Abstract: A patient with a dislocated hip lies on a planar pad having side rails along which slides a frame having upright members on each side of the pad and a horizontal member connecting the top of the upright members. A first winch mounted on an upright member controls cables connected to a mid-portion of a leg sleeve on the patient to lift the patient's leg. A second winch mounted on the same upright member controls cables connected to a top portion of the leg sleeve to pull the patient's hip outwardly to a normal position in the hip socket.

Abstract: An elevation device for resiliently supporting an extremity of a patient that utilizes the packaging for the device to form the finished product. The elevation device includes a support cushion and a planar surface for supporting the support cushion at a desired elevation. At least one guide member is associated with the planar surface for positioning the support cushion on the planar surface.

Abstract: A leg support apparatus is herein provided for use in the health care industry for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons having leg injuries. The apparatus includes a vertical support member having a base and a clamp which is slideably positionable on the vertical support member. The clamp is pivotably coupled to at least one cradle having a sling member. The sling member is independently pivotally coupled to the cradle permitting the sling member to tilt in an arc up and down, depending of the need of the patient. The adjustability of the vertical support assembly further provides for greater positioning thereby increasing the general comfort of the patient while providing for the patient's medical needs.

Abstract: A diaper changing table is a piece of furniture with a pad on top, two rods with stirrups and a foot pedal that raises the rods. The purpose of the invention is to provide a changing table, which holds a baby's leg in the proper position and at the same time raises the legs and buttocks. This allows the adult to change the diaper without using his/her hands to lift the baby's legs and buttocks. This is convenient because it allows the adult to apply the diaper and easily reach for the other needed things while the stirrups hold the legs of the child in place so that the child does not squirm out of position.

Abstract: A leg support apparatus is herein provided for use in the health care industry for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons having leg injuries. The apparatus includes a vertical support member having a base and a clamp which is slideably positionable on the vertical support member. The clamp is pivotably coupled to at least one cradle having a sling member. The sling member is independently pivotally coupled to the cradle permitting the sling member to tilt in an arc up and down, depending of the need of the patient. The adjustability of the vertical support assembly further provides for greater positioning thereby increasing the general comfort of the patient while providing for the patient's medical needs.

Abstract: The invention described is a pressure device for applying pressure to the whole of the chest area of a patient and for reducing the movement and dehesion of the sternum and chest incision after open heart and chest surgeries. The pressure device has a casing substantially in the form of a pillow, the casing having opposing lateral sides, a back side for application against the chest of the patient, the back side having top corners, a frontal side substantially on the opposite side of the back side of the casing, the frontal side having a top attachment portion and a bottom attachment portion. A membrane layer attached to the top attachment portion and the bottom attachment portion of the frontal side of the casing, the outer wall of the frontal side and the inner wall of the membrane layer forming a sleeve for receiving the hands and forearms of a patient.

Abstract: A seat cushion including a first and second pillar positioned specifically for receiving the ischial tuberosities of a user. The pillars relieve the pressure of the ischial tuberosity areas, but are easy and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the position of the pillars can be customized for a particular user. Hence, pressure reduction is accomplished only where it is needed. The invention can be used on flat cushions and on cushions with a molded shape.

Abstract: A patient positioning device and method of operation that is simple in construction, is easy to install, is positioned outside the sterile operating field, yet permits the surgeon to readily position, adjust, and re-position a patient during a surgical procedure is provided and includes a support adapted to be positioned against a predetermined portion of a patient's body, a drive mechanism for moving the support along a generally linear path, a source of power for the drive mechanism, a bracket for mounting the drive mechanism to an operating table, and a remote device for actuating the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A “non-slip” covered positioner for maintaining patient positioning by nurses or other healthcare personnel. This is a positioner covered in a non-slip material on the bed contact side, (and a patient friendly material at the patient side), to utilize the “non-slip” characteristic to keep the positioner from sliding out of position which defeats the medical purpose of using the device. This “non-slip” covered positioner is able to be cleaned and re-used.

Abstract: A transportable leg support includes a first leg support, a second leg support and a connection strap. The first leg support includes a first upper member pivotally connected to a first lower member. The second leg support includes a second upper member pivotally connected to a second lower member. One end of the connection strap is attached to one end of the first upper member and the other end of the connection strap is attached to one end of the second upper member. The length of the connection strap is preferably adjustable to accommodate individuals having different width posteriors. A first foot support is attached to an end of the first lower member and the second foot support is attached to an end of the second lower member.

