Attachment Or Accessory Patents (Class 5/658)
  • Publication number: 20030167570
    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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: FLOU S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vico Magistretti
  • Publication number: 20030163871
    Abstract: A frame structure is configured for use with a patient support to support equipment and accessories above a patient on the patient support. The frame structure comprises a head end frame portion and a side frame portion to extend upwardly from the patient support. A coupler is configured to be attached to the frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Scott Conlu, Eric James Hanson
  • Publication number: 20030154551
    Abstract: The Pacifier Keeper is a small piece of pliable material, approximately the size of an outlet, which has three circular indentions in it. Those indentions are going to hold or store pacifiers for infants or toddlers. The hard circular “handle” of the pacifiers will be placed in the indentions so that the nipple is facing out. A small lip of the same pliable material will hold the pacifiers in the Pacifier Keeper until they are removed. The Pacifier Keeper will attach to a crib or any other area around the house to allow independent access to pacifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Susan Marie Parker
  • Publication number: 20030150056
    Abstract: A bedding storage container includes a pouch, and at least one strap attached to the pouch. The pouch has a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls thereby forming a storage area. The at least one strap adjustably attaches the pouch to a futon frame assembly. A lid is hingedly attached to the rear wall. The front wall has a lip as an upper edge thereof. The lid is selectably positionable over the lip. As desired, the lid has openings formed thereupon. The openings receive buttons attached to the front wall, thereby securing the container in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Preston O. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20030145381
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting equipment and accessories adjacent a patient support is disclosed. The support structure comprises a frame to extend upwardly from the patient support and a shelf attached to the frame to extend over the patient support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Kathryn A. Higdon, Michael C. Lah, Lorena E. Yin
  • Publication number: 20030140422
    Abstract: An attachment apparatus is provided for releasably securing a mattress to a bed frame, the attachment apparatus including at least one set of two lengths of rope each attached to the mattress casing with each length of rope having a loop disposed for fastener engagement to the bed frame; and at least two rope fasteners, each rope fastener being secured to the bed frame adjacent to one of the loops, for removably engaging the loop and thereby releasibly securing the mattress against substantial movement relative to the bed frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Nick Sama
  • Publication number: 20030135928
    Abstract: A bed headboard assembly that is entirely independent of support associated with any other part of a bed structure such as the mattress, spring or bed frame, embodies a generally soft, panel-like member having length and width dimensions that are substantially greater than its thickness. A fabric container encloses the panel and has an access opening for inserting and removing the panel. The access opening can be closed with a zipper or hook-and-loop closure device. A rigid support member is coupled to the panel member parallel to one edge, so that the panel can be suspended from the support when said support is hung on a wall next to a bed. Decorative patterns on the outer surface of the fabric container and pocket recesses in either the fabric or the panel or both, enhance the functions of the headboard for visual appeal and for the convenience of a user of the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Murphy, William R. Grose
  • Publication number: 20030131418
    Abstract: A rigid corner piece for maintaining the square appearance of a mattress having foam sides. The corner piece anchors two of the foam pieces together to form a butt joint. The corner piece is constructed and arranged to be relatively undetectable by a person sitting on the side of the bed. The corner piece preferably defines a groove into which the two foam pieces may be placed at a relatively right angle to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: James D. Gaboury, James E. Gifft, Anna Khoruts, Daniel J. Koughan
  • Publication number: 20030126682
    Abstract: Bed equipped with different types of fittings having a horizontal support plane for supporting a mattress spring, a mattress, pillows and blankets and a person and including a first and a second pair of vertical legs (15, 16, 17, 18) arranged respectively near the bed headboard and the bed footboard, which extend upwardly and which are joined together by a first stiff structure (19) arranged on the lower part thereof forming the bed peripheral edges (20, 21) and the horizontal support plane. A second stiff structure (22), is arranged on the upper part of the vertical legs spaced vertically from the first stiff structure (19) in such a manner as to allow easy access to the bed. The second stiff structure (22) having peripheral edges (22, 23, 24, 25) adapted to support at least a television receiver (27, 32), a bar (28) for supporting gym equipment and a lamp (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Gary August Drenik
  • Patent number: 6584632
    Abstract: A strap system for folding a futon having a mattress. The strap system includes two end loops attachable to the frame of the futon, adjustable straps attached to each end loop and a handle between the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Kristopher M. Mittenberger
