Abstract: A therapeutic back support device is disclosed which has adjustable curvature and portable thermal application. The back support device allows the user to change the curvature of the device to conform to the individual user's spine. The back support device includes include a support rib covered on one or more sides by padding. Built into the rib, padding, or both is a pocket or recess configured to accept a thermal cell. The thermal cell provides a heating or cooling cell to be placed within the pocket to thereby present heat or cold therapy to the user. On the back of the to device are one or more straps which may be length adjustable to maintain any degree of arch in the back support device.

Abstract: A multiple function pillow used for kneeling, sitting, sleeping and traveling which includes a cushion member and a protective cover. A mechanism is for removably inserting the cushion member into the protective cover, to allow a person to rest their head, back, sit and kneel thereon. A mechanism is for securing opposite ends of the protective cover together, wherein the cushion member can be folded into a closed position, so as to be wrapped and retained about a wrist of a person, a handle of a suitcase, a strap of a bag and a strap of a purse for easy transportation thereof. Two non-slip neoprene material pads are used.

Abstract: A changing mat having securing features allows a caretaker to easily and conveniently change the infant's diaper when traveling, at home, or elsewhere. The changing mat may include one or more mounts or groups of mounts which allow the infant to be strapped and secured to the mat. The mounts may be positioned such that the straps do not obstruct the diaper changing process. A stiffening element within the changing mat helps ensure that the infant's movements are restricted during changing. One or more gripping elements prevent the changing mat from sliding or moving when in use. A support surface may be provided to support and/or cushion to the infant. The changing mat may have a variety of shapes used to appeal to caretakers and to properly support the infant during a diaper change.

Abstract: A body support system for relieving contact pressure on a joint in a body, according to various aspects of the present invention, may be configured to elevate a chest portion of the body with a chest support that may be configured to form a taper disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion such that the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape. The compressed edges of the arc may be occupied by the joint. The chest support may further be adjustable for positioning substantially between a collarbone portion of the body and a xiphoid process portion of the body when the body is in a side rest position.

Abstract: A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An organizational device for use with a group of children comprising a substantially-rectangular flexible mat having opposed first and second ends, a length, and a width. In a preferred embodiment, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas distributed along the length and a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets affixed to the first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas. In another aspect, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has at least one end anchoring device coupled to each of the first and second ends wherein the at least one end anchoring device is configured to removably couple to a fixed object. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an organizational device for use with a group of children.

Abstract: A body support is provided utilizing a cushion formed in rectangular segments in which the segments alternately pivot to change pressure points on the surface of the user's skin. The body support can be used as a wheelchair seat cushion to prevent non-ambulatory patients from developing bedsores and other ailments. Electrical circuitry provided includes a timer to adjust the length of time between activation cycles thereby changing the pressure points at desired intervals.

Abstract: A pillow having a first pillow and a second smaller pillow attached to a face of the main pillow by an attachment member that is of sufficient length and flexibility to allow the second pillow to be positioned in an infinite number of parallel and/or skewed orientations relative to the first pillow. A third pillow, also smaller than the first pillow, can be attached to the first pillow on a face opposite the second pillow by another attachment member that is of sufficient length and flexibility to allow the second pillow to be positioned relative to the first pillow and second pillow in an infinite number of parallel and/or skewed orientations. The invention provides a fully formed pillow and a pillow cover.

Abstract: Variable-use tubular pillows having attachable and detachable ends and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a tubular pillow in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein may include a pillow body having first and second ends being opposed to one another and being attachable to and detachable from one another. The pillow body forms a tube shape having a central tunnel when the first and second ends are attached. Further, the tubular pillow may include a removable cover for covering the pillow body.