Abstract: A postural pillow for spacing apart a user's knees when the user is in a lateral recumbent position. The pillow is kidney-shaped, rendering it useful as both a knee pillow and as a cervical pillow for supporting the head and neck. The pillow is provided with two lateral straps positioned about the user's calf for securing the pillow to the knee area. A third strap extends longitudinally, fitting over the user's lower thigh just above the knee so as to prevent the pillow from slipping down the user's leg. The straps ensure the pillow remains in place between the user's knees when at rest or walking, while minimizing the tension placed upon the user's legs by the straps so as to ensure freedom of mobility.

Abstract: A bed blanket structure to assist in fixing legs in which a foot-hold is engaged to the middle portion of the bed blanket. Several wedge shaped supports or crowned stakes both configured in random geometric figures are formed on the foot-hold to sustain the legs of one who lies on the other by pressing his/her soles against the wedges shaped supports or crowned stakes so as to avoid slip of the legs otherwise it might degrade the atmosphere of a tender night life for the couple by reason being unable to keep an amiable embracing pose due to their violent relative motion.

Abstract: A cushion for use while reclining is provided having a first section for placement against the chest and a second section for placement between the legs. The first and second sections are longitudinally aligned, though rotated at an approximate ninety degree angle. The cushion is formed from a suitable polymeric foam such as polyurethane by molding, machining or the like.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow combination includes first and second pillow inserts, wherein the inserts are interconnected using a pillow case having a two ends shaped to removably receive and retain each pillow through a closable end portion, wherein the ends are connected by a gathered and seamed portion which forms a handle therebetween. Another pillow insert is removably connected to the gathered handle portion by way of a strap portion having a hook and loop fastener which is connected to one end of a pillow case to contain the third pillow insert.

Abstract: A leg pillow having two opposing arcuate-shaped bolsters that defines a thigh channel. The bolsters are connected by a bridge having airflow channels on its upper surface and flex channels on its lower planar surface. The bolsters have terminal ends curving inward that form a friction fitting single leg clasp capable of clasping securely an inner thigh of an individual. The clasping of the thigh causes a deformation of the leg pillow which, when the alternate inner thigh rests on the lower planar surface of the bridge opposite the thigh channel, the flex channels therein allow for substantial conformity to the unique contours of the individual's lower body region, thus alleviating stress on the spine and maintaining the spine's natural alignment. The unique features of the present invention resist movement into the unhealthy prone or supine sleeping position and prevent shifting of the pillow while asleep.

Abstract: A postural pillow for spacing apart a user's knees when the user is in a lateral recumbent position. The pillow is kidney-shaped, rendering it useful as both a knee pillow and as a cervical pillow for supporting the head and neck. The pillow is provided with two lateral straps positioned about the user's calf for securing the pillow to the knee area. A third strap extends longitudinally, fitting over the user's lower thigh just above the knee so as to prevent the pillow from slipping down the user's leg. The straps ensure the pillow remains in place between the user's knees when at rest or walking, while minimizing the tension placed upon the user's legs by the straps so as to ensure freedom of mobility.

Abstract: A portable extremity support rack that offers a quick, easy, accessible and effective way to apply the standard RICE principle for post traumatic injury management. The extremity support rack collapses into a portable carrying case so it can be easily stored when not in use or quickly transported to different settings where injury management may take place. An upper surface and a lower surface in the extremity support rack are adjustably elevated and positioned to comfortably fit injured limbs of any shape and size.

Abstract: As the former triangle cushion is suitable for putting it between the body and the bed for body position changes at recumbency, effective for preventing bedsores, flexible enough to hold the correct position on the wheelchair for those who have difficulty in sitting upright, and it is helpful to sit straight, the five surface form cushion is used to avoid wear-out on vertex points of the triangle cushion without replacing hard materials.

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 bedside lower extremity lifting apparatus is comprised of a support frame coupled to a platform. The support platform can be selectively raised and lowered by an actuator assembly coupled between the support frame and the platform. The lifting apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent a conventional patient support structure such as a mattress-type bed or patient table and can be properly used and operated in conjunction with the bed with or without modification thereto. When the platform is in its lowered position, the platform and support frame have a relatively low profile so as to allow a user to comfortably sit on the edge of the bed. A user control is provided to allow the user to selectively raise and lower the platform as desired. By sitting on the edge of the bed and raising the platform to a sufficiently elevated position, the user is able to raise his or her legs to a height that allows the user to more comfortably maneuver their legs onto the bed.

