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.

Abstract: A support for an appendage comprising a plurality of stackable bolsters in which mating surfaces are engaged to provide both frictional and lateral support between adjacent bolsters to stabilize the support.

Abstract: A multipurpose pillow assembly (10) for supporting lamaze partners, including a coach (C) and a pregnant woman (W), during lamaze exercises and for supporting a newborn (N) while a care-giver (G) is feeding the newborn (N) is disclosed. The pillow assembly (10) includes a body pillow (12), an attachable seat pillow (14) removably coupled to the body pillow (12), and a normally unattached seat pillow (16). The attachable seat pillow (14) is removably coupled to the body pillow (12) by a pair of stretchable straps (28),(30).

Abstract: A seat for supporting an infant which may be configured to resemble a flower. The seat may also be used as a pet bed. The seat includes a center portion upon which the infant is seated with one or more side supports extending outwardly therefrom to substantially surround the infant. The side supports may be configured to resemble the petals of a flower (e.g., a rose, a daisy, a black-eyed susan, a sunflower, etc.) with the center portion being the center part of the flower. The seat is especially useful for an infant that cannot yet support themselves in a sitting-up position by stopping them from fully tipping over in any direction.

Abstract: A head rest and alarm for dozing in a sitting position at a table or desktop. In a first aspect of the invention, the head rest and alarm are comprised of a base, a standard extending upwardly from the base and a head support attached to an upper portion of the base and an audible alarm. In the operable position, the head rest is placed on the surface of a table and a user in a sitting position rests his head in a downward facing or side facing position on the head support. The audible alarm has a timer which is selectively adjustable to set a wake-up time of the alarm. In an alternate embodiment, the head rest and alarm further comprises the options of a tape or disk player, a clock radio and earphone jack.

Abstract: A portable travel pillow is a freestanding, portable device which allows a traveler to rest or sleep comfortably while remaining in a seated position. The travel pillow is comprised of an adjustable tilting facial pad (1-8), an adjustable-length support (9,10,12), two lower leg stands (13) interconnected inside a housing (11,14) and two lower leg pads (16) connected to the leg stands with a ball and cup joint (15). When in use, the bottom of the portable travel pillow is supported by the user's lap, and the top of the travel pillow supports the user's head and neck. When not in use, the portable travel pillow collapses to a compact shape.

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.

Abstract: A pressure point relief system for use in a patient resting surface, such as a mattress, that has different firmness ratings in different areas of the surface of the mattress which correspond to different points of a patient's body. The pressure point relief device has at least one first foam strip of a predetermined firmness, and at least one second foam strip having a firmness greater than that of the first foam strip and positioned adjacent to the first foam strip so as to form a smooth transition from a surface of the first foam strips to a surface of the second foam strips. In addition, at least one foam truss portion is positioned adjacent to the first and second foam strips so as to provide a smooth transition from the surface of the first and second foam strips to a surface of the truss system thereby forming a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: An inclined support pillow includes a foam wedge and a resilient foam section substantially of the same length and width as a top surface of the foam wedge, with the bottom surface of the foam section attached to the top surface of the foam wedge. A covering of fabric or cloth is dimensioned for securement over the foam wedge and the foam section. At least two fastening strips are attached to the covering on a plane parallel to a top surface of the foam section. Two resilient cushions, each having a semi-circled top surface, a flat bottom surface and a covering of fabric or cloth, are provided with complementary fastening strips attached to the covering on a plane parallel to the flat bottom surface. The two cushions are aligned with the top surface of the foam section by press mating the complementary fastening strips to the fastening strips. The first of the cushions is relatively larger than the second cushion. The first cushion is to be used for lower back support and the second cushion for neck support.

Abstract: A portable diaper changing board for changing a child's diaper on a comfortable and safe surface. The portable diaper changing board includes four support members two of which are end members and two of which are intermediate member which are hingedly attached end-to-end to one another and to the end members with each of the support members having a concave to side and a flat bottom side; and also includes a plurality of fastening members for securing the support members in a folded position; and further includes a restraining member being removeably attachable to the top side of one of the intermediate members for restraining a child thereon; and also includes a handle member securely attached to one of the ends of one of the intermediate members.

