Abstract: A cervical support has an inherently stable support body of elastic foam material, provided with a covering of textile material, the free ends of which body overlap each other at the rear in a nape support region of the cervical support and can be detachably connected to each other. The nape support region is of greater height than a front, chin support region of the cervical support. For improved fit against the patient's body, and the relief of pressure thereagainst, the nape support region follows a path which is substantially partially circular or partially elliptical, and merges into jaw support regions which extend symmetrically and in mirror image relationship with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis connecting the centers of the nape support region and the chin support region. Each jaw support region is of flat S-shape, which at a certain distance from the chin support region, is bowed towards the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for repeatable positioning of a reference element on a human head comprises a standardized base in substantially the shape of a ring (1 ) with a support (2) for abutment against the back of the patient's head, an attachment means (10, 11) located on the ring (1) substantially diametrically opposite to the position of the support (2), an initially deformable first splint (20) detachably fitted in the attachment means (10, 11) and arranged to form a special bite piece for the patient, to be correctly bitten by the patient when the support (2) abuts the back of the head and the nose splint is correctly in contact with the region of root of the patient's nose.

Abstract: An injection molded front section of a cervical collar having a chin support attached thereto along an upper edge portion opposite a lower padded edge portion, is adjustably positioned on a patient by a flexible strap underlying a back section releasably locked in overlapping relation to padded end portions of the front section. A stabilizing contact section is attached to the back section and projects from its upper edge portion to stabilize support of the collar on a patient in its adjusted position. The front and back sections of the collar are color coded during formation in accordance with size and corresponding thickness determined to provide optimum stiffness accommodating bending of the collar during installation and orthopedic support once applied.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a liner and a surgical collar wherein the liner is formed of a blank of soft, pliable absorbent material shaped to conform to the interior surface of the surgical collar and having opposed reversible folded pockets formed along the opposed ends of the blank for receiving the edges of the surgical collar and a reversible foldable edge flange for overlying the upper peripheral portion of the surgical collar so as to render the collar more comfortable to the wearer. The liner may be formed as a unitary member, or in several parts, depending upon the specific construction of the surgical collar.

Abstract: A mobile cervical brace for support, immobilization, and extension of the cervical vertebrae utilizing a base portion, a cranial support member selectively movable by an extension component relative to the base of the brace. Movement of the cranial support member is accomplished by a worm screw which engages and disengages threaded slots of a depending guide of the extensions means affixed to cranial support member to move the cranial support member relative to the base of my brace.

Abstract: A cervical support has a substantially inherently stable support member of resilient foam material, constructed to encircle the neck of a patient who is to wear the cervical support. The support member has overlapping free end parts which are releasably connectable to each other. Support elements are insertable into through radial openings of the support member, each support element having a shank having a mushroom-shaped head at one end and a large area head at its other end. The former head can be pressed into a disc or band partially embracing the outer surface of the support member. The support elements can be selectively removed from, or inserted into, the openings to provide local stiffening of the support member as required by the patient's condition.

Abstract: A head support for the physically disabled, particularly those suffering from cerebral palsy, is provided. The head support is comprised of a helmet, elastic tethers, a collar, a breastbone bridge, a waistband and two vertical straps. Optionally, a chin support may also be used. The elasticity and length of the tethers permit its head movement; but the system will return the head to its upright position. The head is held upright by the elastic tethers, from above. This flexible head support system is an improvement over existing rigid braces which are uncomfortable and often serve to increase spasticity of head and neck muscles. In addition, the present head support is aesthetically more pleasing than conventional rigid braces.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a low cost cervical collar for use in emergency situations when there is a possible cervical/spinal injury. The cervical collar comprises a flexible foam plastic body member having sufficient length to substantially encircle the neck of the wearer in use. The body member includes a medial portion and opposite wing portions arranged to overlie the ears and provide substantial support for the head. The cervical collar is also provided with a hole centered at the front thereof to provide access to the throat in the event an emergency tracheotomy is needed. In a preferred embodiment, the cervical collar further includes a solid plastic sheet overlying a substantial portion of the body to provide additional strength and support.

Abstract: A cervical support to immobilize the cervical vertebral column is in the form of a padded collar enclosing the patient's neck and so designed that individualized immobilization is possible within a limited region of the head, as required in a number of indications, for instance in wear phenomena in the cervical vertebral column zone or in post-operation treatment.For that purpose the invention provides that the cervical support comprise a clearance in its front region with a flexible frame comprising spacers between its upper and lower bounds that can be shifted along the clearance.

