Abstract: The invention comprises a body pillow having an elongated body portion that includes a head portion, the body portion being covered by a pillow case and the head portion being covered by a head cover, wherein the pillow case and head cover are removably mounted over their respective portions, and wherein the pillow case can be printed on one side thereof with one of various caricatures including male or female torsos, and the respective head covers can be provided with male or female caricatures corresponding to said torsos.

Abstract: An overlay sheet and a related method for positioning a bedridden patient on an oscillating air support system for maximum safety and maximum therapeutic benefit. An overlay sheet which positions the patient is provided including the sheet, the supports which are located between the patient's arms and torso, and a retaining VELCRO strap. The patient is positioned between the supports and retained by the VELCRO straps, thus, ideally positioned and prevented from sliding side-to-side during oscillation of the air support system.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are fromed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.

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 in 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 as 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 complete the construction.

Abstract: An inflatable orthopedic pillow for use by an individual while sleeping in a lateral position. The pillow elevates one leg relative to the other leg, when the person is resting in a lateral position on a substantially planar support surface. The pillow has a pillow body and one or more inflatable chambers disposed within the pillow body for supporting one leg of the person. The chambers are selectively inflatable for supporting one of the legs in the second plane. Thus, the spine is straightened and disposed substantially parallel to the support surface when the person is oriented in the lateral position.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

Abstract: An ergonomic pillow assembly utilized to provide relaxing comfort and rest to a person having an upper torso problem with pain through the head, neck, and spinal assembly. The ergonomic pillow assembly includes 1) a head support assembly; 2) a thoracic support assembly connected to the head support assembly; 3) a waist and lumbar support assembly connected to the thoracic support assembly; and 4) an audio transmitter assembly to provide audio sound to the users thereof. The head support assembly includes 1) a head support member; 2) a side cervical support member; and 3) a rear cervical support member operable to provide the proper support to a skull member of the user thereof. The thoracic support assembly includes 1) a thoracic support member; 2) a thoracic cage retainer member; and 3) a shoulder cut-out and retainer area operable to receive a shoulder portion of the user thereof.

Abstract: A patient support system comprising a series of self-supporting cushions connected by two longitudinal members and disposed transversely to a bed, with at least two of the cushions spaced longitudinally from one another so as to raise the patient's buttocks above the underlying bed while remaining out of contact therewith. The cushions are contoured so as to raise both the head and the heels of the patient with respect to his/her buttocks, with the heels extending beyond the end cushion to remain out of contact therewith. An embodiment with a reduced number of cushions supports a patient in the sitting position, either in a chair, a wheelchair, or on a backless bench, with the option of having the patient's legs raised on a cushion extension.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress, adapted to support a substantial portion, including the breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs and knees of the body of a pregnant female user in a prone position, comprising a generally horizontal upper mattress portion with a first cavity adapted to accommodate the enlarged abdomen of the user and a second, adjustable in size, cavity adapted to accommodate the breasts of the user, and a lower mattress portion adapted to support the thighs and knees of the user, the lower mattress portion having a supporting surface sloping downwardly from the upper mattress position adjacent the hip supporting area towards the knee supporting area of the lower mattress portion, the downwardly sloped lower mattress portion adapted to support the thighs in a downwardly inclined orientation and to facilitate the getting on or off the mattress by the user.

Abstract: A bilateral immobilization support is disclosed for placing and retaining the arms of a patient in an overhead position during patient examination, diagnostic procedures and/or radiation therapy. The adjustability of the wrist and upper arm supports carried upon a base provides for immediate accurate sizing adjustment in location consistent with the needs of the patient and continuing comfort for the duration of use. The initial settings of the support are visually observable and readily reproducible at subsequent times for the same or similar purposes during which the arms of the patient are immobilized and comfortably supported out of alignment with the area of the body being subjected to a medical procedure. The patient is not restrained, but with both arms above the head the patient inherently tends to relax and remain in a single position.

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: A prone pregnancy cushion, for allowing a pregnant woman to lay on her abdomen, comprising an early stage segment, a later stage segment, and an attachment mechanism connecting the early stage segment and later stage segment. The early stage segment and later stage segment each have abdominal hollows and breast hollows, containing breast cut-outs and abdominal cut-outs which are removable to accommodate women of different sizes and at different stages of their pregnancy.

Abstract: A readily bendable positioning aid, having a soft, spongy foam body for supporting an infant. Once formed into the desired shape, the support maintains its shape until reformed by the user. Disposed internally of the foam body is an elongated, bendable lead rod that weights the body sufficiently so that the support will remain in position about the infant and will effectively constrain movement of the infant.

