Abstract: The device is used for supporting an upper extremity limb of a patient located in either a bed or a chair. The device preferably includes bracket, a pole, a knee joint, a cradle, and an extremity support. Preferably, the knee joint provides movement in three radial directions to allow for optimal placement of the extremity support for a particular patient. The bracket preferably provides the flexibility to attach to a wide variety of furniture.

Abstract: An adjustable position limb support for surgical tables consisting of a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to a base which is attachable to the table and an externally powered position actuator pivotally mounted to the support arm and the base at positions spaced apart from the support arm pivot. The actuator is extendable and retractable and may be powered either electrically, hydraulically, or by compressed air. The actuator is controlled by a suitable device within the actuator or remote from it and an appropriate appliance for holding the limb is provided on the support arm.

Abstract: A baseless cushion includes a pad with a layer of stable elastomeric block polymer gel with a pad having an opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite longitudinally extending sides and opposite longitudinally spaced ends. A frame is provided for supporting the pad only along the, spaced ends or sides thereof.

Abstract: A pillow having a unique shape with rounded cuts for placing between an individual's side and arm to provide support when positioned along the arm at the elbow. When the individual is lying on his or her side, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the shoulder, arm, scapula, and neck to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also increase potential blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the arm and shoulder complex. It is beneficial to those who suffer from a variety of shoulder problems, arthritis and sports related injuries and fatigue in addition to those who are convalescent, bedridden, computer operators, overhead throwers, data entry personnel and anyone who uses their shoulder and arm for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A sleep apnea avoidance process includes selecting a pillow having a pair of sides, angled at a predetermined angle and shaped to hold a person's head face down on one side thereof. The selected pillow has a pair of arm openings thereunder to position a person's arm to assist in holding a person's head face down on the pillow angle side such that the user can use one or the other arms when placing the head on one or the other angled side of the pillow. The process includes resting on one of the pillow's angled sides with one arm placed through the arm opening whereby jaw movement and sleep apnea are avoided.

Abstract: The illustrative armboard assembly includes a lockable first joint coupling an armboard to a support arm, a lockable second joint coupling the support arm to a mounting post and a lockable third joint coupling the mounting post to a mounting rail. The first joint is configured to permit movement of the armboard along the support arm and configured to permit movement of the armboard relative to the support arm about a first plurality of axes. The second joint is configured to permit movement of the support arm relative to the mounting post about a second plurality of axes. The third joint is configured to position the mounting post in a selected vertical position relative to the mounting rail and in a selected longitudinal position along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A hand surgery table has a top for supporting a patient's arm during hand surgery. A concave end of the hand surgery-table accommodates the attending surgeon's torso so that the attending surgeon may sit comfortably. A tongue-shaped end portion extends from the end opposite the concave end for securing the hand surgery table to a conventional operating table where the patient may lie and rest his or her forearm on the hand surgery table top. Elbow support structures are attached to respective sides of the hand surgery table and have convex peripheries for the attending surgeon and the nurse assistant to rest their elbows and forearms. The elbow support structures are retractable to the underside of the table and are moveable longitudinally along the hand surgery table.

Abstract: A hand surgery table has a top for supporting a patient's arm during hand surgery. A concave end of the hand surgery table accommodates the attending surgeon's torso so that the attending surgeon may sit comfortably. A tongue-shaped end portion extends from the end opposite the concave end for securing the hand surgery table to a conventional operating table where the patient may lie and rest his or her forearm on the hand surgery table top. Elbow support structures are attached to respective sides of the hand surgery table and have convex peripheries for the attending surgeon and the nurse assistant to rest their elbows and forearms. The elbow support structures are retractable to the underside of the table and are moveable longitudinally along the hand surgery table.

Abstract: A hand-supported headrest pillow for providing a convenient and compact headrest. The pillow includes a cushion dimensioned for seating about the palm of a user's hand. A strap attached to the cushion is provided for securing the cushion to and against a user's palm so that, when so-positioned, the user's head can be rested against the cushion. In an alternate embodiment, the strap is replaced by one or more sleeves or sheaths for accommodating insertion of one or more of the user's fingers to secure the cushion to and against the user's hand.

