Abstract: An automatic therapeutic bed for inversely suspending/standing a human body includes an intermediate member of the therapeutic bed, a backrest of the therapeutic bed rotatably connected to an end of the intermediate member for accommodating an upper body of the patient, a footrest of the therapeutic bed rotatably connected to another end of the intermediate member for accommodating a lower body of the patient, a plurality of frames provided under the intermediate member, the backrest and the footrest and forming a bed angle adjustment mechanism, a drive means for driving the bed angle adjustment mechanism formed of the frames to change the angles and positions of the intermediate member, the backrest and the footrest of the therapeutic bed, shoulder pads provided at an end of the backrest for supporting shoulders of the patient, and a fastening means provided at an end of the footrest for fastening ankles of the patient.

Abstract: A bed having a foot prop on an adjustable length deck foot section and a mattress with a length and thickness adjustable foot section and a thickness adjustable heel section. The adjustability of the deck and the mattress allows sizing of the bed to the occupant as well as heel management. The foot prop is also adjustable.

Abstract: A bed having a foot prop on an adjustable length deck foot section and a mattress with a length and thickness adjustable foot section and a thickness adjustable heel section. The adjustability of the deck and the mattress allows sizing of the bed to the occupant as well as heel management. The foot prop is also adjustable.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base, a pedestal, and an upper support frame coupled to the pedestal. The upper support frame includes a head frame section, a seat frame section, optional leg supports, and optional head supports.

Abstract: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

Abstract: A leg support system for use with a medical examination table in gynecological examinations has compressible thigh supports with five degrees of freedom. Four of the degrees of freedom adjust automatically and the fifth degree of freedom is manually adjustable. The system has foot rests that are in a fixed position. The system is more comfortable for users then previous systems and can accommodate users of various different sizes.

Abstract: A surgical boot assembly for an operating room table includes a surgical boot, an adjustable support arm securable to the table, and an adjustable clamping assembly attaching the surgical boot to the adjustable support arm. The adjustable support arm includes an attachment, a support rod having an end pivotally attached to the attachment such that the support rod is pivotable about the end relative to the attachment, and a locking cylinder having a first end pivotally attached to the attachment and a second end pivotally attached to the support rod. The locking cylinder is infinitely adjustable over a range and can provide an assisting lift force. The locking cylinder preferably includes a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder and having an integral valve, and a separating piston within the cylinder. The piston and the separating piston divide the cylinder into first, second, and third portions.

Abstract: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.

Abstract: A support cushion for supporting the feet of a patient above a bed mattress. The support cushion includes a cushion with a transverse cross section having a pair of generally circular end regions and a generally rectangular middle region interposed between the end regions. The end regions each form a generally end portion of the cushion having a generally cylindrical configuration. The middle region forms a middle portion of the cushion having a generally rectangular configuration. A pair of a flexible flaps outwardly extend from the cushion for draping over a upwardly extending side rail located adjacent each side of a bed mattress of the patient to suspend the bottom face of the cushion above the bed mattress.

Abstract: A lateral decubitus positioning device with a detachable limb support including an L-shaped rigid member that has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion of the L-shaped rigid member has a plurality of elongated back slots. The base portion of the L-shaped rigid member has a plurality of base slots. A pad member is sized for positioning onto an interior face of the base portion of the L-shaped rigid member. A ridged J-shaped member that has a cradle portion and a cradle extent is provided. A cradle support has a lateral channel. The cradle support is coupled to the cradle extent of the J-shaped member with an adjustment knob positioned through the lateral channel and the cradle extent. A spacer member is fixedly attached to the cradle support and sized to be positioned within one of the back slots of the L-shaped rigid member. Finally, a locking bar secures the cradle support to the L-shaped rigid member.

Abstract: A hyperflexion plate in the form of a hexagonal plate having a rail extending from the bottom surface of the plate for insertion within the track formed in a universal hip support plate for supporting a patient in the lateral decubitus position for surgery of the hip. The hyperflexion plate allows positioning of the anterior support at an angle substantially larger than the limited angle defined by the track formed in the universal hip support plate.

