Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective hat suitable for every day wear by infants, children, senior citizens or physically disabled individuals. Such hat protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against hard objects while conducting routine, daily activities. Generally, the head protector of the present invention may comprise: (1) a cap member: and (2) one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent pads. The cap member may be constructed so as to fully enclose and/or encapsulate the one or more pads.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a back panel coupled to a movable element to provide adjustable pressure to the back of a wearer's neck, to thereby assist adoption of a proper cervical curvature.

Abstract: A cervical collar comprising an inner and an outer region, a spinal support region, an occipital support region and a neck support region, said spinal support region including upper edges, lower edges, and side edges, a fastening strap affixed to said upper edge of spinal support region, a bridge member connecting occipital support region with spinal support region, said bridge member adapted to fold with a hinging means, said occipital support region including an upper edge, lower edges, a side edge, and anchoring strap affixed to said side edge, said neck support region including an upper edge, a side edge, and a sternum edge, said upper edge affixed with cooperating hooks, a dual adjustment system located on neck support region including tabs, female members, locking teeth, windows and bars, said tab affixed with said pawl, said pawl to engageably fit said locking teeth, said inner region comprising foam adhesively affixed to plastic, said inner region including a mandible support on neck support region, s

Abstract: A self-actuated cervical traction device is provided. The traction device includes a headpiece, a loop attached to the headpiece, a cord, a pulley and a foot engaging loop. The headpiece is secured on the head. The headpiece includes straps which are connected to a first anchor. The cord is first connected to the first anchor and then to and through the pulley system. The pulley system is supported by a door. The cord is further connected to a second anchor. The second anchor is further connected to a foot strap, which engages the feet of the user. The headpiece would be adjusted, and the user would lie on the floor. When the user extends their legs, the foot loop transmits force back through to the headpiece through the cord and pully system stretching the muscles at the back of the neck, causing a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A device for releasably emplacement around a part of a person's body, the device having at least one body member having a length and a width and two spaced-apart ends including a first end and a second end and a top side and a bottom side, a first amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the first end on the top side of the at least one body member, a second amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the second end on the top side of the at least one body member, a third amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the first end on the bottom side of the at least one body member, a fourth amount of releasably cooperating fastener material on the second end on the bottom side of the at least one body member, and the amounts of releasably cooperating fastener material positioned so that the first amount can releasably cooperate with the fourth amount upon folding the body member so that the ends are adjacent each other and the second amount can releasbly cooperate with the third

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cranial orthosis is contoured to match the curvature of the fronto-temporal, parietal and occipital areas of an infant's cranial vault to provide protection against the acquisition of postural cranial deformities as a result of the infant's sleeping in the supine position. The orthosis is designed to be of universal fit, as determined by the infant's fronto-occipital head circumference (FOC) measurement. Moreover, the interior dimensions of the orthosis can be enlarged to accommodate growth of the infant's head without requiring replacement. The orthosis is a molded plastic appliance in the form of a shell, headband or helmet having interior surfaces that are smoothly contoured to conform in shape to the surface curvature of the occipital, temporal and parietal areas of a healthy human infant having normal cranium size, shape and symmetry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for use with a sports helmet as a means of reducing neck and spinal cord injuries that are common to contact sports. The preferred embodiment of the inventive device is intended for use with a sports safety helmet. The device comprises an elastic cord having a fastening member at a first end that engages a complementary fastening member disposed on the safety helmet. A second end of the elastic cord attaches to an adjustable strap that attaches to a belt disposed on the body of a user. In operation, the device provides resistance to the user's ability to hold his head in a lowered position. It is appreciated that holding the head in an upright position reduces the risk of accidental neck and/or spinal cord injury due to collisions.

Abstract: An improved cervical traction device having main bodies (12) having at their anterior, inferior ends an occipital support (14) and at their anterior, superior ends a head support (16). Maxillary strap (17) and skull strap (19), located at the inferior ends of main bodies (12), along with forehead strap (18), located at the superior ends of main bodies (12), secure the device to the user. A guide rod (20) is located both inferiorly and superiorly to connect the main bodies (12) along with an adjusting rod (22) which is equidistantly located between guide rods (20). A compression spring (24) is secured around the perimeter of each guide rod (20). An adjusting knob (38) is secured to one end of adjusting rod (22), lateral to main body (12). A securing pin (36) and a support guide (34) allow for easy adjustment of head support (16). A strap (26) and a hook (30) allow the device to be attached to a force application device. A hinge (32) secures occipital support (14) to main body.

Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.

Abstract: A method and system for producing cranial remodeling devices to correct for head deformities in infants is described. The system operates on three dimensional digital captured data of a head to provide cranial remodeling device information for a cranial remodeling device.

Abstract: An externally mounted fixation device for craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis, the device having a helmet to secure the device in a relatively rigid and immobile manner to the head of a patient, support structure to receive distraction components in fixed or adjustable spatial location relative to the patient's head, and distraction components to apply traction to the bones of the patient to be distracted.

Abstract: An apparatus to support the curve of the posterior aspect of the upper and lower portion of the neck and upper thoracic portion of the spine and behind the ears to provide support to these areas so that the head and neck will remain in a supported position while the individual is asleep. The device also provides a residing area for the skull supporting the weight of the head posteriorly. The invention holds the spine in the ideal position during sleep. The device does not support the head and neck of a passenger when awake and holding his/her head and neck in the appropriate vertical position by the supporting contraction of the muscles. In such times, the passenger's head and neck area are completely free of any uncomfortable contact with the device. The device is not strapped to the neck and does not support the head or neck interiorly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame for attaching to a patient. The present invention also relates to a stereoguide and a member for attaching to a patient. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the frame, member and stereoguide of the present invention. The frame, member and stereoguide are constructed from a composite material comprising a matrix material and electromagnetically inert fibres.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cervical fixation system comprises a body rigidly attached to a patient's skull at one or more rigid attachment points. One method of achieving such a rigid attachment is through the use of bone screws. The bone screws may comprise a shoulder. The bone screws may further attach to the body of the cervical fixation system. Examples of possible attachment methods include the use of a quick disconnect head, and the use of a threaded body on the bone screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A vacuum fixation device to provide semi-rigid head fixation during medical imaging and medical procedures/operations of the face and head is disclosed. The invention addresses the problem of patient movement during medical/imaging procedures. The invention is a vacuum fixation bag that is designed to provide maximum surface area contact with the subject's head creating semi-rigid immobilization while allowing access to the face and cranial vault. The invention is comprised of an airtight flexible bag containing an effective amount of Styrofoam beads and a closable port providing semi-rigid fixation. The bag is especially configured to provide stabilization to the neck, the under surface of the mandible, the lateral head around the peri-auricular surfaces, and the forehead. The current invention is provided as a sterile, single use item that provides semi-rigid head fixation during medical imaging and medical procedures/operations of the face and head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating infant plagiocephaly whereby a helmet encircles the upper cranium of an infant and prevents the infant from resting its head on flattened or depressed regions of the skull. The helmet contemplates an adjustable first member which encircles the infant's upper cranium, and a second member comprising a relatively rigid protruding element that is attached to the exterior surface of the first member. The second member is positioned so that it is superincumbant to flattened or depressed regions, so that when the helmet is worn, the second member forces the infant to rest its head on a different area of the skull, thus passively relieving pressure on the depressed skull, and applying a gentle active pressure to other areas. Additionally, the method an apparatus relates to the treatment of torticollis and other abnormalities of the neck.

Abstract: An apparatus for arresting scalp bleeding includes skull cap having a plurality of inflatable bladders and a pump for inflating the bladders. The methods of the invention include attaching the skull cap to the bleeding victim and inflating the bladders with air using the pump. The inflated bladders exert pressure on the bleeding scalp and result in a hemostasis. According to the presently preferred embodiments, the skull cap has three or four independently inflatable bladders and the pump is a hand pump of the type used to inflate a blood pressure cuff. The pump is preferably provided with a pressure gauge and the bladders are each inflated to about 80 mm Hg.

Abstract: A system and methods for the production of cranial remodeling orthoses are described. The patient's head is scanned to produce three dimensional data. The scanned data is modified to produce data which is representative of a preferred head shape. The preferred head shape data is used to produce a custom cranial remodeling orthosis for the patient.