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.

Abstract: A cushion, particularly positioning, supporting and nursing cushion, has a tubular cushion body which is formed of or filled with a flexible or shape-variable filler material. A cushion cover encloses the cushion body. At least one fastening device is mounted on an end area on the cushion cover or the cushion body, and can be brought into a detachable connection with at least one anchoring point mounted on the interior side of the cushion cover or the exterior side of the cushion body.

Abstract: The foldable carrier comprises first elongate flexible layers that has a first thickness with longitudinal opposite side edges. A second elongate layer is made of a porous soft material that has a second thickness and is secured to the first elongate flexible layer. The second thickness is substantially greater than the first thickness. A first stretcher side section is secured to a first carrier layer and is pivotally attached to one of the side edges of the first elongate flexible layer. The first stretcher side section is movable between an expanded position and a folded position so that the first carrier layer is movable towards the first elongate flexible layer to face the first elongate flexible layer when the first stretcher side section is in the folded position. The first elongate layer and the first carrier layer form a continuous uninterrupted surface attached to the second elongate flexible layer and the first stretcher side section.

Abstract: A shooting harness is described in which a back member is supported by shoulder suspension members from the shoulders and across the upper back region of a shooter. A leg restraining member extends from the back member and includes at least one knee segment positioned to engage at least one of the shooter's legs in the vicinity of the knee with the shooter in a sitting shooting position. The back member and leg restraining member together form a shooter encircling loop that provides a substantially stable brace about the shooter's upper back, torso, and at least one knee to stabilize the shooter in a sitting shooting position.

Abstract: A self-opening towel comprises a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material and being removably attached to a covering membrane. The self-opening towel has a first shape being substantially planar when in an extended configuration, and a second shape being substantially planar and having an area less than an area of the first shape when the towel is in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A body rest structure includes a torso support for supporting the torso of a human body in a prone, elevated position which serves to induce a mild stretch of the user's thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The torso support includes an upper chest and shoulder support platform and a lumbar support platform. An open region extends longitudinally between the platforms to provide room for at least a portion of the weight of the chest below the shoulders to pull down on the body between the platforms. The support may include a rear supporting surface to provide lifting support from below the hips and abdomen of the body. A head support for supporting the head of the body in a downwardly facing position when the torso is supported by the torso support is also disclosed. The head support includes a front portion for providing lifting support to the forehead of the body, and parallel opposed side portions for supporting opposed sides of the face.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable back support pillow for vehicle seats, especially automobile seats, but can also be used on other seats. Other seat examples are aircraft seats, boat seats or common indoor/outdoor chairs for the home and office. The main components of the adjustable back support pillow are a pillow, lower attachment section and an upper attachment section. The adjustable back support pillow provides for easy attachment to seats, which allows easy portability between different seats. The adjustable back support pillow allows for easy adjustment of the pillow for proper back support of different users.

Abstract: A modular mattress having a plurality of innerspring modules with a peripheral border strip extending around the outer periphery of the mattress between top and bottom mattress covers through a releasable connecting means.

Abstract: A head and upper body support system comprising three distinct supports: a head support and two upper body supports. The head support has a concave face contacting surface to receive the forehead of an individual therein. Each upper body support has an inclined lower portion to support and gradually lift the abdomen of the individual and an upper portion to support the corresponding shoulder, axilla (underarm), and side of the upper body. The upper portion of each upper body support has an arcuate groove formed in the side thereof to contour the axilla, which prevents the support from pressing against the breasts or chest of the individual or impeding the expansion thereof during breathing.

Abstract: Systems which allow one to operate a computer device from an ergonomically superior, recumbent position. Provision is made for supporting the computer device and the body parts of the operator at elevations and inclinations which make the computer device the most comfortable and ergonomically superior to operate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating problems associated with improper support of the head relative to the spine and shoulder girdle. The apparatus and method including providing an adjustable a series of stackable pillow cushion for supporting a user's head in a desired relationship to the user's body, each pillow cushion including a body with a pair of substantially parallel surfaces, one of the surfaces having a first recessed area and at least two areas of firm support. Then placing the areas of firm support generally opposite to one another and next to the recessed areas, and stacking at least two pillow cushions over one another with the areas of firm support aligned over one another to adjust the height of the support of the stack of cushions and the height of the support of the head relative to the spine and shoulder girdle.

