Abstract: The present invention describes a corrective headgear for treating infants having abnormal head shape or torticollis. In an embodiment, the headgear comprises a protective shell having a curvilinear surface, wherein the curvilinear surface is positioned to overlie at least a portion of the cranium of an infant, to thereby prevent the infant from resting its head on the regions of the skull underneath the surface of the shell. In an embodiment, the headgear comprises a cloth cap that wraps around the shell to position the shell on the infant's head. Also in an embodiment, the shell comprise a convex protrusion positioned on the shell to prevent the infant from resting its head on regions of the skull protected by the headgear.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a cranial orthosis for treating cranial deformities in infants. The device 10 conforms to the contour of an infant's head 18 and is used to correct positional plagiocephaly by redirecting the compressive forces that would otherwise be imposed on soft, compliant areas of the developing cranium. The device 10 is comprised of a frame member 12 housing having front 14 and rear 16 pads incorporating means for adjusting pressure 24 thereon. The cranial orthosis 10 has at least one removable panel 44 for relieving pressure during nighttime use. Alternate embodiments disclose devices having three pads 14, 54 in either an “X” or “Y” configuration.

Abstract: The “EAR PROS” are protectors for the ears, made of a polyester or light weight Material. It has an elastic band (draw string) for securing and sizing this invention to the Ears. “EAR PROS” come as a pair, interchangeable for the right or left ear. Both ears should be covered to protect them from the hair drying Utensil's hot air. It may used by male or female.

Abstract: A head-positioning aid for treating or preventing plagiocephaly and torticollis is formed of a soft, compliant beanie-style cap. A soft and pliable deflector is attached to the beanie cap and extends downward from near the apex to near the lower edge of the cap. The cap is applied on an infant's head in an orientation to place the deflector at any required position about the circumference of the head. The cap and deflector are united by themed indicia designed to bring family acceptance of the cap to promote acceptance and thereby support long term usage, as may be required.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mouth guard (10) for braces having a U-shaped base portion (30) made from EVA or similar plastic having a melting point less than the boiling point of water, and an upper portion (20) extending generally upwardly from the outer perimeter of the base potion with an inner surface (21) made from PVC or similar material having a melting point greater than the boiling point of water, whereby a partially custom-fitted mouth guard is provided for users with braces.

Abstract: A chin pad assembly and method of construction thereof provides an outer shell of plastics material having straps attached thereto and an inner cushion member attached to the shell independently of the straps. The shell has an outer surface and an inner surface providing a pocket with a pair of openings formed in the shell between the outer and inner surfaces. The inner cushion member is received in the pocket of the shell and provides a pocket to receive a wearer's chin. An attachment mechanism has a pair of elongate members extending from an outer surface of the cushion member. Each of the elongate members is received through a separate one of the openings in the shell and coupled outwardly from the outer surface of the shell to releaseably attach the cushion member to the shell independently of the straps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a user's mouth from discomfort caused by installed dental brackets of the character having a plurality of bracket members attached to the teeth of the user with cooperating wire support members attached to the brackets. The apparatus includes a plurality of uniquely configured protective guards that can be quickly and easily connected to and removed from the bracket members of the installed dental bracket. The protective guards are preferably constructed from a soft, stretchable material and comprise an end guard, a side guard, a corner guard and a front guard, each of which can be readily, removably attached to the dental bracket at selected areas to protect the inside of the user's mouth from injury.

Abstract: A lightweight face shield which protects the face of the wearer from debris and/or hazardous materials, such as biological materials, and is particularly well suited for medical and dental applications. The face shield utilizes a two-piece tiered structure with a preferably canted retention frame joined through an inclined structure member to a shield frame member below which is retained a transparent shield, and above which a minishield. The shield frame member is retained forward of the retention frame member so as to retain the peripheral portions of the shield separated from the face of the user, providing improved ventilation and reduced fogging of the transparent shield. A trampoline style support arm is described that provides solid retention, compliant comfort, and reduced material requirements. Optional locking hinge assemblies for the support arms and a nose bridge are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to fix a thermoplastic mask to a patient. The apparatus includes a member having a teeth-receiving portion formed to be positioned adjacent to a cranio facial bone of the patient, a fixation member coupled to the member, the fixation member including a plate and a fastener, a distinct fastener plate formed for coupling with the fastener to couple the mask to the fixation member so that the member is in a fixed position relative to the mask, and a lower plate member positioned adjacent to the member.

