Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate and first and second members rotatably coupled to the plate. The first member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The second member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation between a third position and a fourth position independent of the rotation of the first member about the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The first and second members are configured to be attachable to a frame.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a patient's head on a spine board while allowing longitudinal and rotational movement in conjunction with the body and a method of use for the device are disclosed. The device is comprised of a head harness, a forehead strap, a chin strap, a crown strap and a lateral stabilization strap. The head harness has a skid plate, located on the side of the head harness that rests on a spine board, that is adapted for low friction engagement with the spine board. A patient in a cervical collar is placed on a spine board, the head harness is positioned beneath the patient's head and attached to the spine board. The forehead strap, chin strap, and crown strap are attached to the head harness. The lateral stabilization strap is then attached to the head harness and the attaching straps.

Abstract: A lumbar support brace which is designed to create a tightening effect to push the abdominal contents and abdomen toward the spinal column and as a result creates and increases the hydraulic pressure inside the abdomen and pushes the tissues against the spinal column and straightens the spinal column. In addition, a U-shaped member supports the spine on either side and is connected to a pelvic support member so that the abdomen, spine and pelvis are concurrently supported. The key feature of the present invention is that the support is a dynamic support which enables the wearer to engage in vigorously physical activity.

Abstract: A patient support for an external counterpulsation cardiac assist procedure. The patient support includes: a base; and at least one support connected to the base for maintaining at least a portion of the patient above a tabletop during a positive pressure portion of the external counterpulsation cardiac assist procedure. In one embodiment, the base is a tabletop and the at least one support is movably supported on the table top in lateral and/or vertical directions. In another embodiment, the base is higher than the tabletop and the at least one support is a sling.

Abstract: A child safety restraining device comprising: (a) an ankle strap having a first end and a second end; (b) means for fastening the first end and the second end of the ankle strap to each other; (c) an anchor strap having a first end and a second end; (d) means for attaching the first end of the anchor strap and the ankle strap to each other; and (e) means for anchoring the second end of the anchor strap to an apparatus, e.g. a shopping cart, in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point on the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using such a device to restrain seated children and increase their safety.

Abstract: An arm holding device. The device includes a waist band, a groin strap fitted with an attachment/release buckle, and arms bands which are slidably attached to the waist band. The attachment/release buckle on the groin strap makes placing and removing the device on the patient a simple process. The slidably attached arm bands give the patient limited movement of their arms, while effectively holding the arms of the patient to prevent the patient from aggravating an injury. The device is made of flexible materials to provide as much comfort as possible for the patient, while still being effective.

Abstract: The present invention is a shoulder dislocation acute-phase immobilization orthosis for supporting, in treatment for a shoulder dislocation, an arm in a prescribed position while the elbow is bent at a right angle in an arm hanging position.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique device for ensuring side sleeping to alleviate snoring. It is more dependable and comfortable than any previous invention for remedying snoring and mild sleep apnea. It lessens airway blockage caused by collapse of the soft throat tissues and the back of the tongue due to gravity by preventing a person from sleeping in the supine position where the worst snoring occurs. The design of the present device is fundamentally different from all prior art invented for this purpose. The present invention comprises an elongated polyurethane foam diaphragm with compressible, preferably polyethylene foam, stop blocks attached to its outer surface at opposite lateral sides, all contained in a fabric main enclosure which is wrapped around a person's body. Cushion sleeves of the same or similar material, containing polyurethane foam pads, are attached to each lateral side of the fabric main enclosure and joined together at the front of the person's body by Velcro or other positive means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and stabilizing an injured person. The device comprises a flexible film element whose two films define an air-tight inner space in between them that can be evacuated and in which loose particle-containing chambers are provided. The inventive device comprises a torso part and a head part that is provided on both sides with shoulder rests.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: A personal novelty apparatus includes a pair of elongated members and a pair of fasteners. Each of the members has a planar surface and a plurality of bores. The bores are disposed in the planar surface and extend through the elongated members. The elongated members are adapted to be disposed with the planar surface of a first one of the members being in a facing relationship to the planar surface of a second one of the members wherein the facing relationship may vary from a minimal overlap of the planar surface of each of the members to a maximum overlap of the planar surface of each of the members. When so disposed, at least two of the bores of the first one of the members are axially aligned with at least two of the bores of the second one of the members. A third one of the bores in each of the members is provided to releasably attach a user wearable device. Each of the fasteners is adapted to be disposed through a respective one of the axially aligned bores in each of members.

