Head Or Neck Patents (Class 5/622)
  • Patent number: 7603730
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend above the patient table and supports a patient's head above a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Deborah Ruth Zelnik
  • Patent number: 7574759
    Abstract: A face cradle insert device for providing extra support to the neck and head area of a person during a massage. The face cradle insert device includes a pad and a receiver opening, wherein the pad is removably attached to a face cradle of a massage table. The receiver opening extends through the pad and includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion and the second portion are comprised of a configuration to comfortably fit the face of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Kimberly Forness Wilson, Bob K. Steers
  • Patent number: 7571502
    Abstract: An anterior support for the head of a person seated in a wheelchair or other type of chair. The support can be pivoted from a position behind the chair to a position wherein a forehead strap engages the anterior portion of the head to hold the head adjacent a headrest pad. The forehead strap is attached to slide along one or more head bands which extend around the head to allow the head to turn without loss of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Frano, Mitchell F. Komisar, David S. Pickett
  • Patent number: 7552492
    Abstract: A head support base unit enables enhanced capability for positioning the head of a patient at the end of a medical table, by incorporating into the handle assembly thereof an additional degree of freedom, namely rotatability along the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, a pair of axially opposed, spring-biased ratchets are housed within the handle, to permit or prevent axial rotation of one end of the handle relative to the other. This enhanced flexibility an maneuverability is achieved without any added complexity, and without requiring any additional space. These advantages are further magnified if an additional like handle assembly is connected to the first handle assembly, with a link interconnected therebetween, because composite angles and off-axis positioning of the patient can be readily accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Integra LifeSciences Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Rolfes, Charles E. Dinkler, II
  • Patent number: 7543345
    Abstract: A face cradle insert device for providing extra support to the neck and head area of a person during a massage and/or when lying down. The face cradle insert device includes a pad and a receiver opening, wherein the pad is removably attached to a face cradle of a massage table. The receiver opening vertically extends through the pad and includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion and the second portion are comprised of a configuration to comfortably fit the face of a user. The pad also includes at least one passageway horizontally extending through the pad, wherein the passageway fluidly connects with the receiver opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventors: Kimberly Forness Wilson, Bob K. Steers
  • Patent number: 7544007
    Abstract: A swivel adapter (26) has a base (60) with an outward facing first side (57) and a pivot surface (55) extending from the first side. A Center adapter (52) is mounted for pivoting motion on the pivot surface and has an outward facing first device connector (46). A clamp (78) has a clamp operator (80) operable to clamp the center adapter on the pivot surface at a desired orientation with respect to the base. A base unit handle (34) has a clamping mechanism (128, 138, 156, 164) connected to a body (120) having two split bores (36, 122), which is operable to clamp and unclamp the split bores on respective shafts. The clamping mechanism has linkage (138, 156) connected to a closing handle (164) to provide a mechanical advantage to the handle during the clamping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Integra LifeSciences Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin R. Easton
  • Publication number: 20090119844
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable, portable, trauma treatment and monitoring patient platform. The patient platform includes an upper housing body including a top surface and an upper patient support surface. The patient platform also includes a lower housing body including a rear surface and a lower patient support surface. The upper and lower patient support surfaces are cooperative to collectively support a patient. The lower housing and upper housing are in pivotal communication to enable selective articulation about a pivoting axis between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the closed orientation, the upper patient support surface is substantially flush with the lower patient support surface. In the open orientation, the upper patient support surface and lower patient support surface are substantially co-planar. A bay capable of receiving at least one medical monitoring/treatment unit is located within at least one of the upper and lower housing bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Andrew Barnett, Todd Douglas Kneale, Steven Bruce Alexander, Terrance Paul Domae
  • Publication number: 20090077747
    Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of operating the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: WILLIE W. KIM
  • Publication number: 20090030456
    Abstract: A leather furniture includes: a frame; a leather sheet wrapped around the frame; and a connecting unit including a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element has a first secured part secured to the frame, and a first engaging part extending from the first secured part. The second connecting element has a second secured part secured to the leather sheet, and a second engaging part extending from the second secured part. The first engaging part releasably engages the second engaging part in a snap engaging manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Yang Kuo
  • Patent number: 7478445
    Abstract: A reclining table comprising a stationary reclining plate and a back rest pivotally connected to it. A supporting member pivotally connected to said reclining plate near its free end serves for supporting said back rest in various angular positions. Said supporting member has a number of lateral slots for receiving lips of a supporting plate being pivotally connected to said back rest and in that case engaging said back rest. The supporting member is able to support the back rest at an angle of 15° at the most, for example. Beyond that, said supporting plate can be used, which will then cooperate with grooves provided on the reclining plate for supporting the back rest at angles larger than the maximum angle first mentioned. Supporting member and supporting plate are collapsed onto the reclining plate when said back rest is to be brought to the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sinmed Holding International B.V.
