Abstract: A sitting patient leg restraint comprises a central section, a hollow wide tube formed of cotton broadcloth or the like, elongated sufficiently as to be capable of looping around a thigh of the seated patient, and across the patient's mid-section (or lower torso) and around the sides at least to the back-rest of the chair. Tie straps of the same type of material extend from opposite ends of the central section. The interior of the central section is filled with a soft padding, such as cotton batting used in quilting, and the central section is divided into multiple sections by stitching or the like extending thereacross to assist in maintaining a relatively wide and flat shape, and to keep the padding secure and distributed throughout the interior.

Abstract: Earplug assemblies are provided for mounting at the ends of a resilient band, which readily deform to tightly seal to the walls of the ear that surround the entrance to the ear canal. Each assembly includes a shell having a closed forward end that presses against the ear and an open rear end that receives an armature mounted on the band. The shell has a front end tapered at a large angle such as 90.degree., while the armature has a forward portion tapered at a small angle such as 20.degree., to leave an air gap between the forward portions of the shell and armature. With the forward tip of the armature pressing against the center of the shell front, outer portions of the shell front can deflect rearwardly and radially inwardly into the air gap.

Abstract: A sealing plug and expander is used in the operation known as total hip replacement wherein the head of the femur bone is removed leaving an opening and replaced with prosthetic components fixed into the bone cavity with penetrating cement. An expansible, elastomeric pressure sealing plug has a generally rectangular portion, a peripheral flange surrounding the rectangular portion at one end, and a central longitudinal hole therethrough which receives a rigid wedge-shaped expander member. The expander has a central inwardly tapered bore which frictionally receives the tubular nozzle of a bone cement cartridge when the nozzle is pressed therein to form a pressure sealing relation therewith. In the relaxed condition, the sealing plug rectangular portion is frictionally received within the femoral canal opening and the flange surrounds the exterior bone surface around the opening of the femoral cavity.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for providing reduced opportunity for germs, viruses and other substances from entering the human mouth under various circumstannces. The device comprises a planar latex membrane adapted to be worn over the mouth and attached to the ears, and having a hollow, generally conical or cylindrical protuberant extension of the membrane deviating from the planar cofiguration at a central location.

Abstract: A garment (20) for controlling excessive hand activity comprises a body clothing means (22) and a pair of sleeve members (24, 26) which each comprise a control end (28, 30). The control ends (28, 30) each comprise a plurality of envelopes (46, 48, 50, 52, 54). The plurality of envelopes are disposed in substantially concentric relation to each other and each contain an opening thereto. Each of the openings are disposed in substantial alignment with the other and are positioned, configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of a person's arm, wrist and hand.

Abstract: An elongated member having one arcuate shaped edge and on the opposite side a straight edge may be used to plant vegetative matter on a bank or hill. The elongated member is curved into a semi-circle and held in place by spikes so that a planting hole may be formed on the uphill side thereof.

Abstract: A telescopic combined crutch and walking stick, having a lower ground-engaging tube; a middle tube mounted slidably and non-rotatably in the ground engaging tube and lockingly therein for positioning it in the lower tube in one of several selectable positions; and an upper tube mounted slidably and non-rotatably in middle tube and lockingly therein for positioning it in the middle tube in one of several selectable positions. The tubes are of a length such that, when they are fully retracted one into the other, the length of the combined crutch and stick is about 1/3 the length when fully extended. The combination further includes an armpit support mounted at the upper end of the upper tube, and a walking stick handle mounted at the upper end of the middle tube.

Abstract: A star-shaped root ball container constructed of a single wire with loops forming an odd number of points is illustrated together with the apparatus and method for making same.

Abstract: An intrauterine device comprises a strip, a rod interconnected with the strip to form a T-shaped element therewith, a coil mounted on the rod, and a thread connected to the rod for dynamic monitoring of the IUD while in the uterine cavity. The coil has at least two layers, of which the first layer is made of an elastic polymer material, serves as a base, and faces directly the rod, while the second layer is made of metal.

Abstract: A passive ear protector device for positioning in the ear of the user for protecting the ear from sounds of high intensity. The device attenuates sound in a manner which tends to preserve the natural quality of the incoming sound, in particular with respect to the natural resonance of the ear canal.

Abstract: An improved container comprising a frame and a flexible receptacle secured thereto includes bracket or hook means for being secured substantially entirely within the space between opposite leg members in a walker.