Abstract: A pelvic embracing support device (1) which permits a user to sit comfortably for prolonged periods of time with less fatigue and discomfort including a pair of spaced apart flexible cushioned members (4) dimensioned to engage the trochanteric region (2) of the user's pelvis and a double-ended length adjustable strap (6) affixed to the support members (4) and including left and right loops (10) and (11) which are looped around the respective knees of the user so as to selectively pressure the support (1) medially against the illi (5) of the user's pelvis to compress and support the sacro-iliac joints (3) of the pelvis and anteriorly into the pelvis to tilt the user's pelvis into extension and reflexly produce lordosis of the lumbar spine so as to reduce shear forces on the pelvis and compressive forces on the spinal soft tissues while permitting free motion of the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A reconfigurable support pillow system is disclosed. The system includes a base pillow, a first accessory pillow, and a second accessory pillow. The accessory pillows are removable, with the first accessory pillow being configured to connect to the second accessory pillow to form a nursing pillow that supports an infant. The system may be utilized as a prenatal pillow, comfortably supporting an expectant mother, or may be utilized as a postnatal pillow, supporting a nursing mother and/or her infant.

Abstract: Provided is a sleep aid for use in reducing the risk of plagiocephaly including a cushion and a sleep position indicator. The cushion includes an elongate pad to accommodate a person in a reposed position such that the person extends along a longitudinal axis of the pad. The cushion also includes a casing surrounding the pad that has bottom and top panels. The sleep position indicator has an elongate dimension and is slideably supported by the cushion. A medial portion of the sleep position indicator is adapted to move transversely to the longitudinal axis within a slideway. The indicator may be moved between a first position where it visibly protrudes from a first side of the cushion to inform a first head orientation, and a second position where it visibly protrudes from a second side of the cushion to inform a second head orientation.

Abstract: A method and device for developing a positional orientation sleep aspect (POSA) to enable an individual to assume at least one preselected side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side, including the steps of: a) placing first and second cylindrically configured, elongate pillows in parallel orientation on the bed, tethered by an intermediate member having a length approximately equal to a distance from the individual's low back to an extended knee; b) positioning the individual's body in a preselected, side-position on the intermediate member, c) establishing two additional, concurrent points of contact respectively at the individual's low back side with the first pillow and a projecting limb or knee with the second pillow; and d) sustaining the at least three points of contact to establish a sustainable recognition and awareness during sleep of the side-position while allowing the individual freedom of movement to also assume alternate right and left side positions, including free movement of the

Abstract: A convertible pillow system includes an enclosing bottom member moveable between folded and unfolded positions, and at least one bumper member carried by the enclosing bottom member. The enclosing bottom member may have a substantially arcuate shape. Further, the enclosing bottom member and the at least one bumper member may form an enclosed area when the enclosing bottom member is in the unfolded position. The enclosing bottom member and the at least one bumper member may form a pillow when the enclosing bottom member is in the folded position. The least one bumper member includes a first portion that is fixedly connected to the enclosing bottom member, and a second portion that is detachably connected to the enclosing bottom member.

Abstract: A combination of a treatment device and an anterior support device is disclosed. The combination includes a treatment device having an edge and an attachment member movably secured thereto and an anterior support device having an elongated member which interacts with the attachment member. The anterior support device has first and second pivotable connectors, one being secured to the elongated member and the other to a padded rest. The anterior support device also includes first and second movable rods secured to the first and second pivotable connectors. A second end of the first movable rod is rotatably connected to a second end of the second movable rod and an actuating mechanism is connected to both of the second ends of the rods. The actuating mechanism enables the first and second rods to be locked in a set position to maintain the padded rest in a desired orientation relative to the treatment device.

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 padded attachment member may be removably attachable to the pillow body, and may have a flexible midportion that permits the attachment member to be folded in half. The pillow may include a belt having two portions that may be coupled to each other to secure the pillow body around a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable flexible massage cushion, which features an adjustor with supporting strength and for adjusting height between the back cushion with a built-in massage component and the soft cushion for neck and shoulders, to facilitate usage by users with different height, and multiple rappers within the soft cushion for neck and shoulders to rap the user's neck and shoulders, so that the user's neck and shoulders can also have alleviating massage.

Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved pillow body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a midsection and a pair of curved arms that each have an end. The system also includes a padded booster that is configured to rest on the top surface of the pillow body. The booster has a midportion and a pair of ends. The ends have a height that is larger than the height at the midportion, and the midportion is flexible to permit the booster to be folded in half.

Abstract: A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system of modular, detachable cushions having surfaces containing hook and/or loop fasteners that fasten to mating loop, open weave or hook surfaces to define adjustable, conformal contoured support surfaces at user contact surfaces and appliances producing fatigue and/or abrasion (e.g. automotive seats, chairs, compartment walls, desks, footwear, helmets, tools etc.). The cushions can include air, elastomer, fabric, fiber, foam, liquid, gel, and/or rubber cushioning materials or combinations thereof arranged in envelopes, pads, cavities or tiered assemblies. The cushions include surfaces fitted with one or more layers of cushioning materials or envelopes of cushioning material and one or more regions of fastener materials that mate with interconnecting fasteners at the contact surface or appliance.

Abstract: A portable support for providing support for the head of a seated individual includes an elongated pillow having an enlarged upper end portion and a lower pillow end portion. Connector structure is provided to position the larger pillow end portion above the shoulder of a seated individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resting support (10) for supporting portions of a resting person (1) in a forwards leaning seated position, and to a method of using such a support.

Abstract: A back support device (100) having a first convex region (160) and a concave region (200) being connected to the first convex region (160), the first convex region (160) and the concave region (200) being configured to support respective regions of a user's back, wherein a ratio between a straight line distance across the first convex region (160) and a straight line distance across the concave region (200) approximates a geometric progression.

Abstract: A portable support for supporting the head of a seated individual including an elongated pillow and a flexible retention member having fasteners enabling the flexible retention member to assume different loop configurations enabling the portable support to alternatively be connected to an upper seat corner or be supported by the individual.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base and a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite upper surface. The second layer includes a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite substantially planar upper surface. The hollow cells extend outwardly from the first layer upper surface within at least one region. Each of the cells within the first region are coupled together in flow communication. Each of the cells includes a hollow body portion and an outer surface. The cells are spaced across the base such that the cell outer surfaces cooperate to define a contoured seat configured to cradle a portion of a user. An outer surface of at least some of the cells is at least one of oriented obliquely with respect to the base.

Abstract: A pillow assembly with an elastic center panel and an adjustable girth. The pillow assembly comprises a C-shaped or ring-shaped pillow body and a pillow cover. The cover defines a continuous, generally tubular, ring-shaped enclosure sized to receive the pillow body. The pillow body defines a well, and the cover preferably includes a center panel that spans the well and forms a seat area. A cinch assembly on the front of the pillow cover allows the overall girth of the pillow assembly to be adjusted.

Abstract: A bed is provided which orients a user in a multi-angled, prone position. The bed supports a downward positioning of a user's face to maintain an open airway to reduce or eliminate sleeping problems associated with gravity aggravated apnea. By positioning the user's head downward, gravity operates to maintain the user's airway open as opposed to forcing it closed. The bed is provided with a moisture absorbent covering which may be changed and laundered as desired.

Abstract: A self-contained head and chest support kit for indoor and outdoor use, which allows a user to support his head and chest for comfort, the kit consisting of a head and chest pillow, a head pillow cover, a chest pillow cover, an adjustment strap, an air pump to inflate the head pillow and the chest pillow, and a convenient storage bag. During use for sunbathing, the head pillow supports the forehead, while the chest pillow keeps the user's spine in prior alignment, thereby also elevating the face away from the sand or ground and preventing the face from burning due to overexposure from the sun. When used for sleeping, the head pillow and chest pillow allow the neck and back muscles to lie in a more relaxed position and create a better posture. Use of the pillows in the present kit helps alleviate tension in the neck and back muscles.

