Abstract: A stretching device comprises a wearable body harness with an adjustable central hold arranged around the upper body connected with an adjustable extension strap configured to engage a foot at a distal end. The extension strap is slidably connected to the central strap to move along the length of the central strap. The extension strap comprises a non-elastic material, divided by a single elastic segment. The extension strap having incremental markings designating amount of adjustment. The device and method of using the device provides a comfortable tension, facilitates hands free stretching in the supine position, improving duration of stretching and range of motion. An independent adjustable stretching strap for upper body and shoulder stretching, further comprises a non-elastic material looped at each distal end, divided by a discrete elastic segment and having incremental visual markings designating amount of adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and method for achieving a passive stretch, wherein the device has an anchor, a foot strap, a handle strap and at least one handle. The anchor secures the device to the user such that an opposing force can be applied to the device. A foot strap is attached to the anchor and extends under the heel and plantar surface of the user's foot. The foot strap maintains contact with the user's entire foot. The foot strap extends past the user's toes and connects to a set of handles by way of a handle strap. The user can apply force by pulling the handles toward the user's body thereby achieving a stretch through the user's foot and calf muscle, into the hamstring muscle in particular embodiments.

Abstract: A hinged vaginal strengthening device has three points of resistance along its length, which correspond with the three layers of pelvic musculature. The device is inserted into a vagina and compressed by the pelvic floor musculature, in accordance with various regimens to achieve goals such as decreasing vaginal gap or overcoming painful intercourse. The device can be of various dimensions, and various compression resiliencies thereby allowing a user to progress through multiple steps to achieve their goal of increasing or decreasing their vaginal space, as well as increasing muscle tone.

Abstract: A stretching device comprises a shoulder or body harness with an adjustable central hold arranged around the upper body connected with an adjustable extension strap configured to engage a foot at a distal end. The extension strap is slidably connected to the central strap to move along the length of the central strap. The wearable device and method of using the device provides a comfortable tension and facilitates hands free stretching in the supine position, for improving duration of the stretching and range of motion. The device straps may be quickly disassembled with a strap independently used, or in a combination rearranged for connection by interlocking the central strap with either a shoulder strap or the extension strap, for upper body and shoulder stretching.

Abstract: A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.

Abstract: An obstetrical assistive device is provided for facilitating “pushing” during childbirth. The device comprises a pair of handlebar assemblies conjoined in the center by a ring. The handlebars may be constructed of durable material such as plastic or rubber and may have a soft, high-friction material covering the gripping area. The center ring may be constructed of any high tension bearing material like rope, rubber or metal. A patient may use the device by herself or in conjunction with another person. To use the device with another person, the patient and other user grasp opposing ends of the device and exert retractive force. Alternatively, the device may be secured to a support bar by its center ring so that a patient may pull on a handlebar without having another user grasping the opposing handlebar.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the active and pushing stages of childbirth. The childbirthing device consist of a first loop that can be used to provide resistance for pulling. The first loop is then connected by means of a length of rope to a braided handhold two wrist loops attached thereto. A pregnant person can then insert her hands through the wrist loops and grasp the braided handhold. She can then pull against tension that is applied to the other end of the rope. The pulling action while pushing redirects where the pushing takes place in the pregnant persons body and increases the effectiveness of her “pushing”. This decreases the time necessary for the fetus to descend through the birth canal. The wrist loops provide support to the person who might be holding the first loop, on the opposite end of the rope. In case the pregnant person suddenly releases the braided gripping knot the support person won't descend to the ground or fall backwards.

Abstract: A birthing aid comprised of a rectangularly shaped compliant band dimensioned to be wrapped around the shin or thigh of a patient who is engaged in the birthing process. A compliant handle is attached to the outer surface of the band and positioned so that when a birthing aid is mounted on each leg, the patient may comfortably grasp the handles. A fastening system such as Velcro® is attached to each surface of the band in order fix each mounted band in place. Alternatively, the bands may be held in place by a quick-drying adhesive or instant glue. Other embodiments include a tapered cylinder, a series of loops, and a boot. These are all comprised of a compliant material. All have handles. The patient uses the handles to draw her legs toward her, thus assuming the preferred drawn-up legs position.

Abstract: A device for preparing a pregnant woman to delivery and facilitating the delivery itself, which comprises an entirely expandable stretch body, which is positioned in the expulsion area of the urogenital canal in such a way that it is partly inside the vagina and partly outside. There is also disclosed a preparatory gymnastics method involving the inventive device.

Abstract: A device for regulating and controlling urinary incontinence, comprising a fluid pump, a rigid chamber interconnected to the pump having an outlet for fluid flow, and extension member connected to said outlet, the extension member is of a pliable material and cylindrical in shape and adapted for insertion into a woman's vagina, to enable a woman's pelvic muscles to be exercised and toned.

Abstract: A pelvic floor muscle weight training kit includes a casing with a cap and a bottom, a set of weights, and a retaining member mounted on each of the weights. The cap has a first inside thread, and the bottom has a second inside thread. Each of the weights is different in shape and weight and is replaced in the casing individually. The retaining member has a third thread. The first and second threads of the casing are capable of being threaded with the third thread of the retaining member such that each of the weights is retained in a universal casing individually. The pelvic floor muscle weight training kit also provides for a method of testing and/or exercising pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed for exercising the pubococcygeal or pelvic floor muscles, for example in the treatment of incontinence. The device includes a cylindrical, deformable probe for insertion into the vagina or rectum of a user. The probe is connected to a pressure transducer, which detects the pressure applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and displays a pressure indicator to the user to help direct the contraction of the appropriate muscles. The pressure indicator may take the form of a series of nested figures, such as curves or concentric semi-circles, that incrementally converge toward a common point as pressure on the probe increases. The nested figures incrementally retreat from the common point as pressure on the probe decreases. The training unit guides a user through an exercise routine by tracking the overall exercise time and the timing between flexing and relaxation cycles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel perineometer for domestic use and a method of using the same. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel perineometer which can be used by a woman at home or in a non-medically controlled environment. Its use is specific to the rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles by pelvic muscle exercises (PME) particularly following childbirth, to strengthen pelvic floor muscles to pre-childbirth condition, thereby reducing risk of future urinary incontinence.

Abstract: The obstetric device according to the invention has two balloon or ring-shaped bodies (1, 2) of essentially identical design, which are positioned on an axis which runs in the horizontal direction when positioned for use, where the upper sections of the bodies (1, 2) are separated from one another by a gap (8) which narrows in the downward direction and their top sides form a seat (7) for a parturient sitting on the two bodies (1, 2), and a pedestal-like base (9) which can be positioned in an essentially stable, fixed spatial relationship to the bodies (1, 2), and has footrests (10) on which the feet of the parturient can be supported. In a preferred practical example, the pedestal-like base (9) has a fluid-tight catch basin (11) and a projection (16) which reaches over and behind the bar (3) connecting the bodies (1, 2) to one another. The obstetric device enables the parturient to assume a relaxed position during childbirth and a secure and gentle birth for the child to be born. (FIG.