Abstract: A head support having a body with a recess defined along a recess edge of the body to receive a person's lower jaw. A torso engaging edge of the body opposite the recess edge being formed to engage a portion of the person's torso when the person is sitting in a substantially upright position to prevent the recess from falling away from the person's lower jaw area.

Abstract: A hearing protective device that includes a headpiece, a first earmuff affixed to the headband, and a second earmuff affixed to the headband, each earmuff including an ear cup that includes a cellular material and that has a distal exterior surface that includes exposed cellular material, and a proximal exterior surface.

Abstract: A whiplash restrainer for use by riders in vehicles, generally in conjunction with safety belts. A helmet-like device is secured, with reasonable freedom of motion of the rider's head, to a shock absorber by a joint device. The shock absorber is removeably secured to the vehicle seat back.

Abstract: The invention is a support device that cradles and supports the head of an individual while distributing pressure acting on the head. The invention may be used in conjunction with a spine board or other cervical immobilization device to maintain the cervical spine in neutral alignment and assist in immobilization of the individual.

Abstract: A methodology and device for inhibiting or reducing dry mouth and inhibiting or reducing snoring of a human during sleep consists of applying a lip sealer device to a human in an angular position on the head. The lip sealer device forms a flexible, elastic continuous loop. The device may be positioned in the front of the head above the chin and below the lower lip, and extends diagonally across the cheeks and over the top of each ear and across the back of the head. The device has holding force to inhibit the opening of the lips during sleep. Optional lip balm may be used to seal the lips during sleep.

Abstract: A surgical mask is disk shaped and made of a flexible and elastic sheet material. It has a rim flange which strengthens the edge of the disk and prevents edge tears. An preferably off center linear slit is about 3 inches in length and provides terminal holes for preventing slit tear-out. In use, the mask is pressed down over a surgical site so as to be able to efficiently catch fluids erupting from the surgical site.

Abstract: A thermal retention hood for reducing heat loss from a patient's head during and following surgery includes an enclosure configured to cover the face and head of the patient, and configured to retain heat within the enclosure. The enclosure is at least partially transparent, to give a practitioner visual access to a patient's face. The hood further includes a scored line in the enclosure in a position corresponding to the patient's nose and mouth, a second scored line surrounding a region of the enclosure corresponding to the location of the patient's face, and a strap configured to secure an open end of the enclosure around the patient's neck. The hood may also include an absorbent pad within the enclosure, positioned to cover a portion of the back of the patient's head to absorb excess moisture.

Abstract: The invention related to a radiation protection arrangement for screening radiation emitted from a radiation source, especially an x-ray source. Said arrangement is provided with a screening element consisting of, or comprising, a radiation protection material, and a cover, which fully surrounds the screening element. Said cover can be pulled over the screening element and completely separated from the same. As the cover can be changed, the radiation protection arrangement can be kept clean and sterile in a simple manner.