Abstract: An orthopedic support device comprises a resilient pad having a length and a width, covered by a woven or non-woven fabric having a pair of ends which are adapted to be joined together, whereby the support device may be wrapped around a body at a desired location, and the ends of the device fastened together to support the body at that location, characterized in that the device is provided with a lengthwise extending first strip of hook and pile closure material, and there provided, in association with the device, a complementary second strip of hook and pile closure material, whereby the ends of the device may be releasably fastened together with a complementary strip of closure material.

Abstract: A collapsible cervical cervical immobilization device comprising two pieces of treated fiberboard. The pieces are placed one on top of the other and joined together at the center of each. The upper member consisting of different sections formed by and attached to each often by fold lines. The fold lines allow these sections to be rotated independent of each other with the fold lines acting as a hinge. When certain sections are folded against a patient's head they form a cradling area. When the rigid shoulder sections are mated to the base member by means of Velcro-type hook-loop fasteners the device becomes rigid thus restraining the patients head and neck area. Adhesive tape on the bottom of the base member allows for the device to be secured to a surface that further supports the patients cervical area.

Abstract: A cervical support to immobilize the cervical vertebral column and in the form of a padded collar enclosing the patient's neck is designed in such a way that in spite of the immobilization in the region required for that purpose, some head motion to actuate the muscles and to avoid a long-term unpleasant feeling of compression shall be possible.The invention provides that the cervical support shall be relatively rigid in a region supporting the head and relatively elastically deforming in another region.

Abstract: A cervical collar including front and back halves adapted to fit around the neck, and an adjustable strap for releasably securing the halves in position on the neck. The halves of the collar are made from a laminate having outer layers of a foamed polymeric material and an inner layer of a solid, non-foamed thermoplastic material. The foam layes provide padding and comfort, and the solid layers provide rigidity and support to immobilize the head and neck. In one embodiment there is provided a large hole in the front most portion of the collar to accommodate the Adam's apple. In another embodiment, the strap is attached to the back half by looping it through parallel slots formed in the rearmost portion of the collar which are narrower than the width of the strap adjacent the slots, and attached to the front half by stitching at the ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is an emergency medical cervical collar suitable for land or water rescue operations. The collar more completely immobilizes the cervical portion of the victim's spine, and can be rapidly placed on the victim with minimal disturbance to the cervical portion of the spine. The collar includes generally U-shaped front and rear halves which are flexible, light weight, non-toxic, water resistant and buoyant in water. A flexible strap fastener is coupled to the rear collar half. Strap fastener guides are coupled to the front collar half so as to swivel thereon. Opposite end portions of the strap fastener are threaded through the strap fastener guides, and the strap fastener end portions are folded back and drawn evenly through the guides. The guides swivel as the collar halves are drawn together whereby the collar halves self-align.

Abstract: A neck support collar for use by football players has a central section formed by a plurality of flexible plastic parallel adjacent tubes. A first group of the tubes has a diameter of one inch with a central longitudinal bore of one fourth inch diameter. A second group of the tubes has a diameter of one half inch and a central longitudinal bore of one eighth inch diameter. An end pad formed from soft perforated leather is attached to a first end of the central section and a support pad is attached to a second opposite end. The support pad has an interior rubber pad enclosed within a perforated leather covering. The support pad is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent sections which extend transversely to the tubes of the central section. A combination of buckle-strap and VELCRO fasteners are utilized to secure the collar around the neck of an individual.

Abstract: A support is provided for a user's head and neck which provides varying degrees of support depending on the combination of support members utilized. A posterior shell which supports the occiput can be combined with either ear protectors or an anterior shell, or both and an overlying posterior shell can be utilized to provide increased support. A single posterior shell could include all support features such as the ear protectors formed as an integral port thereof. The anterior shell can have molded contours to increase its rigidity and jaw engaging side walls to reduce lateral movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a spring loaded cervical traction collar having front and rear discrete body halves in which each body half is split in half horizontally to define upper and lower front parts and upper and lower rear parts. A plurality of traction spring units each having double ended plunger rods having a head on each free end, a pair of closed ended cylinders and a spring is located in each of the cylinders. The springs are between the heads and the closed ends of the cylinders. Each cylinder is secured in one of said body halves. The springs urge the vertically opposed body halves in which each traction spring unit is secured to provide traction and are circumferentially spaced about the front and rear body halves and secured thereto with the axes of their plunger rods being substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: An orthopedic cervical support collar comprising a piece of thick, absorbent cloth material folded lengthwise to form an elongated, multi-ply pad having a length sufficient to encircle the neck and provide an overlap. Stitching through the cloth plies, or other suitable ply interengaging means, maintains the plies in a flat, pad-forming condition. Releasable fastening means such as burr type ("Velcro") fasteners are mounted on the pad in the area of the overlap for releasably fastening together the overlapped pad ends when mounting the pad collar-wise on the neck of the user.A method of making the collar from a length of toweling or other thick, absorbent cloth material also is provided.

