Abstract: An inflatable cold-weather upper-body garment. The garment includes first and second pluralities of interconnected gas flow chambers, each plurality enclosed by gas-impermeable material; a fluid-flow channel connecting the first and second pluralities of gas flow chambers; and a hand-operable air pump in fluid communication with one of the gas flow chambers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to monitor performance of an intraosseous device by using a supporting structure and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism releasably secures the supporting structure proximate an insertion site for the intraosseous device. The supporting structure includes an opening formed therein and sized to receive at least a portion of the intraosseous device. A sensor detects parameters associated with providing fluids and/or medications through the intraosseous device to the bone marrow. The attachment mechanism and the supporting structure cooperate with each other to minimize movement of the intraosseous device relative to the insertion site when the portion of the intraosseous device is disposed in the opening of the supporting structure.

Abstract: A liquid indicating article is disclosed. It can have a single layer, but generally will have at least two layers bonded together, wherein a visible layer masks a second colored layer wherein the visible layer is a wicking material that becomes semitransparent when wet, wherein the colored layer is a permeable adhesive that bonds to the mask layer.

Abstract: An assembly is configured to include an elongate eye covering portion and optionally a pillow portion. The pillow portion includes an enclosure which can contain a pillow therein. The elongate eye covering portion is preferably configured as a sleeve divided into multiple adjacent cells filled with beads or other media. The cells on the sleeve are spaced apart by a distance similar to a spacing between eyes of an adult. Adjacent cells can thus cover eyes and optionally also ears of the user. Seams divide the cells from each other and define a contour of the cells. This contour preferably includes notches between adjacent cells to provide relief for a nose of the user between adjacent cells. Opposite sides of the sleeve can have different heat transfer characteristics so one side feels cooler than the other, allowing selection of a preferred side to contact the wearer.

Abstract: The ergonomic seat cushion is adapted to receive the buttocks and coccyx of a person in such a manner that a person sits comfortably for extended periods of time. The ergonomic seat cushion comprises a plurality of rings and an upholstery. The upholstery covers the plurality of rings. The location of the aperture within each ring selected from the plurality of rings suspends a body part selected from the group consisting of the left buttock, the right buttock, or the coccyx. This suspension relieves the selected body part from carrying the weight of the person during sitting. Furthermore, the inner perimeter of the selected ring provides lateral pressure against the body of the person providing further support and comfort.

Abstract: Wearable breast pumps are provided which utilize compression to enhance milk expression. The breast milk expression systems herein can allow breastfeeding users to obtain milk discreetly and comfortably in the presence of others. These systems compress the breast at one or more locations, such as at a base of a breast and/or along inferior and lateral sides of a breast, to stimulate milk expression. Various components and methods for expressing milk can facilitate milk output. For example, vacuum can be used in conjunction with compression. For another example, one or more temperature sensitive components can be utilized to improve milk secretion. In some embodiments, milk can be collected in a sterile custom storage container located around or beneath the breasts to facilitate wearability. After expression is complete, a quick-release valve can be used to detach the storage container from the pump and can prevent leaks.

Abstract: A lumbar support cushion can include a ridged section, right and left protruding side supports, top right and top left protrusions, and a top cutout located between the top right and top left protrusions, which can allow a person sitting against the cushion to experience increased support on the person's lower back. The features of the cushion may promote a healthy sitting posture, proper spine alignment, and may reduce or prevent pain in the lower back. Also disclosed is a method for configuring a support contour of a cushion.

Abstract: Inflatable undergarment with an inflatable bladder to provide protection and comfort has a fabric garment portion. A rear area of the undergarment further includes an integral air bladder. The bladder covers the buttocks area and is selectively inflated using a manual pump located near the waistband of the undergarment. The bladder system further includes a release valve that allows air to be released from the device.

Abstract: A bicycle shorts system includes a bicycle shorts having a waist section configured to fit around a waist area of the user; a first leg section and a second leg section integral with and secured to the waist section; and a padded area having a material extending from the first leg section to the second leg section, the padded area forming a cavity. The system further includes a liquid filling assembly having a first liquid chamber carried by the first leg section; and a second liquid chamber carried by the second leg section. The method includes filling the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle shorts system includes a bicycle shorts having a waist section configured to fit around a waist area of the user; a first leg section and a second leg section integral with and secured to the waist section; and a padded area forming a seat section having a material extending from the first leg section to the second leg section, the padded area forming a cavity. The system further includes two air inflation assembly chambers located in the seat section, the first air chamber carried by the first leg section and a second air chamber carried by the second leg section in the seat section. The method includes inflating the first and second air chambers in the seat section.