Abstract: A patient restraint member is provided for medical procedures, such as radiation therapy. The restraint member is formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material that can be softened upon heating so as to be formable into a shape corresponding to a patient's body part to be restricted and setting upon cooling to retain the shape. The sheet includes spaced apart groups of perforations which minimize shrinkage during the formation process. The sheet also includes solid bands extending between the groups of perforation to provide rigidity and strength to the formed sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting or preventing the clenching action of the human jaw. A lightweight clamping appliance to be worn outside the mouth to inhibit the bite due to the placement of pressure at both sides of the face, beneath the maxilla and above the mandible. A two arm clamp, structurally sized for placement around the outline of the face, with a curved sliding mechanism for altering the length between said arms, and a soft cushioned pad at the end of each clamp arm that can be secured in the desired position. A mechanism for adjusting the applied pressure or tension of the device to individual comfort levels and locking the tension level in place positioned comfortably under the chin area. The elements of the appliance that come into contact with the face during application have cushioned surfaces. An attachable chin cushion provides additional support to the wearer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for improving a user's breathing includes an upper arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A hook having a substantially rounded end is coupled to the upper arch. The lower arch includes a substantially rounded recess adapted to receive and position the substantially rounded end of the hook to pull the lower arch forward to facilitate improved breathing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating infant plagiocephaly whereby a helmet encircles the upper cranium of an infant and prevents the infant from resting its head on flattened or depressed regions of the skull. The helmet contemplates an adjustable first member which encircles the infant's upper cranium, and a second member comprising a relatively rigid protruding element that is attached to the exterior surface of the first member. The second member is positioned so that it is superincumbant to flattened or depressed regions, so that when the helmet is worn, the second member forces the infant to rest its head on a different area of the skull, thus passively relieving pressure on the depressed skull, and applying a gentle active pressure to other areas. Additionally, the method an apparatus relates to the treatment of torticollis and other abnormalities of the neck.

Abstract: A nose protection shield designed to be custom fitted to the exterior shape of a nose which is constructed of a hydrophilic thermoplastic having a thickness of between one-half millimeter to one millimeter. The nose protection shield is constructed by making a cast of the person's nose by applying a first hardenable material onto the nose, causing this first hardenable material to harden, removing the cast after such is hardened, filling of the cavity of the cast with a second hardenable material, permitting the second hardenable material to harden to form a model, removing the model from the cast, placing a thin, flexible plastic sheet on the model, drawing a vacuum in proximity of the model which causes the sheet to be drawn tightly against the model, apply heat for a short period of time to the sheet to a sufficient level to cause the at-rest shape of the sheet to be deformed and assume the new configuration of the model, and then removing of the sheet from the model.

Abstract: An earplug composed of an injected molded resilient polymeric material for insertion into an ear canal by a fingertip of a user, including an elongated member having a nose portion formed as a curved front end. An open cup shaped rearward extending flange located at the end of the elongated member opposite to the nose portion and with the open cup shaped rearward extending flange configured to receive the fingertip of the user. The elongated member including at least one flange element located intermediate the nose portion and the open cup shape flange. The nose portion and the flange element having a generally curved shape to extend into and conform to the wall of the ear canal.

Abstract: Safety apparel and/or non-apparel items that filter from the air one or more airborne particles and/or undesired gasses to provide safety to a human and/or non-human from potentially unhealthy airborne particles. The apparel and/or non-apparel item at least partially includes a filter material. The filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item has a sufficient size to enable the human and/or non-human to cover the nose, eyes, and/or mouth of the human and/or non-human. The filter material filters at least one airborne particle and/or undesired gas by a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, and/or a chemical mechanism. The apparel and/or non-apparel item can include at least one visual and/or textural indicator on the apparel and/or non-apparel item to at least partially indicate the location of the filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item.

Abstract: Support devices and pods for the head and neck region of patients undergoing radiation therapy are provided herein. The pod generally includes a support shell shaped to generally conform to the shape of the head and neck region of the patient, a foam insert that conforms to the head and neck region of the patient, and an immobilization facemask attached directly to the shell, thereby facilitating close placement of the radiation beam delivery device to the patient and reducing any attenuation and perturbation of radiation doses directed at the patient. The components of the pod are made from materials having properties that reduce any attenuation and perturbation of prescribed radiation doses.

Abstract: A sterile ocular cover for an eye during surgery which includes a sheet member with a centrally located hole. The sheet member is made from a flexible material and it is designed to be placed over and in contact with the surface of the conjunctiva. The hole is slightly larger than the size of the cornea and it extends through the central portion of the sheet member.