Abstract: An adjustable brace including a substantially rigid shell conforming to a body part of a user and a strap for securing the shell in fitting engagement with the body part, the shell having a substantially rigid central body portion and a pair of opposite and substantially rigid side portions fixedly and adjustably positionable relative to the body portion of the shell, wherein the positions of the side portions may be independently adjusted relative to the body portion of the shell to provide relatively custom fitting of the brace to the user.

Abstract: A weight-lifter bench is equipped with a removable body support pad having a multiplicity of body support cavities in the pad upper surface. These cavities mate with rear surfaces of the person's head and torso when the person is in a lithotomy position, e.g. when the person is performing a weight-lifting activity using the bench. The cavity surfaces conform to the body surface contours, such that essentially the entire rear surface of the person's torso is in contact with the pad. The pad provides a comfortable support surface, and an enhanced body support action that tends to minimize the potential risk for injury or fatigue.

Abstract: A limb protection device for protecting a section of a user's limb against contact comprises and enclosure for enclosing the limb section and at least one integral flexible cuff located at a respective limb entry to the enclosure. The cuff is adapted in use for being positioned against that part of the user's limb adjacent thereto to restrict the ingress of matter via the entry into the enclosure.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus includes in coaxial arrangement, a first tubular member anchored to a operating table or other stationary structure supporting a patient, and a second tubular member telescopically moving within the first one. A hand-crank and jack-screw mechanism is used to vary the position of the second member in relation to the first member. A tensiometer is provided at the distal end of the second member proximate a fixture adapted for attachment to a part of a patient's body. The tensiometer is based on a compressible, calibrated coil spring and is provided with a vernier scale for convenient and precise adjustment of the traction force. Alternately, the tensiometer uses a load-cell driving a digital read-out.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly restraining a person for an extended period of time at a seat are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes a pair of wrist cuff modules, each supplied with a releasable connector, configured to either attach to existing hardware on one or more seats, or to a first interconnect for releasably connecting the wrist cuff modules to one another behind the seat in which the restrained person is positioned. A set of two ankle cuff modules with a second interconnect and an elongated connection member secured to the second interconnect is provided for securing the person's legs by applying the ankle cuff modules to the ankles and then connecting the connection member to a seat. The second interconnect may be provided with an optional quick release mechanism that enables instant disconnection of the second interconnect from the ankle cuff modules to immediately free the person's legs in case of an emergency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in diagnostic procedures using an MRI unit, CT Scan unit or x-ray unit, comprising a patient resting surface to which a patient's chest, shoulders, knees and lower legs are firmly, but comfortably secured, immobilizing the patient, a foot plate upon which the patient's feet rest or are secured, a pressure creating apparatus which applies a predictable, controllable and variable pressure to the patient's skeleton, joints and spine, and further immobilizes the patient who is secured to the patient resting surface and foot plate with immobilizers, an anchor securing the pressure creating apparatus to the second end of the patient resting surface.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint for selectively restraining the movement of a person. The inflatable restraint includes an inflation unit, a harness, and a plurality of selectively inflatable chambers connected to the harness. The chambers are strategically positioned around selective parts of a body of the person and held in position by the harness. When the inflation unit is activated the plurality of selectively inflatable chambers are caused to inflate thereby restricting movement of the selective body parts of the person.

Abstract: A restraining harness for use in land vehicles including a torso binder and an anchor assembly for securing the torso binder adjacent a seat so as to restrain a handcuffed prisoner. A number of releasable fasteners associated with the torso binder and the anchor assembly permit the torso binder to be rapidly attached and detached from the torso binder.

Abstract: A tendon and ligament support for a limb joint, such as an ankle joint, and in particular to an animal joint such as a horse's fetlock joint, is provided. Tendon and ligament strain during exercise or rest may be limited by limiting the degree of joint movement to a safe level. The level of support (118) may be adjusted. A first collar (1,112) is adapted to embrace the limb above the joint and a second collar (3,113) is adapted to embrace the limb below the joint. A connecting means (4) provides articulation between and separation of the two collars, and is adapted to provide limited elongation of the ligaments and/or tendons under load, and includes means arranged so as to exert a resistance (21,61,71,114,115) to joint movement over a predetermined range of joint rotation. The connecting means may be a hinge (11) or a stiff bendable connecting piece.

