Abstract: A covering device (10) for use in covering lacerations, wounds, incisions, insertions of medical devices and the like. The wound covering device includes a flexible hinge member (26) having a width approximately coextensive with the portion of the wound to be covered. The hinge member (26) having a first portion (32) connected at one end to a cover dressing (18), and a second portion (34) connected to a handle member (12). The hinge member (26) having adhesive layers (36, 38) applied in appropriate places to adhere the hinge member (26) to the cover dressing (18), and the hinge member (26) to the patient. Handle member (12) and a protective member (40) are arranged to cover the device so that the device can be handled and applied by a person wearing surgical gloves.

Abstract: An improved ankle support brace (10) is disclosed. The ankle support brace includes a first flexible lateral piece (12) and a second flexible lateral piece (14) attached to and disposed over the first lateral piece (12). The ankle support brace also inlcudes a first flexible medial piece 16) and a second flexible medial piece(18) attached to and disposed over the first medial piece (16). A first plurality of lace loops is disposed along a front edge of the first medial piece (16). Each of the first plurality of lace loops comprises a flexible material strip (56) attached at a plurality of points to the surface of the first medial piece (16). A second plurality of lace loops, each comprising a flexible material strip (50) attached at a plurality of points to a surface of the second medial piece (18), is disposed along a front edge of the second medial piece (18).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in collecting fluids discharged from a patient and liquids used in various types of medical procedures. The apparatus includes a fluid control pad formed from multiple layers of material and one or more pouches attached to the pad. A first layer of film, or backup sheet, is preferably formed from liquid impervious material such as coextruded low density polyethylene and ethyl vinyl acetate polymers. A portion of the backup sheet is covered with a second layer of superabsorbent material and a top layer of cover stock. The first layer of film may be folded to provided pouches disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the second layer of superabsorbent material. A strip of fiber reinforced porous web type material may be disposed in the opening to each pouch to assist in directing excess fluids from the second layer of superabsorbent material into the associated pouch.

Abstract: A system for collecting fluids from medical procedures, laboratory testing or industrial processes using a vacuum pad placed on the floor or an appropriate supporting structure adjacent to a potential source of hazardous fluids. The vacuum pad is formed from corrugated panels having a first sheet and a second sheet with a plurality of corrugated ribs to provide fluid flow channels between the first sheet and the second sheet. A manifold is provided as a part of the vacuum pad to supply a relatively uniform amount of vacuum to each fluid flow channel. The vacuum pad and a container for potentially hazardous fluids may be coupled in series by one or more conduits to a vacuum source such as commonly available in surgical operating rooms.

Abstract: A face mask having a filter body for covering the nose and mouth of a wearer. Ear loops, head bands, surgical ties and other appropriate devices may be used to secure the face mask to the face of the wearer. The filter body is preferably formed from one or more layers of non-woven material. A fluid impervious film layer is attached to an exterior portion of the filter body to prevent fogging of eye glasses or an eyepiece for scientific equipment. A non-woven material layer may be placed over the fluid impervious film to minimize or eliminate glare and reflections from the mask. The non-woven material layer may also protect the fluid impervious film layer during fabrication of the associated mask. For some applications, one or more layers of darkened material may be placed on portions of the mask to reduce or eliminate reflections and glare. The layers of darkened material may be used as edge bindings or to cover the fluid impervious film.

Abstract: A hot or cold chemical therapy pack (1) is provided that has two compartments (28, 30). One compartment (28) has a natural weak point (32) or seam (at 24 or 26) and is contained inside the other compartment (30). Each compartment contains a chemical reactant. In one embodiment, the outer compartment (30), which is made of a flexible, vinyl or plastic material, is arranged in a semi-collapsed configuration. Each end of the inner compartment (28) is fixedly attached to a respective end (24, 26) of the outer compartment (30). The pack (10) is chemically activated by pressing on, kneading, or twisting the outer compartment (30), or pulling on each end of the pack (10). The lateral, outward pressure caused by the pressing on, kneading, or twisting of the pack, or by the user's pulling on the ends of the pack, is exerted at the rupturable seam (32) of the inner compartment (28).

Abstract: A disposable mask that includes a filter body capable of filtering particles of a size appropriate for its purposes, while providing excellent breathability. An optically clear visor may be attached to opposite ends of the filter body to protect a wearer's eyes and face from liquid splash or spray. The filter body is formed from multiple layers of filtration material having the general configuration of a trapezoid. A darkened strip of material may be disposed on the exterior of the filter body adjacent to the visor to reduce glare and reflections by the visor. The mask is secured by straps to the head of a wearer. The straps are arranged to be approximately coextensive with a line extending from the edges which define the opening of the mask so that the edges are pulled into tight sealing engagement with the face of the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable face mask that includes a filter body capable of filtering liquids and/or particles of a size appropriate for the mask's intended purposes, while providing excellent breathability and comfort to the wearer for extended periods of time. The filter body is formed from multiple layers of filtration material having various configurations. Such masks may be secured by one or more knitted headbands to the head of a wearer. Various gasket-type sealing materials such as plastic film or other materials such as hydrogel may be used to enhance the fluid barrier formed between the periphery of the mask and the wearer's face.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in collecting fluids discharged from a patient and liquids used in various types of medical procedures. The apparatus includes a fluid control pad formed from multiple layers of material and one or more pouches attached to the pad. A first layer of film, or backup sheet, is preferably formed from liquid impervious material such as coextruded low density polyethylene and ethyl vinyl acetate polymers. A portion of the backup sheet is covered with a second layer of superabsorbent material and a top layer of cover stock. The first layer of film may be folded to provided pouches disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the second layer of superabsorbent material. A strip of fiber reinforced porous web type material may be disposed in the opening to each pouch to assist in directing excess fluids from the second layer of superabsorbent material into the associated pouch.

