Abstract: An improved backboard contains hollow channels or "tunnels" embedded in the board and accessible from the edges and lower surface of the board. Such channels are preferably integral to the device and do not lessen the strength of the board. Patient straps and restraining devices are conveniently stored within the channels in a more or less fully elongated state so that they can be quickly retrieved for restraining a patient. Because the straps are stretched out as opposed to rolled or otherwise packaged, they can be quickly deployed with a minimum of twisting or tangling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient for the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc disease permits the generation of increased intra-disc pressure which may serve to stimulate or accentuate abnormalities which can be diagnosed through MRI imaging. The apparatus consists of a frame in which a patient lies in a supine position. The frame allows the generation of muscular forces which are transmitted to the lumbar spine area. The patient is then positioned within an MRI imaging apparatus and subjected to MRI imaging while the muscular forces are maintained. The frame may preferably include a footboard and shoulder restraints positioned as to require the patient to slightly bend the knees. Extension of the legs generates the required forces.

Abstract: A portable X-ray foundation which is lightweight and easily placed under a patient which helps to quickly align, stabilize, and position the patient in relation to the X-ray film grid cassette. The foundation includes level indicators, alignment indicator lines for aligning the patient on the foundation in proper position with the film grid cassette thereby preventing grid-cut-off, saving considerable time, and also allowing any bed to be used for X-rays. The foundation also includes a means for securing and aligning the patient and the film grid cassette for lateral X-rays.

Abstract: A head and neck immobilization system includes a carrying bag; a rigid head, neck and shoulder support board having a curved forward pushing edge, two side mounted strap attachment slot members, a beveled leading edge, a T-shaped neck and shoulder support surface runway, and a U-shaped, hook and pile fastener covered, securing surface; a forehead securing assembly including a half-circular shaped forehead gripper, left and right elastic immobilizing straps, and metal securing clips secured to the ends of the immobilizing straps and securable to the strap attachment slot members of the support board; at least one gel filled posterior cervical spine support bag, the spine support bag including a gel filled spine support pouch, an adjustable volume support pouch adjustment reservoir, a lower hook and pile fastener material covered surface, and an upper hook and pile fastener material covered surface; and at least one elongated, cylindrical shaped around-the-helmet support, the around-the-helmet support being cov

Abstract: A self-contained transportable life support system for resuscitation, stabilization, and transport of a patient has an environmentally controlled housing for receiving and supporting a patient and a plurality of medical devices disposed within the housing. A control circuit attached to the housing has at least a portion thereof extending to an external surface of the housing for regulating operation of the medical devices and environmental conditions of within the housing in response to monitored life support conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A disposable head and neck immobilization device allows the immobilization of a patient's head and neck, after the patient has been placed upon a spine board, without manipulating the patient's head and neck. The rugged denier nylon construction affords strength, comfort and durability, and allows for the adhesive free retention of a medical supply tube in the vicinity of the patients face. The immobilization device can be manufactured economically as to allow the device to be disposable, thus reducing contamination hazard from transfer of bodily fluids.

Abstract: A spine board having internal stiffening elements mechanically connected to an outer shell via a number of speed pins. A quantity of urethane foam fills the spaces between the stiffening elements and the shell. The speed pins permit the rotational molding of the shell about a pair of graphite reinforcing tubes, which better distributes the loads to be born among the outer shell, urethane filler, and stiffening elements, thereby increasing the life span of the board.

Abstract: A head immobilizer for use in emergency situations is formed in a flat, compact shape which is easily formed into an operable configuration. The head immobilizer includes a base and a head stabilizing structure attached to the base. The stabilizing structure includes a pair of inner panels that are hinged to the base at one edge and can be conformed to the shape of the patient's head. An outer support panel is hinged to an opposite end of the inner panel. A slide tab is attached to the outer panel and is coupled for sliding movement with respect to the base. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the sliding tab in position during use. The position of the slide tab with respect to the base adjusts the spacing of the inner panels comfortably to conform to the patient's head.

Abstract: A spine board for use in supporting a patient during emergency medical treatment comprising a pair of board joined together by a hinge. The hinge is provided with a latch which allows the board to be rigidly locked in a flat condition so as to provide rigid support for a patient receiving CPR or other treatment.