Abstract: A support pillow is disclosed which may include a cushion body, a cover and a mat. The cushion body may have a medial region and two opposing arms that define a generally open well, with the cushion body possibly having an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. The cover may be disposed over the cushion body such that the cover may conform generally to the shape of the cushion body. The mat may be coupled with at least one of the cushion body and the cover.

Abstract: A combination of a treatment device and an anterior support device is disclosed. The combination includes a treatment device having an edge and an attachment member movably secured thereto and an anterior support device having an elongated member which interacts with the attachment member. The anterior support device has first and second pivotable connectors, one being secured to the elongated member and the other to a padded rest. The anterior support device also includes first and second movable rods secured to the first and second pivotable connectors. A second end of the first movable rod is rotatably connected to a second end of the second movable rod and an actuating mechanism is connected to both of the second ends of the rods. The actuating mechanism enables the first and second rods to be locked in a set position to maintain the padded rest in a desired orientation relative to the treatment device.

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 side pillow is operably attached to one of the ends of the main pillow such that the side pillow is positionable around the user's side and back when the main pillow is placed adjacent to the user's stomach. The side pillow has an inner portion near the main pillow and an outer portion away from the main pillow. The side pillow tapers downward in height from the inner portion to the outer portion.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting an infant on a support surface includes a reticulated foam pad having a base surface and an upper surface that extends upwardly therefrom, the pad being fluid permeable. The cushion also includes a covering surrounding the pad that includes an upper layer constructed, at least partially, from a breathable polyester sandwich fabric confronting the upper surface whereby fluid introduced onto the covering permeates through the covering and through the pad to the support surface. The reticulated foam has a porosity of between 5 and 20 pores per cubic inch, thereby being sufficiently resilient to support the infant above the support surface and sufficiently permeable to allow fluid to move through the pad.

Abstract: The invention is a bodily support system comprised of three dimensional forms designed to place the human body in various positions in order to facilitate a number of physical activities. The forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 all work together as a system as well as individually. Some of the forms fit together and can be used together in pairs or threes. Forms 2 and 3 and forms 6 and 7 are good examples. Others such as form 1 for example, are useful on their own.

Abstract: A reconfigurable support pillow with tandem wells, each sized for receiving an infant or toddler. The pillow comprises a center section and two curved arms. Each arm is generally C-shaped having a first end continuous with one end of the center section, a free end, and an elbow section therebetween. In its resting position, the pillow is characterized by two separate but adjacent wells. A first connector is attached to outer aspect of the elbow section of one arm, and a second connector is attached to the outer aspect of the elbow of the second arm. The pillow can be twisted into a spiral configuration or, alternately, can be folded into a two-tiered C-shaped configuration. The pillow is held in the desired configuration by attaching the connectors to each other. The pillow can also serve as a combination nursing pillow and therapeutic seat cushion.

Abstract: An adjustable treatment support comprises at least three generally planar rigid support members mountable to one another in different angular orientations to provide a support structure having a variety of configurations. Individual support members are mountable to one another to provide a support structure suitable for use with a bed to provide an extending head support for massage and other types of body work. Individual support members may also be configured to provide a support structure suitable for use with a subject in a seated position at a chair adjacent a table. The individual support members are collapsible or detachable for convenient storage and transport. Kits comprising a plurality of support members, a bag for storing and transporting them, instructional materials, music and other relaxation accessories are also provided.

Abstract: A combination pillow and enclosed area system includes an enclosing bottom member, and a plurality of bumper members. The enclosing bottom member is moveable between folded and unfolded positions and includes a closure device connected thereto that is moveable between opened and closed positions. The plurality of bumper members are carried by the enclosing bottom member. The enclosing bottom member and plurality of bumper members form an enclosed area when the enclosing bottom member is in the unfolded position, and a pillow when the enclosing bottom member is in the folded position.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with a pillow to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth. It comprises a base plate, a top plate, and a bladder that contains gaseous, liquid, or semi-solid matter. The bladder is positioned in between the base plate and the top plate. The apparatus also comprises pivoting means, whereby the pivoting means causes the top plate, having a pillow placed thereon, to contact at least an uppermost area of a human head and on upper and/or lateral and/or posterior areas of said head for scalp stimulation to promote hair growth and prevent alopecia.