Abstract: A strap is disclosed for a human user. The strap includes a support for the chin of the user, a first support for a first mandible of the user, a second support for the second mandible of the user, and means for securing the strap to the head of the user. The first mandible support is affixed to one side of the chin support and the second mandible support is affixed to the opposite side of the chin support. In a preferred form, the first mandible support and the second mandible support are each from about 1.5 inches wide to about 3 inches wide, and in a preferred range, the first mandible support and the second mandible support are each from about 1.75 inches wide to about 2.25 inches wide. In a preferred embodiment of a strap according to the present invention, the first mandible support is at an angle to the second mandible support of from about 90 degrees to about 140 degrees when the strap is opened flat, as it would be before it is place on the user.

Abstract: A protective mask for resisting biting by a detainee has a panel of flexible, breathable material shaped to extend across and cover the nose, mouth and cheeks of a wearer and at least one fastener strap extending between the opposite sides of the panel for extending around the back of a wearer's head in order to secure the panel in position across a wearer's face. An elongate bite-resisting strip member is secured to the central region of the inner face of the panel to extend transversely across the mouth. This will resist or prevent biting by the wearer through the material of the panel. A central folded region of the panel creates a space between the panel and the wearer's mouth, the folded region being open at the lower edge of the panel to prevent pooling of vomit or the like within the mask.

Abstract: To provide a mouth guard-preparing sheet from which a mouth guard to be used for preventing teeth and their surrounding tissues from a trauma occurred mainly in sports and having a uniform thickness between the right and left sides thereof can be prepared, without causing a problem in the thickness of an anterior teeth portion becoming thin in the preparation of a custom-made mouth guard by heat-sucking. The mouth guard-preparing sheet is made of a thermoplastic resin having a plane shape substantially coincident with a shape of a fixed frame of a heat-sucking type mouth preparation device and provided with a mouth guard portion from a site to be contacted with a labial surface side of a gingiva of an anterior teeth portion to a molar portion side and an elongation tab portion in an exterior direction of a mouth guard portion, wherein said mouth guard portion has a thickness of 1.5˜10 mm; said elongation tab portion has a thickness of 0.1˜0.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to fix a thermoplastic mask to a patient. The apparatus includes a member formed to be positioned adjacent a cranio facial bone, a fixation member coupled to the member, and a fastener plate. The fastener plate couples the mask to the fixation member so that the member is in a fixed position relative to the mask.

Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly for use in detecting impact forces on the neck and head of a user is disclosed. The mouthpiece assembly includes sensors which determine linear and rotational impact forces on the user. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth guard having a channel sized to receive the upper teeth therein. A raised dome portion extends from the mouth guard and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the roof of the mouth. The sensors are located in the raised dome portion and the mouth guard or in other locations of the mouthpiece if mouthpiece sensors are required. An indicator is provided to provide a visual and/or audible indication when the magnitude of an impact exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A cranial orthosis is contoured to match the curvature of the fronto-temporal, parietal and occipital areas of an infant's cranial vault to provide protection against the acquisition of postural cranial deformities as a result of the infant's sleeping in the supine position. The orthosis is designed to be of universal fit, as determined by the infant's fronto-occipital head circumference (FOC) measurement. Moreover, the interior dimensions of the orthosis can be enlarged to accommodate growth of the infant's head without requiring replacement. The orthosis is a molded plastic appliance in the form of a shell, headband or helmet having interior surfaces that are smoothly contoured to conform in shape to the surface curvature of the occipital, temporal and parietal areas of a healthy human infant having normal cranium size, shape and symmetry.

Abstract: Headwear is adapted for use by a patient to position airway tubes of a nasal interface operatively connected to a positive airway pressure device. The headwear includes an elongated head strap for being worn around a head of the patient. First and second tube holders are attached to the head strap, and adapted for engaging and holding respective airway tubes of the nasal interface to retain the tubes in a desired position during use. Each of the tube holders includes an elastic strip extending along a longitudinal dimension of the head strap. The elastic strip cooperates with the head strap to form an eye for receiving an airway tube of the nasal interface.