Abstract: A pillow having a unique shape with rounded cuts for placing between an individual's side and arm to provide support when positioned along the arm at the elbow. When the individual is lying on his or her side, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the shoulder, arm, scapula, and neck to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also increase potential blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the arm and shoulder complex. It is beneficial to those who suffer from a variety of shoulder problems, arthritis and sports related injuries and fatigue in addition to those who are convalescent, bedridden, computer operators, overhead throwers, data entry personnel and anyone who uses their shoulder and arm for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A support for an appendage comprising a plurality of stackable bolsters in which mating surfaces are engaged to provide both frictional and lateral support between adjacent bolsters to stabilize the support.

Abstract: An ergonomic pillow for individuals who sleep on their sides. A characterizing feature of the invention is a recess along a lower front portion of the pillow which provides a protective space for a side, sleeper's arms. The pillow is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion which is set back from the upper portion to form the recess. Between the upper and lower portions is a flat planar member which distributes the loads of the side sleeper over the area of the lower pillow portion. In a first aspect of the invention, the protective recess extends across the front portion of the pillow. In further aspects, protective recesses are provided for the shoulders and arms of the side sleeper. A rear portion of the pillow is lowered for sleeping without a recess.

Abstract: An arm-supporting and hand-warming multipurpose pillow system having a pocket defined between an outer surface of the main pillow body and an inner surface of a panel covering at least a portion of the main pillow body.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises a resilient pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms extending from the medial region to form a generally open well. The pillow body includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. A handle is coupled to the medial region at the outer periphery.

Abstract: A support for an appendage comprising a plurality of stackable bolsters in which mating surfaces are engaged to provide both frictional and lateral support between adjacent bolsters to stabilize the support

Abstract: An infant pillow feeding sleeve that is unitary, cylindrical in form, and advantageously includes filler is described. During use, the sleeve is slipped over the arm of the care giver such that is generally centered over the care givers elbow. When the arm is bent to position the baby for feeding, the sleeve forms a pillow against which the infants head may rest. The pillow acts to lift the infants head up to a breast or bottle for feeding, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing the comfort of the care giver and the child.

Abstract: An arm rest adapted for use with a lounge chair, in which the arm rest comprises a five-sided tubular frame; a covering material which connects with each side of the tubular frame; an adjustable support for the arm rest; and means for connecting the arm rest to the lounge chair.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a patient on a surface and stabilizing the patient's arm. The apparatus includes a rigid board and an arm support extendably attached to the rigid board. The apparatus further includes a rigid board support attached to the rigid board for supporting the rigid board from the surface a sufficient distance to allow the arm support to be extended from a first retracted position to a second extended position.

Abstract: An arm board is provided for supporting the arm during a surgical or imaging procedure in a manner that reduces the stress on the nerves and positions the arm in a more natural position for patient comfort, without interfering with the conduct of the surgical or imaging procedure. The arm board includes a main panel for being received under the patient and/or under a pad on the surgical table, and a trough portion for receiving and supporting the patient's forearm just below the height of the surgical table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular pillow including a cover tube and method for enclosing the inside and outside surfaces thereof. The tubular pillow has a tubular body formed of a soft and resilient material with a central tunnel passing through longitudinally. The cover tube is a fabric tube having closure elements preferably of the snap fastener type. The cover tube is mounted onto the tubular body by passing through the central tunnel and bringing each end of the cover tube around the tubular body with a set of snap fasteners engaging a complementary set of snap fasteners on the tubular body. In a second embodiment, the cover tube has a set of closure elements mounted on each end, configured and mounted so as to connect to each other. When the cover tube is assembled to the tubular body, the tubular pillow of the invention simulates the appearance of a conventional pillow.

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 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: An armboard assembly that is X-ray translucent and includes a board pivotably connected to a latching assembly. A locking assembly, which is disposable inside the board, is connected to the latching assembly and the board. The locking assembly is operable to selectively secure the board from movement relative to the latching assembly. The board defines a handle opening within which is disposed a grip for controlling the locking assembly.

Abstract: A pillow is provided including an exterior extent defining an interior space and a pair of open ends. A pair of interior extents are included each having a hollow tubular configuration. Each interior extent has a length equal to that of the exterior extent and is situated within the interior space of the exterior extent in parallel relationship.

Abstract: A cot incorporating an cot mounted armrest is provided. The cot mounted arm rest includes a cot frame attaching member, an arm board, and a pivot assembly coupling the attaching member and the arm board. The cot frame attaching member is attached to a backrest frame of the cot and is movable along a portion of the backrest frame. The cot frame attaching member and an arm board are mechanically coupled via an arm board release mechanism. The pivot assembly includes a first pivot assembly portion mechanically coupled to the cot frame attaching member and a second pivot assembly portion mechanically coupled to the arm board. The pivot assembly permits movement of the arm board between an extended arm board position and a retracted arm board position. The extended arm board position is characterized by contact of a frame engaging surface of the arm board with a guardrail frame portion of the cot.

