Abstract: A device is provided for supporting thereon a baby when it has gas pains, and a method for using the device. The support device has a main body with a top surface and a bottom surface opposite each other. It is placed by the bottom surface on a fixed surface. The bottom surface is shaped suitably for rocking against the fixed surface without slipping or transmitting vibration. The baby is placed faced down on the top surface of the support device. The top surface is shaped suitably so that it compresses the baby's abdomen at least in part, and thus facilitates the escape of gas that causes the pain. A fabric placed on the top surface increases the baby's comfort, with a heating pad under it. If the main body is ball shaped, knobs prevent tipping over, and straps secure the baby from sliding off the top surface. The bottom surface is preferably flatter than the top surface, which eliminates the need for knobs.

Abstract: A prop to hold a patient on his/her side while in a hospital bed in which a standard-sized hospital pillow is stowed in a rolled condition within a launderable sleeve having a sleeve-attached flap of approximately eight inches tucked beneath the patient's side which allows limited patient rolling movement against the prop which contributes to patient comfort. The eight inch dimension of the flap keeps the prop close to the patient so that more drastic movement which could cause injury does not occur.

Abstract: A support cushion for a person in a lateral decubitus position, comprising a base, two lateral structural supports, and a central concavity, said lateral supports being sufficiently stiff to resist rolling of the person, said central concavity distributing a weight of the person. The support may be adapted for supporting the human flank above a surface, relieving pressure on an upper arm, and having comprising a structural bladder and a support cushion. The support cushion may be employed to limit a pressure on an upper arm and to maintain a patient in the lateral decubitus position during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A body support pillow stuffed with a resilient deformable filler having a U-shaped central section and depending legs, the pillow having a center opening equal to the body width of a user. In a first embodiment the pillow's total length is substantially equal to the height of a user, and the legs are selectively foldable over one another to create a double thickness for additional support under the user's knees, with a detachable body-encircling strap securing the pillow about the user. In a second embodiment for use in a chair the legs support the arms of a user, and may be raised by rotating them 90 degrees. In a third embodiment, the interior of the pillow is divided by sewn-in baffles into three separately stuffable compartments all accessible through a single continuous zipper opening.

Abstract: A support system that is used to provide support to a pregnant patient positioned in the lateral recumbent position. The support system includes a wedge shaped main body portion for elevating one side of a patients body while lying thereon and a contoured, inclined pillow section having a spaced curved neck and head support portions defining an ear positioning trough therebetween.

Abstract: A backrest device having a supporting surface presenting two elongate continuous or discontinuous protuberances which extend alongside one another and are arranged to engage the back of a person, resting in use against the supporting surface, on each side of the spine, with a channel between the protuberances to accommodate the bony part of the spine with substantially no pressure on the bony part of the spine.

Abstract: The adjustable surgical frame of the present invention comprises two side frame members made from rectangular rods forming closed loop, disposed in parallel and spaced apart relationship that provides the surgical frame with the predominate portion of its structural integrity. The configuration of the side frame members is such that the base portion of each side frame member is substantially narrower than the base portions of the surgical frames of the past. The reduced width of the base portion permits the surgical frame of the present invention to be placed closer to the end of the operating table without diminishing the strength and stability of the surgical frame. The side frame members are configured so as not to interfere with the area near the wound and permit the placement of peripheral surgical equipment, such as an instrument stand, adjacent to the wound site and level with the patient's back.

Abstract: A light weight, inflatable, readily compactible, inexpensive bed sore treatment and prevention method and apparatus. Two inflatable wedges are held in close approximation to a patient/person by a plurality of straps that each encircle the person and the two wedges to a moderate and readily adjustable degree of snugness. Internal partitions help maintain the shapes of the respective wedges. The edges of the wedges can be rounded to optimize comfort for the user. The device is readily portable due to its light weight and its fabrication from flexible, foldable material, which can be plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material that is durable, resilient, and air tight. The wedges are used for a predetermined period of time to maintain the person in one position, after which the person is moved to a different position. The wedges can be used to treat and/or prevent various conditions, such as sleep apnea, snoring, bed sores, etc.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient for surgery. The device is used with an operating table, and includes two arms for resting on the operating table, a patient support, and a lifting mechanism arranged to move the patient support between a first position in which the patient support lies level with the operating table, and a second position above the table. The patient is rolled onto the support in the first position, and is then raised to the second position.

