Abstract: An orthopedic pillow for deep-sleep, preferably including: a pillow body to be horizontally put on a floor; a cervical vertebrae supporter having a transverse groove at a front center of the pillow body to slantly support the occipital bone and protruding upward to accommodate cervical vertebrae; an occipital base and upper cervical vertebrae supporter having a round-shape, longitudinal linear protruding groove placed at an inner end of the cervical vertebrae supporter transverse to the pillow body to support a user's upper cervical vertebrae; a back head-resting portion having a concave depression on a middle surface of a width and length structure of the pillow body in the occipital base and upper cervical vertebrae supporter; and a side head-resting portion having accommodating grooves symmetrically depressed from the back head-resting portion longitudinally from the pillow body to support a user's side head including the ear when a user lies on their side.

Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: A positioning device to facilitate the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head under anesthesia during an operation or procedure comprising at least one adjustable support including a plurality of segments or sections selectively positionable relative to adjacent segments or sections and selectively lockable relative to each other having a patient engaging member coupled to the proximal end portion thereof to engage a portion of the patient's head to maintain the position of the patient's head during an operation or procedure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a support pillow. The support pillow includes a body with a head rest and a neck rest along with a pair of arms extending outward and forward from the body to thereby surround the sides of the head and neck of a user. The support pillow may also incorporate a storage bag for compressing and storing the body and arms of the support pillow.

Abstract: A patient head support system comprises a base unit, a head support, and an intervening member for connecting the base unit and the head support. The base unit includes a handle assembly with an elongated body, a bore at one end thereof, and a lever that moves relative to the body between closed and open positions to contract and to expand the bore, respectively. A sleeve retained within the bore is sized to receive and hold a shaft of the intervening member, so as to hold the intervening member in a fixed position when the lever is closed. The sleeve remains retained in the bore when the transition member is disconnected, to resist contracting of the bore caused by inadvertent closing of the lever when the intervening member is unattached, and to protect against the unwanted intrusion of material into the bore.

Abstract: A sleeping pillow divided by a hinge web into head and neck sections, with a neck recess defining a neck roll formed in the neck section, and with the neck section moveable about web to hinged position with respect to a horizontal head section so that pillow supports a sleeper's head at the head section and neck on the neck roll.

Abstract: A device for face-down, prone respiration comprising a head support made of resilient material having a facial cavity conformable to the contours of a person's face, a plenum cavity in fluid communication with the person's face, a substantially L-shaped support base removably engaged to the head support, a horizontal member of the base engaged underneath the head support and a vertical member of the base engaged to an end of the head support proximate to the facial cavity and in fluid communication with the plenum cavity, the vertical member having at least one air pump intake pathway and at least one exhalation discharge pathway integral to the base whereby air pumped through at least one air pump intake pathway creates a plenum in plenum cavity which is inhaled by person and air exhaled by person is discharged back into plenum cavity and out the at least one exhalation discharge pathway.

Abstract: A travel pillow includes a U-shaped cushion formed of a pair of spaced side panels, each having a front end, a rear end, a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface of each side panel has an upwardly-inclined front portion that extends to a concave, downwardly-facing shoulder indention, proximal the rear end. Interconnecting the front ends of the side panels is a substantially-tubular cross member having a contoured upper surface that nudges the head rearwardly toward a seat backrest when engaged by a falling chin. On the rear end of each side panel is a fastener for engaging a mating fastener positioned on a passenger seat backrest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.

Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.

Abstract: A cushion adapted to be placed on a child safety seat is provided. The cushion has a head pad having a neck supporting portion protruding outwardly along the lower rim of the head pad; and a pair of head side supporting surfaces inclined upwardly toward the left/right end of the head pad; a back pad having a pair of body side supporting surfaces inclined upwardly toward the left/right end of the back pad; and a hip pad having a hip supporting surface inclined upwardly from the rear end of the hip pad toward the front end of the hip pad; and a pair of knee supporting surfaces inclined upwardly toward the left/right end of the hip pad.

Abstract: A surgical fixture includes a skull clamp having a pair of arms. Each of the arms includes a rail having a generally “T”-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross section. An accessory attachment assembly comprises a gripping portion having a pair of jaws that are operable to selectively grip a rail. The accessory attachment assembly also includes a body portion having a feature for receiving surgical accessories. Surgical accessories may be rotated relative to the accessory attachment assembly along a first plane, and may further be secured to the accessory attachment assembly. The body portion may be rotated relative to gripping portion along a second plane. A mechanism is operable to simultaneously effect gripping with the jaws while preventing rotation of the body portion relative to the gripping portion. The mechanism is also operable to simultaneously release gripping of the jaws while permitting rotation of the body portion relative to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A pillow is provided for the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. The pillow may have arms which define a void with varying diameters to facilitate holding an infant's head to cause reshaping of the posterior of the skull. An anchoring mechanism may also be included to hold the pillow in place. A webbing may also be used between the arms to encourage the arms to remain against the infant's head and/or to engage a surface on which the pillow rests and limit sliding or the pillow or the infant's head.