Abstract: A pressure dispersion system includes a pressure dispersion pad and a pressure dispersing mattress system for body support and sleep. The pressure dispersion pad and pressure dispersing mattress systems reduce pressure points from a supported body to less than approximately 32 mm Hg to reduce or eliminate capillary closing and a resultant reduction in pressure concentration and resultant discomfort and repositioning during sleep. Empirical design from human body pressure mapping is used to identify support zones for which components are selected and assembled in the pressure dispersion support systems for pressure dispersion and relief. In a pressure dispersion support system in the form of a mattress, multiple zones are defined by arrangement of different kinds of support materials, including foam tops such as memory foam or moderate to low density polyurethane, and secondary foam layers or foam base of relatively higher density polyurethane and latex.

Abstract: A sleep device for use in a seated position comprises a hollow shaped body formed from a resilient polymer having a plurality of sidewalls extending generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis, a top surface centered about the central axis, the top surface being adapted to receive the chin of a user, a recess intermediate the top surface and the plurality of sidewalls, and an annular bottom edge. A base is formed from the resilient polymer having a bottom surface, a vertical wall extending from the base, and a radial flange. The base is fastened to the body annular bottom edge by for example an adhesive or other suitable fastening means. In some embodiments, the body and base are fastened to create an airtight seam.

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. 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 a control system which comprises a hydraulic circuit for lowering or raising the at least one supporting element.

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.

Abstract: A support pillow that comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two curved arms that extend from the medial region to define a generally open well. A back rest extends vertically upward from the medial region. This configuration permits an infant to be placed in the open well, with the curved arms of the pillow body supporting the infant from tipping side to side and the back rest supporting the infant's back. Conveniently, the back rest may be incorporated into a slipcover that is placed over the pillow body.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an inflatable knee pillow including a body having an outer fabric surface, and an inflation valve, wherein the body defines straps (preferably two pairs of straps) and encloses a bladder (an inflatable volume), and the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the bladder. When deflated, the pillow has a thin profile and can be folded into a compact configuration. The straps are releasably fastenable around a user's leg so as to position an inflatable portion of the pillow against the inside of the user's knee (for example, to cushion and separate the user's knees from each other while the user sleeps on his or her side with the pillow inflated). Preferably, the body includes two sheets of multilayer material shaped and attached together so as to define the straps and the bladder, and the pillow has releasable fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners) defined by or attached to the straps.

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.

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.

Abstract: A child's bed is made of upper and lower wedge shaped sections providing a generally V-shaped bed. The upper and lower sections are unconnected to each other and are made of one or more wedge shaped members that are unconnected to each other. A fitted sheet holds the components together as a unit. An egg crate foam layer may be affixed to the lower section and draped over the upper section to improve stability. The incline of the upper and lower sections is adjustable by adding or removing one or more of the wedge shaped members. The low point of the V-shaped bed is disposed adjacent the knee of the sleeper so the person can sleep in a fetal position with the feet and lower leg preventing the sleeper from sliding down the incline of the upper section.

Abstract: In an existing pillow, when the user makes a return to on-the-back lying from on-the-side lying, a strain forms in a region associated with on-the-side lying, so that an elasticity-less material, such as chaff, pipes or the like cannot perfectly adjust the sinking of the pillow under the weight of the neck. The inventive pillow consists of a total three divisions, one for the neck and two for the head. Thus, even if the user moves from on-the-side lying to on-the-back lying, the head and neck enter the recesses in the three divisions, thus eliminating the possibility of a strain forming in a region associated with on-the side-lying.

Abstract: An inflatable item has a body. The body has a chamber therein, and defines an outer edge. An inlet is provided on the body and communicates with the chamber. A groove is cut from the outer edge of the body and extends for a depth into the body. A fold line extends from the outer edge to a portion of the groove.

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.

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.