Abstract: Compression/traction device for use with internal imaging devices including a stabilizing member for engaging a portion of the thorax of a patient's body and a force generating device to apply a force to the patient's body remote from the thorax. A load simulation table for imaging devices such as X-ray, CAT scan, MRI or tomography instruments is also disclosed, which includes a thorax engaging member and a force generating device to apply a force to the patient's body remote from the thorax portion. A method for simulating a load on a patient's body during imaging procedures is also disclosed and includes the steps of positioning a patient on a flat surface to subject the patient to an imaging procedure, engaging a portion of the thorax of the patient's body, applying a force to a portion of the patient's body at a location remote from the thorax and performing an imaging procedure while applying the force to the patient.

Abstract: An adjustable support arm for an operating room table includes an attachment, a support rod having an end pivotally attached to the attachment and pivotable about a lithotomy axis, and a lithotomy locking cylinder operably attached to the support rod. The lithotomy locking cylinder can be unlocked to raise or lower the support rod about the lithotomy axis and locked to retain the support rod in the desired lithotomy position. The lithotomy locking cylinder is infinitely adjustable over a range and can provide an assisting lift force. The support rod can also be pivotable about an abduction axis with an abduction locking cylinder operably attached to the support rod. The abduction locking cylinder can be unlocked to laterally pivot the support rod about the abduction axis and locked to retain the support rod in the desired abduction position. The abduction locking cylinder is infinitely adjustable over a range and can provide a bias force to a minimum abduction position.

Abstract: A surgical operating table has leg sections, which are displaceable about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. Each leg section is locked in position by two gas struts, which lock respectively about the vertical and horizontal axes. Vent buttons on the gas struts are connected via push rods to opposite ends of a lateral beam. The lateral beam is engaged, close to the end coupled to the strut locking about the vertical axis, by a manual release handle beneath the foot end of the leg section. Lifting the handle displaces the one end of the beam initially and then the other end, so that the leg section is released for movement about the vertical axis before it is released for movement about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A seat is adjustably mounted immediately forwardly of the front end of an adjustably inclinable patient support table. A patient whose back and head are supported on the inclined table is positioned so that the seat has a rear portion adjacent a front of the table to support the patient under the buttocks, so that the patient's epigastric region is frontally accessible by a doctor positioned in front of the patient.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

Abstract: A hospital bed (10) especially adapted for use by a woman giving birth. The bed includes a base (11) on which a litter frame (12) is positioned. A foot frame (24) that carriers a complementary lower mattress (26) is slidably attached to the end of the litter frame. Foot rests (30) are mounted to foot pans (28) that also extend rearward from the litter frame. The foot rests are attached to the foot pans by linkages (32). The linkages stow the foot pans under the foot frame and hold them above the foot frame when their use is required. When use of the foot rests is required, they are merely pivoted around the sides of the foot frame and lower mattress. No components need to be reset in order to set the foot rests for use. A leg rest (34) is attached to the underside of each foot rest. When use of the leg rests is desired, the foot rests are rotated around the linkages to present the leg rests to the birthing mother.

Abstract: An improved ratchet mechanism for a surgical boot is not susceptible to spontaneous rotation when the center of gravity of the weight of the patient's leg, the boot, and the support arm for the boot passes the axis of rotation of the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet wheel which includes both ratcheting serrations which allow rotation of the support arm in only one direction and locking serrations which do not allow the support arm to rotate in either direction. A ratchet release allows such constraints on rotation to be removed by the surgeon or surgeon's assistant.

Abstract: An adjustable limb restraint mechanism (11) easily attachable to human medical transporting devices to rigidly support a limb (15) of a patient. The limb restraint mechanism has a pad surface (13) for support of the limb, and an adjustable mechanism (14) which allows the restraint mechanism structure to be attached to side rails of the transporting structure so that medical technicians may immobilize a patient's limb to the restraint mechanism for purposes such as performing interveneous injections.

