Abstract: Support assemblies for supporting the head of a patient during rotation are described. The support assemblies may include a posterior head support panel that allows for access to the patient.

Abstract: A support structure for at least partially supporting user's head is described. The support structure comprises a frame having a head engaging portion and a shoulder engaging portion, the shoulder engaging portion adapted to spread the load of the user's head over a user's shoulder, the frame being shaped to the contour of the user's body from the head engaging portion to the shoulder engaging portion.

Abstract: An inflatable neck traction device includes a supporting portion and a bearing portion. The height of the top surface of the bearing portion is lower than that of the supporting portion. The supporting portion has a neck support body and two shoulder abutting bodies, and can be provided therein with a first airbag and two second airbags. An inflation device can be connected to the airbags. When a user rests on the device in a supine position, the top surface of the neck support body supports the neck, and the shoulder abutting bodies abut against the shoulders. The inflation device inflates or deflates the airbags to displace the neck support body along a first axis and the shoulder abutting bodies along a second axis to change the force exerted by the neck support body and shoulder abutting bodies on the neck and shoulders to achieve cervical traction effects.

Abstract: A cervical collar has an anterior component including a lower support that is adjustable in angle relative to a main support. The lower support is hingedly connected to the main support at first and second end portions. An elongate element engages the first and second end portions. A lock mechanism is operatively connected to the elongate element, and is arranged for locking rotation of the lower support relative to the main support, by moving the elongate element between locked and unlocked conditions. An upper support is received by the main support at least at a front section of the main support, and is arranged to be fitted against a user's chin.

Abstract: The present system generally relates to a therapy device for applying traction to a patient's head and neck. A collar includes a fastener that secures the collar in a ring shape. It is provided with straps that extend from an exterior circumference of the ring. The collar may be positioned around a patients neck such that applying a traction force to the straps translates that force to the collar which in turn applies force to the underside of the patient's jaw and to the base of the patient's skull and thereby applies traction therapy to the patient's neck.

Abstract: A neck supporting exoskeleton is configured to be worn by a person to support the person's head during backward extension motions of the person's neck. The neck supporting exoskeleton may comprise a torso frame configured to be coupled to the person's torso, a head pillow configured to contact the rear portion of the person's head during backward extension motions of the person's neck, a linkage allowing for relative motion between the head pillow and the torso frame in the sagittal plane of the person, and an actuator configured to impose a supporting force onto the head pillow. When the person's neck extension angle increases beyond an engagement angle, the actuator causes the linkage to impose a supporting force onto the head pillow resisting the backward extension motion of the head pillow and the person's head relative to the torso frame thereby providing a support for the person's head.

Abstract: A yoke for use with infrasonic sensing elements, where the yoke is Y shaped, flexible, and assists in positioning, on a human subject, the sensing elements appropriately on the carotid arteries and on the heart.

Abstract: A user profile generating system for generating a user profile for use with a processing device operable to display content includes: a head motion tracking unit operable to identify head motion of the user, an eye motion tracking unit operable to identify eye motion of the user, and a profile generating unit operable to generate a user profile comprising head tracking and eye tracking information for the user, where the generated user profile is used to modify interactions between the user and a processing device.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a height adjustment system between upper and lower parts forming an anterior component for increasing height of the anterior component inclusive of a tracheal opening. The anterior component is arranged to permit the use of known mandibular and occipital supports in the cervical collar to maintain their functionality, comfort and fit, including their anatomical contours and connection to the height adjusted anterior component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and system for limiting head movement while, for example, but not limited to, dribbling a basketball. The apparatus may comprise an upper portion made of a substantially rigid material, the upper portion being configured to contact a chin of a user; a lower portion positioned orthogonal to the to the upper portion, the lower portion being configured to connect to a neck of the user; and one or more securing portions configured to secure the upper portion and the lower portion to the user.

Abstract: A head and neck orientation retainer block for training young or adult athletes for their sport while keeping their head up to provide a safer way to play, and also to enhance their skill and vision of the game. It can be worn during practices with the team and if one chooses, to practice at home. The retainer is a wedge block protrusion placed under the central forward chin of the child or adult player, to allow the player to have a wider freedom of side to side lateral movement, while the player's head is maintained horizontally for line of sight viewing purposes.

