Abstract: A combined support belt and storage pack is a multi-purpose weightlifting belt having adjustable foam fill, an ergonomic back panel, a dual clip adjustment system, a storage pack and abdominal strap. When used as a weightlifting belt the storage pack is removed and the abdominal strap is utilized to secure about the waist of a user via the dual clip adjustment system. When not in use as a weightlifting belt, the device may operate as a shoulder pack having the storage pack secured to the ergonomic back and abdominal strap.

Abstract: A pillow system includes a body pillow, a torso pillow, and a slipcover that is positionable over the body pillow and torso pillow. The slipcover includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a central portion positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion, a pocket, and an elongate material band that operably connects the pocket with the central portion of the slipcover. The slipcover is designed to enclose the body pillow and the pocket is designed to enclose the torso pillow. The pocket is extendable from the slipcover to position the torso pillow distally of the body pillow and thereby enable a user to lay atop the material band with the torso pillow and body pillow positioned on opposite sides of the user's body.

Abstract: The roping harness comprises a belt and leg loops. The belt is formed by a first strip and a second strip separated so as to define a housing cavity housing at least one foam comfort pad. The first strip is an inner strip designed to come into contact with the user's back whereas the second strip is an outer strip of the belt. The first strip and second strip are fixed to one another by at least one resistance strap mechanically fixed to a suspension point. The housing cavity comprises at least one opening so that the foam comfort pad is removable from the housing cavity.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable orthopaedic back shell having two side shell parts, which can be used as a back orthosis or as a holder for other orthoses, for example shoulder orthoses. The invention also relates to an orthosis which includes a back shell according to the invention, and to the orthopedic use of the back shells.

Abstract: A concealed weapon holster harness and cover convertible between a halter-top configuration and a back crisscross configuration has a first body portion and similar second body portion that releasably and adjustably interconnect using a plurality of spacedly arrayed hook and loop fastener patches to provide infinite adjustability about a user's torso just under the bust area. A halter strap or two crossing back straps secure the apparatus to a user's upper body and a covering conceals the apparatus and any carried firearm from view.

Abstract: A massage system includes a frame, a first massage mechanism connected to a first region of the frame to massage a first portion of a user, a second massage mechanism connected to a second region of the frame to massage a second portion of a user, and memory and a processor. The memory is programmed with instructions executable by the processor to determine a massage plan for massaging the at least one of first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A garment having an outer waistband and an inner waistband, the outer waistband and the inner waistband connected by a fabric portion, wherein in a first operative mode the outer waistband is disposed adjacent the inner waistband and the fabric portion is hidden, and in a second operative mode the outer waistband droops beneath the inner waistband, and the fabric portion is visible and extends the length of the garment.

Abstract: A novel undergarment is disclosed that solves the problem presented to obese persons having an overhanging or sagging abdomen creating skin irritation and rashes to portions of the lower torso by friction and moisture retention. The innovative undergarment is a panty having an internal partition that separates the interior of the panty into posterior and anterior compartments. When worn, the anterior compartment may form a pouch into which the overhanging mass of the abdomen may be received. The partition is naturally disposed between the skin of the overhanging belly and that of the lower torso regions, preventing skin-to-skin contact and ensuing skin problems. The partition may be stitched along the seams of the undergarment. In some embodiments, the partition may be anchored to the rear of the undergarment for added support.

Abstract: A supporter includes a small number of members and has a simple fitting method. It can give an intraperitoneal pressure rise effect to a supporter wearer, attain retroflexion suppression, and stabilize the sacroiliac joint. The supporter includes a base material which is formed of a knitted fabric by warp knitting and in which a knitting direction of the knitted fabric is set to be a longitudinal direction. Stretchability in the longitudinal direction is given, while stretchability in a short direction is suppressed. It has a back-supporting section that is a central portion of the base material, projection sections provided by projecting upward both end portions disposed on both sides of the back-supporting section, and curved sections each making the vicinity of the boundary between the back-supporting section and each of the projection sections. Each curved section is curved into a shape of approximate “”.

Abstract: A hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as mating hook-bearing fastener material and loop pile fastener material are arranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at various effective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability. The device may include inflatable bladders, stays, and a chin support and may be wrapped around a patient's neck as a cervical support collar.

Abstract: An adjustable brace apparatus provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of elongate wings configured for wrapping about and substantially conforming to a portion of a body of a user, an adjustment sleeve configured for slidably receiving each of the wings, and a pair of first and second tightening segments removably engagable with each of the wings and slidably engaged and suspended within the adjustment sleeve, thereby enabling the wings to substantially float and selectively overlap atop one another within the adjustment sleeve. In use, the user is able to selectively position, wrap, and engage the wings around the user's body portion, and selectively draw the wings closer against the user's body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for supporting a person in an upright position while sleeping or resting in a bed such that the person can avoid sliding down into a horizontal position as a result of natural forces of gravity and normal movement during sleep. According to an aspect, an apparatus includes a harness configured to hold a person, an anchor to secure the harness to a bed, and a tether having one end connected to the harness and another end connected to the anchor. The anchor can include a support member and an insert extending from the support member such that the upper surface of the insert comes into contact with a mattress and the lower surface of the insert comes into contact with a bed-base. The apparatus can hold the person in the same position on the bed allowing them to remain upright while sleeping or resting.