Abstract: A support adapted for infant holding devices, such as strollers, swing, seats, etc., includes an upper support and a lower support extending from the upper support. The upper support is adapted to support the upper portion of the body, including the head, and the lower support is adapted for supporting the lower portion of the body. The upper portion has a head support that includes a base member having a central support and left and right upper supports extending left and right of the central support. Each of the left and right supports has a pocket carrying a substantially rigid backing member. These backing members shape the left and right supports to a desired configuration for purposes of supporting opposite lateral portions of the head. In particular, each backing member is arcuate or semi-cylindrical, with a concave side and a arcuate backing member.

Abstract: Restraining methods and apparatus for restraining violent detainees, including a rigid binder for binding the upper and lower legs of the detainee, a waist belt, and suspender straps for joining the binder to the waist belt. An erection tether for maintaining the detainee erect by being tautly stretched between an attaching ring at the back of the waist bait and an overhead hook provided for the purpose of maintaining the detainee erect. An alternate embodiment comprises a continuous sheet or sectioned sheets of relatively non-flexuous support material as leg flexure preventing means.

Abstract: A dolly type apparatus, which would include a body portion having four wall portions, and defining a substantially rectangular opening therein, into which a typical spine board may be slid into the opening.

Abstract: A transportable, diagnostic and surgical procedure patient support board (10) compatible for use with CT, X-ray and MRI machines includes a rectangular board to which the patient is secured, tracks (21) along the head end and partially along the sides of the board, and clamps (22) made of a non-ferromagnetic material mounted adjustably on the tracks which support traction gear and immobilization rods (45-48) that extend to a halo on the head of the patient. Various configurations of rods and adjustable clamps are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to rescue boards that are constructed of several individual pieces. Such structures of this type, generally, allow the rescue personnel to extricate an unconscious or injured person from a confined space through a small opening and onto a backboard for transport to a medical facility.

Abstract: The present invention is a critical care transport system comprising a transport frame, a transport wrap, and a restraining belt system which is especially useful in inter-hospital transport of infants and children, or retrieval and transport of critically ill children from remote locations. The transport frame further comprises an upper frame divided into a lower tray and a hingedly adjustable upper tray which allows elevation of the patient's head even when the belt restraining system is fully engaged. The transport frame further comprises various apparatus for securing air and oxygen tanks, instrumentation, and medical care devices for use during transport. The transport wrap further comprises a series of contiguous flaps which, when engaged in a specified order, serve to restrain, comfort, and protect the patient.

Abstract: The method and device of this invention immobilizes a person in a secure, upright asphyxia-preventing restraining system which includes a leg wrap and shoulder harness, both of which are transparent to x-rays and have the flexibility to safely limit flexing of the legs while immobilizing the upper torso in an erect position without causing damage to the body. It can be easily and safely applied by public safety officers including police or other law enforcement personnel and medical personnel to secure a person against undesired movement while maintaining them in an upright, sitting position which leaves the diaphragm free for natural, unrestrained breathing movement. The asphyxia-preventing restraining device comprises an elongate leg wrap member sized and shaped in the form of a trapezoid to wrap and restrain movement and bending at the knees of the legs of the person to be restrained without injuring the legs. The leg wrap member has at least one tether fastener secured thereto.

Abstract: An emergency spinal immobilization and extrication device permits a victim of spinal column trauma to be firmly supported and immobilized for transportation to a health care facility. The device comprises a container filled with a multiplicity of small, resilient particles resting on a light-weight, rigid base-board, and having a sliding rigid cover. The container comprises means for inflating with gas and deflating. In operation the victim is placed on the cover and restrained at the ankles. As the cover is removed by sliding, the victim descends onto the container. The container is then deflated, leaving the victim supported by the particles which cling together as the gas is evacuated.

Abstract: The following invention describes padding for a long spinal board. The padding consists of a polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride foam core that has a waterproof covering. The shape of the pad allows it to fit onto any adult size long spinal board currently on the market. Additional padding at one end of the board elevates the head of the patient to an anatomically neutral position. Slots within the padding running longitudinally and transversely permit straps to slide freely inside the padding. These straps secure the pad to the board and the patient to the pad.

Abstract: A spinal immobilizer extrication vest designed to be compact and easily applied to accident victims in confined spaces, such as deformed structures of automobiles, or applied following structure collapse. The device is constructed of lightweight nylon material, with rigid longitudinal cylindrical rods which, in addition to intrinsic rigidity form a stiffening arc when the rods are applied about the victim and secured anteriorly, by two overlapping nylon body panels with hook fastener and loop fastener material. Contiguous ear panels augment head immobilization, provided by prior application of a rigid cervical collar. Following placement of such a collar, the vest is positioned, body panels are opened beneath the victim's arms and wrapped around the victim providing cervical, thoracic and lumbar immobilization. Sacral and pelvic support is provided by a triangular cradle of nylon material which extends from the lower edge of the central body panel.