  • Publication number: 20030115671
    Abstract: The invention preferably includes a platform for attaching to patient carrying devices such as litters. The platform preferably is capable of attaching to accessory clips connected to medical instruments that are useful for carrying for a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Eric M. Smeed
  • Patent number: 6574812
    Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Todd M. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 6571412
    Abstract: A multiple tubes combination structure for being assembled with air tubes of an airbed is disclosed, wherein a plurality of tubes are assembled in a combinational structure. Each individual component of the combinational structure has a specific element having a predetermined configuration. Thereby, when it is desired to assemble the combinational structure, it is only necessary to assure the configurations of elements. No error occurs. Thereby, the multiple tubes combination structure has a beautiful outlook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Shang Neug Wu
  • Patent number: 6564409
    Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a patient support including a body pivotally coupled to the patient support. A biasing mechanism is configured to align a longitudinal axis of the body in a generally horizontal position extending away from the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, David W. Hensley
  • Publication number: 20030070236
    Abstract: A monitor having an integral handle and bedrail mount element pivotally connected to an upper surface. The integral handle and bedrail mount element being movable between an open position, for carrying and/or mounting, and a closed position in which the handle and bedrail mount element is unobtrusively folded away into a recess in the upper surface of the monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas Barker
  • Publication number: 20030070235
    Abstract: A warm-air blower comprised of two air outlets and an air intake which is provided on either the left-hand side or right-hand side of an air blower unit. The air taken into the interior of the air blower unit through the intake flows through the interior of the air blower unit by a fan which is provided at a location relatively far away from the air intake. The fan blows the air through a heater chamber and further blows the heated air out of the blower unit through the air outlets that are arranged one above the other to an air-controlled bedding. One or both of the air outlets are equipped with a shutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroko Suzuki, Yoshio Suzuki, Emi Suzuki, Ryutaro Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6546577
    Abstract: A mobile medical emergency and surgical table that comprises a frame assembly, a pair of mechanically advantaged undercarriage assemblies having wheels, a plurality of stretcher yoke assemblies, a plurality of preferably uniformly dimensioned and interchangeable storage cassettes, an electrical subsystem, and a plurality of optional mounts for the attachment of medical and surgical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: James Chinn
  • Patent number: 6536372
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a small or infirmed animal in ascending an elevated area having a substantially flat housing, and a platform having a generally flat surface, whereby the platform is mounted to slide in and out of the housing, so that when the platform is withdrawn from the housing, the platform provides a step for assisting an animal in reaching the elevated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: William A. Loeser
  • Publication number: 20030046764
    Abstract: This invention preferably includes an accessory clip for attaching medical equipment and the alike to a litter stand for use on a litter. The accessory clip preferably includes at least one attachment for a piece of medical equipment such as medical monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, and IV bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Eric M. Smeed
  • Publication number: 20030041381
    Abstract: The Portable Renovating Kit for renovating innerspring mattress by consumer provides components for restoring their used mattress. Consumer is to rip away mattress cover (ticking) and all filling materials—leaving only the innerspring coil mattress unit for use in rebuilding mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: William Eugene Taymon
  • Patent number: 6526610
    Abstract: A bed (10) includes a base (12), and a support assembly (22) coupled to the base (12). The support assembly includes first and second support arms (42, 44) located above the base (12). The bed (10) also includes a plurality of latch mechanisms (70, 72, 74) coupled to the first and second support arms (42, 44), and a patient support surface (50) configured to be coupled to the first and second support arms (42, 44) by the plurality of latch mechanisms (70, 72, 74). The patient support surface (50) is removable from the first and second support arms (42, 44) to permit transfer of a patient to and from the bed (10) on the patient support surface (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Dana H. Delk, Jack J. Brooks, Steven J. Doehler
  • Publication number: 20030019038
    Abstract: A communication and control device for attachment to the head end of a hospital bed for positioning a voice activated communication and control module adjacent a patient's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Welling, Michael E. Poehner
  • Patent number: 6510572