Abstract: A device for restraining patients using specially designed straps in various lengths and widths that positively and securely secure a portion or all of a patient's anatomy so as to facilitate securing patients while minimizing trauma and bruising to the patient's body during surgical procedures or in transportation in medical facilities. The invention includes a device with a length of non-allergenic fabric having a soft patient engaging surface and an opposed patient non-engaging surface, first and second opposed ends, opposed edges, and a fastener associated with the length for fastening the device to itself, the edges of the fabric being folded over to present a rolled side margin having a continuously smooth and curved margin face, with the device being sanitizable and reusable, thereby hygienically for minimizing trauma to the mobility limited body portion.

Abstract: A patient's hip surgery support plate in the form of a posterior sacral support unit is locked to an operating table support frame. A separate anterior pelvic support unit is then positioned over the patient and joined to the sacral support unit via a post extending from the top of the sacral support unit. Both units are movably adjustable in the vertical and horizontal plane to accommodate a wide range of patient sizes for surgery where lateral decubitus positioning of the patient is required.

Abstract: A pulmonary therapy apparatus including a proning device for turning a patient, a chest binding and compression device, or an oscillatory motion patient support.

Abstract: A pelvic splint for immobilizing and maintaining the annular integrity of the pelvis in the event of a pelvic ring fracture. The pelvic splint extends from about 5-10 cm above the iliac crest down to about the middle third of the thighs and substantially encircles the pelvis of the victim. The splint is then secured about the pelvis of the victim with two or more adjustable straps. The splint comprises a flexible casing having at least one pliable padding layer disposed therein and a plurality of flexible members individually disposed in pockets spaced apart about the casing. Once tightly secured around the pelvis by the adjustable straps, the splint conforms to the contours of the victim's pelvic area and stabilizes the pelvis by preventing lateral movement and constraining the pelvis in such a manner to preserve the annular integrity thereof. An associated method of stabilizing a pelvis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient positioning device includes a table for supporting the patient, and having opposite sides with male indexing nodules extending outwardly along each side edge of the table. A lock bar extends across the table and has opposite ends with a female recess to retentively engage opposing pairs of nodules on the side edges of the table. A patient restraint member mates with the lock bar to provide for repeatable and accurate positioning of the patient on the treatment table.

Abstract: The transport and securing system of the present invention is utilized in conjunction with a wrist and ankle mechanical restraint system applied to a subject, which releasably secures the restrained subject to the transport and securing system, to easily and quickly transport the restrained subject and secure the subject to an ordinary bed, or any other stationary structure, without removing the subject's mechanical restraints. A instant release mechanism enables a single staff member to immediately disconnect the transport and securing system from the stationary structure so that the restrained subject may me quickly transported into another location without releasing the subject from the mechanical restraint system. The inventive transport and securing system includes optional releasable chest and stomach straps to supplement the mechanical restraint system. Alternately, the inventive transport and securing system may be configured to utilize an upper body protection and face shield system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsible, convertible, extendable, traction-providing, portable stretcher/body splint type rescue device for use generally in emergency rescue field situations and having three main parts: a top or head portion, a middle or body portion, and an optional bottom or foot portion, all of which are formed from radiolucent material. The rescue device of the present invention further includes a head gear portion that is slidably adjustable, can provide dynamic cervical traction in the field, and is positioned on, yet easily removable from, the top or head portion. There is also padding on the top and middle portions which is removable, as well as a plurality of restraining devices such as webs, gores, straps and flaps to immobilize a victim on the rescue device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restraining the movement of the head of a person. An apparatus and method for restraining the movement of the head of a person relative to a torso of the person. An apparatus and method for simultaneously engaging a plurality of constraints with the head of the person.

Abstract: An improvement for a typical brassiere, halter or bra garment comprises a pair of wide, unidirectional elastic, plush pile, fabric breast bands each affixed to a lateral side section of the garment on opposite sides of the person's thoracic torso. Hook fastener material is secured transversely across to the exterior surface at the distal of one breast band, and transversely across to the interior surface at the distal end of the other breast band for allowing a wearer, alternatively, (i) to secure the breast bands together in an overlapping fashion across her front torso over the upper (pole) portion of her breasts for restraining upward movement of breast mass and any associated implants, or (ii) to secure the breast bands together in an overlapping fashion across her back torso when such upward restraint is not desired.

