With Distinct Adjustable Supporting Parts Patents (Class 5/657)
  • Patent number: 7353552
    Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7350251
    Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base and a plurality of hollow cells. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The hollow cells are coupled to the base and extend outwardly from the base within at least one region. Each of the cells within each region are coupled together in flow communication. Each of the cells includes a hollow body portion and an outer surface. The plurality of cells are spaced across the base such that the cell outer surfaces define a contoured seat configured to cradle a user's buttocks. The cells also include a plurality of first cells and a plurality of second cells. An outer surface of each of the first cells is substantially parallel to the base. An outer surface of each of the second cells is oriented obliquely with respect to the base. At least some of the cells are substantially cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin Gerard Fraser, Winfield Russell Matsler
  • Patent number: 7346948
    Abstract: A basic version of the Bed Lounge™ includes a removable, inter-changeable, and washable fabric slip cover enclosing a foam, fiber, filled-pillow, layered padding over a flat light-weight inner body/frame structure, forming a layered composite that is exceptionally lightweight (2-3 lbs.), extremely durable and yet highly comfortable and supportive to the upper body of the user. Due its compact size, the basic bed lounge can be used on existing seating and furniture to augment support and comfort. It has the ability to be flattened to a very low profile so it can be easily carried in one hand, slung over the shoulder, hung like a suite bag on a hanger in the closet and stored under furniture, under a bed or in an automobile trunk for use when traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Robert L. Swezey, Richard Swezey
  • Patent number: 7343636
    Abstract: A combination cheering aid and a seat cushion has a first elongate polygonal clapper. The first polygonal clapper has two ends, a lower end, and an upper end. The lower end has a hand hold cavity therein for insertion of user fingers. An anchor is connected to the first polygonal clapper, the anchor has two ends, an insertion end and an attachment end. The anchor insertion end has two flexible tines which are directed toward the anchor attachment end. The anchor attachment end has an eyelet formed therein for attachment of accessories to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: John M. Castillo
  • Patent number: 7331073
    Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved main pillow having a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A curved lower back pillow is operably attached to one of the ends of the main pillow such that the back pillow is positionable at the user's back when the main pillow is placed adjacent to the user's stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Sheila Littlehorn, Elizabeth A. Franqui
  • Patent number: 7322061
    Abstract: A multipurpose support pillow is provided. The pillow is generally apostrophe-shaped and can be placed and adjusted along any part of the body to provide the desired comfort and support useful for countless applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: NuAngel, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa P. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7305728
    Abstract: Two identical support cushions are flexibly joined to provide ergonomic support to a person having to perform physical activities in a supine position, often in confined spaces, such as a plumber lying on his back under a sink inside a cabinet with the lower part of the body being positioned on the room floor and the upper part of the body being positioned on the raised floor of the cabinet. The lightweight and rugged support cushions can be easily configured into a valise-like rectangular shape for easy carrying utilizing integrated handles. In addition, a plurality of lamps is enclosed within the support cushion, the lamps comprising light diffusing lenses and the lamps being spatially aligned to provide illumination with minimum shadow creation of the space in front of the supported person, such as a plumber working under a sink in a cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Mark A. Schlieps
  • Patent number: 7296313
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Matthaus Hense
  • Patent number: 7290303
    Abstract: A support pillow comprises a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define a generally open well, with the cushion body having an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. An adjustable suspension system is used to suspend one or more objects above the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Teresa M. Mead, Elizabeth A. Franqui, Julia N. Carmosino, Ronen Katz, Susan Matthews Brown
  • Patent number: 7284290
    Abstract: Dual-modal-shaping capability is added as a new feature in bed lounges of the type having a fabric slip-cover enclosing foam padding on a main structure formed from plastic sheet material. User adjustment is provided for back tilt, head-rest tilt and height, arm-rest spacing, and back support location. Modal transition is provided by an internal mechanism that interlinks the two arm-rests via a weighted lock-pin that locks the arm-rests in place for normal use but that can be disengaged by merely inverting the bed lounge so the lock-pin drops out from the linkage gravitationally, thus allowing the arm-rests to be folded out to convert to an overall flat modal-shape that can be conveniently stored, e.g. under a bed or hanging in a closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Robert L. Swezey, Richard Swezey
  • Patent number: 7171710