Abstract: An improved cervical traction device having main bodies (12) having at their anterior, inferior ends an occipital support (14) and at their anterior, superior ends a head support (16). Maxillary strap (17) and skull strap (19), located at the inferior ends of main bodies (12), along with forehead strap (18), located at the superior ends of main bodies (12), secure the device to the user. A guide rod (20) is located both inferiorly and superiorly to connect the main bodies (12) along with an adjusting rod (22) which is equidistantly located between guide rods (20). A compression spring (24) is secured around the perimeter of each guide rod (20). An adjusting knob (38) is secured to one end of adjusting rod (22), lateral to main body (12). A securing pin (36) and a support guide (34) allow for easy adjustment of head support (16). A strap (26) and a hook (30) allow the device to be attached to a force application device. A hinge (32) secures occipital support (14) to main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue within a patient's body cavity. In one embodiment, the tissue immobilized is heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart.

Abstract: A mouth protector assembly comprising a grid-like mouth protector, defined by a top bar contoured to engage the area above the upper lip and below the nose of a user, a series of spaced bars depending from the upper bar and a pad which underlies the chin of a user, a strap system for supporting the grid over the mouth including straps connected to the grid and encircling the head to support the grid over the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A human jaw supportive device consisting essentially of elastic textile products. The supporter has members that encircle the head and apply upward pressure on the lower jaw and the bottom of the chin to stabilize them while the user is sleeping and to keep the jaw in a desired position while sleeping. The supporter is a device for preventing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: Helmet protection methods and systems designed to protect the wearer from not only physical impact but also from non-impact safety risks posed by noxious fumes, fire, lack of oxygen, and particulate matter and the like by creating a positive pressure inside the helmet while still permitting normal human respiration, are presented. More specifically, a helmet, a compressed air canister(s) such as a cartridge or a tank, for example, sensor(s) that may trigger an pressurized air release element that may initiate a flow of breathable air from the canister(s), and an exfiltration mechanism that may permit the increase of air pressure within the helmet such that safety endangering conditions (such as noxious fumes, heat buildup, particulate matter and the like) are prevented from entering inside the helmet but respiration by the human wearer is still possible, are presented.

Abstract: Hollow eyeglass frames are combined with a wearable distributed air pump to form a portable positive pressure powered air purifying delivery system for inconspicuously supplying respirable air to the nostrils of an individual. Ambient air is pressurized by combining the outputs of a plurality of piston compression tubes arranged and connected to form a thin flexible pump that can be worn around the waist. This pressurized air is passed through filter and conditioning modules to form respirable air, which is then piped to air inlet ports on the hollow frame eyeglass temples using small diameter tubing. Nose tubes on the hollow eyeglass frames near the nose inconspicuously direct the respirable air into the nostrils at a rate that exceeds the peak inhalation rate of the individual, thereby preventing the inhalation of unfiltered air.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for filtering airborne biological and/or chemical agents from air for breathing, comprises an outer hood adapted to seal with and encompass at least the head and neck of a wearer from ambient atmosphere, at least one transparent lens attached to the outer hood for providing visual sight to the wearer, at least one filter assembly attached to the outer hood, the filter assembly adapted for filtering airborne biological and/or chemical agents from air passing therethrough, an airflow regulator located in the outer hood, the airflow regulator including an outlet adapted for expelling exhaled air to ambient, and an inlet adapted for drawing air thereinto, and air conveying means located in the outer hood for conveying air filtered through the filter assembly from ambient to the inside surface of the transparent lens for drawing into the airflow regulator inlet.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus and method of use thereof remedies at least some of the problems and dangers associated with applying restraint holds to violent and/or struggling persons by protecting restraining or escorting personnel from harm that may be inflicted on them by the target person during and after application of restraint holds (such as spitting and biting). The inventive protective apparatus advantageously comprises an collar (for example a cervical collar) that protects and stabilizes the person's neck and prevents neck injuries and head-butting, and a readily deployable face shield that attaches to the cervical collar and that prevents the person from spitting on and/or biting the staff members. The face shield may be permanently or releasably attached to the collar.

Abstract: This invention sets forth a protective device for the lips of a person who may be exposed to the sun, wind or a tanning bed and the like, in their jobs or in relaxing at the seashore, boating, sunbathing and the like, and is inexpensive, easy to apply and remove and can be carried in a pocket or purse.