Abstract: A chiropractic device having front and rear portions, a central semi-circular raised portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the device and notches formed in the sides of the front portion of the device. A patient rests his or her torso on the device by placing his or her sternum on the central semi-circular raised portion of the device. The device has first and second sides, each side having a front side portion, a middle slanted side portion extending outwardly from the front side portion to define a notch in the front portion of the device, and a rear side portion. The patient's arms are accommodated by the notches formed in the sides of the front portion of the device. The central raised portion places the patient in a superior position for treatment and protects the patient's chest from being pressed against the upper surface of the device during treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ergonomically designed pillow having a shape that offers support for a user's head and/or limbs through a portion of their range of motion with respect to the user's torso without having to reposition or reconfigure the pillow. In the preferred embodiment the pillow has a substantially fixed radius curved shape designed to correspond to the rotation of the head with respect to the shoulders. Therefore, the head of a user resting on their side can be comfortably supported on the pillow and will be similarly supported as the head is rotated forward and backward with respect to the shoulders. In addition, this substantially uniform curved design enables the pillow to be rotated forward or backward and provide the same head support while also providing support for the user's arms or back, respectively.

Abstract: A CPR backboard is provided with a pair of straps disposed on opposite ends of the backboard, the straps being attached to hooks attachable to a bed frame. The straps are provided with adjustable self-locking buckles. In use, a mattress is placed between the backboard and a bed frame with the opposed hooks hooking opposite sides of the bed frame with the mattress disposed therebetween. The straps are adjustable to compress the mattress between the backboard and the bed frame with the self-locking buckle maintaining the straps at a preselected compressing position thereby providing for a firm surface on which chest compressions can be performed upon a patient.

Abstract: A gasproof inflatable cushion with a hole which perforates it and whose edge is provided with an inner valve part on the inside and with an outer valve part on the outside such that the hole is enclosed and the construction is gasproof. The inner valve part is provided with a through-opening which ends in the cover hole and has such inner dimensions that the cover material can be pulled through the inner valve part and the outer valve part is provided with a through-part which ends in the cover hole at an inner opening and which ends outside at an outer opening. Gas pumped into the outer opening or extracted from the outer opening is pumped into or extracted from the inside of the cover through the through-part of the outer valve part and the through-opening of the inner valve part. The sealed edges of the covers forming the cushion are located on the inside.

Abstract: One or more generally wedge shaped foam support cushions (20A, 20B) covered by a soft, washable, and close fitting material (29) for supporting an enlarged abdomen (24). The support cushions (20A, 20B) are uniquely and adjustably secured adjacent to the abdomen by hook and loop fasteners (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) on an elastic belt (21). The elastic belt (21) encompasses the person (23) and the support cushions (20A, 20B) and has opposite ends that overlap and engage adjustably with hook and loop fasteners (22E, 22F).

Abstract: A backbone straightening device includes a base plate, a platform member firmly secured to the base plate, and a plurality of circular ring-shaped supporting members. The platform member has a vertical cavity and two obliquely angled cavities. The vertical cavity is formed in a generally central area on a top surface of the platform member and has a rectangular opening in plan view, and the two obliquely angled cavities are respectively formed on opposite sides of the vertical cavity.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow for inducing a state of physiological relaxation. The pillow is formed from a substantially shaped sustaining material and comprises an upwardly facing concave supporting surface formed by four component surfaces which are separated by a cruciform shaped recess.

Abstract: An improved pillow including a rectangular pillow fabric of a washable material, a first fastening means disposed on one side of the pillow fabric a certain distance from one end thereof transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof, and a second fastening means disposed on the other side of the pillow fabric corresponding to the first fastening means such that the first and second fastening means are fastenable together when the pillow fabric is rolled up from the one end to form a scroll-like rolled-up portion.

Abstract: An elongate structure has a body support surface inclined with respect to a generally horizontal foundation surface and contoured to provide comfortable support for a sunbather in positions intermediate prone and supine for tanning side portions of the body. A hollow cavity formed in the structure provides a convenient storage and transport compartment and an integral handle facilitates portability.