    Inventor: Bram De Vries
  • Patent number: 7472444
    Abstract: A device for supporting the head of a patient is accommodated on a patient bed of an x-ray apparatus. To prevent image artifacts, the device has a head shell mounted on a fastening part by means of a joint, and a support is provided between the head shell and the fastening part for adjustment of the angle of inclination of the head shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Loser
  • Publication number: 20080301877
    Abstract: A device and method is presented for adapting existing articulating bedframes to prevent lateral movement of the user while the bedframe is articulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: David Crocker, David Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7450985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a head restraint kit for use with a medical head device for immobilizing the head of a patient in medical research, diagnosis and operation. The head restraint kit is particularly suitable for use with a head coil for magnetic resonance imaging. The head restraint kit contains a head rest pillow for providing support to the head of a patient, a neck cushion for providing neck support, and one or more wedge cushions for providing further support for the head. The head restraint kit may also contain one or more compact square cushions which can be inserted into a space between the head and the medical head device for additional head support. The head restraint kit may further contain a cloth strap placed over the forehead of a patient for protecting and securing the head against movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Mary Jane Meloy
  • Patent number: 7430765
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to articles which may be used as headwear for infants that address issues related to flat head syndrome. In a first aspect, an article of headwear for an infant is provided. The headwear is configured to reduce pressure at the rear portion of the head when the infant is lying or reclining in the supine position. The headwear generally includes a head receiving portion having at least a top region and rear region for covering at least the top and rear portions of the head of the infant. In accordance with the invention, the headwear also includes support cushion positioned in the rear region of the head receiving portion. The support cushion is configured to support at least the rear portion of the head of the infant and to at least partially surround a pressure relief region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Susan Matthews Brown, Kristin A. Tidwell, Sheila Littlehorn
  • Patent number: 7430773
    Abstract: A device for controlled orientation of a person's cervical spine that is compatible with medical imaging machines. The device is capable of rotation about the axis of a patient's spinal column independent of, or in addition to, flexion/extension of a patient's spinal column. The device may incorporate locking mechanisms to secure rotational orientation and may include quantitative indicators of the degree of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Micah B. Brown, Jon A. Cappel, Kevin M. Johnson, Matthew R. Smith, Noelle C. Simatic, Arinne N. Lyman, Victor M. Haughton
  • Patent number: 7428761
    Abstract: Adjustable chair for medical and paramedical diagnosis and treatment, comprising a pillar, a seat, a chair back, a support for the lower legs and if appropriate a head rest, the height of the pillar being adjustable and the remainder of the parts mentioned being adjustable with respect to one another. The chair back, the seat and the support for the lower legs are adjustable into a fully extended (bed) position. Also an ergonomic chair, particularly an automobile chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Arthur Engels, Johannes Henricus Maria de Kroon, Gaston Lionel van Amerongen
  • Patent number: 7426763
    Abstract: A support for the head of a patient lying in a generally prone position. The support features a tray adapted for support on an underlying operating table surface. A plurality of pins projecting from an engagement with the tray are positioned to engage and suspend either a cushion directly or a cushion engaged in a casing. The pins may be adjusted to raise or lower the engaged cushion or casing. A mirror is also provided to view a patient's eyes through slots in the cushion and casing engaged over a patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Dupaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mazzei, Gregory P. Jordan, An B. Vu
  • Patent number: 7426761
    Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending there from and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Tomcany, John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 7406732
    Abstract: An Airway Management Apparatus (AMA) and method for aiding in airway patency/preventing airway obstruction under sedation in the supine position and other situations where tongue and jaw relaxation occurs, by maintaining the jaw thrust/chin lift position and neck extension. It is also useful when airway patency is compromised due to abnormal neuromuscular tone, redundant soft tissue or an increase in upper airway adipose tissue. The ARM Headrest includes lateral extensions which house the foam wedges to provide the mechanical jaw thrust maneuver when positioned under the mandibular angles. When strapped under the chin to perform the jaw thrust/chin lift maneuver, it is very effective in opening up the airway in a large population of patients who obstruct during sleep, sedation, etc. It also has a head and neck support having a partially concave and partially convex surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Anita Ratan Ramaiah