    Abstract: A system used for the prevention of positional plagiocephaly in which an infant receiving member includes an infant supporting surface, a first portion, and a second portion. An inclined member is positioned at least partially under the first portion of the infant receiving surface such that the first portion of the infant receiving surface is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Mann
  • Patent number: 7152262
    Abstract: A fixed rod member is provided integrally with at least both sides of the lateral direction of the periphery of a bendable spring unit. A hinge mechanism is provided at the end portion of the fixed rod member. The hinge mechanism is connected by a movable rod member provided integrally with the periphery of at least one end portion of the spring unit. Thus, one end portion of the spring unit is configured to be bent together with the movable rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ikeda, Yoshio Oguma, Yukihiko Takaishi
  • Patent number: 7114206
    Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7100227
    Abstract: An anti-snoring pillow having a top pillow, a bottom pillow, and a covering is provided. The bottom pillow has a top surface angled with respect to a bottom surface. The top surface of the bottom pillow has a head-receiving cavity defined therein. The covering has a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. The top pillow is in the top section and the bottom pillow is in the bottom section. The middle section maintains the top pillow centered over the head-receiving cavity during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: First Impressions Home Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Christine K. Frisbee
  • Patent number: 7093313
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism for an adjustable arm assembly. The linkage assembly may be used to support an object, such as a headrest for use in connection with an examination table. The linkage mechanism provides structure to interlock or disengage two adjoining arm sections. The linkage mechanism controls relative movement of two adjoining arm sections without affecting the movement of non-adjoined sections or the headrest. The linkage mechanism further provides friction retention means so that the adjoining arms will retain their relative position to one another even if they are not in an interlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant
  • Patent number: 7086703
    Abstract: A seat and shoulder belt protective cushion configuration for use in motor vehicles and the like. The cushion has pairs of elongated cushion extension arms extending from a central body member and a removable vertically disposed cushion portion that extends to provide shoulder belt displacement preventative element above the co-planar top edge surface of the respective upper cushion arm extensions for a child. The protective cushion is positioned between the occupant and a seat belt assembly securely restraining the occupant in place in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Anna Jones
  • Patent number: 7020918
    Abstract: A cushion set for positioning a human body, including a face support cushion, a spacer block cushion, an upper torso support cushion, a lower torso support cushion, a calf support cushion and a bolster. The face support cushion is generally in the shape of an inverted “U” having a generally inverted U-shaped opening passing therethrough. The upper torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the face support cushion, the lower torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the upper torso support cushion, the calf support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the lower torso support cushion, and the bolster is adapted to be releasably attached to the calf support cushion. The spacer block cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the underside of the face support cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald E. Tinsley
  • Patent number: 7007328
    Abstract: A device for upper body support of a recumbent person is provided, which comprises a first support portion, a second support portion, each of which is wedge-shaped. Each portion is, in vertical cross-section, substantially a right triangle. The longest surface of each portion forms a support surface and the thin end of the wedge of the first portion is hingedly connected to the support surface of the second portion at a position spaced from the thick end of the support surface of that portion. The portions are formed of a solid, yielding support material, such as polyurethane foam. Preferably the support portions have a water proof outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Terry Bailey
  • Patent number: 6973691
    Abstract: A portable, elongated support pillow that when propped between the chin and lap of the user limits both head and torso movements caused by resting or sleeping while sitting in an upright position. The pillow is a single unit having a top contour, a bottom contour and a center section. The top contour is a crescent shaped headrest that cradles the chin and face, the bottom contour conforms to the top of the user's thigh, and the center section connects the top contour to the bottom contour. The top and bottom sections have a wider width than the center section giving the pillow an hourglass-shape. The support pillow is encased in a cover having sling style pockets, adapted to accommodate a user's arms or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Lora May Cordova, Richard Patrick Cordova
  • Patent number: 6954954
    Abstract: An infant positioning system and method for positioning an infant during sleep. The infant positioning system includes and infant support device and a headgear. The infant support device is configured for receiving the infant, and selectively changing the position of the infant each night. The headgear is configured to fit about the head of the infant, dispersing the pressure a sleeping surface places on the head of the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Pediatric Medical Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Jason Stelnicki