Abstract: The support product repeatedly moves points of maximal pressure between the product and a weight supported by the product, which is especially useful for avoiding problems such as bed sores.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion and a seat portion. The foot portion includes a removable foot section and laterally spaced foot supports configured to define a central opening therebetween. The foot supports are configured to move about a substantially vertical axis and about a substantially horizontal axis. A position adjustment mechanism is provided for locking the foot supports in desired positions relative to the frame. A light assembly is supported by the foot portion. Likewise, calf supports are coupled to the foot supports and are adjustable between storage and use positions. An actuator is provided to move the head portion relative to the seat and foot portions. A release system is coupled to the actuator to facilitate rapid lowering of the head portion of the patient support.

Abstract: A single piece, multi-use support pillow with curved ends of varying heights (28 and 34) and dual inclined support surfaces (22) designed to contour and support differing parts of a human body, which helps to maintain proper body alignment with even distribution of weight throughout muscular/skeletal system of an individual. The support pillow provides support with a contour fit for potentially all of the following areas: head, neck, shoulders, torso, back, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, and toes.

Abstract: A therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a generally rectangular foot print when not in use, having a first surface and a second channeled surface opposite the first surface, the second channel surface having a plurality of intersecting channels cooperative with the thighs, knees and calves of an individual when the therapeutic between the legs pillow is folded upon its first surface, the therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a biasing means cooperable with the weight of the thighs, knees and calves so as to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Abstract: A heel elevating foam cushion is used to relieve heel pressure ulcers in patients confined to bed. The cushion elevates the lower legs and thereby supports the feet without any contact with the feet. Bolsters or palisades on either side of the cushion prevent the legs from falling from the bed, while allowing normal movement of the legs associated with cleaning of the patient, medical treatment of the limbs, etc. The surface of the cushion is covered by a waterproof covering. The cushion may be in a single use or multiple use configuration. A compression process is used to reduce the volume of the cushion by a factor of approximately eight, thereby allowing the convenient storage of cushions without the requirement for extensive storage facilities. The cushion finds application in treating persons with heel or foot pressure ulcers, in treatment of persons after orthopedic surgery, and in recovery from venous surgery for insufficient circulation in the lower limbs.

Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.

Abstract: A medical stirrup device includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support member. The device further includes a gooseneck shaft member having a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end spaced from the base. The gooseneck shaft member is selectively manually bendable by an end-user into a curvilinear operative shape between an unbent linear position and a bendable limit of the gooseneck shaft member. A fastener is located at the distal end of the gooseneck shaft member. The fastener is adapted to engage a mating fastener of an associated limb support member to connect the associated limb support member to the shaft. In one version of the development, the shaft member includes first and second co-axial spiral-wound tubular members. In another version, the shaft has adjustable rigidity and is defined from a series of articulated links. A method of positioning a human limb for a medical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heel elevating foam cushion is used to relieve heel pressure ulcers in patients confined to bed. The cushion elevates the lower legs and thereby supports the feet without any contact with the feet. Bolsters or palisades on either side of the cushion prevent the legs from falling from the bed, while allowing normal movement of the legs associated with cleaning of the patient, medical treatment of the limbs, etc. The surface of the cushion is covered by a waterproof covering. The cushion may be in a single use or multiple use configuration. A compression process is used to reduce the volume of the cushion by a factor of approximately eight, thereby allowing the convenient storage of cushions without the requirement for extensive storage facilities. The cushion finds application in treating persons with heel or foot pressure ulcers, in treatment of persons after orthopedic surgery, and in recovery from venous surgery for insufficient circulation in the lower limbs.

Abstract: The patient positioning device of this invention relates to an apparatus used to assist a patient into a supine position and additionally through which traction is applied to the spine, such as physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. The patient positioning device is preferably a stand alone portable device that can be readily transported and adapted to almost any horizontal surface, such as a treatment table. A primary application of the leg support of this invention is in raising and supporting a patient's lower legs during before, during, and after traction is applied to a patient. The device includes a lower support frame, vertical supports, and a leg support coupled to a top frame. The patient positioning device may also have a motor which powers the leg support to rotate from a lowered position, in which a patient's lower legs rest on the leg support, to an elevated position in which a patient's lower legs are elevated.