  • Publication number: 20080163426
    Abstract: A patient immobilization device for immobilizing a patient and performing a diagnostic evaluation of such patient is comprised of a backboard, a structure configured to support the head of a patient on the backboard, and a pupil-sizing indicator positioned on a surface of the support structure to be visually accessible to a person that is visually evaluating the head and face of an immobilized patient on the backboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Tomcany
  • Patent number: 7360264
    Abstract: A patient immobilization device for immobilizing a patient and performing a diagnostic evaluation of such patient is comprised of a backboard, a structure configured to support the head of a patient on the backboard, and a pupil-sizing indicator positioned on a surface of the support structure to be visually accessible to a person that is visually evaluating the head and face of an immobilized patient on the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Tomcany
  • Publication number: 20080072381
    Abstract: A head support bas unit enables enhanced capability for positioning the head of a patient at the end of a medical table, by incorporating into the handle assembly thereof an additional degree of freedom, namely rotatability along the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, a pair of axially opposed, spring-biased ratchets are housed within the handle, to permit or prevent axial rotation of one end of the handle relative to the other. This enhanced flexibility an maneuverability is achieved without any added complexity, and without requiring any additional space. These advantages are further magnified if an additional like handle assembly is connected to the first handle assemble, with a link interconnected therebetween, because composite angles and off-axis positioning of the patient can be readily accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Rolfes, Charles E. Dinkler
  • Publication number: 20080047070
    Abstract: A face cradle insert device for providing extra support to the neck and head area of a person during a massage and/or when lying down. The face cradle insert device includes a pad and a receiver opening, wherein the pad is removably attached to a face cradle of a massage table. The receiver opening vertically extends through the pad and includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion and the second portion are comprised of a configuration to comfortably fit the face of a user. The pad also includes at least one passageway horizontally extending through the pad, wherein the passageway fluidly connects with the receiver opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kimberly Forness Wilson, Bob K. Steers
  • Publication number: 20080047069
    Abstract: A face cradle insert device for providing extra support to the neck and head area of a person during a massage. The face cradle insert device includes a pad and a receiver opening, wherein the pad is removably attached to a face cradle of a massage table. The receiver opening extends through the pad and includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion and the second portion are comprised of a configuration to comfortably fit the face of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kimberly Forness Wilson, Bob K. Steers
  • Patent number: 7328055
    Abstract: The present invention provides a patient support apparatus for use during a medical procedure. The patient support apparatus is configured to receive and support a body of a patient on a base member. The base member includes a top surface having a plurality of adjustable members, wherein each of the adjustable members is configured to support a different portion the body of the patient. A plurality of actuation mechanisms are operably connected to both the base member and one each of the plurality of adjustable members, such that each of the plurality of adjustable members is separately, selectively positionable with respect to the base member. A control device operably connected to the actuation mechanism to selectively control the position of each of the adjustable members and the corresponding body portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Marctec, LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 7306612
    Abstract: A cranial spinal column support assembly includes a base having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. A support frame is attached to and extends upwardly from the upper surface. The support frame is positioned generally adjacent to the first end of the base. A mounting is positioned on the support frame and is selectively positioned between an upper portion of the support frame and a lower portion of the support frame. A securing member is adapted for releasably securing the mounting to the frame in a fixed position. A head support is mounted to and extends outwardly away from the mounting. The head support includes a face receiving member for receiving a head in a downward facing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Jose S. Landa
  • Patent number: 7263733
    Abstract: A headrest, armrest, or other attachment to an image diagnosis bed apparatus having leaf springs formed as integral parts of its connecting portion, and a bed apparatus tabletop with a connecting hole for the insertion of the attachment connecting portion at one end and fixing holes for the leaf springs at its top. Also, an armrest shaped so as to be capable of being placed over a headrest connected to the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidehiro Fujita, Takafumi Oguri