Abstract: A pillow for alleviating lower back pain includes an under-knee portion, which holds an individual's knee in flexion when he is lying on his back, and a between-knee portion, which holds the individual's knees a spaced distance apart when he is lying on his side. The under-knee and between-knee portions are connected by a flexible web that permits automatic adjustment of the relative positions of the two pillow portions to accommodate different sizes of users.

Abstract: An adjustable travel pillow unit having a pillow outer shell, a support frame within the shell and an adjustment mechanism. The mechanism allows an arm to extend or retract in alignment with a plane and is movable itself in alignment with a plane perpendicular to the first mentioned plane.

Abstract: A slide lock device is provided for releasably locking a patient positioning mold to a base for accurate and repeatable radiation therapy. The slide lock device includes a rail secured to the base and a tab slidably mounted on the rail for overlapping engagement with the frame of the patient positioning mold. The tab locks the mold against vertical and lateral movement relative to the base in a quick and easy manner. A plurality of holes in the rail allow adjustable positioning of the mold through the use of indexing pins.

Abstract: A support device comprising, a ring having inner and outer surfaces which, when fitted around a part of the body, lifts that part of the body clear of the surface on which the outer surface of the ring rests, and which permits the said part of the body to move. In a preferred embodiment the support device is U-shaped, is adapted to elevate the head of a user, and is removably attachable to the head of the user with the aid of a slider strap.

Abstract: A seat has a frame, including a bench and a back, padded upholstery including a particular fabric pattern on the frame covering the bench and the back with a pocket in the upholstery in a forward-facing lower portion of the back as it covers the back, a cushion symmetrical about a centerline and having first and second sides and sized to fit in the pocket in the upholstery to fill the pocket and having first and second differing upholstery fabrics on the first and second sides, respectively, and complementary retainers on the cushion and in the pocket cooperative with one another including loops and clasps for a lower portion of the cushion and male and female snap portions for an upper portion of the cushion to retain the cushion in the pocket in a first orientation showing the first upholstery fabric and a second orientation showing the second upholstery fabric, wherein the first upholstery fabric is also the particular fabric pattern and the second upholstery fabric is different from the particular fabric

Abstract: A support device is disclosed that includes a base attached to two spaced straps with a plurality of adjustable footholds. The support device permits users to maintain a seated position with their legs drawn up on a bed or other support surface without requiring any effort or exertion on the part of the user to retain their legs in this position. The device does not require attachment to the support surface, but rather depends upon the user's own weight to anchor the base and support the user's feet and legs.

Abstract: A generally u-shaped first structure comprises a first lateral member and two first legs. A generally u-shaped second structure comprises a second lateral member and two second legs. Two connecting legs are provided, each connecting leg being pivotally attached to one of the first legs and to one of the second legs, such that the first structure remains generally parallel to the second structure as the first structure is pivoted toward and away from the second structure. A generally u-shaped third structure comprises a third lateral member and two third legs. The two third legs of the third structure are pivotally attached to one of the second legs of the second structure. A pair of support members extend between the second legs of the second structure. Each of the support members has a plurality of spaced pins extending there-from. A pair of arms is provided, each of the arms having a first end pivotally attached to one of the third legs of the third structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient for the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc disease permits the generation of increased intra-disc pressure which may serve to stimulate or accentuate abnormalities which can be diagnosed through MRI imaging. The apparatus consists of a frame in which a patient lies in a supine position. The frame allows the generation of muscular forces which are transmitted to the lumbar spine area. The patient is then positioned within an MRI imaging apparatus and subjected to MRI imaging while the muscular forces are maintained. The frame may preferably include a footboard and shoulder restraints positioned as to require the patient to slightly bend the knees. Extension of the legs generates the required forces.

Abstract: A covered cushion is provided for continuously supporting a patient over gaps which occur between adjacent sections of a surgical table. The cushion is formed with a soft foam upper layer and a flexible lower layer which is sufficiently rigid to form a support for continuously supporting the weight of a patient across a gap located between adjacent sections of the surgical table. The lower layer is formed from an x-ray transparent sheet of material such as polypropylene, with a thickness of approximately 2 mm such that the polypropylene layer is flexible while also sufficiently rigid to form a bridge supporting a patient across the gap in the surgical table. The upper layer and lower layer are surrounded by an outer cover formed of an upholstery material, such as vinyl.