Abstract: A mixed liquid foam type human body immobilization pad comprising a vesicle bag, a separating device, foaming agents, and an outer bag. The separating device divides the vesicle bag into two portions. A foaming agent B is contained in the first bag portion and a foaming agent A is contained in the second bag portion. The separating device, such as a clasp or clip is easily removed to allow the first bag portion and the second bag portion to join and the foaming agent A and foaming agent B can flow together and mix, resulting in a chemical reaction. When a patient is positioned on the vesicle bag a custom mold is formed which closely fits the contours of a portion of the patient's body. The close fit of the custom mold ensures a high degree of accuracy and fixation of the patient during therapy, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: Protective tube and harness for the masculine member. The tube continues with a hinge with a hole at their end. The member is placed into the said tube, fixed with adhesive tape to the hinge. This hinge is introduced in an external tube with another hole which matches with the hinge hole. A padlock fixes the hinge and the external tube. Two rings are added to the external tube in their ends being fixed to the human body with a harness by a cable or chain.

Abstract: An integrated back pain and back health program incorporating proper posture to achieve joint realignment and muscle relaxation, proper breathing to achieve stress management and muscle relaxation, and an exercise program focused on the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen and hips to achieve muscle and joint flexibility and strengthening. By providing instruction on maintaining proper posture, the protocol offers back pain sufferers relief from the stress caused by muscles involuntarily attempting to realign and/or stabilize misaligned joints. The breathing techniques used in the protocol aid in muscle relaxation and, together with proper posture, maximize the benefits of the exercises performed in the procedure. The exercises in the protocol stretch and strengthen the muscles that are commonly implicated in the occurrence of back pain, release spasm in those muscles, and reset those muscles to normal tonus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restraining a person's limbs are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes at least one cuff module for application to the person's limbs. An optional interconnect may be provided for each set of cuff modules. Each cuff module includes a flat flexible elongated body with two rigid loops positioned apart from each other on its upper surface, a resilient lining positioned along a portion of the lower surface of the cuff body, the resilient lining being optionally removable, a flat rigid element attached to one end of the cuff body, and a releasable attachment device positioned on portions of the top and bottom surfaces of the cuff body.

Abstract: A strap attachment assembly for an orthopedic brace has an anchor mounted on an orthopedic brace component and a strap retainer mounted on a strap. The anchor has a retention post and a retention head and the strap retainer has a body and a retention plate. The body includes a chamber and the retention plate includes a retention opening aligned with the chamber. The retention opening is sized to releasably receive the retention head when the retention post is positioned in the chamber. The retention plate is transitionable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The inner boundary of the retention opening blocks displacement of the retention head therefrom in the locked condition and is clear of the retention head to permit displacement of the retention head therefrom in the unlocked condition.

Abstract: A suspect restraining device is disclosed that includes a device for extending and retracting a plastic-covered cable from one end of a housing and inserting the end of the cable in another end of the housing to selectably releaseably retain that end in the housing. When the free end of the cable is retained in the housing, the opposing end of the cable is restrained in its movement to only allow retraction of the cable into the housing, thus snugly fitting the cable around the torso of a suspect to be detained. The housing may be mounted in vertical position on the wall of a building or on the inside of a police wagon or corrections vehicle or on the outside of a police squad car.

Abstract: A restraint for bed covers serves to pull an upper bedsheet or cover taut laterally across a bed and person confined therein. The present restraint assists in preventing a confused or restless bedridden patient from dislodging or pulling at dressings, catheters, IV tubes, and the like, thus assuring that proper treatment is provided for the patient. The present restraint comprises a relatively short elastic strap having a bed cover attachment end with a garter-type fastener extending therefrom, i.e., a button and clasp assembly. The opposite end portion of the strap includes complementary portions of hook and loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro®) disposed thereon, with the strap looping about a portion of the bedframe structure and securing back to itself. A preferred embodiment includes a D-ring or the like extending from the button and clasp attachment, through which the strap is drawn for greater leverage before being secured to itself.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable and angling head immobilization device for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient's head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in fitting around a stomach wall.