Abstract: Wheelchairs can be provided with special seats having hinged connections with leg supports locatable in proximity to the seat front edge to provide resting surfaces for amputated legs of disabled persons while sitting in the wheelchair. Each leg support is attached to the seat front edge so as to be swingable between a raised position aligned with the seat, a lowered vertical position extending downwardly from the seat front edge, and an intermediate position extending angularly downwardly from the general plane of the seat. An adjustment mechanism is provided for varying the angle of the leg support in the intermediate position, to achieve a condition most comfortable for a range of users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is configured to inflate and deflate an air cushion on a bed having an articulating deck movable from a first generally horizontal position to a second angled position. The dump valve apparatus is coupled to the deck and includes an elongated housing having an interior region. The housing has first and second open ends and a central opening located between the first and second open ends. The central opening is coupled to the air cushion. The first end of the housing is coupled to an air supply. A piston is slidable within the interior region of the housing of the housing as the deck moves to its angled position to permit air to pass from the air bladder, through the central opening, and through the open second end of the housing to deflate the air bladder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A limb support is attached to an operating table for the purpose of supporting the upper portion of a lower extremity during operation of a fracture. It includes an oblong, slightly concave body of a material transparent to X-Ray photographs and can be placed in any position in regard to the operation table by being mounted on top of a hand-operated jack. The jack is attached to one end of a horizontal bar which can be moved both in angular and longitudinal directions about its connection to the table by means of a clamp connector, permitting its remaining in position during any required movement of the table.

Abstract: A leg holder system for simultaneously positioning in the abduction and lithotomy dimensions including a support device for supporting a leg cradle; a clamping device for mounting the proximate end of the support device to a mounting device having a first axis and selectively clamping and releasing motion of the support device about the first axis and about a second axis transverse to the first axis. An actuator device for actuating the clamp to selectively clamp and release simultaneously the support device and the mounting device; and an operator device remote from the clamping device and actuator device for operating the actuator device to enable the support device to move simultaneously about the first and second axis in both the lithotomy and abduction dimensions.

Abstract: A knee holder includes a base plate having two parallel rows of slots designed to hold the ends of a cylinder to which is attached a foot cradle. Each slot has the appearance of an inverted symmetric "T" allowing reversability of the orientation of the foot cradle. The base plate has an "L"-shaped arm extending along its upper surface and then having a right angle bend to extend downwardly. The arm is sized to be received within an opening of a clamping bracket attached to a rail of a surgical table or other horizontal support surface on which the base plate has been placed, with the clamping bracket including structure allowing locking of the arm in fixed position to fix the position of the knee holder. The base plate is sized to allow two knee holders to be mounted on a surgical table side by side to facilitate performance of a bilateral procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.

Abstract: A surface foot section is provided for a bed which includes a base frame and an articulating deck coupled to the base frame. The articulating deck includes a generally planar foot deck section and is movable from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. A foot section control module is provided to deflate the surface foot section when the articulating deck is in the chair configuration and to inflate the surface foot section when the articulating deck is in the bed configuration. The surface foot section includes a first air bladder configured to collapse in a first direction generally parallel to the foot deck section when the first air bladder is deflated, and a second air bladder located adjacent the first air bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: The armrest of the present invention includes a first horizontal plate provided horizontally with a tabletop, a second horizontal plate jointed to the first horizontal plate by way of a hinge, this second horizontal plate forming a continuous horizontal surface along with the first horizontal plate when the hinge is opened, and the second horizontal plate being folded on the first horizontal plate so that a surface of the second horizontal plate meets a surface of the first horizontal plate when the hinge is closed, and a vertical plate provided vertically to the rear surface of the second horizontal plate. When the person sets a position in which he/she holds both arms down on the sides of the body, the hinge is opened, thus forming one horizontal plane, on which both arms can be laid down. When the person sets a position in which he/she folds both arms across the head, the hinge is closed, and the surface of the second horizontal plate is folded on the surface of the first horizontal plate.

Abstract: A bed having a support apparatus for supporting the feet of an individual residing in the bed having a frame and a mattress carried thereon, the support apparatus including a padded foot support member coupled to the frame above the mattress proximate the feet of an individual residing in the bed, the support apparatus operative for allowing the individual to bear his or her feet against the padded foot support member to aid the patient in repositioning his or her body, of for allowing the patient to exercise his or her feet for inhibiting the shortening of the Achilles tendon as a result of prolonged confinement to the bed, and for further inhibiting physiologically adverse effects resulting from such prolonged confinement.