Abstract: A pannus support member is configured to support and contain a pannus during a surgical procedure to provide unobstructed access to the surgical site and provide, post surgery, a clean site that is exposed to air to promote proper healing.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A lumbar orthosis that includes first and second, separate, opposing and mating front attachment panels; and a separate, laterally adjustable, rigid lumbar compression piece configured for positioning only at the rear of a wearer, wherein pulling of a cord causes the brace both circumferentially to tighten and to concentrate compression and pressure of the separate, laterally adjustable, rigid lumbar compression piece directly and especially upon a spinal region of a wearer's back with the aid of a mechanical advantage dependant upon a number of apertures through which the cord or cords pass. An orthosis and method for correcting lumbar and thoracic back pain and disorders is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a 3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes including an elastic meshed fabric, an elastic framework and a fixing device, wherein the 3D elastic framework which supports and holds the elastic meshed fabric, is fixed by the fixing device to locate between the skin and the clothes, so as to form a ventilative chamber for achieving the separation. Here, the elastic framework can be bent to adapt to different body shapes or portions and adjusted to provide most comfortable wearing angle, so that a proper air flowing can be achieved between the skin or the body portion and the clothes, thereby keeping the skin dry.

Abstract: An application for a back brace for supporting both the abdomen and lower back of the user includes an abdominal support member and a lumbar support member having a convex dome facing inwardly towards the lumbar region of a wearer; the support members joined by two belts. The belts are positioned though a slot on each side of a member and are used to adjust the biasing force between the members. The device further includes sleeves over a central region of the members providing additional comfort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support and brace devices configured to support the lower back and, more specifically the present invention relates to devices that anchor on portions of the pelvis and are configured to support and/or align one or more Lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: A hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as mating hook-bearing fastener material and loop pile fastener material are arranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at various effective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability to make the device useful for persons of various sizes.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: Using liposuction in abdominal cosmetic surgery gives in most cases, excellent aesthetic results. One problem associated with abdominal liposuction however, is the poor skin retraction just above the umbilicus (belly button) despite the fact that after all liposuction surgeries patients are wearing the compressive garment that is suppose to help with the skin retraction and the final satisfactory cosmetic result. However, in most cases, the umbilicus becomes covered by the surrounding abdominal skin thus, giving the umbilicus an uneven, unpleasant appearance and leaving patients and doctors alike disappointed by the final result. To overcome this problem we propose to use of a new device called Post Lipoplasty Umbilical Support.

Abstract: A spinal brace includes a flexible air injectable band configured to be disposed about a torso of a user and to provide traction to a spine of the user, at least one support panel configured to provide support by compression to at least a region of the torso, the at least one support panel being less flexible than the air injectable band, and at least one means of associating the at least one support panel with the flexible air injectable band.

Abstract: A pad for the treatment of inflammatory afflictions, which comprise an absorbing matrix, a medicament that is a hypertonic substance such as inorganic salt solutions, and a functional backing for directing and limiting the activity of the medicament to the desired body surface. The pad may further comprise binding means for maintaining it in place and in engagement with the desired body surface. The absorbing matrix and the functional backing may be structurally connected or separate. The absorbing matrix may be made of cotton, lignin cellulose or synthetic absorbing materials.

Abstract: A compression undergarment to relief the symptoms of menstrual cramping may comprise a first and second pad both capable of conforming to a female user's hips. Each pad is tapered having two part construction. Such construction may include a pliable exterior panel of resilient material and an interior panel made of compressible material. The second component of the apparatus is a compression undergarment having a first and corresponding second annular sleeve. Such compression undergarment includes a front side, back side, first leg portion and second leg portion, such that positioned above the first leg portion and second leg portion is a top portion which connects both leg portions. The compression undergarment also includes a first annular sleeve capable of receiving the first pad and the second annual sleeve capable of receiving the second pad. The third component is a compression band that fits around both pads and the compression undergarment.

Abstract: A system and method for abdominal weight loss is provided. An abdominal weight loss apparatus includes a flexible abdominal covering structure sized to cover and fully surround a human abdomen, the abdominal covering structure having a substantially tubular body ending in an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the abdominal covering structure retains a quantity of body heat proximate to the human abdomen. At least one elastic portion is integral with the abdominal covering structure, wherein the at least one elastic portion retains the abdominal covering structure about the human abdomen.

