Abstract: A post-operative pillow includes a weight and means to removably secure the weight to the pillow, the function of the weight being to assist in the application of pressure to a localized area of the patient's body, for example to the chest area following open-heart surgery. In the preferred embodiment, the means to removably secure the weight to the pad includes a pocket formed on an outer portion of the pillow, with the weight being frictionally retained within the pocket. The weight is preferably in the form of an elongated washable pouch filled with a heavy material such as lead shot.

Abstract: An infant is positioned on its side between two pads to restrain its movement during rest time or sleeping. A strap passed around the infant and under the arms maintains the infant's position with respect to the pads. In one embodiment, a diaper-like holding device is secured to the infant and the pads attached thereto. In another embodiment, the pads are positioned on a support member and the infant is positioned on its side between the pads.

Abstract: A cushion that can detachably secured to a seat back of an automotive or other vehicle by a pair of adjustable straps, which cushion can support the neck of a person while riding in the vehicle, and has an internal storage pouch with a closure. An auxiliary strap is provided which attaches to the adjustable straps to fasten the cushion to a person's waist if it is desired.The cushion includes a body portion which is contoured to fit the neck, preferably filled with a resilient plastic foam, with an outer protective cover of vinyl, and which has a horizontal opening in the back with a zipper to provide selective access to the storage pouch. The auxiliary strap is attached to the adjustable straps to enable the cushion to fit the waists of different sizes of persons.

Abstract: A birthing board is disclosed which is portable, simple, and inexpensive. The birthing board has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a back end with the front end being substantially thicker than the back end, so that the top surface is generally inclined from the back end to the front end. The top surface is curved to provide lumbar and pelvic support along a central axis which extends from the front end to the back end, and has a concave shape to support a woman's buttocks and hips in the vicinity of the front end and in a dimension transverse to the central axis. The front end is recessed in the vicinity of the central axis. The bottom surface of the board is convex in shape in a dimension transverse to the central axis and generally level in dimension parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A bed comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a base frame. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. The mattress includes lateral cushions or cells that have a general triangular shape with larger upper cells forming a patient support surface and smaller base cells laterally supporting the upper cells. The upper cells may be elevated at the ends to form a broad U or V shape. Alternative embodiments include shorter base and upper cells with a box-shaped restraining cell on each end that extends above the upper cells. Modified upper cells have end pouches that store separate restraint cells when deflated, and provide inflation pressure when removed by a fixed connecting tube. The restraint cells are positionable along the host upper cell and anchor to catches mounted on the adjacent base cells.

Abstract: A roll-up body support cushion is disclosed. A cushion having first and second opposed surfaces is filled with pillow fill. The cushion has a length and a width and is flexible such that it can be rolled up in a direction substantially parallel to its long sides. At least one strip of a releasable fastening device is secured to the first opposed surface of the cushion. The strip of releasable fastening material is positioned substantially parallel to the length of the cushion. At least one strip of a complementary releasable fastening device is secured to the second opposed surface of the cushion. The strip of complementary releasable fastening device is positioned substantially parallel to the length of the cushion and in juxtaposition to the respective strip of releasable fastening device secured to the first opposed surface.

Abstract: An exercise aid for use by individuals which is adapted to be supported on a support surface such as a floor. The exercise aid comprises a pad assembly having a pad channel formed through an upper surface and extending a distance through the pad assembly through the lower surface. The individual sits on the upper surface of the pad assembly with the individual's spine being about aligned with the pad channel and the lower surface of the pad being disposed on the support surface.

Abstract: An abdominal support for reducing pain of a surgery patient while increasing mobility and support of a conformable pillow to the abdominal section that comprises a fabric waist band sized to fit comfortably around the upper and middle torso of the wearer and a conformable and deformable pillow preferably stuffed with feathers or man made fibers which provide a comfortable yet support pillow for the wearer which is attached to the fabric waist band. The device includes fabric fasteners for proper pressure adjustment in strategic areas.