Abstract: A transversely extending insert 20 for adjusting the length of a split level wheelchair support cushion 10, said split level wheelchair support cushion 10 having a raised forward section 12 for supporting a user's femoral region and a lowered rear section 14 for supporting the user's ischial and coccyx region, with a downwardly rearwardly slanting step face 21 separating the raised forward section 14 from the lowered rear section 12, said insert 20 having:substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces 24 and 22, top surface 24 being co-planar to top surface 17 of raised forward section 14, bottom surface 22 being co-planar with bottom surfaces 13 and 15 of both raised forward section 14 and lowered rear section 12,substantially parallel downwardly rearwardly slanting front and back surfaces 23 and 25, 27, back surface 25, 27 having a horizontally indented ledge surface 26 positioned therealong, ledge surface 26 being co-planar with the top surface 19 of lowered rear section 14.

Abstract: A reconfigurable support for an infant includes a main body and two reconfigurable restraints or support members mounted to opposite ends of the main body. The infant support can be used to securely position an infant that is either lying prone on a flat surface or that is seated in a child's seat, such as a car seat.The first configurable support member is formed as a cylindrical cushion and contains a bendable element that can be configured into a variety of shapes. The first support member retains the shape into which it is configured and thus can be configured and positioned to securely position an infant.A second reconfigurable support member is provided at the opposite end of the main body. The second member is integrally formed with the main body and includes two or three planar members.

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

Abstract: A support device is disclosed that includes a base attached to two spaced straps with a plurality of adjustable footholds. The support device permits users to maintain a seated position with their legs drawn up on a bed or other support surface without requiring any effort or exertion on the part of the user to retain their legs in this position. The device does not require attachment to the support surface, but rather depends upon the user's own weight to anchor the base and support the user's feet and legs.

Abstract: A nursing pillow adapted for use with twins that can be used by anyone wishing to breastfeed or bottlefeed one baby, or two babies simultaneously. The design of the nursing pillow is generally a squared U-shape with symmetrical sides of equal length and firmness to accommodate the heads and bodies of two babies at once. The pillow can support growing babies from birth to two-years-old, or up to 70 pounds of total baby weight. The nursing surface preferably has an inwardly-angled slope so babies roll naturally and safely towards the user. A detachable back pillow may be included to provide lower and mid-back support for the user.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam having a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: A pillow is disclosed which is cut from a block of material and which includes a removable insert within the pillow body which is able to be removed to thereby decrease the height of the pillow. The pillow is cut by cutting part of an upper or lower surface, cutting the other of the upper or lower surface, cutting the remaining of part of the upper or lower surface, making a cut into the pillow body, cutting the insert from within the pillow body and by making a cut through the insert to divide the insert into two parts. The cutting is preferably performed in a single cutting pass of a cutting blade.

Abstract: A therapy pillow comprising a wedge-shaped resilient foam element having a planar recess in the medial portion of the top surface thereof. A flexible plastic container adapted to be sealingly filled with a fluid snugly fits into the planar recess of the foam element so as to be substantially coplanar with the top surface thereof when filled with a suitable fluid such as water.

Abstract: Seating cushion assembly (10) for use with a wheelchair having a seat base (20). A flexible foam cushion (30) is mounted on base (20) with at least one insert member (40) removably positioned at a support location (33) between the foam cushion (30) and the base (20) to upwardly or outwardly raise a top surface (5) of the foam cushion (30) at the support location (33). The resulting lateral support contour (35) in the top surface (5) of the cushion assembly provides user stability and pressure distribution while seated on the seating assembly (10) and yet the user can selectively eliminate or remove the contours (35) by removing the contour-forming inserts (40). The foam cushion (30) further has sufficient thickness and resiliency to permit the user to temporarily sit directly over the contour-forming insert member (40) during use of the cushion assembly (10), which enables safe use of the entire area of the wheelchair cushion assembly (10).