Abstract: A protective device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cover including a first region that extends over a vulnerable site on a patient and a second region that extends over an area on the patient peripheral to the vulnerable site. The first region of the cover is at least generally impermeable to liquid water. The device further includes an adhesive film and a liquid-absorbing element. The adhesive film is configured to form an adhesive bond between the second region of the cover and the patient. The bond has an inner edge portion positioned toward the vulnerable site and an outer edge portion positioned away from the vulnerable site. The liquid-absorbing element is configured to absorb liquid contamination at the outer edge portion of the bond and/or liquid contamination approaching the outer edge portion of the bond when the cover is operably positioned on the patient.

Abstract: A prosthesis system includes a reconfigurable socket. The socket changes configurations to adjust the socket fit. The socket includes a socket main body with a window and a panel positioned in the window. The panel and the socket main body cooperate to define a cavity for receiving a residual limb. A lacing system is coupled to both the socket main body and the panel and moves the panel with respect to the socket main body to adjust a volume of the cavity. A tensioning mechanism holds the lacing system to position the adjustment panel. The prosthesis system also allows for the escape of moisture from within the cavity.

Abstract: A pressure reducing device for reducing pressure at bony prominences of limbs is disclosed. A preferred embodiment is formed of an elastic foam, having upper and lower portions similar to oppositely-facing square pyramids, but having four arced sides rather than flat sides, and where the four sides converge at their apexes to form a blunted peak. The cushion body is shaped and sized so as to reduce the loading and shearing forces over the bony prominences of limbs, thereby reducing pressure and to readily allow a user to move along the support surface and to change orientations (roll or lie on their side).

Abstract: Inflatable undergarment with an inflatable bladder to provide protection and comfort has a fabric garment portion. A rear area of the undergarment further includes an integral air bladder. The bladder covers the buttocks area and is selectively inflated using a manual pump located near the waistband of the undergarment. The bladder system further includes a release valve that allows air to be released from the device.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (500), having a first ring (504) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, a flexible second ring (502), having a lumen and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve (506), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (502, 504), where the second ring may be rolled over itself to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being, wherein the living being has a bony prominence. The apparatus includes a first zone having a first coefficient of friction, the first zone being configured for positioning proximate the bony prominence. A second zone is adjacent the first zone, the second zone having a second coefficient of friction higher than the first coefficient of friction. The second zone is configured for positioning remote from the bony prominence. A method of preventing or healing decubitus ulcers includes positioning the bony prominence over the first zone and positioning an area remote from the bony prominence over the second zone.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

Abstract: A bed apparatus includes: a mattress mounted on a bed body; and, first cells arranged on both left and right sides in a longitudinal direction of the bed body and is configured to change the body position of a patient on the mattress by inflating the first cells alternately. When the first cells on the left and right sides are inflated, and when a difference in pressure between the first cells on the left and right sides has continuously fallen within a decision pressure value range for a decision pressure value continuation time, the body position of the patient is changed, whereas when the difference has not continuously fallen within the pressure value range for the continuation time or when the difference has continuously fallen out of the pressure value range for the continuation time, change of the body position of the patient will not be performed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: One aspect of the present application relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: A nipple protection device for breast-feeding mothers having a nipple portion projecting upwardly from an arched shield portion. The nipple portion is provided with at least one drinking opening at its front side. The nipple portion is of generally oval cross-section and the at least one drinking opening is formed by at least one longitudinal slit.

Abstract: The medical protective cover includes a semi-ovoid shell configured to cover a wound or intravenous site. The shell is attached to a patient's limb or extremity by a pair of adhesive tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the shell and a plurality of adjustable straps extending laterally from the shell. A plurality of ventilation holes longitudinally extend along lateral edges of the shell to allow passage of air for keeping the covered area dry. Each longitudinal end of the shell includes a pair of tubing ports to facilitate mounting and passage of IV infusion tubing to an IV catheter or cannula. The top of the shell also includes a selectively opened slot that permits passage of a needle for the administration or withdrawal of fluids through an access port of the catheter.