Abstract: A neck stabilizing device for supporting a user's neck in vertical extension, includes a harness configured to be worn on a user's torso and a neck bracing member having an elongated stem for attachment to the harness, and a support portion configured to contact the base of the user's skull. The neck bracing member is shaped to follow the anterior and posterior curvature of the user's spine, and is flexibly resilient to allow for and resist neck extension.

Abstract: The posture correction collar is able to adjust a forward translation of the head of a hypothetical wearer relative to the shoulders. The collar comprises a first assembly having a support member shaped and dimensioned to wrap around at least a portion of the upper area of the body of the wearer. A second assembly is movable relative to the first assembly. The second assembly has a first adjustable mechanism to progressively and incrementally move relative to the first support assembly and a second adjustable mechanism to engage a portion of the head of the wearer. The first and second adjustable mechanisms are used to correct the posture of the wearer by promoting progressive and incremental movements of the head relative to the shoulders to achieve an anatomically desired condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airway management are provided. The airway management devices may be configured to align the oropharyngeal, laryngeal and tracheal axes of a person's head and/or support a neck region and chin and posterior mandibular region of a person. The airway management devices may provide forces similar to forces provided by a conventional head tilt chin lift maneuver and a conventional jaw thrust maneuver.

Abstract: A cervical collar has an anterior component including a lower support that is adjustable in angle relative to a main support. The lower support is hingedly connected to the main support at first and second end portions. An elongate element engages the first and second end portions. A lock mechanism is operatively connected to the elongate element, and is arranged for locking rotation of the lower support relative to the main support, by moving the elongate element between locked and unlocked conditions. An upper support is received by the main support at least at a front section of the main support, and is arranged to be fitted against a user's chin.

Abstract: Cervical collars, components thereof, and methods of using them overcome issues with conventional cervical collars.

Abstract: A method of using a double soft cervical collar including placing a first soft cervical collar around a neck of a wearer; securing the first soft cervical collar around the neck of a wearer with a sticky portion that extends from a first end of the first soft cervical collar and attaches to a second end of the first soft cervical collar; placing a second soft cervical collar surrounding the first soft cervical collar; and securing the second soft cervical collar surrounding the first soft cervical collar with a sticky portion that extends from a first end of the second soft cervical collar and attaches to a second end of the second soft cervical collar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automating neuromuscular training may be used in conjunction with a human trainer or by a person training alone. The apparatus and method may be applied to various forms of neuromuscular training. The apparatus may be employed by a person desiring training in an environment with a human trainer as well as, or alternatively, in a home environment for personal training. Embodiments enable training of relative motions between body parts such as the head, neck, shoulders, upper torso, lower torso. These relative motions may be linear and/or angular. Pressure/sensor assemblies facilitate both the suggestion of desired motions as well as sensing of the person's neuromuscular response to these suggestions.

Abstract: A device for reducing traumatic brain injury comprises a first sensor, a first linkage element, and a processing element. The first sensor is coupled to a head component and configured to measure an acceleration of a user's head and to generate a sequence of real-time measured samples. The first linkage element is configured to connect the head component to a body component and is able to switch between a first state in which it is relatively flexible and a second state in which it is relatively rigid. The first linkage element is switched from its first state to its second state by a locking signal. The processing element is configured to receive the real-time measured samples and to generate the locking signal when each of a portion of the real-time measured samples is greater than one of a corresponding portion of a plurality of dynamic concussion thresholds.

Abstract: A headrest device includes a headrest (1) which is movably mounted on a back support (3) associated with a harness (4) for holding the back support on the back of a user. The headrest is mounted to elastically slide in longitudinal translation along the back support and is elastically attached to the back support in an articulated manner to tilt transversely. The headrest is used continuously according to the movements of the head in extension thereof towards a nominal resting position. The device may include a first torsion spring acting antagonistically in relation to the transverse tilting movements of the headrest and a compression spring acting antagonistically in relation to the longitudinal translation movements of the headrest. The two springs act synchronously during operation, continuously tracking movements of the head of the wearer in relation to a nominal rest position, with non-sliding support at the back of the head.

