) of which layer is covered by an upper covering (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Adolf Stender, Peter Gansen
  • Patent number: 6739008
    Abstract: A combined and laminated padded cushioning device, adapted for use as a mattress, chair cushion or wheelchair pad, includes layers of varied densities of padding, each layer of padding having cut-out portions, depending on the therapeutic requirements of a user, the cut-out portions either being hollow voids or being filled with encapsulated gel cushions to provide additional support for affected areas on the user, again depending on the therapeutic needs of the user. The multiple padding layers are bonded together through a fabric mesh for secure bonding and strength of adhesion, and one or more removable fabric covers are applied to the cushioning device to be periodically washed and to protect the foam from wear or soiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Sharon Elaine Kindrick
  • Patent number: 6733072
    Abstract: A padded element for a vehicle, the element comprising padding of flexible synthetic foam which supports a flexible member and which presents a support face for coming to bear against a user, said support face being covered by: a film suitable for providing a barrier against the synthetic foam before it polymerized; a first compressible flexible layer covering the film on its side opposite side to the padding and presenting permeability to air of less than 200 l.m−2.s−1 under a pressure difference of 100 Pa, and presenting a load-bearing capacity of 5 kPa; a second flexible layer presenting a load-bearing capacity of 12 kPa; and a flexible outer decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Laurent Jaillet, Hervé Rancon, Jérôme Senechal, Nordine Edouibi
  • Patent number: 6732391
    Abstract: A frameless chair comprising: a flexible, substantially spherical outer liner, wherein the outer liner is at least partially gas permeable, and a plurality of polyurethane foam pieces retained within the outer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Comfort Research, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. George, II
  • Patent number: 6725482
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Comfort Research, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. George, II
  • Publication number: 20040064894
    Abstract: A foam article comprising: a foam element; and a trim cover comprising a finished outer layer and an inner layer in contact with the foam element, the inner layer comprising a material having a kinetic coefficient of friction with respect to the foam element of less than about 0.75 when measured pursuant to ASTM D1894-00 using the conditions set out in GM9206P. The foam article is advantageously suited for use in a vehicular application such as a car seat (seat bottom, seat back and the like). The invention allows for the production of improved quality products while mitigating and obviating the need for additional material and/or labour costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Woodbridge Foam Corporation
    Inventor: John V. Labish
  • Patent number: 6704962
    Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic body having a good elasticity and an impact absorbing efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same and a mattress employing the same. The elastic body is a foamed polyurethane body including polystyrene and has a plurality of foams in which air is contained. The elastic body is prepared by a method comprising the steps of preparing polyether polyol by mixing poly alcohol and a polyether compound in a mixing ratio of 3-5 to 5-7 by weight, obtaining a polyol mixture by adding 2-20 parts by weight of polystyrene and a trace amount of a catalyst and water to 30-50 parts by weight of the obtained polyether polyol, adding and stirring 20-60 parts by weight of an isocyanate compound to 40-80 parts by weight of the polyol mixture at 20-80° C., and pouring the resulting product into a mold to foam cast. A mattress manufactured by using such elastic bodies has a good elasticity and is capable of absorbing pressure, thereby providing comfort for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Youn Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 6694550
    Abstract: A vibrating cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position includes a cylindrical sponge carrying three motors. A controller controls the motors to generate vibrations. The cushion includes a frame having open ends with one end of the sponge fixed in the frame. A vessel receiving a battery is inserted into an end of the frame. A cap having a controller input and display covers the vessel. An aromatic case is mounted to the cap and an outer cover covers an inner cover and the frame. Hot or cold packs are detachably mounted to the outer cover. A user lies on his/her side while wrapping arms and legs around the cushion or placing legs on the cushion, whereby the spine becomes straight and blood circulation is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kwang-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20040019972