Abstract: An operating table has two leg sections each of which has a rotatable shaft extending along its length. Each shaft carries a gear that engages another gear fixed with the table such that raising or lowering the leg section causes the shaft to rotate. A helical spring extends helically around each shaft and is arranged to coil up when the leg section is lowered, so that the weight of the section is counterbalanced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

Abstract: A mattress is provided for use with a step deck having an upper deck, and a lower deck coupled to the upper deck by a deck side wall so that the lower deck is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a recess of the step deck. The mattress includes a lower mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The lower mattress section is configured to be located within the recess of the step deck with the bottom surface of the lower mattress section engaging the lower deck, the side wall of the lower mattress section being located adjacent the deck side wall, and the top surface of the lower mattress section being aligned generally in a plane of the upper deck. The mattress also includes an upper mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The top surface of the upper mattress section provides a body support surface, and the bottom surface of the upper mattress section engages the top surface of the lower mattress section and the upper deck.

Abstract: A table with a top panel 10 attached to a frame 14 mounted on runners and slidable along a supporting underframe 16 on a base. The top panel consists of a back rest 11 and a seat 12 mutually pivotable about a hinge 13 fastened to the frame. The back rest and the seat are connected to devices 17, 18 attached to the underframe for adjusting the tilt of the back rest and the seat. The ends of the underframe are mounted on two posts so that it is tiltable thereon about a longitudinal pivot axis, and a pedal assembly 20 is attached to said underframe.

Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.

Abstract: A surgery table including a table top attachment providing for extreme angular positioning of a patient. The surgery table includes a base supporting a support column, and an articulated patient support portion pivotally attached to an upper end of the column. The table top attachment is attached to an articulated section of the table for movement with the articulated section whereby the attachment may be positioned at an extreme reverse Trendelenburg position. When the attachment is detached from the surgery table, the surgery table may be used in a conventional manner to position a patient in a plurality of articulated positions.

Abstract: Portable apparatus to be carried and set up at selected locations and taken down by a masseur or physical therapist, comprising a basic frame having downwardly extendable legs and formed by parallel co-extensive side members held together by a first rigid transverse bar secured at corresponding ends of the side members, and a second such bar secured at a preselected distance from each of the other ends of side members to leave trailing free end portions from which extend a plurality of upwardly projecting elements. A pendant knee support may extend below the trailing free ends of the side members and the intermediate transverse bar, and/or a lower body support may be attached to the ends of the trailing members. A face support desirably is provided to extend from the first transverse bar and the inner areas defined by the frame, and the lower body support may be provided with sheet or mesh material supported around its edges. Cushions may be provided for the face support and frame defined areas.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, a plurality of air therapy devices located on the bed, and a plurality of control modules. Each control module includes a connector for coupling a corresponding air therapy device to the air handling unit and to the electrical communication network. Each control module also includes a controller for operating the corresponding air therapy device with the air handling unit based on command signals received from the electrical communication network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a leg during surgery has a support for holding a substantial portion of one of the patient's legs on the side facing the other leg and a pivot located in the proximity of the patient's pelvis. After patient's pelvis is secured relative to the operating table, the distal end of the support can be moved for adjustment of the outer extremity of the patient's leg relative to the operating table to selectively position the leg relative to the patient's pelvis.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.

Abstract: A hospital bed comprises a base, a patient support platform mounted above the base, and a selectively manipulable support integral with the platform. The support is movable to a position above the platform to raise the bed mattress and corresponding body part such as head, lumbar region of the back and/or the feet.

Abstract: An adjustable limb support system is provided for an operating room table to adjustably orient and position a stirrup or boot. The support system provides an adjustable support in combination with a vertically adjustable support. The vertically adjustable support includes a support tube, a ratchet wheel, a lock pin, and a ratchet release. The tube is connected to a housing and together rotate about the ratchet wheel. The lock pin is provided to engage the ratchet wheel which is adapted to allow the tube to be rotated upwardly but not downwardly. The ratchet release has a cam which when rotated pulls a traction rod, connected to the lock pin, to disengage the lock pin and allow the tube to be rotated downwardly. The tube can thus ratchet upwardly to fixed vertical positions and be lowered only by rotating the cam to disengage the lock pin. The adjustable support includes a retaining block, a compression block, and a compression head.

Abstract: A sleeping device for stabilizing the legs of an individual during sleep to maintain the individual's back in a desired position. The inventive device includes a first engaging member pivotally coupled to a second engaging member. The engaging members cooperate to receive adjacent portions of the individual's legs to maintain the legs in a spaced and parallel orientation.