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 patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam having a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: An orthosis has a clamp designed to clamp the orthosis to the arm of a chair. Adjustment devices incorporated in the orthosis permit adjustment of the position and orientation of the orthosis in all degrees of freedom and the arm rest of the orthosis includes structure allowing an elbow receiving portion to be lengthened or shortened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a person in a seated or lying position, and for supporting a person's appendages, such as arms, wrists, hands and elbows, above a work surface. An appendage can be rested on an upper surface of a support pad provided on a work surface, the support pad having a plurality of fluid-filled cells separated by a plurality of seams. The support pad can be folded along at least one of the plurality of seams so that a first portion of the plurality of cells lies above a second portion of the plurality of cells to adjust the height of the support pad above the work surface. A portion of the plurality of cells can be removed from the support pad to create a desired configuration for a support pad. The support pad can be configured and used as a wrist rest for operating data input devices, such as a keyboard, a computer mouse, and a calculator, and used as an arm rest for writing or performing manual tasks on a work surface.

Abstract: The arm protector head rest is a half cylindrical shaped head rest with an outer and inner surface having a soft foam wall body. The head rest has support ridges of integral skin polyurethane foam on the inner surface sufficient to support the weight of a person's head when resting. A passageway exists between the inner surface and the bed such that a person may place their arms under the head rest and thereby under the resting head without the weight of the head on the arms. An alternate head rest uses U-shaped ribs in the wall to provide the structural support for the weight of the head.

Abstract: A wrist rest is disclosed for use with a keyboard. The wrist rest includes a bladder for holding a fluid, a pump operatively connected to the bladder for selectively filling the bladder with fluid and a valve for selectively releasing fluid from the bladder. The bladder preferably includes two elongate lobes interconnected by an isthmus. The lobes are shaped so that the perimeter of a horizontal cross-section through one of the elongate lobes is substantially elliptical in shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring spinal cervical curvature by having the patient lie on his back on a surface with his neck at the C3/C6 vertebra positioned in the groove formed in the top of a block of a substantially non-deformable material supported in an upright position on the surface. The width of the groove is greater than the width of the patient's neck, and the thickness of the block at least at the top surface is generally in the range of 1/2 inch to 3 inches. The height of the groove at its lowest position is sufficient so that the patient's head is supported above the surface, but is not so great as to be uncomfortable for the patient. The patient remains in this position for several minutes and the treatment is repeated preferably three times a day for a period of several months.

Abstract: A surgical hand support apparatus includes a support member having a supporting surface for supporting at least the hand of a patient, a finger restraining member moveable relative to the supporting surface to be positioned to engage the fingers of the patient and a thumb restraining member moveable relative to the supporting surface to be positioned to engage the thumb of the patient. A quick release mechanism is associated with the finger restraining member and the thumb restraining member to lock the respective members at predetermined positions relative to the supporting surface. The apparatus may also include a wrist restraining member to engage the patient's wrist. An instrument support member is associated with the wrist restraining member and is configured to support a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An improved recliner chair is provided of the type having a recliner linkage for controlled movement of a seat and seatback through a sequence of substantially upright and reclined positions, wherein the recliner linkage is further adapted for movement of the seat and seatback to a substantially coplanar horizontal position. The chair includes the recliner linkage for movably supporting the seat and seatback with respect to a chair frame in a manner permitting normal movement from an upright position to one or more reclined positions. A releasable latch assembly permits further reclination movement of the seat and seatback to the substantially horizontal position. The chair is particularly suited for use in a patient care facility, with the horizontal position permitting facilitated patient transfer between a bed and the recliner chair.

Abstract: A device for supporting and positioning the arms of a patient lying in a supine position and being subjected to various medical procedures. The device comprises a flat, head-receiving base configured to rest upon a flat surface and having opposed side edges which taper toward each other from bottom to top. A pair of opposed side panels are integrally formed along the side edges and angularly project with respect to the base. The side panels are configured to receive and support the patient's arms when the arms are positioned in an upraised position.

Abstract: A flat stiff and strong board having an inner end under the patient on a gurney, and an outer end extending laterally beyond one side of the gurney. The outer end supports the arm of the patient. The board has spaced legs forming the inner end thereof, and conformations in its outer end facilitating handling thereof, and positioning of attendants and supporting a basin.