Abstract: A restrainer device for infants for maintaining an infant generally stationary to prevent the infant from rolling while sleeping comprising a planar surface and two support cushions arranged in a spaced-apart relationship to each other on the planar surface. The planar surface preferably is a sheet or panel of fabric and at least one of the support cushions are releasably attached to the planar surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

Abstract: A patient repositioning and position maintenance device wherein the apparatus includes a rectangular sheet of fabric material which is folded and fastened such that a rectangular patient resting area is disposed between a pair of cushioned cylinders. The rectangular patient resting area portion of the fabric material is placed beneath the shoulder and hip area of a bedfast patient such that a cushioned cylinder is located on each side of the patient in a position between the patient and a bed rail. Additionally, a soft-covered triangular cushion is removably or permanently attached to the sheet at a point equidistant from each cylindrical cushion so that the triangular cushion is located between the patient's legs. The device is used to reposition the patient either by sliding the patient along the bed longitudinally, or by rolling the patient over. Finally, after the patient is repositioned, the cushioned cylinders are used to maintain the patient in a stable position.

Abstract: An infant support pillow with a vibration inducer such as an audio emitter including two pad members defining a channel sized for supporting an infant generally on its side while sleeping. One of the pad members is structured for removably housing a electrically powered audio emitter. The audio emitter is structured for emitting a generated sound preferably similar to those sounds experienced by the infant when in the womb, and thereby promoting sleep.

Abstract: An overlay sheet and a related method for positioning a bedridden patient on an oscillating air support system for maximum safety and maximum therapeutic benefit. An overlay sheet which positions the patient is provided including the sheet, the supports which are located between the patient's arms and torso, and a retaining VELCRO strap. The patient is positioned between the supports and retained by the VELCRO straps, thus, ideally positioned and prevented from sliding side-to-side during oscillation of the air support system.

Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.

Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises apparatus in the nature of resiliently flexible laminated pads, with or without magnetic tape, used to apply pressure to various areas of a human body, particularly the back, to alleviate back pain and related symptoms due to muscle strain, tension or nerve irritation, as well as headaches and menstrual discomfort.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.

Abstract: A medical patient restraint device is provided for additional comfort while restraining patients during surgical procedures such as the circumcision of infants. The patient restraint device has a generally planar support member which is sized to receive and support a patient in a lying position thereon. The support member defines opposite side edges. A pair of support straps are fixed to the support member and extend along respective side edge portions in a generally parallel relationship. The pair of support straps are laterally spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive the patient therebetween with the support straps being parallel to and adjacent the sides of the patient. Individual restraining straps are provided for releasable connection to respective ones of the patient's arms and legs.

Abstract: A table top is arranged to include a mammary plate, having opposed first and second arcuate recesses to each individually accommodate a mammary during an examination procedure. A modification of the invention includes the mammary plate formed of expandable and contractible relative L-shaped components to accommodate variation in sizing of the first and second arcuate recesses.

Abstract: A support pillow having two resilient pads and a bottom panel connecting between the two pads. The two pads are in spaced relationship with one another so as to define a channel to receive an infant placed on its side within the channel. The infant's head and possibly arms extend out one open end of the channel, and his legs extend out the other oppositely disposed open end of the channel. The channel is defined by planar walls of the spaced pads. The planar walls of the pads are soft so as to be somewhat conformable to the natural curvature of the infant's body when the width of the channel is adjusted with the opposing planar walls pressed snugly against the infant, one wall against his back, and the other wall against his chest area. The planar walls support the body with wide surface area contact and thereby comfort and adequate holding pressures are gained. Capabilities for adjusting the width of the channel are provide with adjustable fasteners such as hook and loop.

Abstract: A body support for supporting a human body lying on a bed in a side position including a body support, first and second flexible arms extending outwardly from the support with a head engaging structure connected to one of the arms and a leg engaging structure connected to the other arms for maintaining the body support against the body. The support may include a flat side, and an incline side and be right triangular in cross section. Preferably, the head engaging structure and leg engaging structure are substantially the same for reversibility.

Abstract: An inflatable support for a human torso is provided which has the general form of a catamaran, and which provides a tunnel extending longitudinally of the support within which additional supporting members can be confined, whereby to provide for adjustability of the support in dependence on the requirements of the user.

Abstract: A spinal positioning frame mounted atop an operating table for lateral, longitudinal and pivotal adjustment allows optimal patient positioning. A yoke mounted in a rectangular frame for reciprocal sliding movement is driven by a pneumatically controlled electric linear actuator which may be driven in an emergency by blowing into pneumatic control lines. A pair of spaced parallel flexible steel flex strips connect juxtaposed anterior and posterior fulcrum plates pivotally mounted adjacent opposite ends of the frame. A pair of patient support pads are adjustably secured by cooperating hook and loop pile fasteners to respective pad mounting plates. Slots in the pad mounting plates receive cam lock fasteners which adjustably secure the pad mounting plates to the flex strips. The actuator causes the flex strips and pads to bow convexly upwardly, while a meter indicates the degree of flex, allowing precise regulation of spinal curvature to afford maximum lumbar access.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lounge cushion with body supports which are adjustable to conform with body frames of different girths and heights. It is ergonomically correct to alleviate stress on the lower back, head, neck and legs by reducing pressure while relaxing in the prone, supine or side laying positions.