Abstract: A pelvic traction device inlcudes two detachably coupled belts that cooperate with each other to enable the device to be used over a wide range of patient sizes.

Abstract: Devices for immobilizing cervical cord injuries and applying localized temperature gradients to injured cervical cord areas. Cervical collars according to the present invention comprise a forward section and a rear section held together by fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners. The rear sections contain cavities for receiving a cooling or heating medium such as endothermic chemical packs, refrigeration coils or containers of hot or cold materials. Localized hypothermia or hyperthermia can thus be induced according to the present invention minutes or perhaps hours earlier than otherwise possible in an effort to increase the prospect of favorable prognosis for recovery of limb function.

Abstract: A one-piece contoured neck brace or support is disclosed which provides semi-rigid support for a user's head and neck by conforming to and contacting the occiput between the ears, the posterior and lateral neck area and the suprascapular region. The support may be retained on the user's neck by an adjustable strap or collar, and has forwardly extending portions to reduce any uncomfortable pressure on the user's throat. Ear protectors may be selectively attached to the support as needed, as may a head band. The head band may be used to further secure the support, the ear protectors, or both.

Abstract: An improved ventilated body or neck brace for effective removal of body heat and moisture from inside the brace utilizing a plurality of vent holes in combination with a network of air distributing channels on the inside surface of the brace.

Abstract: A cervical appliance for preventing ventral flexion of the head to reduce the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome and/or adult sleep apnea, both of which have common characteristics which are at least partially obviated with the use of the invention.

Abstract: A cervical collar having front and rear halves removably connected together provides for the possibility of a tracheotomy via an opening in the front half so as to permit access to a person's trachea. The collar provides sufficient support so as to restrict the cervical region without hyperextension of the neck thereby avoiding further injury.

Abstract: Splints for immobilizing and supporting injured limbs, fingers, or the neck of a patient may be fashioned of thin malleable sheet metal, preferably dead soft aluminum, provided in the form of a flat strip folded to a convenient, compact shape for storage. For use as a splint, the aluminum sheet is bent to include a stiffening flange or rib extending longitudinally and centrally along the material to support the body member on which the splint is used. The same material may be formed as a cervical collar including a plurality of vertically-extending, outwardly-projecting stiffening flanges. The sheet metal is preferably covered by a layer of adhesively attached, resilient plastic foam material which insulates, cushions, and helps to prevent the splint from shifting relative to the body of the person on which it is used.

Abstract: A generally rectangular or other suitably shaped support pillow adapted to be removably secured around a users neck. A single elongated wedge-shaped pillow segment is provided with fasteners for joining one end to the other. The wedge shape gives increased lateral support to the users neck and head. Worn with the fasteners under the user's chin, it gives increased head and neck support whereas if it is worn with the fasteners behind the users head, it gives increased chin and head support. A three piece version is also provided and the various pillow segments may be of various sizes. A laminate may be applied to render the support pillow bacteria proof, flame retardent and waterproof while allowing heat and perspiration to escape. A spring-like closure version is also shown.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a mandibular plate for supporting a patient's chin, an occipital plate for supporting the occipital region of the patient's head, flexible front and rear neck supports extending around the opposite sides of the patient's neck from the mandibular support plate and the occipital support plate, and releasable fastening means on the front and rear supports for providing circumferential support around the patient's neck. A sternal plate rests on the patient's sternum, a scapular plate on the scapular region of the patient's back, and lower front and rear flexible shoulder supports extend over the right and left shoulders of the patient. Releasable fastening means adjust the circumferential size of the shoulder supports. An elongated rigid front support bar extends from the mandibular plate to the sternal plate. Cooperating fasteners on the front support bar and on the sternal plate releasably adjust the height of the mandibular plate independently of the the sternal plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopaedic support for the head and neck comprising a pad placed circularly around a patient's neck and releasable fastener elements attached thereto. In order to avoid the patient perspiring under such a support and thereby avoid the support becoming damp the pad consists of individual, separate pad elements flexibly connected to each other. In particular, the pad elements may be separated and spaced from each other and be joined to each other by flexible tapes.