Abstract: A backboard immobilization device is provided. The device includes first and second complimentary body support panels which are detachably interconnected at each end by a lock. Each lock has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end disposed within the first body support panel and a second end extending therefrom. The second end is tapered and has a locking pin. The second tube has a first end disposed within the second body support panel and a second end extending therefrom. The second end has a retracting sleeve wherein the retracting sleeve is slidably connected to the tapered end of the first tube and interlocks with the locking pin.

Abstract: A disposable head and neck immobilization device allows the immobilization of a patient's head and neck, after the patient has been placed upon a spine board, without manipulating the patient's head and neck. The rugged denier nylon construction affords strength, comfort and durability. The immobilization device can be manufactured economically as to allow the device to be disposable, thus reducing contamination hazard from transfer of bodily fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing and positioning the head, shoulder, and torso region extending down to the mid thigh of the human for radiographic examination or treatment. The device consists of a base board with an extension, a head and shoulder form, a pair of chest side forms and a pair of side rails. A foam mixture is applied to the upper surface of the baseboard and the entire device is placed into a large flexible container or bag. A patient's head, shoulder and torso region are placed on the device in a supine position. The patient remains in a fixed position while the foam mixture expands around the patient's body and the apparatus. After a brief period of time, the foam sets or hardens and a mold or template is formed. This mold serves to immobilize the head, shoulder and torso region extending down to the mid thigh of the body during radiographic examinations and treatment as well as other procedures.

Abstract: Ergonomic support members formed of and contoured to a corrected spinal curvature of an individual. The matrix provides the rigid support necessary for correction of the spinal curvature by gradual realignment with continued use of the support members, and may have channels for optional forced air flow, for heating and cooling and comfort of the individual during sleep or rest. Each support member is closely contoured to have a concave cross-section dimensioned according to the serial cross sections of a respective body section (e.g. head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs) while laying supine. The resulting contour of the support member thus provides the necessary convexity to evenly distribute body weight along the entire longitudinal axis of the spine and thereby provide corrective support for the spinal curvature. In the transverse plane, the contour forms a snug concavity wrapping up the sides of an individual.

Abstract: A patient support fashioned of a core of carbon-fiber material and a synthetic material for binding the carbon-fiber material. The carbon-fiber core has a greater proportion of carbon fibers oriented substantially in lengthwise directions than in other directions. As a result of this construction, the patient support is substantially inflexible along its longitudinal axis yet flexible along its lateral axis. The sides of the support can be drawn up and around the patient, to hold the patient immobile within the support, which is especially helpful when transporting trauma patients and those with back and neck injuries. The support is also transparent to radiation, making it particularly suited to use with radiation imaging devices. Finally, the exterior surface of the support is formed of low-friction material, further facilitating practical use thereof. The support can be fashioned as a backboard or a patient transfer device and has a wide range of advantageous applications in a hospital environment.

Abstract: A scoop type patient carrier having separable halves to facilitate placement of the halves beneath a patient, and configured to enable radiographic examination. The joint between the halves, and the points where the pivot and latch mechanisms are located, are laterally offset from the midline or longitudinal centerline of the assembled carrier. This arrangement results in the absence of any joint or line of separation in the upper and lower sections that are aligned with the carrier centerline, and which support the head and feet. This enables the carrier halves to be joined or separated without any accompanying movement of the head and feet of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient for the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc disease permits the generation of increased intra-disc pressure which may serve to stimulate or accentuate abnormalities which can be diagnosed through MRI imaging. The apparatus consists of a frame in which a patient lies in a supine position. The frame allows the generation of muscular forces which are transmitted to the lumbar spine area. The patient is then positioned within an MRI imaging apparatus and subjected to MRI imaging while the muscular forces are maintained. The frame may preferably include a footboard and shoulder restraints positioned as to require the patient to slightly bend the knees. Extension of the legs generates the required forces.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved portable litter for the transportation of a patient from the field to a hospital. The litter has devices for monitoring and responding to the condition of the patient, including blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygen, heart rate, and mass. At least one device for assisting the patient's breathing and for stabilizing the heart are provided with the litter. The litter can be folded to reduce its length and provide for ready maneuverability in constricted quarters. Electronic equipment provided with the litter includes an electronic central processing unit and a visual display to permit emergency personnel to maintain a close watch on the patient's condition, and for real-time communication with hospital personnel. The litter has provisions for connection with external air and electrical power, and has lights for operation under conditions of reduced illumination.