Abstract: A one piece maternity support for the relief of discomfort associated with the progressive changes in the human body associated with a normal pregnancy. The support has a body encircling upper band for the support of the lower uterine segment and a lower belt having a pair of tensionable arms that connect to the upper band to support the lumbar region and offer counter rotational force for the anteriorly tilted pelvis. The position of the lower arms is optimized to apply a constant pressure to the muscles above the hip joint providing relief from so-called hip pain associated with many pregnancies.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for preventing fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising: a central portion having at least one rib, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, a lip disposed around the edge, a sealing member disposed over the lip for providing a sealing engagement between the lip and the open epidermal site, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion. Also disclosed is a flexible protective cover having a central portion, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, an inflatable sealing member integral with the edge for providing the sealing engagement, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal orthotic device configured from one or more elements of a modular system, comprising the following elements: a lower abdominal corset (40, 120), an upper abdominal corset (17, 130) that can be attached cranially to the lower abdominal corset (40, 120), a corset supporting element (41) that can be secured posteriorly in the lower abdominal corset (40, 120) and is arranged along the lumbar spine, supporting the spine while restricting sagittal mobility, a thoracic spinal corset (10, 200) that can be attached cranially to the lower abdominal corset (40, 120), at least one curved supporting clasp (47) that can be inserted posteriorly optionally into a bandage of a lower abdominal corset (40, 120) and an upper abdominal corset (17, 130) or into an bandage of a lower abdominal corset (40, 120) and a thoracic spinal corset (10, 200), said curved supporting clasp being attached to a corset supporting element (41) for correction of lordosis and for restriction of sagittal and front

Abstract: A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt-type wrinkled band used for healing a hernia of intervertebral disk or protection the intervertebral disk. In particular, the expansion and contraction by air-injection can be achieved, without using a rubber tube for the contraction and expansion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for supporting lumbar vertebras and/or sacrospinal muscles, generally called a lumbar belt. The inventive device comprises a back lumbar supporting part (1) and two lateral parts (2a, 2b) which are connected to the said back part (1) and provided with additional closing means (12b) arranged on the free front ends thereof. The external surface of the back part (1) comprises fixing means which interact with additional fixing means (9a, 9b) connected to the free back ends of the lateral parts (2a, 2b) in such a way that it is possible to close the belt without overlapping the said lateral parts (2a, 2b) on the abdominal region of a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a therapeutic medical garment that supports the abdomen or belly of a pregnant or post-partum woman and of either men or women with distended abdomens. The invention relates to an adjustable-support therapeutic undergarment which lifts the abdomen to prevent irritation of a surgical incision or scar in the lower abdominal or groin region such an incision resulting from a caesarian section or a hernia incision. The invention allows proper healing of the incision, and relieves both stress and strain on the scar and friction from the overhanging abdomen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating obesity comprising an inflatable balloon attached to an inner portion of a belt. The belt is wrapped around an individual's abdomen in the vicinity of the stomach. The balloon is inflated prior to consuming a meal and left in place for a certain period of time. The apparatus is then removed from the individual's abdomen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universally applicable orthosis such as a hip orthosis and includes a semi-rigid hip engaging unit that can be easily bent for attachment to a user's waist. A semi-rigid thigh support member is also easily bent for attachment to either the right or the left thigh of a user. A closure unit enables the user to provide a compressive force on the waist with a mechanical force advantage. The hinge unit extends between the hip engaging unit and the thigh unit to stabilize the limit of the extension and rotation of the thigh relative to the waist of the user. Although the waist engaging unit and the thigh support member are relatively flexible when they bend about the user, they are structured to become rigid to provide stable anchor points for the hinge unit.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression belt for alleviating menstrual cramps. In one embodiment the therapeutic compression belt includes a belt, a belt buckle, a left pad and a right pad, and a means to swivel the left pad and a means to swivel the right pad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and associated method for repositioning fat tissue in a patient's abdominal region during medical and surgical procedures. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted for repositioning an abdominal pannus and exposing the lower abdominal and groin regions of a patient. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a base member and a support member that angularly rotatable with respect to the base member. The support member includes a surface that contacts the pannus of a patient and pushes it superiorly away from the groin region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a front part, a rear part, a crotch part extending between the front and rear part, and fasteners for fastening the side portions of the front and rear parts together in an overlapping relationship in order to give the absorbent article a pants-like configuration, the overlap between the side portions of the respective front and rear part being adjustable. At least one of the side portions of the front or rear parts have at least one tension indicator.

Abstract: A brace for supporting both the abdomen and lower back of the user. The brace includes a preformed abdominal support member and a preformed lumbar support member having an ideal lumbar shape with a circular dome that is vertically bisected by an oblong, elliptical protrusion, the support members each joined by two belts. The belts are positioned through slots on each member and are used to select the biasing force needed for each user. The device further includes rounded corners with indented edges and surface vents on each support member for the user's comfort during sporting events or strenuous activity.