Abstract: A one-piece contoured neck brace or support is disclosed which provides semi-rigid support for a user's head and neck by conforming to and contacting the occiput between the ears, the posterior and lateral neck area and the suprascapular region. Resilient foam pads may be secured to the interior of the brace to provide additional support, skin contact, comfort and to further limit movement of the head. The brace may be held in place by a foam collar, incorporated into a pillow or nested with additional brace shells to provide additional rigidity.

Abstract: An improved cervical spine collar which takes the anatomy of the patient's lower head and upper torso into account comprising a rear section, left and right pliable sections, left and right side sections, left and right adaptation grooves, and left and right front sections. The rear section has an extension block and upper and lower comfort edges. The pliable sections permit the collar to bend to fit about the patient's neck and head. The side sections are sufficiently rigid to prevent lateral flexion and have support fins for support and comfort. The front sections collectively comprise a mandible buttress to block flexion and have a shoulder support, chin rotation blocks and cricochyrodectomy passage which may be used without obstructing placement, use or removal of the collar. The collar may be adjusted to fit various neck sizes through the use of optional side adjustments and inflatable tubes.

Abstract: A cervical collar comprises front and rear halves for resting on the shoulders and extending around the neck to support the chin and rear of a patient's head. Each half comprises a thin, semi-rigid shell molded from a plastic material such as polyethylene. The front half preferably comprises a self-supporting shell preformed as a single piece of a thin, semi-rigid material shaped to conform to the anatomical contour of the underside of the chin and lower jaw, the front portion of the neck, and the upper chest region. The length of the neck region of the shell is reinforced for increasing its stiffness to resist without collapse the downward forces on the chin and lower jaw-supporting section of the shell normally encountered during use. A resilient open cell containing material provides padding for the inside face of the shell. The rear half of the collar comprises a similar thin semi-rigid shell with an open cell containing material on its inside face.

Abstract: A front piece adapted to overlie part of a person's chest is rigidly and removably connected to a front half of a cervical collar. A rear piece adapted to overlie part of a person's back is rigidly and removably connected to a rear half of a cervical collar. The front and rear pieces are connected to their half of the cervical collar by a plastic rivet. An adjustable strap innerconnects the front and rear pieces.

Abstract: A cervical spine collar comprising a superstructure and a distracting cuff. The superstructure is molded into a configuration having occipital buttresses and mandible contours on a superior surface while an inferior surface has a longitudinal extending slot. The slot receives an upper portion of a fin having attached to a lower portion an inflatable balloon, the fin and balloon comprising a detachable distracting cuff. The distracting cuff may also be permanently attached to the inferior surface of the superstructure. When the distracting cuff is in position relative to the superstructure and the invention collar is secured to a victim having possible cervical spine injury, the inflatable balloon is inflated thereby forcing the head and neck of the victim into a posture that relieves pressure on the cervical spine area and prohibits possible damaging extension/flexion movement by the victim.

Abstract: A cervical brace comprises independently adjustable chin support and occipital supports for constraining movement of the head in any direction. The chin support comprises a chin rest pivotably mounted on a front support mechanism that includes a stationary base member and a vertically adjustable front support member mounted on the front base member. The occipital support comprises an occipital rest for engaging the lower rear portion of the head and a rear support mechanism that includes a vertically movable rear support member mounted on a rear base member, with the rear base member including a pelvic support flange that rests on the pelvis of the patient so as to support the brace from the pelvis instead of the shoulders of the patient. The chin and occipital rests are connected together by means of rigid lateral slide supports, the length of which can be adjusted to move the chin and occipital rests closer together or further apart.

Abstract: Therapeutic waistcoat for the treatment of ailments in the cervical and neck-arm region, e.g. cervical syndrome, omarthrose, periarthritis. The waistcoat tightly encloses the entire upper part of the body and has a collar part at least twice as long as the neck. The collar folds down to form a stiff collar; if desired, an additional neck support may be inserted into it. With or without additional neck support, the collar is dimensioned in a way to assure contact pressure by the collar part on the entire neck region up to the jaw and the base of the skull. The fabric of the waistcoat, including the collar part, consists of an electrostatically active knit made of a mix of polyvinyl chloride and acrylic fibres. The supporting effect applied in the neck region in combination with the increased heat effect caused by the contact pressure results in a therapeutic effect in the cervical range which radiates to the areas of the shoulder and elbow joints.