Abstract: A patient positioning assistance device is disclosed. The patient positioning assistance device is placed under the head of a patient in a supine position during endotracheal intubation of the patient. The device comprises a base and an inflatable chamber slidably coupled to the base to facilitate positioning of the chamber under the head of the patient and being operable to adjust a tilt position of the head of the patient to facilitate insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A device to treat the temporomandibular and maxillomandibular region of patient with cryo, thermal and/or compression therapy is disclosed. The device comprises a fabric layer anatomically designed to contact the temporomandibular joint and the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, and a heater for heating the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and temporal regions. In an alternative embodiment, a device comprises a fabric layer designed to contact the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, a hard plate placed on said fabric layer to resist bulging of said inflatable layer when inflated, and a conductive layer covering said inflatable layer. Methods to use the device to treat the maxillomandibular region and temporomandibular joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A headband for the treatment or relief of headaches having a means for attaching said headband to the head thereby producing variable pressure to the head, said headband having one or more pockets for the insertion of treatment elements including cold, heat, vibration, and magnetism; wherein said headband is attached to the head in an annular fashion and headaches are treated or relieved by applying pressure, cold, heat, vibration, or magnetism, or any combination thereof intermittently or continuously.

Abstract: The invention relates to head or neck supports which support the head or neck in a tilted back position and comprises or includes:

Abstract: A direct bonding dental arch bar comprised of a flexible base portion having a first side and a second side, which may be comprised of a woven medical grade nylon. This arch bar further comprises a dental positioning device, where said positioning device is an at least one guideline and locking lug, and may utilized to secure this arch bar to a patient's row of teeth prior to adhesion to the teeth is permitted. Furthermore, a light curable adhesive is used that enables said flexible base portion to be secured to at least one tooth when exposed to light, and in particular a blue light spectrum.

Abstract: A cervical remodeling collar positionable over a patient's head and neck and upon the patient's shoulders and chest for reducing forward posture of the patient's head by restoring normal forward curvature to the patient's cervical vertebrae. The collar comprises a main frame having a posterior traction member attached thereto and operative to apply a posteriorly directed force to the patient's head which draws the head into a posterior translation. Also attached to the main frame is an anterior traction member which is operative to apply an anteriorly directed force into the patient's cervical vertebrae which acts in concert with the posteriorly directed force to cause certain cervical vertebrae to be stretched into extension while other cervical vertebrae are simultaneously stretched into flexion.

Abstract: An apparatus for arresting scalp bleeding includes skull cap having a plurality of inflatable bladders and a pump for inflating the bladders. The methods of the invention include attaching the skull cap to the bleeding victim and inflating the bladders with air using the pump. The inflated bladders exert pressure on the bleeding scalp and result in a hemostasis. According to the presently preferred embodiments, the skull cap has three or four independently inflatable bladders and the pump is a hand pump of the type used to inflate a blood pressure cuff. The pump is preferably provided with a pressure gauge and the bladders are each inflated to about 80 mm Hg.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in contact with the bandage over a wound treatment area, and an adhesive attachment device for maintaining thermally conductive contact between the heater and the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for the patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of the wound and to the contours of the skin surrounding the wound. The attachment device is fashioned so as to have less pull strength than an adhesive holding the bandage to the person's body so that the heater can be easily removed without disturbing the attachment of the bandage to the person's body. The bandage is provided with a polymeric film for maintaining moisture at the wound site as well as enhancing the utility of the attachment device.

Abstract: A clamp for a tube having particular application to a nose trumpet for use with a transnasal TEE probe. The clamp includes a generally circular band for encircling the tube and a tongue disposed on one end of the band and a pair of jaws disposed on the other end. The tongue is adapted to penetrate the space between the pair of jaws. Teeth disposed on the upper surface of the tongue are adapted to mesh with teeth disposed on the lower surface of the upper jaw to prevent withdrawal of the tongue. A pair of handles extend outwardly away from the interior of the band and are adapted to be pushed toward one another to cause penetration of the tongue and into the jaws. An arm hinged to the band is affixed to the upper jaw and upon pivoting of the arm, the upper jaw is lifted away from the tongue to disengage the teeth.

Abstract: A halo crown has depending posterior legs adjustable in multiple dimensions for conveniently adjusting the halo crown to a patient's skull. Each leg slides along a single axis yet provides adjustments in three dimensions due to a portion thereof extending downwardly, inwardly and rearwardly and the orientation of the axis.

Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a harness coupled to a suspension assembly for suspending the harness at a predetermined height. The harness includes a neck support placed behind a user's neck and a chin rest connected to the neck support on which the user's chin rests. Hand grips extending from the chin or forehead rest allow a user to manually grasp the chin rest and support a portion of their weight as the remainder of their weight is supported by the cervical spine through the traction device. Approximately six to eight repetitions of the method, each performed for ten to twenty seconds, result in nourishment, repair, and regeneration of avascular tissues in the disks, ligaments, cartilage, and improved cervical and lumbar lordotic curves.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a portion of a user's body and one or more lifting mechanisms. Each lifting mechanism is coupled between the support belts and operable to apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the support belts are positioned around the user's body.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in contact with the bandage over a wound treatment area, and an adhesive attachment device for maintaining thermally conductive contact between the heater and the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for the patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of the wound and to the contours of the skin surrounding the wound. The attachment device is fashioned so as to have less pull strength than an adhesive holding the bandage to the person's body so that the heater can be easily removed without disturbing the attachment of the bandage to the person's body. The bandage is provided with a polymeric film for maintaining moisture at the wound site as well as enhancing the utility of the attachment device.

Abstract: A cranial orthosis includes a helmet member that can be expanded for mounting on a patient's head and subsequently contracted to be operatively positioned to permit the interior surface to reconfigure the patient's head to the desired shape is provided. The helmet member can have a split with a safety stop unit positioned on the helmet member to provide a safety limit to the adjustment against the patient's head. A safety stop unit can include a bellows member, a stop unit mounted on a flange extending from the helmet and a stop unit including a plurality of nestling components that can relatively move to permit the expansion step while nestling to a fixed position in a stacked configuration to provide a stop position against further closure of the cranial orthosis to protect the patient.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling orthosis (10) for inducing directed growth and remodeling of an irregularly shaped skull (12). The orthosis (10) comprises a headpiece (14) having an outer wall (18) and an inner wall (16), the inner wall (16) being shaped to receive the skull (12) and having at least one recess (26) formed therein to provide a volume into which the skull (12) may be remodeled. The orthosis (10) further comprises a first expandable bladder (20) located on the inner wall (16) of the headpiece (14) whereby when the orthosis (10) is placed on the skull (12) and the bladder (20) is expanded, the recess (26) and the expanded bladder (20) cooperate to cause cranial remodeling.

Abstract: A non-invasive halo-type cervical brace includes an anterior vest overlying the patient's chest and secured tightly by straps extending behind the patient's back. The vest carries a rigid frame structure, including a U-shaped halo frame extending under the patient's chin and around the sides of the patient's head. The halo frame fastens to the frame by upright supports with adjustments aligning the orientation of the halo frame around the patient's head and relative to the anterior vest. A non-invasive halo mask affixed to the halo frame includes a two-part flexible halo immobilized in a position encircling the patient's head, extending generally horizontally around the forehead, the sides and back (occipital region) of the head.

Abstract: A head and neck support device 10 comprises an elongate support 14. A torso harness 12 is provided towards one end of the support. A head stabilizing assembly 16 provided towards another end comprises a transverse member 26 which, in use, extends transversely over a patient 50. The transverse member suspends a head suspending member 30 which, in use, suspends a head of the patient. The device enables control of longitudinal pressure on the neck of the patient and allows normal and natural rotation of the head.

Abstract: A system and methods for the production of cranial remodeling orthoses are described. The patient's head is scanned to produce three dimensional data. The scanned data is modified to produce data which is representative of a preferred head shape. The preferred head shape data is used to produce a custom cranial remodeling orthosis for the patient.

Abstract: A system and methods for the production of cranial remodeling orthoses are described. The patient's head is scanned to produce three dimensional data. The scanned data is modified to produce data which is representative of a preferred head shape. The preferred head shape data is used to produce a custom cranial remodeling orthosis for the patient.