Abstract: A walker having a unique leg support system in which the walker's two stationary front legs are interchangeable at the user's discretion with two wheeled front legs, both types of legs being height adjustable relative to the walker's framework. The wheeled front legs are connectable to the walker's frame so the wheels can be oriented on either the outboard or the inboard of the walker's front leg. Each wheeled front leg includes a wheel axle and a pivot axle connected thereto, the pivot axle being pivotably connected to a front leg so the front leg can roll along a support surface, e.g., ground, on the wheel when the wheel is pivoted to a first position and so the front leg's foot can stand stationary on the support surface when the wheel is pivoted to a second position.

Abstract: An ergonomic cane comprises a shank (20) and, at one end of the shank, a handle part (22) which is shaped like a pistol grip. The shank has a triangular configuration (FIG. 3) with substantially flat sides (56), which may be slightly concave (FIG. 4). The handle grip extends at a generally right angle from the shank, has an oval cross section (FIG. 7), has a plurality of finger grips (44) extending up from the lower edge thereof, is wider adjacent the shank than at its free end (38), and its lower side makes an obtuse angle with the shank. A hanging strap (48) is attached to the handle grip. By virtue of the triangular configuration of the shank, the cane can be made of lightweight material, such as redwood, yet has ample strength. The pistol grip handle, its angle of joinder with the shank, and the flat sides of the shank provide a handle which can be held with three fingers and a shank which can be held by the extended thumb and forefinger (FIG.

Abstract: A birth control device comprises an oversized sheath portion fitting loosely about the male organ and a flange about the open end of the sheath for retaining the open end of the device outside the woman's body.

Abstract: A fixating device for fixating a femur fracture in the proximity of the hip joint, comprises an arcuate anchoring arm (17) which is intended to be inserted through an aperture formed in the wall of the femur and down in the femur and brought to an anchoring position therein. The arm merges at one end thereof with a guide part (15) provided with at least one guide hole (24, 25), with a fixating screw to be screwed into the neck of the femur. The anchoring arm (17) terminates in a free end (17A). The guide part (15) has an inwardly facing surface (15B) and an outwardly facing surface (15A), which touch respectively an inner plane (30), and outer plane (29). A center plane 31 lies approximately midway between and is parallel to the inner and outer planes and to the main longitudinal direction of the guide part. The anchoring arm has a convex outer surface tangential to a further plane (32) which is parallel to the other planes.

Abstract: A crutch cast support or crutch leg support is provided by a loop of flexible material attached to a crutch at a location of the crutch that is closer to a shoulder support of the crutch than to a hand hold of the crutch, the loop of flexible material hanging loosely from a mounting mechanism that mounts the loop to the crutch. Preferably, the mounting mechanism provides three degrees of freedom where the loop is mounted to the crutch to enhance swinging motion of the loop in a walking direction with respect to the crutch, in a direction transverse to the walking direction, and in rotation about an axis disposed in a longitudinal direction of the crutch. The loop of flexible material is provided by a strap, the length of which is adjustable, so that a leg of a user may be supported at a wide variety of places including the area of the knee, a location closer to the ankle than to the knee, and from below the foot.

Abstract: An athletic mouth guard useful in contact sports for protecting an athlete's teeth comprising a U-shaped double trough mouth piece secured to a connecting strap adapted to be attached to the face guard on a helmet. The distal end of the connecting strap contains an oblong opening whereby a looped connection can be made with a bar on the face guard by passing the mouth piece through the oblong opening and pulling the loop into tight engagement with the bar on the face guard.

Abstract: A method of and system for fixing one or more levels of the vertebrae of a spinal column. Elongated guide wires are provided for being inserted into the vertebrae. A rigid plate is provided for being placed over the vertebrae with the guide wires passing therethrough. Cannulated screws are provided for being inserted over the guide wires, through the plate and into the vertebrae for securing the plate to the vertebrae.

Abstract: A pack of seedling plants includes a sealed, sterile dish containing an agar gel in which seedlings have been raised from seed sown in the gel. The pack may also include a growing tray for which a pack of compost may be provided, and a transparent cover which together form a propagator into which seedlings may be transplanted from the dish. The dish may be fixed to a backing and the various components of dish and backing, tray and cover snap fitted one with another to form a convenient package which also has the advantage of being rearrangeable to provide a robust package for the mail-order market.

Abstract: An adjustable seat crutch for relieving stress on the lower spine and buttock region during prolonged periods of sitting. The device includes at least one vertically and horizontally adjustable crutch support member for attachment to the upright back portion of a seat, and designed for engagement with one or both underarms of a user to support at least a portion of the upper body weight.