Abstract: A patient monitoring device for use with a patient and a caregiver is provided. The patient monitoring device may include a warning system configured to provide an alarm to indicate, to a caregiver, a change in the position of a patient and a flexible tether extending outwardly from the warning system. The monitoring device may include a clip configured to be removably coupled to the tether and removably coupled to the patient, where the warning system is configured to activate the alarm when the clip is decoupled from the tether.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The tensioning element is then hooked to the device at the appropriate position to provide the desired tension urging the foot portion toward the upper portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. The foot portion is typically attached to the foot by use of a strap. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The upper portion is attached to the calf, while the lower portion is attached to the foot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: A chair having a monitoring device disposed on the back support of the chair for detecting a change in position of a patient. The monitoring device indicates when the patient is no longer in contact with the device to provide a warning when the patient is falling forward, or is slouching in the seat. The monitoring device may be a single sensor or multiple sensors. The monitoring device may be permanently affixed to the chair, or integrated into the back of the chair. The monitoring device may be adjustable in position, or it may be moveable from the back of the chair. Multiple monitoring devices may be provided, or a single monitoring device having multiple zones may be provided or detection or more complex behavior. Typically, an output is provided to a controller which may or may not activate a warning system. The warning system may be visual, such as a light, or it may be audible, such as a siren or the like. The warning system may be either adjacent to or remote from the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding vials for use with a hypodermic needle. The apparatus includes a base adapted to be mounted on a surface, and a holding portion having a plurality of elongated slots for receiving and holding necks of vials in a snap fitting relationship. The apparatus also includes a clamp attached to the base for removably clamping the base to a surface, with the clamp being adjustable for any desired surface. The snap fitting relationship is provided by outwardly flexing arms located on each side of the elongated slot and by a pair of nodes or shoulders located on the elongated slot. The holding portion can be rotated with respect to the base to achieve any desired angle and position for easily accessing the vial cap with a hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A chair having a monitoring device disposed on the back support of the chair for detecting a change in position of a patient. The monitoring device indicates when the patient is no longer in contact with the device to provide a warning when the patient is falling forward, or is slouching in the seat. The monitoring device may be a single sensor or multiple sensors. The monitoring device may be permanently affixed to the chair, or integrated into the back of the chair. The monitoring device may be adjustable in position, or it may be moveable from the back of the chair. Multiple monitoring devices may be provided, or a single monitoring device having multiple zones may be provided or detection or more complex behavior. Typically, an output is provided to a controller which may or may not activate a warning system. The warning system may be visual, such as a light, or it may be audible, such as a siren or the like. The warning system may be either adjacent to or remote from the patient.

Abstract: A support adapted to be placed on a person's leg such that it can contact the backs of the user's upper and lower leg includes a surface that is conformed to the user's leg, renders the support more comfortable to use and more effective in supporting the user's leg. The support is structured so that any tendency for the support to move or rotate relative to the user's leg is minimized. The support may include a raised portion or is otherwise shaped to inhibit movement or rotation. The support may have a first surface portion shaped to conform to a calf area of the rear of the lower leg and a second surface portion shaped to conform to an Achilles tendon area of the rear of the lower leg.

Abstract: A keyboard wrist rest supports wrists in a comfortable position in front of a keyboard by use of a plural functional layered device having a cradling layer operatively engaging the wrist in use, and a support firm wrist positioning layer providing for a defined wrist support distance above an operating surface. The plural layered wrist rest device can have a firm foam acting as the positioning layer and a soft foam acting as a cradling layer for the wrist.

Abstract: A preform for use in forming orthotic devices which have a memory in the original preform shape. The preform is preferably formed into a final body shape which retains a memory of the original preform shape.

Abstract: A medical fastener strap for engaging the body has an elongated stiff strip of resilient engaging members on one side and a mating and overlapping elongated softer strip of material on a second side carrying coacting engaging members for coacting with the first strip. The strap is wrapped about a body member and overlapped at its ends to form a Velcro-type fastener. Parallel edges of the softer strip extend over and beyond edges of the stiffer strip and are positioned adjacent the body to cushion and protect the body from the stiff strip in use.