    Abstract: A cushioning apparatus such as a pillow which includes an upper pocket with reception cavity for receiving preferably loose or grouped non-integral filler material such as down, fiberfill or fiber-balls and another pocket for receiving additional filler material such as a foam core filler material. The foam core filler material is preferably an integrated or monolithic foam body of, for example, visco-elastic or alternate polyurethane foam. The core preferably has a non-planar upper surface contour allowing for a relatively thin, consistent height upper pocket thickness. The pillow also preferably includes a lower pocket joined about its periphery to the upper pocket such as by way of an intermediate gusset panel with beading and with the lower pocket also receiving loose or non-integrated filler material and with the bottom surface of the core preferably having a convex surface such as one symmetrical with the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel B. Schecter, Jeffrey D. Martin
  • Patent number: 6665897
    Abstract: A cuddle bed (10) for pet includes a bottom cushion (11) surrounded by a ring (12) having a scalloped upper border (14). High sections (16) of the ring (12) provide posture support for a pet cuddling thereto. The pet can stretch itself over low sections (18) of the ring (12). In addition, the high sections (16) provide a relatively isolated environment to the pet cuddling in the cuddle bed (10) and the low sections (18) provide the pet with easy access to the cuddle bed (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lionel A. Walpin
  • Patent number: 6652034
    Abstract: The invention relates to an upholstery support for a seat, especially for utilization in an automobile. According to the invention, an especially lightweight of vehicle seat construction is achieved in that the upholstery support is built in the form of a sandwich. Essential elements in said sandwich-type construction are a shell mold allocated to a soft upholstery and a back wall element. A shaped foam part, preferably made of hard foam, is inserted between the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Christian Schramm, Heiko Petersdorff
  • Patent number: 6640368
    Abstract: A therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a generally rectangular foot print when not in use, having a first surface and a second channeled surface opposite the first surface, the second channel surface having a plurality of intersecting channels cooperative with the thighs, knees and calves of an individual when the therapeutic between the legs pillow is folded upon its first surface, the therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a biasing means cooperable with the weight of the thighs, knees and calves so as to maintain proper spinal alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Stewart A. Roston
  • Patent number: 6625831
    Abstract: A ring shaped medical positioner and method for its manufacture the positioner includes a ring shaped insert wrapped in a surgical vinyl. The vinyl is divided into a first and second pieces, the first piece being formed by forming dyes engaging opposite sides of the vinyl, which is stretched between the dyes and progressively relaxed as the material is drawn into the female forming dye by the male dye and suction. The insert is placed within the formed surgical vinyl. The second piece is a flat disc which is placed over one of the surfaces of the insert and sealed to the edges of the first piece of vinyl to thereby provide a wrinkle free covering which may be easily disinfected for repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Laughlin
  • Patent number: 6625830
    Abstract: A wheelchair cushion having a solid gel patient interface, a matrix or honeycomb panel and a foam base. The gel layer is mold around and over the honeycomb panel to produce a composite panel with patient interface characteristics of a gel layer, but with reduced weight. The matrix panel cells are open on the lower ends which are bonded to a soft foam base. The matrix panel interacts with the foam base to spread forces and provide pressure reduction and positioning better than solid gel, but with less weight. The foam base may include several layers of differing density and contouring elements. The composite panel conforms to the base contours to provide a contoured patient interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Neal Lampel
  • Patent number: 6602579
    Abstract: A cushion having an underlying polyurethane foam or flexible layer which includes a non-plane surface, and an overlying visco-elastic foam layer positioned adjacent to the non-plane surface of the underlying layer, the cushion being adapted for suitably supporting a load, such as a human body, positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Tempur World, Inc.