Abstract: A prisoner activated restraining device which is activated when the wrists of a prisoner are placed in channels of the device.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

Abstract: An emergency neck restraint for small children and infants. This restraint is designed to be adjustable to fit the necks of infants and toddlers. It is made from a rectangular sheet which is reinforced on its edges. Attached to the edges of this sheet are two pairs of straps. The straps from one side of the sheet connect with the straps from the other side of the sheet. Between these straps are two slits in the sheet. When the invention is used the sheet is folded. and rolled toward and up to the slits. This rolled sheet is placed behind a patient's neck and the roll is folded in a U-shaped support around the patient's neck. The ends of the roll are connected with one pair of straps. The unrolled portion of the sheet can be folded under the patient's shoulders to align the cervical spine.

Abstract: A keyboard posture device includes a lateral support shaft, left and right L-shaped tubular frame members, and left and right arm restraints. The lateral branch of each frame member is adjustably movable along the support shaft. Left and right arm restraints are adjustably movable, forward and back, on the forward struts of the left and right frame members respectively. The arm restraints extend forward from the struts and away from each other to form left and right arm crooks. The device is adjustable as to width and depth by movement and selective locking engagement of the frame members on the support shaft, and of the arm restraints on their respective frame members. The device further includes a back pad and a wraparound strap to secure the device to the torso of the user.

Abstract: An abdominal support for a pediatric patent is described wherein the support includes an elongate strip of knit elastic material having an extended surface and a length sufficient to surround the torso of a pediatric patient in the region of the abdomen. Separable fastening elements are provided to selectively and adjustably fasten the ends of the strip together to snugly fit the patient. A fabric sleeve is provided to receive the major portion of the length of the strip to functionally reside in use between the one surface of the strip and the patient at operational rates.

Abstract: A muscle group isolation device for weightlifters, worn when performing weightlifting exercises primarily for the triceps and biceps to assist the weightlifter in maintaining proper arm position while exercising. The muscle group isolation device includes an elongated flexible strap with a fastening means to adjustably connect the two ends of the strap together and form a continuous loop.

Abstract: A neoprene strap has loop type connector material along the length of one side to mate adjustably with a strip of hook type connector material on the other side at one end of the strap to tightly stretch the strap around the patella in a double loop. A midportion of the strap is positioned either under or over the front of the patella. The ends wrap around the leg to form a cross overlap point with extra support behind or on either side of the patella and the ends are joined in an end overlap point with extra support at the front of the leg adjacent to the patella opposite the midportion. Magnets with hook type connector material attach at any desired points along the strap on the loop type connector material in contact with the skin at the desired points of application of magnetic therapy around the knee.

Abstract: A controlled extrication module for the injured composed of a body with several means of immobilization of an injured person and supplied with devices for handling, maneuvering and transporting. The module is composed of a rigid plaque that provides a rear part with a medium zone coinciding with a person's back, a lower zone coinciding with a sacrococcygeal zone, and an upper zone coinciding with neck and head. The upper zone has a rounded edge which coincides with a cranial base and a border enabling attachment to an upper end of a seat. The upper zone also has two cavities for placing cervical collar straps which delimit a central help and semi-rigid fins connected to additional straps which attach at their ends. Both sides of the medium zone have upper and lower projections and an intermediate space supplying a side border. The border is placed on a side edge of the seat. The module also has a harness made up of upper and lower strips.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, for storing, transporting and deploying multiple restraint system components is provided. The inventive apparatus consists of two trays composed of flexible materials. The first tray is configured for storing wrist and ankle restraint systems, the second tray, smaller than the first tray, includes a top-mounted compartment for storing a multi-point restraint connection system. The storage compartment of second tray is secured to the tray by releasable connectors, and is at least partially disengaged to receive the various components of the multi-point restraint connection system, and releasably secured thereafter. The connection system is stored in such a manner as to partially display a portion of each system component outside of the storage compartment, with each portion oriented toward its eventual deployment area once the second tray is placed on the structure on which the EDP will be restrained.

Abstract: An orthotic device for limiting abduction of the legs of a wearer includes first and second flexible bands (10, 12) for attachment to the legs of the wearer. A fastener (14) slidably fastens the bands together and includes first and second straps (30, 32) each having first and second portions (34, 36, 38, 40) connected to the anterior and posterior aspects of the respective band. The straps form adjustable loops that are slidably connected to a ring (50). The straps are adjustable (42, 44) to adjust the limit of abduction, and the sliding connection of the fastener permits adduction, differential rotation, extension and flexion.