Abstract: A cushioning device is capable of conforming to a variety of areas on the human foot. The device includes a thin, transparent, circular body of compliant material and a notch with angled sides and an extended base. The shape and placement of the notch allows the body to fit complex contours.

Abstract: A device for protecting an area of skin of a human body includes a plate. The plate includes a first face covered by an external layer and a second face opposite the external layer. The second face is configured to be applied onto an area of skin to be protected. The plate also includes a protective part made of a polymer gel and at least one adhesive part made of a polymer gel. The protective part is configured to ensure mechanical protection of the area to be protected and the adhesive part is configured to come into contact with the skin. The adhesive part has an adhesive power greater than an adhesive power of the protective layer to hold the plate on the area to be protected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film dressing comprising a film dressing body. The film dressing body (1) comprises a film (2) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3) provided on one side of the film (2). The film dressing further comprises a release liner (4) covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (3) on its adhesive face, and a carrier (5) covering the backside of the film (2). A carrier division part (5d) is provided to divide the carrier (5) into a carrier first part (51) and a carrier second part (52). A flap layer (7) is stacked so as to cover the carrier division part (5d). A flap layer division part (7d) is provided in the flap layer (7) to divide the flap layer (7) into a flap layer first part (71) and a flap layer second part (72) which are partially joined respectively on the carrier first pat (51) and the carrier second part (52). Preferably, division parts (4d1, 4d2) are provided in the release liner (4).

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. Additionally, a plurality of elevated side support portions and a wedge interconnected on the base material are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: Methods for external anatomical pressure management are described, such as, methods for reducing the loss of lean body mass in a person experiencing anatomical support wherein the support contact pressure which is applied to the anatomy of the person is adjusted to below venous-return blood-flow-occluding pressure of the person.

Abstract: A device for reducing friction between a portion of skin of a living being and an object adjoining that portion includes two layers of tricot fabric. Each layer has a shiny side and the shiny sides of the two layers of fabric face each other. Each layer of fabric has a machine direction M, and the layers of fabric are positioned such that the machine direction M of one layer is perpendicular to the other layer. A garment includes a low friction zone and a higher friction zone adjacent the low friction zone, the higher friction zone comprising a material different from a material of the low friction zone. The low friction zone comprises two layers of fabric with their shiny sides, facing each other and their machine directions M oriented perpendicularly. Also described is a method of preventing or treating a skin wound comprising clothing a living being in a garment.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective cover assembly, pattern, and method for use for installation upon an external orthodontic headgear protraction appliance having a chin cup interface and a forehead pad interface. The present invention includes two aspects of a protective cover assembly, a protective chin cup cover assembly and a protective forehead pad cover assembly. Each protective cover assembly provides an absorbing soft cushioning fleece membrane between the facial skin of an orthodontic patient wearer and the hard surfaces of the orthodontic protraction headgear interfaces to prevent against a plurality of discomforts which result from wearing the orthodontic protraction headgear appliance during treatment of Class III Malocclusion; and configured to improve compliancy of use of the orthodontic protraction appliance in the orthodontic population, especially among growing children and adolescents.

Abstract: A substantially smooth, seamless managed friction material surface and apparatus for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being for preventing abrasion or decubitus ulcers in a living being. The managed friction material surface comprises a plurality of plies having a smooth side and a first, high friction zone and second, low friction zone. At least one adhesive ply is interposed partially between adjacent plies; and the plies are selectively bonded to form adjacent frictional zones of high and low friction. Unbonded plies are allowed to move substantially freely with respect to one another thus providing a lower friction zone. The apparatus comprises the managed friction material surface such that the bonded zone is configured for positioning remote the bony prominence and the unbonded zone for positioning proximate the bony prominence, seamlessly occupying different areas on the same side of the material surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

Abstract: A sacral wound dressing having a bottom end with three substantially V-shaped projections. In use, a protective layer of the wound dressing is removed to expose an adhesive layer and an absorbent layer, the wound dressing is folded over on itself substantially along a central axis, a medial V-shaped projection is inserted into a superior portion of the gluteal cleft of the person to adhere the medial projection to the skin within the gluteal cleft, two lateral V-shaped projections are then pushed against a superior portion of the buttocks of the person to adhere the lateral projections to the skin, and the opposing lateral ends and the top end of the wound dressing are then pushed against the skin of the person until the wound dressing is properly adhered to the sacrococcygeal region over the sacral wound.