Abstract: A therapeutic cushion with detachable jade protrusions comprises a removable lattice of cylindrical members, an outer cover, and cushion fill. The removable lattice of cylindrical members are attached to a plurality of other cylindrical members in a uniform fashion by a plurality of threads which are interwoven through each member, forming a symmetrical lattice. The lattice is placed inside the outer cover and the plurality of cylindrical members are pressed through the plurality of apertures. The cushion fill is also placed inside the outer cover which presses against the lattice thereby maintaining the plurality of cylindrical members within said plurality of apertures. The outer cover is then sealed by a zipper to maintain the cushion fill and the lattice in place. The result is a cushion with a plurality of protrusions made of jade extending from the cushion, providing a massaging and therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A backrest device having a supporting surface presenting two elongate continuous or discontinuous protuberances which extend alongside one another and are arranged to engage the back of a person, resting in use against the supporting surface, on each side of the spine, with a channel between the protuberances to accommodate the bony part of the spine with substantially no pressure on the bony part of the spine.

Abstract: A chest pillow for use by a post-surgical patient has a flexible plate and padding surrounding and covering all sides and edges of the plate. A fabric cover surrounds and encloses the padding and the plate. Separable straps extend between upper and lower edges of the pillow, the straps having sufficient length to pass around the upper body of the patient, thereby to hold the pillow in a desired position, ready for use.

Abstract: A bolster has an axial compressibility profile chosen so that lumbar pain can be relieved when the user places the bolster under his or her spine and rolls from a softer portion of the bolster to a firmer portion of it. A preferred bolster comprises a tubular outer portion formed from a resilient closed-cell polymeric foam material such as polyurethane. This outer tubular portion serves to cushion the user and prevent discomfort. The bolster has a relatively rigid portion at one or both ends, and a transition portion between the rigid end and a softer portion some distance from the end.

Abstract: An infant support cushion provides a safe support for an infant which is beginning to develop muscular strength and motor coordination, particularly in the cervical muscles. An infant using the present cushion is protected in the event the infant lifts his/her head and drops the head uncontrollably to the underlying surface. The cushion comprises a generally rectangular resilient cushion portion of foam or other suitable material, having a generally central depression extending across the majority of the cushion. The depression is adapted to accept the torso of an infant placed therein, in either a prone or supine position, with the thicker cushion material extending across the closed end of the depression serving to cushion the head of an infant if the infant drops his/her head. The cushion may include storage space therein, as well as a removable and washable cover, a restraint for the infant, and a removable and washable drool bib which may be secured beneath the infant's head.

Abstract: A support pillow assembly is usable for cushioning the body of a person while the person is lying on his/her side on a mattress and includes an abdominal support pillow adapted to partially underlie the person's abdomen and a leg support pillow adapted to be positioned between the person's legs. The leg support pillow can be two pillows interconnected by flap structures. Alternately, the two leg pillows can be combined into a single leg support pillow.

Abstract: A device is provided that works in conjunction with conventional home furniture to comfortably support the head of a person who must remain face-down for extended periods of time. A rigid board having an opening in its center is supported above a flat surface by weight-bearing legs. The legs support the board above a support surface such as a bed, table or chairs. A thin-walled, under-inflated ring pillow rests on top of the rigid board. Rings of foam may be stacked on the board under the pillow to raise the pillow to a height appropriate to support the head in comfortable alignment with the spine. The openings of the pillow, foam, and board are aligned so that the patient may rest his face on the cushion and yet still breathe. The present device is used in conjunction with a bed for use while lying in a prone position, or is used in conjunction with a table or chairs for use while in a sitting position.