    Abstract: A bed curtain divider for individuals sharing a bed, the bed curtain includes a substantially flexible barrier for shielding light rays from an individual on lying on the bed, the barrier comprising a first section having a first releasable attachment for attaching to a wall proximate a head portion of the bed, a second section operably adapted to maintain a first edge of the barrier intermediate the first corner and the second corner in tension, and a third section proximate the head portion of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Horowitz
  • Publication number: 20030014817
    Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci
  • Publication number: 20030009825
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a transfer top adapted to carry a patient is transferable between a mobile base and a docking station in a hospital room. Thus, instead of transferring a patient between a stretcher and a hospital bed, the entire transfer top with the patient thereon is transferred between the mobile base and the docking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci
  • Publication number: 20030009952
    Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a service delivery unit movable relative to a wall of the room between a storage position and a use position allowing the bed to dock to the service delivery unit to receive one or more services from the service delivery unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci, Carl W. Riley
  • Publication number: 20030009829
    Abstract: A system for converting a bed into a simulation of four-poster comprising an frame member having a rectangular shape comprising four rail members, each rail member being secured to the bedroom ceiling with fasteners above and parallel with the sides and ends of the bed. Each rail member has a recessed portion extending substantially around its periphery and an upper lip portion formed by the recess and extending around the periphery of each rail member forming the frame member. A first fastening system is applied to the surface of the lip portion of each rail member to couple a valance thereto and a second fastening system is applied to the surface of the recessed portion of each rail member to couple draperies thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Carrie L. Quinn
  • Patent number: 6502255
    Abstract: A connector (10), for removably securing a mattress (18) to a mattress supporting bed frame (22), that is provided a length that is sufficient to allow one to pull the mattress (18) from a first position in which it is fully supported on the supporting frame (22), to a second position in which it is supported on an edge of the frame (22) and hangs out beyond the edge of the supporting frame (22). The connector (10) is sufficiently short to retain the mattress (18) in the second position and not allow the mattress (18) to fall off the supporting frame (22). The connector (10) allows a person placing sheets on the mattress (18) to pull the mattress (18) toward oneself into the second position and thereby more easily reach the far edge of the mattress (18) when placing sheets on it, and can then put the mattress (18) back into the first position when the sheets are in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Mark R. Perkins, Brandon J. Winkel
  • Patent number: 6496995
    Abstract: A system for converting a bed into a simulation of four-poster comprising an frame member having a rectangular shape comprising four rail members, each rail member being secured to the bedroom ceiling with fasteners above and parallel with the sides and ends of the bed. Each rail member has a recessed portion extending substantially around its periphery and an upper lip portion formed by the recess and extending around the periphery of each rail member forming the frame member. A first fastening system is applied to the surface of the lip portion of each rail member to couple a valance thereto and a second fastening system is applied to the surface of the recessed portion of each rail member to couple draperies thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Carrie L. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20020189017
    Abstract: A retractable and self-supporting step for a medical examination table and a method for use. The step having a large top with a safety mat for ease of use and patient maneuverability can be selectively extended from a cavity located on a medical examination and returned when not in use. The step is self-supporting, thus providing enhanced stability and safety during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Siepmann, Michael J. Marchant, Edward A. Raleigh
  • Patent number: 6493890
    Abstract: This invention preferably includes a platform (100) having a support surface (110), a pair of legs (150, 150) connected to the support surface (110), and footings (152) and securing mechanism (160 or 180) on the legs (150, 150) for attaching the invention to a litter that preferably satisfies NATO requirements. Preferably, the invention attaches to the poles used to carry a patient on a litter such that the invention provides space for the patient's legs to pass under if necessary. A further embodiment of the invention adds at least one accessory clip, which preferably includes at least one attachment for a piece of medical equipment such as medical monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Eric M. Smeed
  • Publication number: 20020152555
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method to facilitate upgrading of a standard, general care hospital room to a critical room. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for providing seamless critical care services to a patient in a hospital room and during transport of the patient within the hospital.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: DENNIS J GALLANT, JOHN W RUEHL, JOHN C GRAY, EDWARD W CATTON
  • Patent number: 6463609