Abstract: This invention consists of a collar which is worn as a neck support for posture training and therapeutic purposes. It is made of a soft spongy plastic material of a shape to fit the contour of the neck, and is reinforced around its rim with a narrow band of a stiff but flexible plastic material. The collar is provided with a plurality of spaced vertical stays which are made of longitudinal tubes containing removable strips of metal therein for controlling the shape and degree of stiffness of the collar. The spaces on the collar between the stays are open to provide vertilation. The collar is held around the neck by strips of adhesive tape such as "Velcro" which join the ends of the collar. Additional and variable support is provided by separate vertical supports which can be attached at various heights and locations on the collar, by "Velcro" type adhesive.

Abstract: A cervical collar which is made of a pad of resilient foam material with a scalloped depressed area at the middle of the inside surface of the collar whereby a user's chin is supported in the depression and pressure on a user's throat area is relieved by the reduced thickness provided by the depression.

Abstract: A relatively light, compact and variable neck exerciser which is worn and automatically functions throughout the entire range of neck motion as a result of natural effort an individual performs in his or her particular activity; and simultaneously acts as a neck exerciser and neck protector through the entire range of neck motion during this activity, thereby, being a neck rehabilitator. The device includes a looped spring element fastened, in the case of a football player, between the back of the player's helmet at the apex of the looped spring and the back of the player's shoulder pads at the legs of the looped spring. The spring includes compression, torsion and extention spring sections.

Abstract: A two part cervical collar which comprises a pair of U-shaped body members which are adapted to be positioned in a mating face-to-face arrangement encircling the neck of the wearer, with the oppositely directed end portions of the members over-lapping each other. Each body member comprises a core of air permeable foam material having sufficient firmness to provide adequate support about the entire circumference of the wearer's head and neck. The core of each body member defines a smooth exterior surface which is in the form of a portion of a cylindrical surface, and the core is covered by a fabric which is smoothly bonded to the surface thereof. Also, strap means having Velcro type hook fastening means thereon is provided for releasably interconnecting the two mating members.

Abstract: A cervical collar comprising means adapted to underlie at least the head and trunk of the body of a patient for rigidly supporting a patient and comprising a head supporting portion and a trunk supporting portion, an elongated, elastically deformable core having a mid-portion comprising means for encircling the patient's neck while leaving the front of the neck uncovered, when the cervical collar is in place. The core has a pair of end portions each integral with the mid-portion and extending forwardly from the mid-portion at the front of the patient's neck when the cervical collar is in place. An elongated flexible cover around the core having a pair of end parts each extending longitudinally beyond a respective end portion of the core and means for preventing the longitudinal movement of the cover relative to the core.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying controlled traction to the neck or lower back of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a pair of relatively rigid, hollow members telescopingly engaging each other. A bladder for the reception of air or other fluid is disposed within the members. The bladder has a stem to permit it to be filled with fluid to a controlled pressure. The fluid pressure acts on the sections tending to cause them to separate axially, but the rigid material prevents radial expansion. Thus, the device provides a controlled amount of traction in an axial direction without a choking radial component.

Abstract: A filter for blood comprising a pair of members together forming a housing with an inlet and an outlet, an aperture diaphragm between said members across the interior of said housing and dividing said housing into a filter chamber and a drip chamber respectively communicating with said inlet and outlet, means forming a hermetic and sterile seal between said members, and a plurality of filter elements serially disposed within said housing so that blood being filtered therethrough must pass in sequence through said inlet, through all of said filter elements, through the aperture of said diaphragm and then through said outlet. Preferably at least four woven nylon screens are employed as the filter elements in a nylon housing, the filter elements in the direction of flow successively having screen sizes of about 200 .mu., 50 .mu., 20 .mu. and 10 .mu..

Abstract: A cervical collar applies body heat to the area of treatment and minimizes pressure upon the brachial plexus. The collar extends lengthwise from the occiput to the dorsal-four so as to be occipito-sinous and has a bi-acromial width which likewise extends through the dorsal-four.

Abstract: A cervical collar is made of plastic foam and includes a thin band of resilient plastic material biasing the foam into an annular shape terminating in opposed rear ends which may be separated to circumferentially expand the collar against the bias of the band for fitting about a patient's neck. A front central top portion of the collar includes a depression and the top surface itself is beveled and shaped in such a manner as to comfortably cradle a patient's front jaw portion and side areas of the head. An outer covering of fabric material may be applied about the collar for purposes of cleanliness and enhancement of the aesthetic appearance of the collar.