Abstract: The Sit/Sleep Constructed Pillow provides multiple uses in functioning as a sitting pillow that transforms into a sleeping pillow while providing an envelope that forms a self contained enclosure for compression and stowage. The Sit/Sleep Constructed Pillow is fabricated from one length of material that encloses the pillow loft and forms an envelope that is used along with fasteners to reduce the perimeter dimensions of the pillow for sitting purposes that in turn transforms into a larger dimensioned sleep pillow with a separate fabric head rest and cover while providing an enclosure for compression and stowage of the pillow, an enclosure that can also be used for stowage when not used for pillow compression.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow for helping to correct and helping to prevent hyperkyphosis and rigidity of the thoracic spine and for returning the normal lordotic cervical curve comprises a base panel having a first end portion, a second end portion, a left top surface segment extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a right top surface segment extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a first crown for supporting the thoracic spine, the first crown being formed on the first end portion of the base panel, extending toward the second end portion of the base panel, and dividing at least partially the left top surface segment from the right top surface segment, and a transition ramp formed in the first end portion of the first crown for supporting the spine just under and below the shoulder blades of a reclining person.

Abstract: The method of supporting the chest and abdomen areas of a person laying in a supine position includes applying pressure to one side of the chest or abdomen with a body engaging member. Similarly, pressure is applied to the other side of the chest or abdomen with another body engaging member to provide sufficient oppositely directed force to the chest or abdomen areas for providing lateral support thereto. The application of the pressure to both sides of the chest or abdomen is maintained, thereby restraining the chest or abdomen between the opposing body engaging members. A further embodiment includes applying pressure to the lower abdomen with a strap member coupled between a pair of upright members, and maintaining the application of the pressure thereon with a buckle.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow for relieving various types of low back pain. The pillow comprises two hemispherical end sections joined by an elongated midsection. The midsection is a substantially flat lumbar support portion with sloping surfaces extending to each end section, to provide a pillow that is substantially concave in shape. In use, when sleeping on one's side, the pillow is placed generally transverse to the length of the body under the side. The midsection provides support and alignment for the lumbar spine, thereby relieving pain associated with sagging of the spine. Further, by placing one hemisphere close to the back or hip, the pillow will wrap around the hip area and place pressure on the sacro-iliac joint, for pain relief in that particular area of the body. The pillow can also be placed transverse to the body under the stomach when one sleeps on his or her stomach, again to support and align the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A patient repositioning and position maintenance device wherein the apparatus includes a rectangular sheet of fabric material which is folded and fastened such that a rectangular patient resting area is disposed between a pair of cushioned cylinders. The rectangular patient resting area portion of the fabric material is placed beneath the shoulder and hip area of a bedfast patient such that a cushioned cylinder is located on each side of the patient in a position between the patient and a bed rail. Additionally, a soft-covered triangular cushion is removably or permanently attached to the sheet at a point equidistant from each cylindrical cushion so that the triangular cushion is located between the patient's legs. The device is used to reposition the patient either by sliding the patient along the bed longitudinally, or by rolling the patient over. Finally, after the patient is repositioned, the cushioned cylinders are used to maintain the patient in a stable position.

Abstract: An apparatus intended to maintain or improve a supine patient's airway in a hands-free environment. A frame and detachable pillow device are placed under the patient's head. Mechanisms extend laterally from the frame and provide jaw support members that may be brought under the angles of the jaw. The jaw support members may slide towards and away from the frame, but this sliding movement is regulated by a unidirectional clutch, such as a ratchet and pawl system, which restricts the jaw support members to sliding movement away from the frame only. When the jaw support members are slid away from the frame, they engage the angles of the jaw, and then thrust the jaw forward to maintain or improve the patient's airway. Once the desired anteriorly thrust position of the jaw is achieved, the unidirectional clutch holds the jaw in place until the clutch is released. The weight of the jaw then causes the jaw support members to slide back towards the frame, restoring the jaw to its normal position.

Abstract: A system for supporting a bed ridden patient while that patient uses a bed pan includes a body-supporting section and a foot-supporting section which co-operate with each other to maintain a proper and desired relative orientation among the patient's legs, hips and spine. The body-supporting section is inflatable, and the fully-inflated height of the body-supporting section is greater than the height of the foot-supporting section to provide versatility to the system. The body-supporting section is coated with lubricant to facilitate sliding that section under a patient.

Abstract: An overlay sheet and a related method for positioning a bedridden patient on an oscillating air support system for maximum safety and maximum therapeutic benefit. An overlay sheet which positions the patient is provided including the sheet, the supports which are located between the patient's arms and torso, and a retaining VELCRO strap. The patient is positioned between the supports and retained by the VELCRO straps, thus, ideally positioned and prevented from sliding side-to-side during oscillation of the air support system.