Abstract: The progress of what has previously been considered idiopathic scoliosis it is arrested and corrected by exercises that gradually stretch the spinal cord to catch and keep up with bone growth. An inventive frame enables such exercises by precluding the movement of the spinal column that is a result of the shorter spinal cord.

Abstract: A wearable neck brace uses, for example, only three actuators but provides natural motion of the head and neck. This is achieved despite the fact that the head has six degrees of freedom including 3 translation and 3 rotation. In embodiments, a wearable neck brace actively controls the head of the wearer responsively to commands from a user interface such as an eye tracking input device. In further embodiments, a force-field is generated by actuators to provide assistance and/or training for weak muscles. Spring compensation may be provided for a passive support with flexibility. Encoders may be provided to generate treatment logs to support analysis of a patient's condition or progress or to provide therapy-facilitating (or athletic training-facilitating) feedback to the user.

Abstract: Positioning a cord of a corded instrument is accomplished by securing a wearable cord positioner around a wrist or arm of a technician, and then pressing a cord into the cord positioner. A body of the cord positioner holds the cord in a substantially fixed position relative to a band. The body may be fixed relative to the band, or the body may be adjustable such that the cord can enter and exit the body at different angles relative to the band. The body may be removeably fastened to the band for easy cleaning or to change the body with a body designed to hold and position a different sized of cord.

Abstract: A head-mounted display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a positioning and stabilising structure structured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operational position over a user's face in use. The positioning and stabilising structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact posterior regions of a user's head and at least one connector structured and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. The rear support structure is in the form of a hoop comprising an occipital portion configured and arranged engage the user's head along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent a junction where the neck muscles attach to the occipital bone in use.

Abstract: An adjustable neck brace is provided, including: a neck collar, including a sliding engaging groove, the sliding engaging groove extending in an extension direction and having a first engaging portion; a single positioning member, attached to the neck collar and movable along the sliding engaging groove, having a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being releasably positioningly engaged with the first engaging portion; a chin support, relatively movably connected to the neck collar; at least one connecting member, connecting the positioning member and the chin support.

Abstract: A neck collar is provided, including: a neck sleeve, a chin support and an adjustment mechanism. The chin support is swingably connected to the neck sleeve. The adjustment mechanism includes at least one linking member and at least one driving member with which the linking member is co-movably connected. Each of the at least one linking member is movably connected to the neck sleeve and movably abutted against the chin support. The at least one driving member is externally operable and adjustable to drive the at least one linking member to move relative to the neck sleeve and to move relative to the chin support, simultaneously, between a first position and a second position. When the at least one linking member is moved toward the second position, the at least one linking member drives the chin support to swing upwardly relative to the neck sleeve.

Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support for a hinge joint of a body includes positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending therethrough regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a height adjustment system between upper and lower parts forming an anterior component for increasing height of the anterior component inclusive of a tracheal opening. The anterior component is arranged to permit the use of known mandibular and occipital supports in the cervical collar to maintain their functionality, comfort and fit, including their anatomical contours and connection to the height adjusted anterior component.

Abstract: The invention relates to personal injury protection means for protecting, for example, the neck, which can be used in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, handball, rugby, etc. The invention is directed toward increasing the level of protection against impact injuries and improving thermoregulation of the human body. This is achieved by virtue of a flexible structural element (1), and a guard (2) for protecting the back of the neck, these being made of a polymeric material capable of absorbing and dissipating impact energy, in the form of a strip in the form of a collar. The structural element consists of a centre portion (8) and two side portions (9).

