Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip and which can be used to secure items to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms and grasp the article when the arms are released.

Abstract: A laminate article for damping mechanical vibrations. One embodiment of the damping article includes a neoprene layer, a foamed polyurethane middle layer, and a nonfoamed polyurethane layer. The layers are preferably adhered in an overlaying relation. The article reduces at least 40% of high frequency mechanical vibrations (200 Hz-1250 Hz) otherwise transmitted to the wearer.

Abstract: A mobile patient maneuvering device is provided. The maneuvering device cooperates with the transfer rod to move a sheet upon which a patient is disposed. The device includes a power train, a hook and web assembly attachable to the power train, and a power and switching system in electrical communication with the power train. The power and switching system may also include means for stabilizing the device actuated by contact with the support. The displacing device may be positioned between a head portion of a bed and a wall, thereby occupying a minimum of floor space.

Abstract: A patient transfer system is provided which enables a single operator to transfer a patient from a first horizontal surface to a second horizontal surface. The transfer is accomplished with minimal risk of injury to the operator and patient. The patient transfer system includes a transfer caddy, transfer bridge and transfer rod. The transfer caddy is mobile and contains means for storing the transfer bridge and transfer rod. The transfer bridge and transfer rod are foldable for storage and transport.

Abstract: Apparatus including a substantially pliable underlayment, connecting member, and means to exert a force to transfer or reposition a patient is provided. The substantially pliable underlayment includes a substantially smooth mantle, an attaching structure operably adjacent the mantle, and a reinforcing structure for imparting resistance to mantle distortion during transfer or repositioning. The attaching structure includes a reinforced beaded edge and an attaching structure cooperating with the mantle to form a pocket accommodating a transfer bar. The reinforcing structure includes stitching disposed generally diagonally in the mantle and reinforcing fibers present in the material of the mantle. A method of using the pliable underlayment to transfer or reposition a patient is also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes several devices for readily transferring patients from one platform to another by one attendant. A first system of horizontal transfer of patients is adapted to use existing transfer sheets and cart appropriately modified. A transfer sheet is attached to a clamping device that has a releasable catch that holds the sheet in a cavity. A plurality of straps are attached to the clamping device. The other ends of the straps are attached to reels that are part of a winch. Activation of the winch winds the straps onto the reels. The invention also includes improved bed jackets that can be attached to a winch for lifting a patient either to re-position them on a surface or to transport them. The invention also includes devices with very low friction surfaces to assist with the transfer process.

Abstract: The invention includes several novel devices for transferring patients. A first system of horizontal transfer of patients is adapted to use existing transfer sheets and cart appropriately modified. The sheet is attached to a clamping device that has a releasable catch that holds the sheet in a cavity. A plurality of straps are attached to the clamping device. The other ends of the straps are attached to reels that are part of a winch. Activation of the winch winds the straps onto the reels. Other designs of horizontal transfer devices are included within the invention. The invention also includes improved bed jackets that can be attached to, a winch for lifting a patient either to re-position them on a surface or to transport them. The invention also includes cushions and side rails with very low friction surfaces to assist with the transfer process.

Abstract: A wrist support (10) includes a base member (11) of a flexible material adapted to be formed into a tubular sleeve. A stay (30) is formed from a resilient material and includes a support member having first and second sides, a top and bottom and a plurality of slits wherein the support member provides support and the slits allow for additional flexibility. Further provided is a means for operatively connecting a stay proximate the base member. A loop member 17 is operatively connected to the base member 11 and mating member 13 is also operatively connected to the base member 11 at an end opposite the loop member. The mating member has a connecting element 13a operatively connected to a tab element 13b. The tab element 13b is wider than the length of the loop member 17 and has to be deformed to pass through the slot to the opening 17a and the loop member 17.

Abstract: A support stay for use with an article to be worn by a person has two durometers of hardness. The support stay includes a base member having a first hardness, the first hardness sufficient to provide a required rigidity for support. A gripping member is operatively connected to the base member and has attachment areas which extend beyond the ends of the base member. The gripping member has a second hardness which is softer than the first hardness. The gripping member, when attached to the inner surface of the article by attachment areas, provides a non-slip surface against the person wearing the article to keep the article in position.

Abstract: A wrist support (10) includes a base member (11) of a flexible material adapted to be formed into a tubular sleeve. A stay (30) is formed from a resilient material and includes a support member having first and second sides, a top and bottom and a plurality of slits wherein the support member provides support and the slits allow for additional flexibility. Further provided is a means for operatively connecting a stay proximate the base member. A loop member 17 is operatively connected to the base member 11 and mating member 13 is also operatively connected to the base member 11 at an end opposite the loop member. The mating member has a connecting element 13a operatively connected to a tab element 13b. The tab element 13b is wider than the length of the loop member 17 and has to be deformed to pass through the slot to the opening 17a and the loop member 17.

Abstract: A support stay for use with an article to be worn by a person has two durometers of hardness. The support stay includes a base member having a first hardness, the first hardness sufficient to provide a required rigidity for support. A gripping member is operatively connected to the base member. The gripping member has a second hardness which is softer than the first hardness. The gripping member, when attached to the inner surface of the article, provides a non-slip surface against the person wearing the article to keep the article in position.

Abstract: A knee pad includes a base member which, when unassembled, is planar. A top member is operatively connected to the base member. In a preferred embodiment, the top member is also, when unassembled, planar. The base member has first and second points of attachment and, when unassembled, are at a first distance from each other. The top member has first and second points of attachment which, when unassembled, are also a first distance from each other. Provided are means for securing the top member to the base member at the points of attachment wherein, when assembled, the first and second points of attachment of the base member are at a second distance from each other. The second distance is less than the first distance wherein the base member forms a cupped region. Also provided is a means for attaching the base and top members to a user's knee.

Abstract: A foot rest (10), being positioned on a generally planar surface, includes a generally cylindrical sector support member (20), having an outer surface (21) and an inside surface (22). A generally cylindrical sector base member (30) has an outside surface (31) and inner surface (32). The inside surface (22) is positioned proximate the outside surface (31) and the members (20 and 30) are substantially concentric. A platform member (50) is operatively connected to the support member (20). The platform member (50) has pivotally mounted thereto a foot lock lever (40). A bolt (60) is used to lock the members (30 and 20) in a plurality of relative positions after relative rotational movement between the members (20 and 30), thereby defining a plurality of heights of the foot rest with respect to the planar surface.