Abstract: A cervical remodeling collar positionable over a patient's head and neck and upon the patient's shoulders and chest for reducing forward posture of the patient's head by restoring normal forward curvature to the patient's cervical vertebrae. The collar comprises a main frame having a posterior traction member attached thereto and operative to apply a posteriorly directed force to the patient's head which draws the head into a posterior translation. Also attached to the main frame is an anterior traction member which is operative to apply an anteriorly directed force into the patient's cervical vertebrae which acts in concert with the posteriorly directed force to cause certain cervical vertebrae to be stretched into extension while other cervical vertebrae are simultaneously stretched into flexion. The posterior and anterior traction members are each adjustable so as to allow the posteriorly and anteriorly directed forces applied to the patient thereby to be selectively set to a desired level.

Abstract: The headrest provides support to the person's head, thereby relieving neck fatigue and other various discomforts. A one-piece headrest (10) is formed as a single piece and includes a back mounted support plate (14) having concave central body portion (16) and side wings (17 and 18) which straddle the person's spine to increase comfort, reduce movement of the head rest, and increase stability of the back mounted support plate when attached to the person's upper back. The second embodiment is a two-piece headrest (110) that includes a separate head support portion (120) and a back mounted support plate (114). The head support portion is pivotally connected to the back mounted support plate and a spring (125) urges the head support portion toward the person's head so that support can be provided to the person's head over a continuous angle range of backwardly tilted head positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to head or neck supports which support the head or neck in a tilted back position and comprises or includes:

Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed for extending the range of angular movement between adjacent first and second skeletal body parts which are involuntarily held in an angular position relative to one another by contraction of muscles and connective tissue due to immobility. First and second orthotic device portions are interconnected for establishing an initial angle therebetween. The first orthotic device portion is applied to the first body part and the second orthotic device portion is applied to the second body part after the second body part has been pivoted by an externally-applied force to an increased angular position relative to the first body part. A spring connected between the first and second device portions urges the second device portion to return to its initial angular position relative to the first device portion when the second device portion is pulled by the first body part from the increased angular position toward the first angular position of the second body part.

Abstract: A device to treat the temporomandibular and maxillomandibular region of patient with cryo, thermal and/or compression therapy is disclosed. The device comprises a fabric layer anatomically designed to contact the temporomandibular joint and the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, and a heater for heating the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and temporal regions. In an alternative embodiment, a device comprises a fabric layer designed to contact the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, a hard plate placed on said fabric layer to resist bulging of said inflatable layer when inflated, and a conductive layer covering said inflatable layer. Methods to use the device to treat the maxillomandibular region and temporomandibular joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise device that includes a support member disposed in a predetermined position by a mounting unit. A resistive ring secured to the support member, wherein the resistive ring includes a first ring and a plurality of resistive members connected to the first ring. A head harness connected to the other ends of the plurality of resistive members. The resistive ring further includes a second ring for attaching the head harness to the resistive members.

Abstract: A cranial orthosis band is shaped to extend across the top of the head with depending regions closely confining the temporal bone regions and the mastoid process regions of the cranium. The orthosis includes a rear region which encloses the occipital bone region of the cranium so that flattening of the rear of the head can be treated or prevented. The orthosis is self-suspending. The rear portion of the orthosis imparts ear-to-ear rigidity to the device.

Abstract: An appliance for preventing snoring and sleep apnea includes a headgear and a mouthpiece. The headgear includes an adjustable headband encircling the upper portion of a user's head at the forehead; an adjustable chin strap passing over the crown of the head and under the chin of the user to maintain the user's mouth closed about the mouthpiece; a back strap passing from the forehead over the crown of the head and down the back of the user; a means secured to the rear end of the back strap for exerting a restraining force on the back strap and the upper portion of the headgear to keep the user's head from slouching forward; and an object secured to the rear end of the back strap for making it uncomfortable for the user to lie on his/her back.

Abstract: A device for restraining and supporting the head of a user at a given forward angle while alleviating resultant neck, shoulder, and back pain comprises an angularly adjustable upper section contacting the head of a user, a fixed intermediate section for transmitting the force applied by the head of a user to the device to the user's upper back and shoulders, and a lower section contacting the lower back of a user. The device is attached to the body of a user by a back support belt. The device may optionally support a removable mirror from its upper section to enable a user to view his or her surroundings while the user's head is restrained and supported by the device.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling orthosis is shaped to extend across the top of the head with depending regions closely confining the temporal bone regions and the mastoid process regions of the cranium. The orthosis is self-suspending and preferably includes an elastic band for imparting ear-to-ear rigidity to the device.