  • 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: 6918146
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: England, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney England
  • Patent number: 6877176
    Abstract: A cushion for supporting an infant is provided. The cushion includes a pad that may be formed of a resilient foam material. The pad includes a lower surface and an upper surface oriented at an acute angle thereto such that the upper surface is inclined relative to a support surface. The acute angle formed thereby may be between 20° and 30°. The cushion may be received within a polyester casing, but may simply include a top panel to be disposed on the pad's upper surface. The cushion includes at least one positioning member, but preferably two positioning members, with means for releasably fastening to the top panel to support the infant. Preferably, the positioning member includes a filaform strip for releasably attaching to a fabric material such as 100% polyester tricot and is formed of a resilient foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Barbara S. Houghteling
  • Patent number: 6859964
    Abstract: A cushion construction includes a center cushion portion having superposed top and bottom cushions and a plurality of peripheral cushions, each formed from two fabric layers with a filling therebetween. An insert end of each peripheral cushion is inserted between the top and bottom cushions with the outer end exposed beyond such that all of the peripheral cushions can be arranged in an assembled condition at positions around the outer edge of the center cushion portion with the outer ends exposed to simulate petals of a flower. Patches of hook and loop fastening materials fasten each peripheral cushion between the top and bottom cushions and allowing release of the peripheral cushions and the center cushion portion for individual use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Makenzie Rae Arnott
  • Patent number: 6857149
    Abstract: A sleep support system for comfortably supporting a user during sleep. More particularly, a sleep support system for face-down sleep in essentially a sitting position. The system is adapted for use with equipment and fixtures commonly found in patient recovery rooms, such as hospital beds and over-bed tables. The system provides comfortable head and arm support with a plurality of user-selectable positional adjustments. The system is foldable and portable. The system may be adapted for use with a wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Damon Hoggatt, Emily Jo Hoggatt
  • Patent number: 6823545
    Abstract: There is provided a back support system of three foam members serving as a piece of recreational or therapeutic furniture. The three foam support members each have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and a triangular shaped when viewed from their sides and vary in size. The unique triangular shape of each of the three members enables the pieces to be assembled in a variety of positions depending upon the desires of the user. For example, one of the triangular pieces may be positioned to fit underneath the back and head area of the user while the second member may be placed under the legs of the user to lift the knee area and the third and smallest member may be placed under the lower leg area to keep the feet in an elevated position. Each cushion is made of a resilient foam polymeric material that is covered with a protective fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Banyan Licensing LC
    Inventor: Edmund Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 6810545
    Abstract: A pillow that has a body including a medial region and two cantilever arms is disclosed. Each of the cantilever arms extends from the medial region and includes a free end. The cantilever arms and the medial region are spaced apart to define an interior region. The interior region and the pillow body are substantially U-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra M. Darling, Denise A. Rowell
  • Patent number: 6807696
    Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a cushion (1) with respect to the surface of a mattress or seat (12) of a bed/sofa (10) which has a headboard or backrest (13;113), comprising a strip of fabric (21) which is fastened to the cushion and one end of which is joined to a weight (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Flou S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vico Magistretti
  • Patent number: 6804845
    Abstract: An adjustable body support device for applying supportive pressure to spaced areas of the human body comprising two elongated resilient foam-like cushions adjustably joined for adjusting the spacing between them. The cushions may be provided with covers having pockets for holding hot or cold packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The Ideal People LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Stewart, III, Thomas Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6795990
    Abstract: A therapeutic pillow combination includes first and second pillow inserts, wherein the inserts are interconnected using a pillow case having a two ends shaped to removably receive and retain each pillow through a closable end portion, wherein the ends are connected by a gathered and seamed portion which forms a handle therebetween. Another pillow insert is removably connected to the gathered handle portion by way of a strap portion having a hook and loop fastener which is connected to one end of a pillow case to contain the third pillow insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Hutchinson D. C.