Abstract: A head-restraint system includes a rotatable base portion; a stationary platform positioned underneath the base portion, wherein the platform supports the base portion; a rotatable head cradle positioned within an open region of the base portion; a first pivoting mechanism that allows the head cradle to rotate with respect to the base portion; and a second pivoting mechanism that allows the base portion to rotate with respect to the platform.

Abstract: A foldable neck/waist support includes a foldable board and a soft pad. The foldable board includes a central flat portion, a pair of inner oblique portions extending from two opposing sides of the central flat portion, a pair of outer oblique portions extending from the pair of inner oblique portions, a pair of insertion portions extending from the pair of outer oblique portions. The soft pad is a rectangular sheet to be stuck on the central flat portion and the pair of inner oblique portions with adhesive to form one piece. The soft pad has two opposing ends extending over the pair of inner oblique portions. An engaging slot is not coated with adhesive. When fording the present invention, top dents formed on the foldable board are bent rearward such that the outer oblique portions and the insertion portions are folded behind the central flat portion. When assembling the present invention, the top dents are pushed forward and inner dents and outer dents are pushed rearward.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for supporting a head of a user of a massage device includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is selectively coupled to the massage device, and the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member. The headrest platform includes a first side section, a second side section, a middle section that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section and the second side section, and a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user.

Abstract: A head support system that has a fixation arc system that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally and is mounted to a patient support structure. The fixation arc system is positionable adjacent to, and provides lateral support for, the patient's head. A pin support is connected to, and extends from the fixation arc system. A pin is adjustably mounted to the pin support and contacts the patient's head to provide a lateral fixation thereof. The pin has a centerline that is rotatable about two axes of motion substantially perpendicular to the pin centerline.

Abstract: A pediatric surgical table configured to allow easy and quick positioning of an infant prior to craniofacial surgery which includes a head cradle with cheek supports, a chest ramp and a body support pad. The body support pad is provided with an abdominal trough to facilitate unhindered abdominal movement during breathing and a genital trough to allow placement of a urinary catheter. The chest ramp stabilizes the infant once positioned and decreases the risk of hyperextension of the neck. The cheek supports reduce the risk of ocular compression and a open chin rest area allows unrestricted placement of endotracheal tube. Straps are provided to secure the infant in place. The orientation of the chest ramp and head cradle allows for substantial adjustment of cervical extension and provides the surgeon with clear and unobstructed access to the frontal, parietal and occipital portion of the infant's skull.

Abstract: An infant pillow device including a head and neck positioner(s) for retaining the infant's head and neck to prevent lateral, upwardly, downwardly, and rotational movement of the infants head. The infant pillow device aligns the infant's head, neck and spine when positioned on the infant pillow device.

Abstract: A pillow for relieving pressure on a neck of a user. In one embodiment, the pillow includes a body section, a first lobe member integrally bound to the body section and adaptable for supporting a nape of a neck of a user, and a second lobe member integrally bound to the body section and adaptable for supporting a cheek bone and a jaw of the user. The pillow also includes a channel formed in the body section between the first lobe member and the second lobe member, wherein the channel is adaptable for receiving the neck of the user to relieve pressure on the neck of the user.

Abstract: A device for positioning and locking a head clamp in a selective position including a first arm, a second arm and a third arm. The third arm having a free end including both a spherical member carried in a socket and including a mounting tube and a gripping device to restrain movement of said spherical member. The head clamp includes a mounting post for insertion to said mounting tube wherein said mounting tube includes a releasable locking device for engaging and holding said mounting post against rotation and withdrawal of said mounting tube to prevent accidental release of the mounting post.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for supporting a head of a user of a massage device includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is selectively coupled to the massage device, and the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member. The headrest platform includes a first side section, a second side section, a middle section that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section and the second side section, and a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user.

Abstract: A pillow includes a washable L-shaped body that has longitudinal and latitudinal regions. The longitudinal region is abutted against a lateral edge of an infant car seat such that the latitudinal region protrudes inwardly towards the car seat center. The latitudinal region has a medially disposed end provided with an arcuate top edge curving upwardly away from a latitudinal region bottom edge, forming a curvilinear lip that is spaced from the top edge and the longitudinal region affixing mechanisms. A mechanism is included for affixing the longitudinal region to the car seat such that the latitudinal edge can bias towards and away from the back rest, adjusting a location of the lip. A mechanism is included for affixing a longitudinal region top edge to a car seat rear side, allowing the body to be freely positioned along x-, y- and z-axes while remaining affixed to the car seat rear side.

Abstract: A barrier device for sleep positioning including, in one embodiment, an elongated body to be placed atop a head-contacting surface of a pillow so as to define generally a boundary between a left side and a right side of the pillow, and at least one attachment device for securing the barrier device to the pillow. The elongated body has top and bottom ends and includes a pair of outwardly-projecting portions located at left and right sides of the elongated body near the bottom end. Each outwardly-projecting portion has an outer curvature substantially the same as and abutting at least a portion of the back of the head and/or neck of a user lying on the user's side with the user's head resting on one of the sides of the pillow.