Abstract: An anatomical wheelchair seat cushion system is disclosed. The system includes a flexible base having a lower surface which interfaces with the wheelchair and an upper surface which receives a fluid-containing pad which interfaces with the user and/or interfaces directly with the user. The base is anatomically contoured and includes a plurality of features for adjusting this contour prior to positioning of a user thereon and various self-adjustment features for dynamic adjustment capabilities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a person in a seated or lying position, and for supporting a person's appendages, such as arms, wrists, hands and elbows, above a work surface. An appendage can be rested on an upper surface of a support pad provided on a work surface, the support pad having a plurality of fluid-filled cells separated by a plurality of seams. The support pad can be folded along at least one of the plurality of seams so that a first portion of the plurality of cells lies above a second portion of the plurality of cells to adjust the height of the support pad above the work surface. A portion of the plurality of cells can be removed from the support pad to create a desired configuration for a support pad. The support pad can be configured and used as a wrist rest for operating data input devices, such as a keyboard, a computer mouse, and a calculator, and used as an arm rest for writing or performing manual tasks on a work surface.

Abstract: A cardboard work mat has a pleated configuration, wherein the mat is folded in pleats for storage, and an unfolded configuration, wherein the mat defines a surface area sufficiently large for supporting a mechanic beneath a vehicle. A headrest is formed on one end of the mat by folding the two or three end-most pleats together and then bonding them together. In an alternate embodiment, the mat is a flexible plastic sheet which has a rolled configuration for storage and an unrolled configuration for supporting a mechanic on the sheet. A headrest is molded or attached to one end of the sheet.

Abstract: A cushion is disclosed herein for supporting a pregnant woman in a face-down position for resting and preparatory to and during a massaging procedure. The cushion is composed of a soft, foam-like material having a central recess or cavity defined by a surrounding continuous ridge to provide an integral unitary construction. The ridge includes sidewalls joined at a front end by a neck and chin transverse end wall and joined at a rear end by a leg and knee support. Sloping wall sections join the sidewalls with the leg and knee support whereby a flat planar surface of the leg and knee support resides below the top surface of the sidewalls. Internal sloping walls connect the front and rear ends with the bottom of the recess or cavity. A cushioned insert is carried within the recess that is reversible and having opposite textured or contoured sides. A cover, a handle and a carrying strap are used.

Abstract: A combination diaper bag and portable changing table provides convenient transport of infant care supplies and a place to change an infant's diaper which draws, filters, and then exhausts air from above the changing table. In a preferred embodiment, an infant care device has an enclosure, a lid pivotably attached to the enclosure, a generally planar platform which extends laterally across the enclosure, a generally planar foldable pad having a centrally disposed opening formed therethrough, and a fan which draws air from above the pad through its central opening.

Abstract: An infant supporting and positioning system for retaining and supporting an infant in a selected position. The supporting and positioning system includes a generally horizontally oriented base which has a primary surface in which is formed a plurality of bores. The system includes a plurality of infant positioning modules each of which have a body portion and at least one post projecting from the body portion. The posts are sized and dimensioned for cooperative engagement with a corresponding one of the plurality of the bores in the base. The posts interfit with the bores with sufficient interference to maintain the modules in the selected position relative to the base. The interference between the posts and bores allow for removal of a post from a bore to change the position of the corresponding module as necessary to configure the system to achieve desired infant support and positioning.

Abstract: An orthopedic portable cushion providing back support when used in connection with all kind of seats, has an adjustable geometry to permit fitting it to different seats and different users, and comprises an essentially rigid, stiffening element (backbone), having a configuration that is essentially curved in horizontal cross section.

Abstract: A wide variety of cushion support arrangements for the body of a human user, for example, adults and children who have experienced neuro-muscular damage, are provided by the selective use and positioning of individual body support cushions comprising an inclined wedge cushion, an alternate form of an inclined wedge cushion, a relatively thick multi- purpose block cushion, a double inclined cushion, a relatively thin block cushion, an abductor block cushion, and half cylinder rolls or rail cushions of various axial lengths.

