Abstract: A reusable heat or cold chemical therapy pack (10) is provided that has two pairs of compartments (12a and 14a; 12b and 14b). One pair of compartments (12a, 14a) is located on one side of the pack (10) and the other pair (12b, 14b) is located on the opposite side. Each pair of compartments is separated by a rupturable seam (16a, 16b). Each compartment contains a chemical reactant. One compartment in each pair (12a, 12b) is filled with a liquid reactant, and the other compartment in each pair (14a, 14b) is filled with solid beads (15) of reactant material. The compartments proximate those of the opposite pair contain different reactant materials. Therefore, since the solid reactant material (15) will not transfer pressure to the rupturable seam (16a, 16b), only one side of the pack (10) can be activated at a time by pressing on the respective compartment (12a, 12b) containing the liquid reactant.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in checking the fit of a respirator with the face of a wearer. The apparatus may include a generally rectangular envelope having a longitudinal opening to receive the respirator therein. Low adhesive contact surfaces may be formed within the interior of the opening to form a fluid barrier with the periphery of the respirator. One or more passageways, formed within the apparatus, may be opened and closed to test the fit or seal between the periphery of the respirator and the face of the wearer. The envelope may be used to check the fit of a wide variety of types and styles of respirators and face masks. Envelopes with configurations other than rectangular may also be satisfactorily used to check the fit of a respirator.

Abstract: A pouch (12) is provided for maintaining a medical unit, such as a telemetry unit (14), adjacent a patient (10) or personal articles or communication equipment on a person in a clean room environment. The pouch (12) includes a transparent front wall (34) and a non-woven material back wall (36) which are attached along a portion (38) of the periphery of the walls (34, 36). The transparent front wall (34) allows the telemetry unit (14) or personal articles to be viewed during use. The pouch (12) additionally includes a flap (42) with a reactivating, resealable adhesive strip (46) for releasably covering the top opening (41) of the pouch (12). The pouch (12) may be secured to the patient (10) or wearer by straps (18, 20) or a clip (52).

Abstract: A unitary wound closure device adapted to permit a wound on a patient to be viewed while the closure device is secured to the patient. The device includes a body having sufficient flexibility for it to be folded against itself. The body includes first and second surfaces facing away from one another, a securing portion having a length and width sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition with one another and a viewing portion having a length and width sufficient to circumscribe the wound on the patient. A first quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the first surface of the body to adhere the securing portion of the body to the patient. A second quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the second surface of the body to adhere the viewing portion to the patient and the securing portion when the viewing portion is folded over and onto the protecting portion and the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic elastic sleeve (12) is provided which can be affixed securely to a patient's limb. The sleeve (12) is formed from a wide sheet (18) of elastic material that is fixedly attached to the sides of an ice pack or other appropriate heat or coolant container (16). The elastic portion (18) of the sleeve can be stretched to allow the sleeve (12) to slip over the patient's limb and align the container (16) with the area to be treated. The elasticity of the sleeve (12) causes it to conform to the shape of the limb, which provides structural support to the limb and also prevents the sleeve from riding up, riding down, or telescoping on the limb.

Abstract: The disposable face shield (10) protects the wearer against airborne particles and droplets possibly containing pathogens. The disposable face shield (10) includes a transparent plastic shield (12) and a cord (50) attached to the transparent plastic shield (12) for securing the shield about the wearer's face. A crescent-shaped foam member (20) is affixed to the transparent plastic shield (12) at an upper-central spot. The foam member further defines at least one gap between the foam member and the transparent plastic shield to provide ventilation. When not in use, the disposable face shield has a generally flat profile for ease of storage and packaging.

Abstract: A telemetry pouch (12) is provided for maintaining a telemetry unit (14) adjacent a patient (10). The pouch (12) includes a transparent front wall (34) and a non-woven material back wall (36) which are attached along a portion (38) of the periphery of the walls (34, 36). The transparent front wall (34) allows the telemetry unit (14) to be viewed during use. The pouch (12) additionally includes a flap (42) with a reactivating, resealable adhesive strip (46) for releasably covering the top opening (41) of the pouch (12). The pouch (12) may be secured to the patient (10) by straps (18, 20) or a clip (52).

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: A disposable mask that includes a filter media capable of filtering particles of a size appropriate for its purposes, while providing excellent breathability. The mask is formed from multiple layers of filtration material having the general configuration of a trapezoid. 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: An improved head covering (10) comprising an elongated sheet (12) folded in half about a transverse axis (14) to form sides (16 and 18). An expandable crown portion (20) is adhered to the sides (16 and 18) along upper portions (15) and to itself along band (21). A tie strip (22) is attached to the sides (16 and 18) for securing the improved head covering (10) to the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A cervical collar arranged to be stored flat comprises an anterior member, a generally C-shaped chin support member, a connecting pin attaching each end of the chin support member to the anterior member, a posterior member formed to provide a back engaging edge portion and an occipital support portion, and fastening means for releasably retaining the ends of the anterior and posterior means in juxtaposition. Another cervical collar is similarly constructed, but has the chin support preformed and attached to the anterior member or formed as an integral part of the anterior member.

Abstract: The sight of a large I.V. needle makes one shiver with fright due to one's association of an I.V. needle with pain. An apparatus and method for anesthetizing the intended site for I.V. needle insertion is provided to reduce or eliminate the pain. The apparatus (10) comprises a storage chamber (12) containing an anesthetizing agent (22) and coupled to a seat member (14). The seat member (14) further holds a needle (16) in place and pierces the storage chamber (12). Alternate embodiments of the apparatus (10) include a seat member (46,56) which allows the needle (52,68) to penetrate the storage chamber (40,62) just prior to use. The apparatus pierces the skin, injects the anesthetizing agent and induces a skin wheal at the intended site.

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.