  • Patent number: 7243387
    Abstract: A positioning aid (1) for tomographic functional examinations with a base plate (3) which is connected to a moveable patient trolley and with a shoulder plate at the same height as the thorax, which permits a continuously diagonal positioning of the thorax, at the head-end of the shoulder plate, a swivelling reclining plate (23) is linked to an articulated axle (22a) which runs horizontally in a direction transverse to the z-direction, it being possible to lower the said plate in the direction of the base plate, this being characterised in that the shoulder plate is in the form of a first raising plate (4) which is linked to the base plate facing away from the head, this being swivelled via a horizontal articulated axle (5) and in that a first raising pouch (6) of an elastic material is situated between the base plate and the first raising plate, which when filled with a fluid raises the first raising plate from the base plate from one side, in that when the raising plate raises or lowers, the reclining plate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Rolf Schindler
  • Patent number: 7234180
    Abstract: A dynamic surgical table system includes any one or combination of a head support system, support systems for each arm, a torso support system, and a leg support system mounted to a frame system to support a patient during surgery. Any one or combination of the support systems is movable relative to the other and to the frame system to facilitate patient repositioning during surgery. Such repositioning may be desirable, for example, to create flexion, extension or rotation of the spine to facilitate access to and surgical treatment of one or more vertebral bodies, disc spaces between vertebral bodies, or other anatomical structures adjacent the spine of the patient. Furthermore, individual support members of any one of the support systems can articulate to conform to the patient anatomy and facilitate repositioning of the particular portion of the patient's body being support thereon while minimizing stress on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Horton, Matthew M. Morrison, Harold Sparr Taylor, Douglas Baker
  • Patent number: 7225485
    Abstract: A support for supporting at least a part of the human body is provided. In some embodiments, the support may include a support body having a first resistance to deformation and at least one buoyancy cushion having a second resistance to deformation, wherein said buoyancy cushion is substantially disposed at least partially within said support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Patricia Binder
  • Patent number: 7219379
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a patient support therapeutic bed comprising a base frame and a patient support platform rotatable relative to the base frame is illustrated and described. The patient support platform is also rotatable between a supine position and a prone position. The therapeutic bed includes a head support positionable relative to the patient support platform to support the head of a patient supported by said patient support platform. The head support includes a head restraint independently positionable relative to the patient support platform for engaging a front surface of the head. The head restraint is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 7174587
    Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiation therapy, including an elongated table, a lock bar positioned on the table and extending perpendicular to a length of the table, and first and second clamps secured to opposing ends of the lock bar. The clamps are adapted to grip flat surfaces of sides of the table so as to secure the lock bar in a fixed position along the length of the table. The second clamp is adjustably secured on the lock bar so that the second clamp can be unsecured from the lock bar, the lock bar can be re-positioned on the table as desired, and the second clamp then re-secured to the lock bar to fix the lock bar in place on the table. The system also includes a patient restraint member secured to the lock bar and adapted to extend over a patient lying on the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Robert F. Riemer, Robert M. Williams
  • Patent number: 7165278
    Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending therefrom and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions. In one embodiment, the paddles are flexible along their height so that a portion of the paddle can flex to rotate under the force of a securing structure. In another embodiment, the paddles have multiple sections, with one of the sections being movable to a storage position to expose a portion of the head or neck of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Tomcany, John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 7134157
    Abstract: A motor-adjustable head rest for operating tables comprises a head plate (12) which is arranged at one end of a curved support shaft (24) which, in a plane which is perpendicular with respect to the axis of curvature, is guided in an adjustable manner on a support between three rollers (26, 28, 30) which are spaced from one another in the direction of adjustment, which support can be connected to the operating table. The tracks (32, 34, 36) for the rollers (26, 28, 30) which are formed on the support shaft (24) are shaped such that their instantaneous curvature centers in each position of the support shaft (24) coincide with the instantaneous center of rotation of the head movement during the lifting and the lowering of the patient's head (14) resting on the head plate (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventor: Guido Koch