    Abstract: A rake for moving an air bubble entrapped between the surface of the water in and the underside of the top of a waterbed mattress to a vent through the top of the mattress is provided consisting of an elongated member and a handle. The elongated member has a lower surface lying in substantially a single plane and spaced apart beginning and end points. A straight line connecting the beginning and end points defines a geometric area for surrounding the bubble. The handle has one end connected to the member and another end extending above the plane defined by the lower surface of the member. The handle is used for manually urging the member downwardly against an upper side of the top of the mattress to trap the bubble within the geometric area. The handle is also used for guiding the geometric area with the bubble trapped therein into communication with the vent so that the air can be released to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Melvin E. Acott, II
  • Patent number: 6457194
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a bed linen proximate a mattress includes a planar member with at least one tapered portion that is adapted to receive a portion of a bed linen therein. In use, the bed linen is urged into the tapered portion and is secured thereto. The planar member is then rotated approximately 180 degrees and is placed under a corner of the mattress, thereby securing the corner of the linen in position under the mattress. Alternate embodiments for the planar member and for the tapered portion are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce Allan Bennett
  • Publication number: 20020095729
    Abstract: A foot free pillow for use on a bed comprising a pillow with a body portion having a wedge shaped cross section, a tapered point formed at the apex of said triangular wedge shaped cross section, said tapered point conforming to the contours of the periphery of a mattress. Also a protrusion can be attached to the body portion at the vertex of the wedge shaped cross section, wherein said protrusion forms a notch allowing said protrusion to be secured against a sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Oren Waters
  • Publication number: 20020062523
    Abstract: A patient-support assembly includes a patient support having a platform tub and a platform cover. The platform tub includes first and second walls defining an air flow channel. The platform cover is mounted to the platform tub to cover the channel. An elongated vent rail on the platform cover extends into the air flow channel and an elongated vent panel is pivotably coupled to the platform cover. The vent rail includes a plurality of vent channels separated by abutment surfaces. The vent channels communicate with respective air vent slots. The vent panel is pivotable between a first position abutting the abutment surfaces and a second position moved away from the vent rail to provide increased access to the vent channels. The platform cover includes air vent slots. The assembly also includes a side guard panel having first and second spaced-apart surfaces. The side guard panel includes a window in the side guard panel. The side guard panel includes an access port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: D. Scott Prows, Charles Goldberg, Rick A. Schmidt, Rafael E. Aguilera
  • Publication number: 20020047075
    Abstract: An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a body including a plurality of accessory couplers. A coupler is configured to couple the body to the patient support for pivotable movement about an axis of rotation. A latch is configured to lock the body selectively in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the patient support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo
  • Publication number: 20020035753
    Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Chris D. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Todd M. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 6360389
    Abstract: A mobile care cart includes a latch mechanism for coupling the cart to a hospital bed during transport of the bed. The care cart includes an on-board battery and gas supply for supplying electrical and gas outlets, respectively, on the care cart for use by equipment during transport. The care cart is nestable against a headwall when in the hospital room and includes first and second connectors for coupling the electrical and gas supply outlets on the cart to electrical and gas supplies separate from the care cart when the care cart is in a hospital room. The first and second connectors automatically switches to the on-board battery and gas supply to provide an uninterrupted gas and electrical supply during transport when the cart is disconnected from the electrical and gas supplies separate from the care cart for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, John W. Ruehl, John C. Gray, Edward W. Catton
  • Patent number: 6353951
    Abstract: A cushioning cover (10) that is initially planar in form is wrapped around a bed frame leg (56). An upper tongue (20) is inserted into and through an upper slot (26). In like fashion, a lower tongue (24) is inserted through a lower slot (28, 30). The tongues (20, 24) have enlarged portions (e.g. 38, 40) that function to lock the tongues (20, 24) into the slots (26, 30). When the cushioning cover (10) is placed on a bed frame leg (56) it provides an outwardly directed wall of cushioning material that will absorb a striking blow imposed on it by a person's toe or toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Gramling
  • Patent number: 6345402
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a base, a patient support carried above the base and a controller that controls at least one function of the patient support. A user interface panel includes a display and at least one button configured to provide an input signal to the controller. The user interface panel is coupled to the patient support for pivoting movement about more than one axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Scott Prows, Charles Goldberg, Rick A. Schmidt, Rafael E. Aguilera