Abstract: A clear plastic visor (16) is secured to a mask (12) which is removably attachable to the face of a wearer. The visor (16) is secured to the mask (12) at bond areas (48, 50) on opposite ends of the mask (12). The visor (16) is provided with a notched keyhole (20) to allow the visor (16) to conform to contours of the face of the wearer and to prevent creasing thereof. The visor (16) is generally positioned on the mask (12) so that approximately 1/3 of the visor's depth (D) covers the mask (12). A darkened strip (22) may be added to the top edge of the mask (12) to further reduce the likelihood of glare and reflections.

Abstract: A face mask is provided that includes a filter body capable of filtering liquids, particles and aerosols of a size appropriate for the mask's intended purposes, while providing excellent breathability and comfort for extended periods of wear. The filter body may be formed from multiple layers of filtration material having a generally rectangular configuration with multiple pleats. The mask may be secured to the head of a wearer by ear loops or surgical tie strips attached to flaps extending from the filter body to form a fluid seal between the periphery of the mask and the wearer's face. For some applications, strips of resilient or stretchable material which further enhance both the fluid seal formed by the mask and comfort for the wearer may be attached along each side of the filter body with surgical tie strips or ear loops attached to the strips of resilient material.

Abstract: A face mask is provided that includes a filter body capable of filtering liquids, particles and aerosols of a size appropriate for the mask's intended purposes, while providing excellent breathability and comfort for extended periods of time. The filter body may be formed from multiple layers of filtration material having a generally rectangular configuration with a plurality of pleats. The mask may be secured to the head of a wearer by tie strips attached to flaps extending from the filter body to form a fluid seal between the periphery of the mask and the wearer's face. For some applications, the flaps may be formed from resilient or stretchable material which further enhances both the fluid seal formed by the mask and comfort for the wearer. A clear visor may also be attached to the mask to protect the wearer's eyes and portions of the wearer's face not covered by the mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracheostomy tube holder having a strap and at least two tabs. The tabs are designed to pass through slots on the tracheostomy tube. The tabs have VELCRO type hook surfaces on their ends for releasable attachment to the exterior surface of the strap which has a soft VELCRO type loop surface. This provides for a tracheostomy tube holder which is inexpensive to make and use and which provides significant flexibility in the initial installation and subsequent replacement of individual components when they become soiled in use.

Abstract: A closure device for use in closing lacerations, incisions, wounds and the like. The closure device includes a relatively narrow closure member connected at one end to an enlarged viewing member. Both members have adhesive layers applied in appropriate places to adhere the closure device to the patient. Protective members are arranged to cover the device so that the device can be handled and applied by a person wearing surgical gloves.

Abstract: Load forces are distributed and reacted along lateral and medial side plates, thereby avoiding the concentration of stresses which could cause cracking, buckling, crippling and the like. This is provided by an intermediate plate portion which has an external edge in the form of an elliptical segment. Because of the elliptical profile of the intermediate side plate portion, shear forces imposed by an applied toe load will be distributed through the intermediate side plate portion, thereby reducing the maximum level of forces imposed at the union of lateral and medial brace members with lateral and medial side plates. The gait pattern of the patient is accommodated by a composite outsole which permits yieldable, bending contact rather than rigid, rolling contact with the ground surface. The composite outsole includes an elongated, flexible shell, a flexible heel core and a flexible foot core, with the flexible heel core and foot core being enclosed within the flexible shell in tandem relation to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice pack clip for sealing an ice bag having a blade, a trough, a hinge and a latch. At the hinge end of the clip, the trough has a cam and the blade has a cam follower surface. At the latch end, the trough has projecting nubs and the blade has laterally extending stops. The cam, cam follower surface, nubs and stops cooperate to prevent longitudinal movement of the blade relative to the trough, even if the hinge should fail. Also, the nubs and stops may serve as a secondary latch to prevent unintentional opening of the latch upon bumping the latch release knob.

Abstract: A face mask is provided that includes a filter body capable of filtering liquids, particles and aerosols of a size appropriate for the mask's intended purposes, while providing excellent breathability and comfort for extended periods of time. The filter body may be formed from multiple layers of filtration material having a generally rectangular configuration with a plurality of pleats. The mask may be secured to the head of a wearer by tie strips attached to flaps extending from the filter body to form a fluid seal between the periphery of the mask and the wearer's face. For some applications, the flaps may be formed from resilient or stretchable material which further enhances both the fluid seal formed by the mask and comfort for the wearer. A clear visor may also be attached to the mask to protect the wearer's eyes and portions of the wearer's face not covered by the mask.