  • Patent number: 6789281
    Abstract: A system for restoring the natural lordosis of the cervical spine is provided. The system comprises at least a base pillow having areas of varying thickness, and including a protuberance. A central portion of the base pillow preferably includes a depression for receiving a patient's head. A thicker edge portion provides support for the patient's neck, while the protuberance provides support for the patients thoracic vertebrae. A second pillow is positionable adjacent the base pillow to provide further elevation for the patient's head. The system may include yet another pillow having a size greater than the second pillow to provide still further elevation for the patient's head. The system may also include additional pillows having shapes smaller than, larger than, or in between the size of the other pillows. A method of using the pillows to treat a cervical spinal disorder is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Anabolic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6785921
    Abstract: An automatically-opening infant mat that is movable between an open position and a closed position includes a water-resistant flexible material sized to have an infant, at least from the infant's head to the infant's buttocks, placed on the material while the mat is in the open position, a cushion coupled to the material to be disposed under a portion of the infant's body while the mat is in the open position and the infant is placed on the material, and a resilient bias member coupled to the material and configured to bias the material to an open position and to be reversibly moved to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Carl J. Conforti
  • Patent number: 6779211
    Abstract: A baby support assembly 10 which includes selectively stackable members 12, 30 which cooperatively and selectively support the positioning of a baby 91 upon the lap 92 of a mother or other individual 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Ann Williams
  • Patent number: 6754924
    Abstract: A maternity support system, comprising a first element and a second element connected to the first element. The first element and the second element are positioned and arranged with respect to each other for a maternity support use, such as supporting an expectant mother's body during pregnancy, supporting a caregiver feeding an infant, supporting an infant during feeding, and supporting an infant learning to sit. The elements may either be integrally formed as a unitary pad, or may be removably attached to each other using a connector, such as VELCRO hook and loop fasteners, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the elements comprise pillow covers adapted for receiving a conventional bed pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Judy A. Brady, Edie C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6754920
    Abstract: An infection resistant mat having individual segments containing foam padding and a contiguous cover of impervious material. The cover is constructed by radio frequency (RF) sealing of the seams which eliminates portals of entry of infectious organisms, vermin or fluid. Air channels within the cover communicate between the segments to allow air pressure equalization among the several segments during use. The contiguous cover creates hinges between the segments that allow the mat to be folded for storage. The mat also can be constructed with only one padded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: T. L. Clark, Incorporated
    Inventors: James J. Fleming, Joseph A. Kittner
  • Patent number: 6751817
    Abstract: A contoured body pillow adapted to permit unlimited positioning options to facilitate relief from persistent back and neck pain, respiratory and digestive disorders, and to provide a sensation of closeness, comfort and security by conforming to the body of a user, thereby permitting the user to sleep comfortably through the night, the contoured body pillow having a substantially candy cane shape comprising a first terminal end having a semi-bell shape connecting to a U-shaped portion, a downwardly extending leg connecting to the U-shaped portion, the leg expanding at its lowermost portion to form a bell shape, the bell shape terminating at a second terminal end in a beveled edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 6749159
    Abstract: A stackable wrist and arm support pad assembly is for use while operating a computer. The support pad assembly is adjustable in height by utilizing a series of nesting pads that allow for adjustment to provide the correct ergonomic posture. The base pad is solid in design with a raised padded section. The pads on top of the base pad have a hollow bottom that fits upon the pad of the pad below. In this manner, up to three, four or possibly more pads can be added to provide the correct posture to help avoid stress on the wrist, elbow and shoulder of the user. The pads may include a removable and washable cover. Additionally, the pads are available in different sizes and shapes to fit all types of keyboards and mouse pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Wayne Hess
  • Patent number: 6691356
    Abstract: A portable cushion apparatus for positioning between a user and a support surface. The portable cushion apparatus includes a plurality of pad members each having a first portion and a second portion. Each of the pad members is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The plurality of pad members includes a first end pad member, A second end pad member, and a plurality of middle pad member. A flexible first coupler is attached to and extends away from a first side of the first end pad member. A flexible second coupler is attached to and extends away from a second side of the second end pad member. The first and second couplers are attached to first and second sides of the plurality of middle pad members respectively. The pad members have a plurality of handles for grasping onto by a hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Coma
  • Patent number: 6691709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aiding apparatus for treating sexually handicapped persons, which apparatus may be of a big help to conjugal life of sexually handicapped persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Kie-Ho Cynn
  • Patent number: 6684431
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable tabletop personal support apparatus includes a positioning base for positioning on the top of a table, a supporting mattress unit pivoted to the positioning base and adapted to support the user's head and chest, and an angle adjustment unit provided between the positioning base and the supporting mattress unit and adapted to support the supporting mattress unit on the positioning base in a tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: LifeGear, Inc..