Abstract: An orthosis can comprise a first body member that can conform to a portion of a patient's body and a second body member that can conform to another portion of a patient's body. A closure unit having a first connector member with a first plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the first body member, while a second connector member with a second plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the second body member. An elongated flexible pull member can operatively extend between the respective first and second support posts so that when tightened by a patient, a pull member slides across the support posts to provide a mechanical force advantage to draw the first body member and the second body member against the patient's torso. A closure unit can be of a modular configuration for subjective mounting on various components of an orthosis to provide a highly adaptable closure unit.

Abstract: A belt for protecting an infant with a herniated belly button. The belt comprises a substantially soft sleeve like member for encircling an infant so as to cover such herniated belly button. The substantially soft sleeve like member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. A stiff-ribbed portion made of a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a predetermined width is designed for insertion into the substantially soft sleeve like member for providing support to such herniated belly button. Hook and loop material is used for securing one end of the belt to another portion of the belt around a body of such infant so that such belt is sufficiently tight so as to securely hold the belly button in, while preventing sores and discomfort to such infant.

Abstract: An orthosis can comprise a first body member that can conform to a portion of a patient's body and a second body member that can conform to another portion of a patient's body. A closure unit having a first connector member with a first plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the first body member, while a second connector member with a second plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the second body member. An elongated flexible pull member can operatively extend between the respective first and second support posts so that when tightened by a patient, a pull member slides across the support posts to provide a mechanical force advantage to draw the first body member and the second body member against the patient's torso. A closure unit can be of a modular configuration for subjective mounting on various components of an orthosis to provide a highly adaptable closure unit.

Abstract: An orthosis can comprise a first body member that can conform to a portion of a patient's body and a second body member that can conform to another portion of a patient's body. A closure unit having a first connector member with a first plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the first body member, while a second connector member with a second plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the second body member. An elongated flexible pull member can operatively extend between the respective first and second support posts so that when tightened by a patient, a pull member slides across the support posts to provide a mechanical force advantage to draw the first body member and the second body member against the patient's torso. A closure unit can be of a modular configuration for subjective mounting on various components of an orthosis to provide a highly adaptable closure unit.

Abstract: A closure system for orthoses that permits a first body member conforming to a portion of a patient's torso to be connected through the closure system, with a second body member conforming to another portion of a patient's torso. The closure system includes a first connector member with a first series of plastic molded channels and a second connector member with a second series of plastic molded channels with an elongated flexible pull member operatively weaving around the respective first and second series of plastic molded channels to provide a mechanical force advantage when tightened by the patient to draw the first body member and the second body member against the patient's torso to exert compression forces. The elongated flexible pull member can comprise a cord such as a polyester cord with an exterior braided configuration.

Abstract: A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein the garment in part has a first portion with a strong straining force; first portion with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion (A); right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a second position on the back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the portion (A) covers a region extending from second position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

Abstract: The abstract of the disclosure has been amended as follows: A hernial truss securely and constantly applies pressure to the herniated abdominal area of the patient while minimizing the pain and skin irritations during use. The hernial truss is formed with a front member applied to the abdominal area of the patent, a rear member applied to the back of the patient, left and right waistbands attached to the front member, left and right crotch bands attached to the rear member, and a pressing pad attached to the inside of the front member. A lower portion of the rear member is divided to left and right by an upward notch. The front and rear members are fitted with the patient body by the waistbands and the crotch bands, and each crotch band connects the rear member and the front member through the bottom of the patient to press the pressing pad against the herniated abdominal area.

Abstract: An abdominal support which includes a pair of shoulder and back straps, each of which passes over one of the wearers shoulders, crosses over the wearer's upper back, and connects to the other shoulder and back strap at the wearer's side; a sling support is secured to each shoulder and back strap at or adjacent the wearers side and a support sling extends from one sling support to the other, passing beneath the wearer's abdomen in use; the sling incorporates length adjusters.

Abstract: The invention comprises an animal having a presurgical substantially normal gastrointestinal tract, which gastrointestinal tract has been surgically modified such that postsurgically there is a reduction of the volume of the stomach of the gastrointestinal tract, a reduction in the digestive area of the gastrointestinal tract, a reduction in the co-mingling of food with gastric, biliary and pancreatic juices, a reduction in the presurgical gastric output of the peptide ghrelin, a reduction in the threshold for satiety, a permanent reduction in presurgical weight, and an induction of a condition of malabsorption. The surgically-altered animal may be adapted for use as an animal model in a method wherein the biological mechanisms underlying obesity and its reduction may be investigated; and, in which the molecular biological effects of surgical intervention for obesity may be investigated; and, in which the efficacy of noninvasive alternatives to surgical intervention for obesity may be investigated.