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.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods support and/or restrain a head of a patient, optionally for use in refractive surgery. Both the height of the patient's head and the angle of the patient's neck along the medial-lateral plane of the patient can be established independently, and compression pillow systems can gently and atraumatically compress the patient's head between protruding foam sidewalls or the like to inhibit movement of the patient from the alignment position.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A head positioning device comprising: (A) a head support that is configured for supporting a patient's head; and (B) a sliding joint that is connected to allow the head support to be moved about a virtual axis of rotation while the head support is supporting the patient's head, wherein the virtual axis of rotation is spaced apart from the sliding joint. The head positioning device may include a head restraint for maintaining the patient's head in a substantially fixed relation to the head support as the head support is moved about the virtual axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the head restraint comprises a hook member that is configured for hookedly engaging a curved portion of the patient's face.

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.

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.

Abstract: A pillow is provided for the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. The pillow preferably has arms which define a void with varying diameters to facilitate holding an infant's head to cause reshaping of the posterior of the skull. An anchoring mechanism may also be included to hold the pillow in place.

Abstract: Flexible filtering filling material consisting of pieces that are 100% open cell reticulated polyurethane foam. The pieces filter out the damp warm condition within the filling, haltering the proliferation of microorganisms, giving the product a more sanitary and longer life.

Abstract: The device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention comprises a base element having a head support region and an upper body support region. The base element is configured to rest upon a base platform that has an attachment point for securing the base element to the base platform and a joint element that enables movement of the base element into an angled position. A restraint mechanism extends from the base platform and is configured to hold the patient's shoulders in position. Head support elements on each side of the device acts as a mechanism for restricting mobility of the patient's head. By holding the shoulders and head the device is able to also restrict neck movement. Reducing patient movement enables diagnostic angiography using a digital subtraction technique (DSA) of the head, neck, and upper shoulder, as well as both non-catheter-based and catheter-based interventions without motion artifact.

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.

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.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a pillow comprises cutting at least one piece of fabric to form a pair of skins that each comprise a midsection and two arm sections. The two skins are sewn together near their outer edges except for a portion of the mid section to form a shell defining and interior and having a middle region with an opening into the interior and two opposing arms extending from the middle region to form a well region. A fill material is blown into the interior of the shell until the pillow has a firmness defined by an IFD of at least about 20 Newtons with 25% deflection, and the opening in the middle region is closed.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for resting a head of a user during sleep has a layer of closed cell foam disposed over a layer of open cell foam. A section of the apparatus that resembles a quarter moon in shape is removed to allow space for a head and shoulders of a user to better engage with the pillow sufficient to retain the user in a position of cooperation with the pillow. A pair of spaced-apart parallel cuts is provided from one end of the pillow to a depth of approximately two-thirds of the pillow to provide three hinged portions that are adapted to accommodate a portion of an arm or hand of the user that may be inserted under the pillow.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a patient's head on a spine board while allowing longitudinal and rotational movement in conjunction with the body and a method of use for the device are disclosed. The device is comprised of a head harness, a forehead strap, a chin strap, a crown strap and a lateral stabilization strap. The head harness has a skid plate, located on the side of the head harness that rests on a spine board, that is adapted for low friction engagement with the spine board. A patient in a cervical collar is placed on a spine board, the head harness is positioned beneath the patient's head and attached to the spine board. The forehead strap, chin strap, and crown strap are attached to the head harness. The lateral stabilization strap is then attached to the head harness and the attaching straps.

Abstract: A pediatric spinal immobilization device and method for immobilizing a pediatric trauma patient are provided. The immobilization device in one embodiment is releasably secured to an adult-sized backboard, and in another embodiment is provided with a removably contained infant-sized backboard. The immobilization device provides body-straps mounted along a central section of the device, and individual appendage-restraints to permit removal of the body-straps without compromising control over the appendages of the injured patient. Compressible, crescent-shaped headblocks are tightly yet removably fastened to the immobilization device. A harness of the immobilization device helps secures the injured patient over an included adjustable elevation device and when used in conjunction with the headblocks, significantly reduces the risk of further injury from lateral and flexion movement of the head.

Abstract: A pillow has a curved central extent and a downwardly extending leg. The leg is positionable in a vertical plane. A rotatable eccentric is in a generally semi-circular configuration and has a periphery. A plurality of balls is secured to the periphery of the eccentric for rotation with the periphery. A motor has a driven shaft. The drive shaft has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is supported by the motor. The upper end has a bushing supporting the upper end of the shaft. A motor enclosure is coupled to the leg beneath the pillow with a waterproof connection to the motor.

Abstract: A support pillow includes a U-shaped body skin that defines a U-shaped inner space therein, and a filler that is packed in the inner space and that cooperates with the body skin to form a flexible U-shaped body including a bight part and two opposite arm parts extending and angled away from two opposite ends of the bight part to define a recess thereamong.

Abstract: A unitary support for holding and cushioning the head and face of a surgical patient has a resilient body of molded foam. The resilient body has a cavity formed in the upper face for receiving and cushioning the head and face of a patient. The resilient body has access openings therein for additional apparatus, such as an endotracheal tube, and to permit viewing of the patient's face during surgery. The resilient body has stiffening structure to prevent constriction of the openings during use and to prevent constriction of an endotracheal tube or similar apparatus.