Abstract: A wound shield including a conformable frame to circumscribe a wound and warm water circulating system to maintain a warm environment. Any suitable dressing may be secured over the conformable frame providing separation between the wound and the dressing. The wound frame may provide pressure relief around a wound or pressure sore to permit healing. A conformable frame may be composed of one or more layers of any suitable material and may include adhesive on one or more surfaces to secure the frame to the wound site and or to secure the dressing to the conformable frame.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. In particular, the ulcer prevention systems and/or apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure ulcers by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., table or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. A plurality of elevated side support portions are interconnected on the base material and configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conforming a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conforming a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bra accessory for eliminating or substantially reducing the discomfort, chaffing, pain, rash, intertrigo, and infections caused by pressure of a woman's bra cup rim against her chest, and by perspiration trapped between the woman's breast and chest.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure related ulcer and perineal dermatitis prevention and treatment device and method of use. The device may be used in conjunction with a urine collection and disposal system that would be beneficial for incontinent users. In use the device forms an automatic pressure controlled topical hyperbaric oxygen chamber and further incorporates a flexible inflated tube system that is controlled by a microprocessor to relief pressure on affected areas of a user's body and provide circulation stimulating therapeutic massage. When used by incontinent persons the device automatically removes expressed urine to minimize additional risk factors known to cause or exacerbate pressure related ulcers and perineal dermatitis.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective cover assembly, pattern, and method for use for installation upon an external orthodontic headgear protraction appliance having a chin cup interface and a forehead pad interface. The present invention comprises two aspects of a protective cover assembly, a protective chin cup cover assembly and a protective forehead pad cover assembly. Each protective cover assembly provides an absorbing soft cushioning fleece membrane between the facial skin of an orthodontic patient wearer and the hard surfaces of the orthodontic protraction headgear interfaces to prevent against a plurality of discomforts which result from wearing the orthodontic protraction headgear appliance during treatment of Class III Malocclusion; and configured to improve compliancy of use of the orthodontic protraction appliance in the orthodontic population, especially among growing children and adolescents.

Abstract: A protective shield for use on a male penis comprises a rectangular shaped member, wherein the member is flexible and removably securable to the penis and itself. The protective shield also comprises a remover mechanism secured to an end of the member. The protective shield also comprises a guideline arranged along at least one edge of the member. The protective shield will be used to wrap the head and a predetermined portion of the shaft of the penis to protect it from abrasion encountered by males in everyday living.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device is a patch with one or more step members that have distal ends extending from the patch. The patch is removably engaged or adhered to a wearer's skin. With the patch engaged, the distal ends of the step members have freedom of movement with respect to the patch. The patch optionally may further include one or more wing sections integrally formed therein that also have freedom of movement with respect to the portion of the patch engaged or adhered to skin. Step member and/or wing section movement counteracts longitudinal and/or radial vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: The partially rigid bandage apparatus has a band having a first end spaced apart from a second end, a pair of identical spaced apart sides, a top and a bottom, a fastening device releasably fastening the first end to the second end, an opening disposed within about a center of the band, a rigid bubble disposed atop and extended above the opening, the rigid bubble affixed to a border of the opening via an accordion membrane that allows distal and proximal movement of the bubble with regard to the band, such that a selected body sight is protected from abrasion and impact, the apparatus repeatedly reusable.

Abstract: A garment adapted for monitoring a user's heart rate includes material, a transmitter, one or more electrodes, and a power source. The transmitter, electrodes, and power source are integrated with the material. The electrodes and power source are operatively coupled to the transmitter, and the electrodes are responsive to the user's heart rate. The garment is adapted for being worn, washed, and discarded with the electrodes, transmitter, and power source integrated therewith. A method of monitoring heart rate includes integrating a transmitter, electrodes, and power source with a garment, coupling the electrodes operatively to the transmitter, coupling the power source operatively to the transmitter, and adapting the garment for being worn, washed, and discarded with the transmitter, electrodes, and power source integrated therewith.