Abstract: A rear sheet adjustment assembly of neck collar is provided, including a nape base and a support sheet. The nape base includes a main body, at least one stopper, a positioning member and a plurality of openings. The at least one stopper is connected with the main body and defines an inserting space therebetween. The positioning member is disposed on the main body. The positioning member has a first combination portion. The support sheet is adapted for supporting a nape of a neck and movably inserted within the inserting space. The support sheet has a plurality of second combination portions, and each of the second combination portions is adjustably engageable with the first combination portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a brace, ideally disposable, formed from a blank and, particularly but not exclusively, a neck or limb brace wherein the brace is contoured to fit about a wearer and comprises at least one, or a series of, crease line(s) that mirror(s) the contour of at least one edge of said brace and spaced from same by a selected amount whereby said edge can be folded or torn along at least one selected crease line to fit a wearer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the reduction of head or neck trauma in a living being by mitigating the acceleration experienced by the head, relative to the torso, during a change in motion; for example, creating a neck support that provides improved extension, compression, rotation, and bending properties to the neck in order to control the acceleration experienced by the head. The apparatus can be configured to create a neck support in which acceleration of the head, relative to the torso, is reduced with minimal structure, discomfort, and other potential downsides to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable head supporting apparatus. In the illustrated examples, a garment encases the adjustable head supporting apparatus. The apparatus may include a contoured head element, a contoured shoulder element, and at least one connecting member connectable to each of the head element and the shoulder element. The at least one connecting member may be configured to link the head element and the shoulder element such that the at least one connecting member facilitates displacing the head element and the shoulder element to adjust spacing between them and the at least one connecting member. Displacement of a first end of the head element and displacement of a first end of the shoulder element can be independent of displacement of a second end of the head element and a second end of the shoulder element. The head element and the shoulder element may be encased within a fabric garment.

Abstract: A particle filled neck brace is used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient and includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient, the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck and chin. The vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The neck brace also specifically forms a rigid mold over the patient's chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further distracting the patient or restricting the patient's venous return blood flow.

Abstract: An adjustable neck brace is provided, including: a neck collar, including a sliding engaging groove, the sliding engaging groove extending in an extension direction and having a first engaging portion; a single positioning mechanism, attached to the neck collar and movable along the sliding engaging groove, having a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being releasably positioningly engaged with the first engaging portion; a chin support, relatively movably connected to the neck collar; at least one connecting member, connecting the positioning mechanism and the chin support.

Abstract: An appliance for application to the human body for injury prevention, rehabilitation, support, to enhance strength, and to improve posture. The claimed invention may provide an applicator of a relatively elastic material having a first portion for attachment to a first insertion point of a muscle and a second portion for attachment to a second insertion point of the muscle to provide support to the injured muscle. Alternatively, the claimed invention may provide a central portion for attachment to an injured area and any number of extension portions for attachment to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support for a hinge joint of a body includes positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending therethrough regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A tourniquet for application to a patient's limb in an emergency situation, and a method for application of the tourniquet. The tourniquet includes a tension-sensing mechanism used to establish a baseline tension in a loop around an injured limb, and a tension-increasing mechanism to tighten the tourniquet as required beyond the baseline tension.

Abstract: A head and neck covering is cut from a flat sheet of foam material to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The foam material is compliant so that the body portion conforms to contours of the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient. The foam material reduces a potential for trauma to the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A plurality of channels is formed in the foam material. Warm fluid is circulated through the channels to reduce heat loss for the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes example systems and methods for identifying an indication of an injury of a user of a wearable computing device. The systems and methods may be directed to determining that an acceleration experienced by the wearable computing device exceeds a threshold value. In response, the wearable computing device may perform a diagnostic procedure in order to identify an indication of an injury experienced by the user of the wearable computing device. The diagnostic procedure may include one or more of an eye response test, a verbal response test, a motor response test, and a visual diagnostic test.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis comprises a main body supporting member having an occipital region supporting part; and a plurality of belt-like members for fixing the main body supporting member to a human body. An occipital region receiving member is fixed inside the occipital region supporting part at the positions near a temporal part at a predetermined interval from a curved surface of the occipital region supporting part, whereby the occipital region receiving member is deformed according to the shape of an occipital region and a pressure is distributed when the patient is in the supine posture.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for the precise measurement of acceleration, movement, and other forces imparted on a body or object. Specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for measuring head accelerations in helmeted activities including, but not limited to, football, ice hockey, and lacrosse. Certain embodiments of the invention may include a wireless link to a remote recording station with near real-time data analysis and reporting of force and kinetics measured by the system.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a chin support slidably connected to an inside surface of an anterior component adapted to secure against an anterior chin and neck of a user. A posterior component connects to the anterior component to circumferentially surround the user's neck. A height adjustment mechanism has spring locks securing the height adjustment mechanism against the anterior component. The cervical collar includes a footplate continuously extending from the height adjustment mechanism generally without a variation in thickness. The posterior component has side portions with a plurality of living hinges located proximate to elongate slots for straps connecting to the anterior component.