  • Patent number: 7124758
    Abstract: A device that prevents obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The device includes a headband and two belts. The headband is placed on the head of a user and the belts are attached to the front of the headband, the belts are crossed over the top of the users head and then are made to go from the back of the users neck to cross under the users chin and then to attach to the front part of the headband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Simon Jacob Frank
  • Patent number: 7120954
    Abstract: A base headboard for supporting the back of an injured person's head has an elongated slot with teeth racks disposed on either side of the injured person's head. The headboard also comprises straps for attaching to a spine board. Two side head blocks are removably attached to the headboard using plunger-type locks that engage an elongated slot on each side of a center portion of the headboard. Each lock is engaged to a slot of the headboard through a separate elongated slot in the corresponding head block. Advantageously, a head block may be adjusted by moving the engagement of the lock along each independent slot in the headboard and head block, respectively. In addition, a head block may be rotated around its lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Laerdal Medical Corporation
    Inventors: James Traut, Sean Phillips
  • Patent number: 7117551
    Abstract: A head support system for use with a patient support. The head support system has a support structure with a crossbar extending transverse to, and connected to, the patient support. A head support device is removably mountable to a portion of the support structure exclusive of the crossbar and provides a static support for the patient's head. A head stabilization device is removably mountable to the crossbar of the support structure and stabilizes the patient's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Integra Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Dinkler, II, Kevin R. Easton
  • Patent number: 7093313
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism for an adjustable arm assembly. The linkage assembly may be used to support an object, such as a headrest for use in connection with an examination table. The linkage mechanism provides structure to interlock or disengage two adjoining arm sections. The linkage mechanism controls relative movement of two adjoining arm sections without affecting the movement of non-adjoined sections or the headrest. The linkage mechanism further provides friction retention means so that the adjoining arms will retain their relative position to one another even if they are not in an interlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant
  • Patent number: 7089613
    Abstract: A flexing head support suspension system for supporting the head, neck, and, face of a subject while the subject receives a treatment. The suspension system comprises a pressure sensitive apparatus for supporting the head, neck, and face. The apparatus includes a face plate and a suspension support unit. The suspension mechanism in the support unit maintains a neutral placement of the head in relation to the body while the subject is undergoing treatment. The apparatus alleviates discomfort and pain that often comes as a result of the pressure on the body during treatment of various somatic modalities. The apparatus may be a stand alone unit or attachable to both standard and non-standard massage tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey R Cohen
  • Patent number: 7080420
    Abstract: A head rest that includes a cushion and a support plate. The facial surface area that contacts the cushion is maximized by using a contoured upper surface for the cushion, a contoured upper surface for the support plate or a combination of both. The head rest also includes a holder for aroma therapy items and a relief mechanism for the occipital nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Scott Damron
  • Patent number: 7063461
    Abstract: A patient support device with shoulder depression devices for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient on a treatment table. The patient support device includes a headrest frame and an adjustable shoulder depression device and optionally includes a torso positioning device and a buttock restraint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: QFIX Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel D. Coppens, John A. Crowell, David L. Simmons, Gary Gearon, John Damon Kirk, David M. Rabeno, Thomas R. Winward
  • Patent number: 7036167
    Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending therefrom and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Tomcany, John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 7017211
    Abstract: A mechanism to support the head of a patient is provided for therapeutic beds, including prone positioning therapeutic beds. In one embodiment, a head restraint apparatus is provided comprising a casing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an open front end. The casing encloses a cavity for receiving a person's head resting in a supine position and substantially encompasses the back and sides of a person's head. A face piece removably attached to the open top end of the casing is configured to restrain at least a portion of the front of a person's head. In another embodiment, a head restraint is slidably mounted on a transversely oriented rail of the patient support platform. A manually operable clamp is provided to fix the position of the head restraint with respect to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 7013171