Abstract: A body support structure in the form of a mattress for supporting a person when lying thereon is provided. It comprises a body of resilient, compressible material, having a surface layer of resilient soft material. The body includes a head end edge and a foot end edge at its opposite end; two substantially parallel straight elongated side edges; a bottom face extending between the two side edges of the body; an upper face opposed to and spaced from the bottom face between the two side edges of the body; two spaced apart elongated ridges, one of the ridges extending along each side edge; a channel provided in the upper face extending between the two ridges, the channel joining smoothly to the two ridges on either side; a central raised part located in the channel between but distanced away from the opposite end edges and being positioned to support the lumbar region of a person lying in the channel and side parts provided on the ridges adjacent the central raised part.

Abstract: A device to prevent a user from sleeping on or rolling onto the abdomen during sleeping including a resilient foam cushion having a generally wedge-shaped cross-section. The cushion is formed with a base having length and a width sufficient to engage major portions of the user's abdomen and sternum. The cushion further has two converging sides extending from the base, the elevation of the sides being between about 0.5 and 1.5 times the width of the base. A belt is used to maintain the cushion in position on the user's abdomen and sternum during sleeping. The belt extends from the cushion and is arranged to engage the torso of the user.

Abstract: A device to comfortably keep an infant on its side while sleeping. The infant side support sleeper (shown in FIG. 3) is comprised of a back support (25) and stomach support (26) attached with material (11) in which an infant is laid on its side in between the two supports in order to keep the infant in a stationary position on its side.

Abstract: A positioning system provides for airway management of a supine subject. A number of bags are provided for supporting the head and lower neck/upper shoulders area of the subject. Once the bags are positioned under the subject, each bag is pressurized using a pressurized fluid source which is controlled by a mechanical controller. The mechanical controller comprises a number of mechanical switches for regulating the pressure in each bag. By manipulating the mechanical switches, the pressure in each bag is adjusted to align the subject's head and lower neck/upper shoulders area such that the mouth, pharynx and trachea are linearly aligned.

Abstract: A machine washable wedge shaped support structure is formed from a fabric envelope loosely filled with lightweight, preferably polystyrene, beads which shape it. The fabric may have a non-skid surface to resist sliding in use. The wedge conforms to a patient's or infant's body. When compressed, the fabric envelope and beads lock into a roll-preventing support structure. One alternate version has a stabilizing panel extending from the pointed end of the wedge on which a patient lies. Another version has a connecting panel between two opposing triangular shaped wedges. It provides roll preventing support for a pregnant woman and doubles as an anti-roll pad for infants.

Abstract: A pillow for a burial casket. The pillow is formed of a trapezoidal cross section, head block, four trapezoidal shoulder blocks that are detachable from the head block and a covering pad having a concave undersurface into which the head and shoulder blocks nest. A fabric pillow case has a transverse zipper at its upper end which is normally covered by a fabric. The zipper provides access into the interior of the pillow so as to remove and/or adjust the several blocks in order to present the deceased as attractively as possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during surgery which allows the surgeon to adjust the relative positioning of the patient during surgery. The apparatus generally comprises a patient support structure rotatably mounted on an expandable framework which is connected to an elongate base by a pair of hydraulic lifts. The patient may initially be positioned on the table in a supine position and then rotated so as to be supported in a prone position by the patient support structure with the patient's abdomen pendulous and free. The hydraulic lifts are positioned at the ends of the base and allow one end of the expandable framework and the patient support structure to be raised or lowered with respect to the other end. The patient support structure may be rotated so as to angle the patient's back toward or away from the surgeon. A plurality of pairs of support pads are attached to opposite opposed legs of the patient support structure and are longitudinally adjustable relative thereto.

Abstract: A compliant cover sheet is provided for a face-down pillow which has a wedge shape and contains primary and secondary air passageways which facilitate breathing by the user of the pillow. The sheet is fabricated of a single piece of flat compliant thin material cut so as to have a perimeter edge configuration generally matching the configuration of the pillow. Intersecting slits adjacent the upper extremity of the sheet form triangular flaps which descend into the primary passageway. Fastening straps attached to the flaps are adapted to pass through the secondary air passageways and interengage edges of the sheet. A stabilizing strap attached across opposed edges of the sheet adjacent its lower extremity is adapted to embrace the pillow.

Abstract: An exercise float platform is formed of specifically dimensioned buoyant sections connected by flexing hinges to permit a user to perform an exercise routine in an aquatic environment. The buoyancy of the individual sections can be selectively adjusted depending on the weight distribution of the individual, or the exercise routine intensity. The exercise float permits the user to perform exercise routines in the water focused on the back, hips and stomach muscle groups along with allowing flexible upper and lower body workouts while either sitting below the water level or reclined above the water level.