Abstract: Lance supports including a series of pillowlike supports for post surgical use including a wedge shaped back support, a rectangularly shaped leg support, a rectangularly shaped abdominal support, and a skirted cylindrical shaped infantile back support. In general, the lance supports comprise substantially firm pillows having a foam core, a first impermeable membranous covering layer, and a second washable fabriclikle outer covering layer.

Abstract: A method for converting a patient bed or chair to a patient manipulating device by selecting a kit including a subframe having a central hinge plate carrying a pair of left and right articulated wing support devices for complementary conformity to the underlying support surface. An opening is cut in the back support of the bed and chair, the subframe installed thereover and a pair of left and right actuators inserted behind such support surface and coupled with such wing devices to selectively raise the respective wings upwardly relative to the sub-frame and patient support surface.

Abstract: A bolster for physical therapy procedures comprising a hollow approximately cylindrically shaped body (1), the body having a shape lying within the dimensions with a middle approximately cylindrical diameter portion of a minimum of 70 mm and a maximum of 200 mm, and having a length lying within the range of 160 mm to 500 mm, and having a wall defining the body shape which is comprised of the material and having such thickness that the shape of the bolster is substantially self restoring when the hollow body is open to atmosphere. The bolster includes ends (5, 6) which are of convex shape and include openable valves (2, 3) one at each end. The material from which the bolster is made includes both elasticity and pliability and is selected to have a "grippy" feel with respect to human skin and be relatively warm to touch.

Abstract: An anti-slide seat for bed patients, consisting of a ring-shaped, cushioned seat, secured by means of canvas belts to a pair of adjustable metal hooks which fit over the top of the mattress. Velcro-closing lap belts help secure the patient in place. Pressure on the patient's bottom is minimized, which helps to prevent bed sores.

Abstract: A set of supportive pivots and an approach for their use permit individuals to administer a wide variety of types of motion therapy and conditioning for the spinal, rib, and skull regions. Singly, and in various combinations, the pivots support the lumbar, thoracic, cervical, cranial, and shoulder regions, when a person lies on the back or stomach on an accommodative support surface, with the spine unloaded. Most of the pivots are contoured with a longitudinal fulcrum parallel to the spine. A person lying on an individual pivot or pairs of the pivots can apply a mild pivotal traction to the spine by properly positioning the pivots and shifting weight to create traction and self mobilization. Another set of pivots can be placed under the shoulders when the person lies on the stomach, to stretch the chest musculature, to mobilize the ribs and breastbone joints, and to exercise the shoulder girdle.

Abstract: An inclined body support includes a frame having a pair of triangular end braces joined-together by stays extending between corresponding corners of the end braces. A releasable coupling arrangement permits the frame to be varied slightly in size and disassembled for storage. A transverse connector joining the lowermost pair of stays near their respective midpoints reinforces the frame. Each of the stays further includes a pair of arms joined by a hinge for relative movement thus permitting the frame to conform to nonplanar supporting surfaces. A padded tent is suspended from the stays for retaining the upper body of a user at an inclination. For additional user comfort, the frame is covered with close-fitting foam pads.

Abstract: An adjustable pad is provided, having particular utility as a seating and/or recliner support with chairs, seats such as car seats, or as a mattress construction. The pad comprises an array of individual, resilient, spaced-apart, longitudinal, parallel support pads which are joined together, and separated by a plurality of respective hinge regions. When the pad is used as a seat support and/or back support, it may be as a single thickness or folded over in a multiple thickness and interlocked by inserting one or more pads into a respective space between each pad, thereby stabilizing the pad array. The pad may have an attachment section such as hook and loop fastener material connected at each end to secure the pad to the seat or seat back, or both, and this enables use of the pad in both areas of the seat.

Abstract: A readily bendable positioning aid, having a soft, spongy foam body for supporting an infant. Once formed into the desired shape, the support maintains its shape until reformed by the user. Disposed internally of the foam body is an elongated, bendable lead rod that weights the body sufficiently so that the support will remain in position about the infant and will effectively constrain movement of the infant.