    Inventor: Robson L. Splane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6668405
    Abstract: A cushion having a plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells useful for periodically shifting the points of contact between the cushion and a body supported by the cushion in order to reduce or eliminate the development of pressure sores. The cushion includes one or more of (i) at least two encircling cells shaped so as to define a central concavity in the upper surface of each of the encircling cells, (ii) at least one repositionable cell, (iii) at least two cells having contoured upper surfaces which define a longitudinally extending laterally concave channel, and (iv) two groupings of independently inflatable and deflatable cells arranged asymmetrically about a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Aquila Corporation of Wisconsin
    Inventor: Steve Kohlman
  • Patent number: 6663177
    Abstract: A vehicle seat formed by a contoured tubular frame defining the edges of a seat base and a seat back and having tensioned belts and an elastomeric mesh seat fabric. The contoured tubular frame is wrapped in foam padding for comfort and impact protection. Two belts are provided in each of the seat base and seat back. The elastomeric seat mesh fabric forms an elastomeric seating surface that wraps around the seat occupant. The elastomeric mesh seat fabric is secured to the belts that provide seating surface contour and minimize excursion of the elastomeric mesh seat fabric. A cushion is provided under the elastomeric seating surface near the front of the seat to prevent submarining in an impact. An eccentric lumbar cushion is provided on a flexible shaft to permit adjustment of the degree of lower back support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ernesto E. Blanco, H. Winston Maue, Sofy Tarud, Joshua A. Goldwitz, Josue Sznitman, Mara B. Ignatius
  • Publication number: 20030229378
    Abstract: A spinal support for reclining persons includes a girdle adapted to encircle a waist of a person. The girdle has a right side lumbar support with a symmetrical body adapted to prevent sagging of a lumbar spine of a wearer when lying on his or her right side and a left side lumbar support with a symmetrical body adapted to prevent sagging of the lumbar spine of the wearer when lying on his or her left side. The left side lumbar support is positioned in opposed relation to the right side lumbar support with an unpadded connective webbing extending between the right side lumbar support and the left side lumbar support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Ida Weber
  • 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: 6634046
    Abstract: Shaped bodies, containing at least one shaped body with an unstressed three-dimensional inherent volume form that has at least one integrated curved part and can be displaced and/or partially or wholly transformed into another three-dimensional volume form by means of an active element connected to the shaped body, using a variable force of pressure/tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Schukra Geratebau AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schuster
  • Publication number: 20030192121
    Abstract: An infection resistant mat having individual segments containing foam padding and a contiguous cover of impervious material. The cover is constructed by radio frequency (RF) sealing of the seams which eliminates portals of entry of infectious organisms, vermin or fluid. Air channels within the cover communicate between the segments to allow air pressure equalization among the several segments during use. The contiguous cover creates hinges between the segments that allow the mat to be folded for storage. The mat also can be constructed with only one padded section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: James J. Fleming, Joseph A. Kittner
  • Publication number: 20030172462
    Abstract: A sleep support system for comfortably supporting a user during sleep. More particularly, a sleep support system for face-down sleep in essentially a sitting position. The system is adapted for use with equipment and fixtures commonly found in patient recovery rooms, such as hospital beds and over-bed tables. The system provides comfortable head and arm support with a plurality of user-selectable positional adjustments. The system is foldable and portable. The system may be adapted for use with a wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Todd Damon Hoggatt, Emily Jo Hoggatt
  • Publication number: 20030163873
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides an impact-absorbing unit comprising an outer wear-resistant casing (10) and one or a plurality of inner stress resistant envelopes (20) containing impact absorbing material. The outer envelope is provided with a plurality of interconnection means (65, 70) on at least one surface thereof, whereby a plurality of such units can be connected together in a closely adjacent relationship to define a substantially continuous surface. In another embodimentthe compressible elements are directly enclosed within the casing (10).In another embodiment the loose fill of compressible elements is replaced by at least one open cell foam element and valve means are provided for evacuating air from the foam, whereby to compress the foam and allow subsequent expansion thereof by exposure to ambient air pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher George Price, Michael John Stephens, Peter Anthony Bell
  • Publication number: 20030126686
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in performing intercourse includes a frame having an operative side, and a swing assembly. The swing assembly has at least two suspension joints. This swing assembly is attached to the frame through the two suspension joints to allow the assembly to swing arcuately. The two suspension joints are reciprocatable about different centers of gyration. The swing assembly has a platform allowing a first person to rest thereon and provide genital access toward the operative side. The swing assembly has clearance to allow a second person to stand adjacent the platform and gain access to said first person from the operative side as the swing assembly swings arcuately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: William Nash
  • Patent number: 6568005
    Abstract: An infection resistant mat having individual segments containing foam padding and a contiguous cover of impervious material. The cover is constructed by radio frequency (RF) sealing of the seams which eliminates portals of entry of infectious organisms, vermin or fluid. Air channels within the cover communicate between the segments to allow air pressure equalization among the several segments during use. The contiguous cover creates hinges between the segments that allow the mat to be folded for storage. The mat also can be constructed with only one padded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: T. L. Clark, Incorporated
    Inventors: James J. Fleming, Joseph A. Kittner