Abstract: This invention relates to rescue boards that are constructed of several individual pieces. Such structures of this type, generally, allow the rescue personnel to extricate an unconscious or injured person from a confined space through a small opening and onto a backboard for transport to a medical facility.

Abstract: A body immobilization and support device including a generally rigid shell having a back portion which is generally contoured to the back of a patient, and having side engaging portions and shoulder engaging portions to immobilize and support the patient during surgery. The device further includes fasteners to fasten the shell to an operating table and prevent sliding when used in an extreme head down position. The device may include a cushioning pad along the inside of the shell in order to increase patient comfort.

Abstract: A flexible stretcher (100) and a tubular carrying case (170) are included in a stretcher system (10). Flexible stretcher (100) is formed by a pliant body member (102) having a head support portion (104), a torso support portion (110) and a leg support portion (106). The torso support portion includes a stiffened section (112) disposed between a pair of flexible side sections (114, 116). The stiffened section (112) includes three pockets (118, 122 and 126), each pocket having a respective stiffening member (120, 124 and 128) disposed therein. The three pockets (118, 122 and 126) are provided with a detachable closure (155) through which any of the slats (120, 124 and 128) may be replaced. Detachable closure (155) is formed by a pair of complementary hook-and-loop type fastening elements (158 and 160).

Abstract: Restraining methods and apparatus for restraining violent detainees, including a rigid binder for binding the upper and lower legs of the detainee, a waist belt, and suspender straps for joining the binder to the waist belt. An erection tether for maintaining the detainee erect by being tautly stretched between an attaching ring at the back of the waist belt and an overhead hook provided for the purpose of maintaining the detainee erect.

Abstract: A head immobilizing apparatus comprising a main board having a central portion and spaced apart side edge portions. Positioned along the side edge portions are apertures to accommodate backboard engaging straps and head immobilizing straps. The backboard engaging straps are provided to secure the main board to a backboard in an emergency medical situation. The head immobilizing straps can be operably positioned in a variety of locations depending upon the apertures for positioning the head immobilizing straps. A pair of removable head supports are operably attached to the central portion of the main board through a hook and loop material. A head cushion is positioned at the central most portion of the main board. The main board of the head immobilizer is constructed of a high strength corrugated disposable material and the upright cushions and head pillow are constructed of an open cell foam to absorb blood and bodily fluids during trauma of the head of the patient.

Abstract: A violent subject immobilization device is provided comprised of an elongated pliable trapezoidal-shaped body member of such size and shape so as to be able to be completely wrapped about the legs of a prisoner or person to be detained and extending from a position above the person's knees to a position below the person's knees. The body member has opposed outer layers of protective material and an inner unitary bendable stiffening/reinforcing material adapted to immobilize the knee joint and the wrapped leg portion of the person. Strap means are provided to permit the wrapped body member to be held in position about the legs of the person. Hand restraint means are also provided along the top edge of the body member. Upright positioning of the subject (sitting or standing) is maintained by means of a shoulder harness attachable to the body member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable positioning and mobility device for developmentally and/or physically challenged individuals comprising an enclosed treatment compartment adapted to permit a caregiver to provide therapeutic treatment to infants and young children therein without danger of unintended displacement of the patient; frame means surrounding the treatment compartment and supporting same, adapted to optionally provide rolling motion of the device in substantially any direction in a horizontal plane, and a pad covering at least the base of the treatment compartment, the pad having on at least one surface thereof a plurality of highly colorful, high-contrast, infant-stimulating designs.

Abstract: A spine board limb supporting extension for supporting a limb of a patient extending beyond a spine board. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly for securing to an edge of a conventionally known spine board. A support assembly is pivotally mounted to the mounting assembly for receiving and supporting a limb of a patient to immobilize and support such limb.

Abstract: A combined long spine board and vacuum mattress device is disclosed that is designed to extricate, immobilize, and transport accident victims in emergency situations in which potential spinal injury is suspected. The superior extrication features of a rigid board are combined with the improved comfort and immobilization attributes of vacuum splint technology in a single device. Large wing vacuum mattresses that partially enclose the chest to knee region of a patient and small wings used to secure the patient's head are attached to the main vacuum mattress. Vacuum mattresses are airtight, flexible casings containing small beads and air. Evacuating these mattresses creates a semi-rigid bed conforming to the patient's body which immobilizes the patient in relative comfort. The large wings fold under the narrow main vacuum mattress/rigid board to present a narrow profile for extrication maneuvers. The full length rigid board facilitates extrication and transport.