  • Publication number: 20020007513
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed to ensure that a beach towel or beach blanket will remain on the ground and will not be blown around by the wind. The present invention would comprise two major portions, which would include a stake portion and a clip portion. The clip would be affixed to the top of the stake portion of the present invention. The clip would normally be in a closed position, but could be opened by having a user depressing the handles of the clip portion together. A user would then placed an edge of the desired towel or blanket within the clip and then release the handles of the clip, effectively securing the towel or blanket to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen Wilson
  • Patent number: 6334228
    Abstract: A method for quantifying airflow, in the form of a measured airflow rate, through a porous surface. The method is particularly useful for ventilated sleep surfaces used to prevent SIDS. Provided that one knows the correlation between air flow rate and CO2 washout times, the resulting measured airflow rate provides an indication of whether a ventilated sleep surface is providing sufficient airflow to effectively dissipate the CO2. One can determine the minimum measured airflow rate that is effective to provide a minimum adequate level of CO2 dispersal. Thus, a ventilated sleep surface system that produces an air flow sufficient to result in the minimum airflow rate, as measured by a suitable airflow meter, can effectively dissipate CO2 and reduce the risk of SIDS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Schmid
  • Patent number: 6332231
    Abstract: A collapsible leaf for a playpen includes a pair of longitudinal bars and a pair of transverse bars releasibly connected at their ends by four corner members and wrapped with piece of cloth a first pair suspenders suspend the pair of transverse bars from a pair of upper rails of the playpen and a second pair of suspenders suspending one of the longitudinal bars from an upper rail of the playpen. The suspenders each has a strap, connected with a buckle and hinged with a hook which includes an elastic pate to facilitate the hook releasable held the rails of the playpen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 6317911
    Abstract: A rake for moving an air bubble entrapped between the surface of the water in and the underside of the top of a waterbed mattress to a vent through the top of the mattress is provided consisting of an elongated member and a handle. The elongated member has a lower surface lying in substantially a single plane and spaced apart beginning and end points. A straight line connecting the beginning and end points defines a geometric area for surrounding the bubble. The handle has one end connected to the member and another end extending above the plane defined by the lower surface of the member. The handle is used for manually urging the member downwardly against an upper side of the top of the mattress to trap the bubble within the geometric area. The handle is also used for guiding the geometric area with the bubble trapped therein into communication with the vent so that the air can be released to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Melvin E. Acott, II
  • Patent number: 6317910
    Abstract: A suspended bed canopy for suspending a canopy over a bed without supports being attached to and extending from the bed. The suspended bed canopy includes a suspension assembly comprising a plate member and a frame. The plate member has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge extending therebetween. The top side has a plurality of bores therein. The frame generally has a length and width greater than a length and width of the plate member. The frame has an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of hanging means is insertable in the bores and removably hangs the plate from the ceiling. A panel is removably coupled to the plate and the frame such that the panel secures the plate to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Keith R. M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6301731
    Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture
    Inventors: Chris D. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Todd M. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 6295670
    Abstract: A bed covering retention apparatus comprising a planar anchor plate having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an upper surface and a lower surface, a first and a second anchor point at the proximal end of the anchor plate to which first and second elastic bands are removably connected. The first and second elastic bands have a proximal end and distal end and extend from the anchor points along the bottom surface of the anchor plate until each emerges upwardly through respective apertures to the top surface of the anchor plate. The bands further include releasable jaws having an adjustable opening and adjustable tension so that the jaws will clamp securely to sheets and covers of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel L. Schieberl
  • Patent number: 6292963
    Abstract: A bedding accessory system which comprises a bed pocket having an opening therein and a fastening system which can be secured to the sheets of a bed without moving the mattress. The fastening system is a multipurpose one and can be adapted for different uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Luc Couture
  • Patent number: 6269496
    Abstract: The invention proposes a child's bed including at least one planar bed-framework element arranged perpendicularly to a lying surface. The invention also provides for at least one toy element to be integrated in the bed-framework element in a movable manner by means of guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Detlef Kuenkes