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

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

Abstract: A system of head rests is disclosed for use by patients convalescing from optical surgery to re-attach a detached retina. In this procedure, a bubble of air is injected into the affected eye, and the patient is instructed to keep his or her head in a face-downward position for eighteen hours a day during a convalescent period in which the air bubble presses the retina against the back wall of the eyeball. A day-time version of the apparatus is adjustable in height and preferably incorporates armrests and a plurality of mirrors so that a person who has his face turned toward the floor may view television or may make eye contact with another person. A night-time version of the apparatus allows a person to lie in a prone position with his or her head supported above and out of contact with the mattress, and preferably includes a viewing window so that a prone patient can read a book placed on the floor.

Abstract: An orthopedic cushion for supporting the back when sitting comprising a cushion assembly and a rear support is disclosed. The cushion assembly has a front outer surface and a stiffening backbone that is essentially curved in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the front outer surface. The backbone is also provided with spaced zones. The rear support has an upper portion and a lower portion and is foldable about a zone interposed between the upper and lower portions. Means is provided for removably connecting the upper and lower portions to the spaced zones of the backbone.

Abstract: A sunbathing apparatus is shown which is adapted for filtering any predetermined wavelength or wavelengths of light from passing therethrough. The sunbathing apparatus includes a frame which is adapted for providing a rigid support structure. Interchangeable panel members are also provided which are adapted for removably engaging the frame during use of the device. The interchangeable panel members are adapted for filtering the predetermined wavelength or wavelengths of light depending on the particular specifications of the panel member. A support device for supporting the user of the sunbathing apparatus is also included. The support device is adapted for being received within the sunbathing apparatus for receiving the user of the device.

Abstract: A combination back support for use during stretching and/or sitting with the legs extended or not extended. The device includes a substantially rectangular lumbar back support with a multiplicity of pairs of inelastic straps used in a first configuration to engage the knees of a user and with the addition of a strap extension used to engage the feet of a user. When the user is in one of the various seated positions, the straps are connected to form loops which are fitted over either the feet or Knees of the user. As the user applies pressure with the feet or knees, the lumbar rectangular support is pulled tight around the user's lower back, providing ample support.

Abstract: A stuffed figure chair including a cushioned figure, a removable seat, and a mechanism for removably fastening the removable seat to the cushioned figure. The cushioned figure includes a torso connected to a pair of lower limbs. Separate strap receiving members or loops are part of the fastening mechanism and are attached to the stuffed figure at each of the lower limbs, and preferably also the torso. The removable seat is structured to be received between the lower limbs of the cushioned figure. Strap elements attached to the removable seat are engageable with the strap receiving members on the figure to secure the removable seat to the cushioned figure. Because the connections between the torso and limbs are sufficiently inflexible so as to provide a resistance to pivotal motion of the torso relative to the limbs, an occupant of the seat fastened to the cushioned figure can lean back against and be supported by the figure torso.

Abstract: An infant is positioned on its side between two pads to restrain its movement during rest time or sleeping. A strap passed around the infant and under the arms maintains the infant's position with respect to the pads. In one embodiment, a diaper-like holding device is secured to the infant and the pads attached thereto. In another embodiment, the pads are positioned on a support member and the infant is positioned on its side between the pads.

Abstract: A combination back support for use during stretching and/or sitting with the legs extended/not extended. The device includes a substantially rectangular lumbar back support with a multiplicity of pairs of inelastic straps configured in a first configuration to engage the feet of the user and in an alternative configuration to engage the knees of the user. When the user is in one of the various seated positions, the straps are connected to form loops which are fitted over either the feet or knees of the user. As the user applies pressure with the feet or knees, the lumbar rectangular support is pulled tight around the user's lower back, providing ample support.

Abstract: A support pillow in two main sections, each section having an elongated resilient foam member each covered with fabric with a portion of the fabric extending outward to define a flexible panel. The top surface of one panel, and the bottom surface of the other panel are affixed with elongated hook and loop fastening strips which allow adjustable overlapping affixment of the two panels one to another in order to affix together the two sections of the support pillow. The two sections of the support pillow when affixed together define an open-ended and open-top vertical walled channel with the panels and fabric covered foam members providing an anti-roll device for the infant. The hook and loop attachment of the two panels provides for adjustability in the distance between vertical side walls of the channel.