Abstract: A pillow having a pivoting butterfly structure with two cushions pivotably interconnected by a hinge element to pivot between an open position and a closed position. Each cushion has a hinge end adjacent the hinge element, and a connecting end disposed at the end of the cushion opposite the hinge end. A middle portion is located between the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. The cushions have a relatively flat inner surface and a curved contoured surface that extend the length of each cushion. The contoured surface projects away from the inner surface and forms two peaks near the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. Between the peaks, the contoured surface curves inward back toward the inner surface and forms a concave groove near the middle portion of each cushion. A cover encases both cushions and contours the shapes of the cushions.

Abstract: This invention is an adjustable, ergonomically sound apparatus for the human body to assume many positions such as kneeling, sitting or lying. The main components of the invention are comprised adjustable cushions with adjustable supports for the knees, ankles, feet, toes, buttocks, back legs and head. This invention is portable and allows the user to assume the positions of kneeling, sitting and laying for long periods of time on a mobile basis with out the pain, discomfort and lasting damage associated with going long periods of time in these positions without proper supports.

Abstract: This invention is an inflatable or non-inflatable travel pillow that fits under the knees or lower thighs of the user, between those body areas and the cushion of a seat. The pillow elevates the user's lower thighs sufficiently to position the user's body back into the seat comfortably, and prevent the user from sliding down in the seat. A main body of the pillow has two thigh cradles located on its top surface. The thigh cradles are generally semicircular in shape, form depressions in the top surface of the main body, and are separated by a center rib formed by the proximate sides of the thigh cradles. In the inflatable embodiment, an air fill valve is located on the outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: The patient positioning kit described herein is a set of vinyl-coated polyurethane foam forms and storage unit. The kit functions to support injured patient extremities during specific surgical procedures. The kit may be tailored to certain surgical specialties such as orthopedic traumatology or orthopedic sports medicine. For the given surgical specialty, each kit is composed of foam forms specifically for the most often performed surgical procedures within that specialty. Each kit contains a significant variety of support pieces such that various patient sizes and extremity positions may be stabilized. Both arm and leg associated procedures are facilitated by component pieces of the patient positioning kit. The kit pieces are coated with a polymeric material that forms a protective shell that increases piece durability and reduces fluid uptake.

Abstract: A therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a generally rectangular foot print when not in use, having a first surface and a second channeled surface opposite the first surface, the second channel surface having a plurality of intersecting channels cooperative with the thighs, knees and calves of an individual when the therapeutic between the legs pillow is folded upon its first surface, the therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a biasing means cooperable with the weight of the thighs, knees and calves so as to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Abstract: The sleep support 10 of the present invention is a pillow-like device that includes a first rest plane 11, and second rest plane 13, such that the first rest plane 11 and the second rest plane 13 intersect. Associated with the first rest plane 11 is a thickness t1 and associated with the second rest plane 13 is a thickness t2, such that t1 and t2 are different. The sleep support 10 further defines a long axis 17 and a short axis 18. The long axis 17 is approximately parallel to the second rest plane 13 and the short axis 18 is approximately parallel to the first rest plane 11. The short axis 18 thus defines the orientation of the first rest plane 11 and the long axis 17 thus defines the orientation of the second rest plane 13. The long axis 17 forms an internal angle &THgr; that, preferably, is nominally a right angle with the short axis 18, where the long axis 17 and the short axis 18 intersect. Thus, the sleep support 10 is generally “L-shaped”.

Abstract: A pillow (or several pillows depending upon need/size configuration) having unique shapes for placing between an individual's back, head, backside, legs, arms (or any combination thereof) and the floor, ground, bed, table or other surface to provide anatomical support as opposed to simply providing cushioning between the body on the underlying surface. When the individual is lying on his or her back, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the body to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also potentially increase blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the body or through specific areas of the body.

Abstract: Pillows which are designed to fit the legs of a user during sleep or recovery from surgery are provided.

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: In the healthcare field there are specific wounds generally referred to as “pressure ulcers” or “decubitus ulcers”. These wounds are generally caused by: direct constant pressure to body tissues; internal disease or disorders which surfaces on the skin; urine or fecal material constantly in contact with skin causing breakdown; lack of proper nutrition; or, a combination of all these factors. These wounds occur mostly on “bed-ridden patients” whose debilitation is such that they cannot react to their body's neurological signals for them to adjust their position. Most of these patients are prone and lay on standard mattresses. These “pressure ulcers” can occur in any area of the body but are predominantly found in the shoulders, coccyx, hip, legs, and heels. Actually, any “bony-prominence” is a candidate for breakdown if pressure is allowed to be against it constantly.