Abstract: A portable pillow for support of an infant, toddler or young child is disclosed. The upper and lower surfaces are rounded, resulting in a generally tubular shape, tapered at the ends and curved in an oval so that the tapered ends engage one another when the pillow is not in use. The pillow is generally concave with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry, and since the left and right sides are symmetrical, the infant body is provided with sufficient pressure and vertebral support that he or she is prevented from rolling over when placed in the center well of the device. The pillow also provides anatomically correct support along the vertebral column of a toddler or young child. This support is accomplished by firm, resilient padding and thus minimizes vertebral strain for all ages.

Abstract: An inflatable support for a human torso is provided which has the general form of a catamaran, and which provides a tunnel extending longitudinally of the support within which additional supporting members can be confined, whereby to provide for adjustability of the support in dependence on the requirements of the user.

Abstract: A spinal positioning frame mounted atop an operating table for lateral, longitudinal and pivotal adjustment allows optimal patient positioning. A yoke mounted in a rectangular frame for reciprocal sliding movement is driven by a pneumatically controlled electric linear actuator which may be driven in an emergency by blowing into pneumatic control lines. A pair of spaced parallel flexible steel flex strips connect juxtaposed anterior and posterior fulcrum plates pivotally mounted adjacent opposite ends of the frame. A pair of patient support pads are adjustably secured by cooperating hook and loop pile fasteners to respective pad mounting plates. Slots in the pad mounting plates receive cam lock fasteners which adjustably secure the pad mounting plates to the flex strips. The actuator causes the flex strips and pads to bow convexly upwardly, while a meter indicates the degree of flex, allowing precise regulation of spinal curvature to afford maximum lumbar access.

Abstract: A support pillow in two main sections, each section having an elongated resilient foam member each covered with fabric with a portion of the fabric extending outward to define a flexible panel. The top surface of one panel, and the bottom surface of the other panel are affixed with elongated hook and loop fastening strips which allow adjustable overlapping affixment of the two panels one to another in order to affix together the two sections of the support pillow. The two sections of the support pillow when affixed together define an open-ended and open-top vertical walled channel with the panels and fabric covered foam members providing an anti-roll device for the infant. The hook and loop attachment of the two panels provides for adjustability in the distance between vertical side walls of the channel.

Abstract: A device to prevent a user from sleeping on or rolling onto the abdomen during sleeping including a resilient foam cushion having a generally wedge-shaped cross-section. The cushion is formed with a base having length and a width sufficient to engage major portions of the user's abdomen and sternum. The cushion further has two converging sides extending from the base, the elevation of the sides being between about 0.5 and 1.5 times the width of the base. A belt is used to maintain the cushion in position on the user's abdomen and sternum during sleeping. The belt extends from the cushion and is arranged to engage the torso of the user.

Abstract: A support pillow in two detachable main sections, each section having an elongated right triangular wedge-shaped resilient foam member each covered with fabric with a portion of the fabric extending outward to define a flexible rectangular panel. The top surface of one rectangular panel, and the bottom surface of the other rectangular panel are affixed with elongated hook and loop fastening strips which allow adjustable overlapping affixment of the two rectangular panels one to another, thereby allowing affixing together of the two main sections of the pillow. When affixed together, the two sections of the support pillow define an open-ended and open-top channel with the rectangular panels and fabric covered foam members providing a roll-preventing flat bottom, and the fabric covered foam members additionally defining two spaced apart vertically oriented side walls of the channel.

Abstract: A positioning device comprises a flexible sterilizable mat for wrapping across and tucking under a pad on an underlying supporting structure; a pair of opposing elevators, each having an inflatable compartment and an inboard seam connected to the mat near the center thereof; and a remotely controlled air supply and delivery system for selectively and separately inflating and deflating the elevators.

Abstract: A mattress plate is positioned below a mattress, with side walls extending upwardly from the mattress plate to secure a foot support insert therebetween in an adjustable manner utilizing a central support shaft and a plurality of cross pins, with a cross pin directed into the insert from each side wall of the mattress plate. The insert includes a plurality of foot support sockets, with the sockets optionally including pneumatic chambers and heating members, as well as a vibratory device to enhance circulation and comfort in use of the organization.