Abstract: A surgical instrument fluid shield is disclosed having a radially proximal edge, at least a portion thereof defining an adjustable aperture for engaging an elongated object, and a conical-shaped section which opens outward from the radially proximal edge, to a wider radially peripheral edge. A portion of the adjustable aperture preferably is in the shape of a sleeve or the like which sealingly engages the elongated object, forming a generally fluid tight seal between the shield and the elongated object and helping to maintain proper alignment of the shield while on the endoscope or other device. The shield may be made of a rubber material such as silicone or a biocompatible elastomer material. The shield may be sufficiently stiff to generally maintain its shape while being simultaneously resilient to allow the aperture at the radially proximal edge to adjust to the outside dimension of the elongated object.

Abstract: The present breathing valve is comprised of a hollow tubular housing sized to fit snugly inside a nostril. The housing is provided with an external thread for screwing into the nostril. A turning tool is provided for screwing and unscrewing the housing by engaging the interior of the housing. An air flow restricting device is provided within the housing. In one embodiment, the restricting device is comprised of a constricted passage for reducing air flow and increasing air pressure within the respiratory system of the user. Oxygen absorption is improved enough by the increased air pressure to eliminate the need for supplemental oxygen for people at high altitudes, and for people with respiratory problems. In a second embodiment, the restricting device is comprised of a movable restricting device which is moved to an open position during inhale to allow free passage of air.

Abstract: A mask is made of a single piece of flexible, elastically deformable fabric trimmed to be substantially symmetric. The mask includes two flaps connected to each other along a center folding line. A V-shaped cutoff is formed above and below the center folding line between the flaps. The single piece of fabric is bent along the folding line with the flaps overlapping each other. Side edges of the flaps that define each V-shaped cutoff are sealed together by means of sewing or adhesives whereby an interior space is formed between the flaps and defined by the center folding line and the sealed side edges of the V-shaped cutoffs for comfortably accommodating the nose and mouth of a wearer.

Abstract: Eye masks having nose- and ear-pieces similar to those of conventional spectacles and sunglasses are described. Such masks include eye-covering regions of opaque material but need not include elastic bands, adhesive, or loops to retain the regions in place while in use. The masks additionally may be made of one-piece construction if desired, molded of plastic or other suitable material into a unitary body.

Abstract: A face mask comprising a forehead section (1), a cheek and nose section (2) and a chin section (3). Each section is provided with graphics material (4, 5, 6) thereon. An adhesive layer (7; 9) is applied to the underside of each mask section to enable it to be secured to the face of a user. The face mask is preferably provided upon a backing sheet (8, 10) which may be in the form of a ticket.

Abstract: Protective eye shades for an infant comprising an outer sheath having two enlarged, oval segments connected by a narrower segment comprising a nose bridge and resilient eye rims secured to the enlarged oval segments and projecting from the outer sheath. The outer sheath may be secured over the infant's face using structure selected from the group consisting of adhesives, hydrocolloids, gels, nets and straps. A preferred bonnet structure for securing the eye shades is also disclosed, the bonnet structure being removably securable to the eye shades using engagement of hook and loop fabric, one of the hook and loop being carried by the eye shades and the other of the hook and loop being carried by the bonnet structure.

Abstract: A face shield support assembly comprises: a frame member having a pair of resilient and biased memory-retaining temples at opposite ends and a face shield support member secured to the frame member having a pair of elbows spaced apart along the frame and a pair of protuberances each formed at an opposite end. One or more connection members secures the frame member to the face shield support member.

Abstract: The present invention is a face mask suitable for application to a skin surface of a person's face, the face mask comprising a plurality of facial mask segments at least one facial mask segment of resilient polymeric foam, each segment conformable to at least a portion of the surface of the person's face and including a first surface, a second surface and a shaped peripheral margin, an adhesive attachment, suitable for use on the first surface of each segment and suitable for attaching the segment to the person's skin; and a decoration, suitable for application on the second surface of each segment, for decorating the face mask; wherein the plurality of facial mask segments cover substantially all at least one facial mask segment covers at least a portion of the surface of the skin of the person's face.