Abstract: A portable leg and foot rest has an inflatable main body portion of flexible sheet material which, when inflated, forms (a) a major rest surface, (b) a bottom surface, (c) a pair of side walls that extend between the rest surface and the bottom surface, and (d) a rear wall that extends between the rest surface and the bottom surface. A first portion of the rest surface slopes downward from the rear wall to define a first surface for supporting a person's calves and heels, and a second portion of the rest surface contiguous to the first portion, rises upward from the first portion to define a second surface for supporting soles of the person's feet.

Abstract: Calf supporting device includes a U-shaped or O-shaped support and, within the support, and attached to its inner surface, sealed bags at least partly filled with cushioning material to suspend a user's heel. The device also includes a foot pad at the end from which a user's foot protrudes for placement against, and support of the sole of a user's protruding foot.

Abstract: A variable height, portable, inflatable foot and leg elevator comprises a plurality of adjacent prismatoid chambers, cooperating to form one inflatable prismatoid-shaped resilient body adapted to support the legs and feet of a user one way valve means providing for gas transfer between said plurality of prismatoid chambers, allowing the preplanned sequential inflation of selected prismatoid chambers such that the height of said variable height portable inflatable foot and leg elevator, can be increased upon the transfer of gas through one way valve means from one chamber, to an adjacent chamber, when the gas pressure in one chamber reaches a preplanned value, sufficient to cause the opening of the way valve means; inflating means attached to a first prismatoid chamber; deflating means permanently attached to said plurality of prismatoid chambers, permitting the deflation of said chambers, to thereby decrease the height of said foot and leg elevator; power means with control means for said inflating means, and

Abstract: A knee pillow for separating the knees of person while lying on their side. The knee pillow includes a pillow. The pillow comprises a cushion portion. The cushion portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall. The front wall has a length at least twice a length of the back wall. The first and second side walls taper from the front wall to the back wall. The cushion portion has a concave shaped depression therein extending about the cushion portion such that the depression is positioned in the front, back, top and bottom walls.

Abstract: A supporting device includes a plurality of frame elements. Each end of the frame elements is hingedly connected to one end of an adjacent frame element to define a closed structure. The length of each frame element is adjustable, and the angle formed between adjacent frame elements is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable and portable device adapted for hygienic work in care of the feet to residence. The device is removable, portable and provided of a plate with support fixed by the pines, and connected to the base by a support. The base is provided with several degrees of elevation allowing the adjustment in height of a support fixed at the legrest. A removable cushion moves it along of the legrest for adapt it with all the lenghts of leg.

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: One or more devices designed to decrease stress to the knee for use in activities requiring longstanding or repetitive squatting and/or kneeling positions. The devices include at least one cushion that increases the distance between the buttock and the calf during squatting, and may optionally include other cushions for the knee and ankle area. The devices may optionally comprise at least one weight-supporting layer and at least one pressure distribution layer.

Abstract: A pillow having a pivoting butterfly structure with two cushions pivotably interconnected by a hinge element to pivot between an open position and a closed position. Each cushion has a hinge end adjacent the hinge element, and a connecting end disposed at the end of the cushion opposite the hinge end. A middle portion is located between the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. The cushions have a relatively flat inner surface and a curved contoured surface that extend the length of each cushion. The contoured surface projects away from the inner surface and forms two peaks near the hinge end and connecting end of each cushion. Between the peaks, the contoured surface curves inward back toward the inner surface and forms a concave groove near the middle portion of each cushion. A cover encases both cushions and contours the shapes of the cushions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pivotal operating room table having a main surface and an elongated support member. The main surface preferably lies generally in a first plane and is pivotal end to end such that the first plane can pass through a second generally vertical plane as the main surface pivots to end to end. A second plane is generally perpendicular to the first plane. The elongated support member is adjustably interconnected with the operating room table, and provides a support surface lying generally in a third plane which is generally perpendicular to the second plane when the elongated support member is interconnected with the table. In preferred embodiments the elongated support member is adjustably interconnectable with the table at any of a plurality of heights above the main surface and it further includes an elongated support bar and an inflatable bladder resting above the elongated support bar.

Abstract: An accessory (26,28) for selectively coupling with an orthopedic table (A) supports a patient's leg during surgery. The accessory includes a unitary support member (42) formed from a radiolucent material, such as carbon fiber. A joint assembly (40) pivotably and removably mounts the accessory to a side rail (24) of the table.