Abstract: A neck restraint system for surgical candidates and recovering patients has at least one or more rigid or semi-rigid members including a fabric cover for supporting a plurality of cushioning or padding elements. The cushions elements are preferably conformable fabric bags partially filled with either memory elastic foam and/or foam beads to provide conformability. The fabric cover provides for exterior cosmetic customization and secure juxtaposition of replaceable and/or exchangeable cushioning elements. The cushioning elements are disposed over and around the edges portions of the rigid or semi-rigid restraint members that would otherwise rub, chafe or abrade the skin even if padded. Periodic changes of the type of cushioning elements prevent and alleviate such skin irritation and provide greater patient comfort.

Abstract: A neck collar with a first shaped condition adequate for application to the patient's neck, mold and conform to the patient's neck configuration, retain and recall that configuration following removal and reapplication to the patient. A second shaped condition for storage. The collar is achieved by a unique piece of conformable material that is sufficiently resilient to maintain the given shape. The main body is designed to provide support and recall the anatomic shape of a particular patient's cervical spine.

Abstract: An appliance for application to the human body for injury prevention, rehabilitation, support, to enhance strength, and to improve posture. The claimed invention may provide an applicator of a relatively elastic material having a first portion for attachment to a first insertion point of a muscle and a second portion for attachment to a second insertion point of the muscle to provide support to the injured muscle. Alternatively, the claimed invention may provide a central portion for attachment to an injured area and any number of extension portions for attachment to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Neck braces having versatile rear braces are provided. Some rear braces comprise various components including a rear panel having notches, a height adjustment mechanism, and at least one occipital lobe support. Each component can be movably attached to another component via a fastener (e.g., ball snap, snap connector, etc.), thereby allowing one component to rotate, tilt or otherwise move in relation to the other component.

Abstract: A method of supporting a user's cranium includes directly supporting at least a portion of a first user's T1-T6 vertebrae with a primary support and directly supporting a junction between the first user's occipital bone and C1 vertebrae with a secondary support spaced from the primary support. The positions of the primary and secondary supports may be independently adjusted relative to each other. Various body support structures and headrest structures are also provided.

Abstract: A device for reducing traumatic brain injury comprises a first sensor, a first linkage element, and a processing element. The first sensor is coupled to a head component and configured to measure an acceleration of a user's head as a result of an impact on the head component and to generate corresponding first sensor measurements. The first linkage element is configured to connect the head component to a body component and is able to switch between a first state in which it is relatively flexible and a second state in which it is relatively rigid. The first linkage element is switched from its first state to its second state by a locking signal. The processing element is configured to receive the first sensor measurements and to generate the locking signal when a value of the first sensor measurements is greater than or equal to an injury level.

Abstract: A neck collar interfacing with a lower edge of a helmet of a wearer. The collar includes a pad and a shell. The pad is formed of a closed-cell foam material and forms a loop to be secured about the neck of the wearer. A plurality of shell components are secured to portions of the upper face of the pad. The shell is more rigid than the pad to spread the energy of impact with a lower edge of the helmet over a larger region of the pad. The shell and pad each include a chest portion having a split for opening the pad for putting the collar on and taking it off. The shell components are discontinuous at at least one lateral portion of the pad to allow flexibility of the pad for separation of the pad at the split.