Abstract: A bilateral immobilization support is disclosed for placing and retaining the arms of a patient in an overhead position during patient examination, diagnostic procedures and/or radiation therapy. The adjustability of the wrist and upper arm supports carried upon a base provides for immediate accurate sizing adjustment in location consistent with the needs of the patient and continuing comfort for the duration of use. The initial settings of the support are visually observable and readily reproducible at subsequent times for the same or similar purposes during which the arms of the patient are immobilized and comfortably supported out of alignment with the area of the body being subjected to a medical procedure. The patient is not restrained, but with both arms above the head the patient inherently tends to relax and remain in a single position.

Abstract: One embodiment is an upright, height adjustable, vertical stand having a freely rotatable elbow and forearm stabilizer, in the form of a receiving cup mounted on its top. The receiving cup is L-shaped, concave, and contoured to receive the elbow of a user, and includes a portion which is parallel to the axis of the forearm of a user, and a portion of the upper arm of a user to secure the upper and lower arm at a 90.degree. angle to one another, which results in the isolation of the rotator cuff muscles at the shoulder joint at any plane of movement. A pivot arm extends from the cup, and includes a hand receiving device adjacent to its end. The device may include a mechanism which allows internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion to be measured, as well as a device by which internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion can be limited. It can be used either without resistance, or with resistance from an external source.

Abstract: A back treatment device and method of using is disclosed. The back treatment device includes a chair-like seat, body support members including a pair of movably supported crutches, a pair of movably supported forearm rests and a pair of adjustable exercise handles. Each pair is arranged to relieve upper body weight from the lumbar spine. The movable forearm rests allow arm mobility and hand interaction for doing desk work during the treatment period. Feedback from a spring scale allows the user to accurately control gravity traction. A treatment system provides heat or cold treatments adjustably positioned on a back rest. In an alternative embodiment, a diagnosis system positioned on a back rest can provide information regarding a patient's back.

Abstract: There is provided a support for the arms of a patient undergoing x-ray analysis or treatments requiring raising an arm above one's head and maintaining the arm in that position for any length of time. The use of the apparatus is comfortable and reduces stess. A header is adapted to be secured to the head end of the table supporting the patient. A pair of posts are fixed to and upstand from the header and each carries a horizontally disposed elongated arm rest in cantilever fashion with the post protruding above the arm rest to form a hand grip to be grasped by the patient lying on his back on the table. Each arm rest has an arm restraining upstanding flange on its external side. The level and angular position of each arm rest can be adjusted. Each arm rest can be installed below the table when the patient is to be treated in prone condition.

Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises apparatus in the nature of resiliently flexible laminated pads, with or without magnetic tape, used to apply pressure to various areas of a human body, particularly the back, to alleviate back pain and related symptoms due to muscle strain, tension or nerve irritation, as well as headaches and menstrual discomfort.

Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray transparent orthopedic device (10) for positioning a selected digit away from the adjacent digits facilitate the taking of X-rays. The device (10) comprises a first centrally located elongated longitudinal support (12) having a contoured upper surface (18) for the selected digit, and second and third elongated longitudinal supports (14) and (16), respectively, on either side of the support (12). Partitions (30, 32) and side walls (34, 36) depending from supports (14, 16) define channels (38, 40) for the adjacent digits.

Abstract: This multiple posture sleeping pillow is designed to be a therapeutic to be used by persons having whip lash, a herniated cervical disc and arthritic neck conditions. The article utilizes a pair of spaced apart cushions, having grooved furrow arm rest, that are secured to ends of a cylindrical or oval intermediate neck support member. This intermediate member is designed to support the neck of a prone person while keeping the head of the user somewhat elevated.

Abstract: A boot shaped pillow for use by a mother or some other person to aid in feeding an infant. The pillow is intended to rest on the person's lap and curve around his or her abdomen while the person is seated. The person rests his or her arm on the pillow and with the same arm supports the infant for an optimal feeding position. The pillow is made of a plurality of layers which together provide a constant firmness and machine washability.

Abstract: Apparatus useful in surgery for holding part of a patient's body such as a limb, portion of a limb, extremity organ or tissue in a number of different positions required by a surgeon for the performance of a surgical procedure, and for establishing a sterile barrier between a surgical site and a patient's limb while the limb is being grasped by a limb positioning apparatus.