    Inventor: Dag Landvik
  • Publication number: 20030110567
    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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Shoji Kawamura, Yukihiro Takeda, Kenichi Tsuruhashi, Hirotoshi Kubota, Masao Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6574814
    Abstract: A mattress or bedding product is covered with a topper comprising individual tubes, each of which is filled with shredded foam/fiber material. In one embodiment, the topper has a foam layer having a number of arcuate-shaped cradles in which are placed the individual tubes. The shredded foam/fiber materials may be modified as required to provide different density and/or firmness characteristics to different portions of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: John Leslie Collard, Sidney A. Hiatt, Eddie L. Parvin
  • Publication number: 20030101517
    Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic body having a good elasticity and an impact absorbing efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same and a mattress employing the same. The elastic body is a foamed polyurethane body including polystyrene and has a plurality of foams in which air is contained. The elastic body is prepared by a method comprising the steps of preparing polyether polyol by mixing poly alcohol and a polyether compound in a mixing ratio of 3-5 to 5-7 by weight, obtaining a polyol mixture by adding 2-20 parts by weight of polystyrene and a trace amount of a catalyst and water to 30-50 parts by weight of the obtained polyether polyol, adding and stirring 20-60 parts by weight of an isocyanate compound to 40-80 parts by weight of the polyol mixture at 20-80° C., and pouring the resulting product into a mold to foam cast. A mattress manufactured by using such elastic bodies has a good elasticity and is capable of absorbing pressure, thereby providing comfort for users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Youn Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 6523202
    Abstract: An ergonomic seating cushion has a central cavity whose interior boundaries form an oscillating waveform. This feature reduces the pressure gradient on skin pressing against the cushion, promoting blood flow to the region while maintaining a central area of little or no pressure upon the perineum area. The cushion may have a dimpled surface to further lower pressure gradients, and may be tilted forward to assist in increasing lordosis and reducing lower back pain, or rearward when used by pregnant women to assist in compensating for the weight of an unborn child during pregnancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Melanie Loomos
  • Patent number: 6502262
    Abstract: A method of supporting a breast in the correct position for breastfeeding by utilizing a support member that is placed against a mother's body and directly under her breast to create support for the breast and correctly position the breast for breastfeeding. A cover surrounds and conforms to the shape of the support member and may be removed for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Donna Piscopo
  • Patent number: 6425153
    Abstract: A cushion having a sitting surface is provided that includes a three dimensional system of rigid plastic levers used in combination with a foam cushioning material. Weight applied to the cushion is borne by the plastic levers. When sat on, the cushion conforms to the user's body and automatically shapes itself to uniformly distribute support pressure within each of four seat quadrants. As the body shifts in position, the cushion automatically reconfigures itself to maintain substantially uniform pressure distributions. Construction details and a method for low cost manufacture are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: James B. Reswick
  • Patent number: 6402775
    Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-comforming sleeves reduce a person's temperature by evaporative and/or conducting cooling. An open cell foam pad defines an internal air flow passages proceeding according to serpentine or other desired routing. The pad is wetted, and a blower circulates air through the air flow passage and evaporatively cools the pad by removing warm water vapor. By contacting the cooled structure, the person is conductively cooled. The pad also employs evaporative cooling if water is permitted to seep from the foam pad onto the person's skin and subsequently evaporate. Another cooling device is a multi-layer evaporative cooling mattress. The mattress comprises an open cell foam structure having a person-receiving side and a base side. At the person-receiving side lies an absorbent layer with internal liquid delivery lines, and optionally having an outer film applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Augustine Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Thomas Bieberich
  • Patent number: 6347423
    Abstract: The subject matter is a cushion core construction in which individual elements of cushion material in plug-like form are connected together in a string by capturing them between two strips of flexible sheet material which are joined together between adjacent elements to hold the elements in place. The preferred structural unit is a two-row module formed by joining two such strings at intervals of at least two elements to enable them to stand alone, and to facilitate their handling in their assembly with like modules to form a more extensive core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sidhil Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Walter Stumpf
  • Patent number: 6279184
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Comfort Research, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. George, II
  • Patent number: 6270155
    Abstract: A folding chaise lounge is made from three foam cushions individually covered in fabric and shaped to form a seat, a leg rest, and an ottoman. The leg rest is attached to the front edge of the seat by an elongated fabric hinge. The leg rest has a gently contoured, convex side which complements a concave contour of the seat, which when opened combine to form a chaise lounge having a gentle, lazy, S-shaped body supporting surface. The opposite side of the leg rest is concavely contoured to complement the upper contour of the ottoman. The ottoman is a separate piece, unconnected to either the seat or leg rest. When folded in repose, the leg rest nests within the concave seat, and when the ottoman is placed within the concave contour of the leg rest, the assemblage forms a cube for easy storage, shipping and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Umbra, Inc.
    Inventor: Karim Rashid