    Abstract: A medical imaging method utilizing pads for supporting the head and neck of a supine patient during the medical imaging, wherein the pads produce either flexion or extension of the cervical vertebrae. A cavity is provided in the pad to define an area of non-contact on the back of the neck and to receive a secondary coil if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Steven L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7003830
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting a portion of a body, the support structure including a support member having a support surface, wherein said support surface is divided into a plurality of pieces; and a mechanism configured to couple said plurality of pieces to each other, said flexible mechanism including: a fixed side member having a first plurality of overlapping plates which are arranged in parallel at intervals; a tilted side member having a second plurality of overlapping plates which alternately overlap on said first overlapping plates of said fixed side member; a coupling shaft which pierces an overlapping position of said first plurality of overlapping plates and said second plurality of overlapping plates to fasten said first plurality of overlapping plates and said second plurality of overlapping plates together, wherein said tilted side member is adapted to rotate around said coupling shaft to impart an angle on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunetaro Ito
  • Patent number: 6928676
    Abstract: A surgical table which includes a patient support surface and one or more trays pivotally connected to the patient support surface and selectively deployed to hold objects such as surgical instruments. Each tray has a first condition in which angular rotation of the tray about the axis of rotation is inhibited and a second condition in which the tray is rotatable angularly about the axis of rotation. In the first condition, the tray is capable of receiving and supporting the surgical instruments. This also permits a width reduction of the back section of the patient support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Schwaegerle
  • Patent number: 6886198
    Abstract: A table is provided for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a supporting platform having a back end for supporting the patient's legs and a front end for supporting the patient's torso while the patient is in a prone position, and a cavity at the front end for allowing the breast and a surrounding axilla region to be pendantly suspended therethrough; and an armrest for positioning and supporting a forearm such that a shoulder adjacent to the axilla region is at a desired height, wherein the armrest is lower than the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: ART Advanced Research Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Marin, Luc Corbeil
  • Patent number: 6860563
    Abstract: A description is given of a device for avoiding or limiting the tilting of the head forwards and/or to the side of a passenger sitting in a seat which has a backrest, having at least one one-piece or multi-piece head-support element which comprises one or more cushion-like elements (1a, 1b; 11a, 11b). The head-tilting protection described is distinguished by the fact that the one or more cushion-like elements are designed and dimensioned such that, in the position worn as intended, they are able to completely surround the side and front sections of the neck and/or of the head of the passenger, resting on the shoulders and/or the chest region of the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Angelika Semsch, Elisabeth Schneider
  • Patent number: 6813788
    Abstract: A surgical table extension has a radiolucent inner support member removably attachable to an end of a surgical table and extending outward therefrom in cantilever fashion. A radiolucent outer support member is mounted to the inner support member, and the outer support member is adjustable with respect to the inner support member to change the length of the table extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Schaerer Mayfield USA, Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Charles E. Dinkler, Haring J. W. Nauta
  • Patent number: 6811223
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stretcher with a first shaft that is fixed onto a frame of the stretcher. A second shaft is provided on a head rest. A support arm is installed on the first shaft in a way that it can rotate, and also that supports the second shaft in a way that it can rotate. A rotation prevention member has a being pressed sloped part that receives a pressing force, and a pressing part that is pressed onto the circumference surface of the first shaft or the second shaft, and which can come near to or separate from the first shaft or the second shaft. A wedge shaped member has the pressed sloped part that presses while sliding on the being pressed sloped part of the rotation prevention member, and which presses the rotation prevention member onto the first shaft or the second shaft by the wedge action caused between this press sloped part and the being pressed sloped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Tsunetaro Ito