Abstract: A removable headrest device for seats with headrest. The device includes two boards that are joined by an elastic and an non-elastic band that embrace the headrest of the seat, and extend forward a sufficient distance to serve as a support for a user. Velcro pads are used to cooperatively tighten the non-elastic band in order to keep the removable headrest device firmly in place. Advertising or promotional or any other graphic material can be placed in the free areas of the boards. Optimally, protective covers with advertising material are removably inserted on the distal ends of the boards.

Abstract: A patient immobilization system and method for patient immobilization prior to radiation therapy is described. An adjustable anchor including a slidable base plate between left and right sides of the anchor, provides for utilizing the same patient immobilizing device for head and neck, chest, and pelvis areas requiring radiation treatment. The adjustable anchor accommodates varying sizes of customized posterior molds forming the "mattress" portion of the patient immobilization system, while customized anterior molds secured in a holder are fitted over the patient area to be directly exposed to radiation. The holder is then firmly, but easily releasably secured to the adjustable holder. A hook and loop fastener or compression clip assembly provides for quick release of the anterior mold from the patient when required for difficult or emergency situations.

Abstract: A head and neck protector including a flexible resilient back member sized to cover the back, shoulders and head of a child having a substantially smooth child contacting surface and constructed from a flexible mesh member surrounded by resilient foam and covered with a fabric covering; an adjustable torso strap assembly secured to the resilient back member; first and second adjustable shoulder straps; a removable sloped cushion member; and a cushion retaining strap forming a cushion retaining loop into which the sloped cushion member is inserted and held. In use, the back of a child is placed against the child contact surface and the straps secured about the child. The resilient flexible back support prevents rapid jerky movements that can cause back and neck injuries. In addition, the back support member and the sloped cushion member provide cushioning for the neck and head should the child fall backwards while attempting to sit or walk.

Abstract: A spinal and cervical immobilization apparatus (and associated methods) combining a fiber-reinforced, resin transfer molded, spinal immobilization board having rows of slots at one end with head and neck support brackets fitting into the slots, as required by the width of the patient's head and neck. The board has rounded and upturned corners, molded grip holes with finger indentations, and beveled indentations for the head and torso of a patient into which fit padding, and is 1.75" or less in thickness, weighs nine pounds or less, and can carry 700 pounds without cracking.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting injured and other persons is provided utilizing a conventional board which has been modified by forming valve stem bores and a pair of depressions therein for receiving inflatable supports. The supports are formed from flexible fluid-impermeable materials such as suitable plastics or elastomerics and include valves and valve stems for filling and releasing the supports with air. Conventional, manual pumps can be utilized by emergency personnel to inflate the support as as needed. The stretcher can be utilized with the supports deflated, partially or fully as required. When inflated, the supports provide maximum comfort and stabilization to the patient who may be kept on the stretcher for extended periods of time during transportation or treatment procedures.

Abstract: A portable pillow for holding and cradling an infant that can be used by any person desiring to hold, feed, or cuddle the infant. The pillow can be held in a person's arms while sitting or standing, lay comfortably on someone's lap, or be placed on a flat surface, cradling the infant, without the need of holding the pillow. There is a recessed surface where the infant is placed, and overlapping straps that snugly hold the infant within the pillow. The straps are adjustable and held in place with fasteners, such as hook and loop. An inner foam core that is removable from the outer cover is made from two layers of foam with different densities. The top layer is soft for comfort while in contrast the bottom layer is firmer for support and structure. The pillow is portable, lightweight, and easy to hold and carry, therefore it can be used as a portable bed. This will enable the infant to sleep securely and undisturbed, while the pillow is being held or carried.

Abstract: An apparatus intended to maintain or improve a supine patient's airway in a hands-free environment. A frame and detachable pillow device are placed under the patient's head. Mechanisms extend laterally from the frame and provide jaw support members that may be brought under the angles of the jaw. The jaw support members may slide towards and away from the frame, but this sliding movement is regulated by a unidirectional clutch, such as a ratchet and pawl system, which restricts the jaw support members to sliding movement away from the frame only. When the jaw support members are slid away from the frame, they engage the angles of the jaw, and then thrust the jaw forward to maintain or improve the patient's airway. Once the desired anteriorly thrust position of the jaw is achieved, the unidirectional clutch holds the jaw in place until the clutch is released. The weight of the jaw then causes the jaw support members to slide back towards the frame, restoring the jaw to its normal position.

Abstract: A pediatric spinal immobilization board for properly immobilizing a pediatric trauma patient prior, and during transportation to an appropriate medical facility. The board includes two rigid panels 10 and 18 which support the weight of the patient's body and head. The panel at the patient's head 18 is located inferior to the panel 10 that supports the patient's body. This dual planed system allows for neutral alignment of the patient's cervical spine and an open pediatric airway. The board is affixed with a plurality of flexible, adjustable, and easily removable restraining straps. These straps are used to effectively restrain the patient to the rigid planes. The straps attach to the board, to each other, and to themselves via a hook-and-latch or other easily connective and removable fastening system. The board is afforded multiple slots that receive the hands of the rescuers to aid in ease of patient transportation to and from a transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A safety nap cushion for use with a chair back mainly consisting of a reverse U-shaped inflatable back cushion having a central opening, two properly curved inflatable side cushions thermally-sealed to two front sides of the back cushion to softly and fitly confine a user's head therebetween, and a length-adjustable retaining strap detachably attached to the back cushion and suitable for being pivotally turned to a position in front of the side cushions to fitly confine the latter and prevent the latter from swaying laterally under pressure. The back cushion is fixly attached to a chair back by engaging hook members with retaining rings provided at its two sides. The side cushions each has a properly curved inner side surface and are so designed that a smooth curve is formed at a lower joint between thed back cushion and the two side cushions to comfortably support the user's head.

Abstract: The present invention is a litter for the transportation of a patient from the field to a hospital. The litter has devices for monitoring and responding to the condition of the patient, including blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygen, and heart rate. At least one device for assisting the patient's breathing and for stabilizing the heart are provided with the litter. Electronic equipment provided with the litter includes a central processing unit and a visual display to permit emergency personnel to maintain a close watch on the patient's condition, and for real-time communication with hospital personnel. The litter has provisions for connection with external air and electrical power, and has lights for operation under conditions of reduced illumination.

Abstract: A patient-supporting bed especially adapted for cardiac sonography includes a horizontal uppermost bed surface, an exercise apparatus coupled to one end of the bed, a tilting mechanism for tilting the bed surface, and a novel support structure for supporting the patient on the tilted bed. The support structure includes a flexible patient support sling adapted to circumferentially surround the patient's midsection and an adjustable shoulder support apparatus adapted to engage one side of the patient's body while the bed is tilted. The bed surface includes an access opening and a corresponding shiftable bed filler sections disposed within the opening. The bed filler section is shiftable between upper and lower positions and include a latching assembly serving to normally maintain the filler section in an upper, generally horizontal position so that the bed presents a generally horizontal and uninterrupted patient-supporting top surface.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device comprises a hollow inflatable body made of an elastically expandable material and includes a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows portion which is integrally formed with the head portion and to the shoulder portion. The bellows portion, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a user's neck. Pumping structure is connected to the body for pumping air into the body and for relieving or releasing air out of the body and the head portion. The bellows portion and the shoulder portion have an un-inflated condition, a first inflated condition and a second inflated condition where the bellows portion acts against and between the head portion and the shoulder portion.

Abstract: The cervical traction device comprises: a body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows which extends substantially across the width and height of the body between and connected to the head portion and to the shoulder portion and acting against and between substantially the full inner end surface of the head portion and the full inner end surface of the shoulder portion. The bellows, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a patient's neck. A hand operated air pump is connected to the bellows for pumping air into the bellows and for relieving or pumping air out of the bellows.

Abstract: An infant reflux restraint apparatus according to the present invention preferably has a wedge-shaped support member for readily positioning an infant on a support surface to thereby support an infant in a reclined position. A pair of side strips are secured to the wedge-shaped support member and are positioned on an upper surface thereof. The pair of side strips are spaced-apart in a generally parallel relationship and a sufficient amount so that an infant can be positioned therebetween. Each of the pair of side strips also longitudinally extends along adjacent respective sides of the infant. The apparatus further preferably has a head support member connected to the wedge-shaped support member and positioned on an upper medial portion of the upper surface thereof for supporting the infant's head when reclined thereon.