Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar designed to accommodate a broad range of prospective wearers with unique physical attributes, and to restrict the movements of the wearer's cervical spine, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The cervical collar includes a front portion and back portion, which may be adjusted in relation to one other to vary the circumference of the cervical collar. The front portion includes upper and lower plastic portions which may be adjusted to vary the height of the cervical collar, and a front thoracic extender which may be adjusted to achieve a desired restrictiveness of flexion movement. The back portion includes occipital and back thoracic extenders which may be adjusted to achieve a desired restrictiveness of extension movement. The adjustable features may be operated independently of one another. The adjustable features include locking means to ensure that the cervical collar is securely applied to the wearer.

Abstract: A neck brace comprises a frame, which includes a support section for supporting a user's lower jaw and a brace section for bracing the support section. The brace section comprises a sternum rest and a strut that joins the sternum rest to the remainder of the frame, and is shaped to avoid contact with the user's clavicle region.

Abstract: A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including chin support adjustably connected to a collar body having a stop guide, an adjustment member for adjusting the length of a cable trained around a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the cable guide and connected to a cable stop connecting between the collar body and the chin support and movably positionable along the stop guide on the collar body, wherein the length of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the stop guide and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body.

Abstract: A kit of parts for forming an orthotic head support. The kit includes at least one frame having a plurality of arms extending from a central region. Examples of such frames are W-frames, Y-frames and H-frames. The kit further includes at least one extension connectable to a frame. Such extension members include straight extensions, L-shaped extensions, and extension with two elements at an acute angle to one another. The kit has elements for attaching the extensions to the frames. The frames and extensions may have lines of reduced stiffness formed therein about which they are preferentially bendable to conform the support to the shape of a wearer's head and/or neck. The kit further includes padding members connected, or connectable, to the frames and/or extensions on the surfaces thereof which in use are to be adjacent the wearer.

Abstract: An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

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 cervical collar including an anterior portion having a rigid or semi-rigid shell anterior main support piece. The anterior portion defines resilient or flexible edges formed along the periphery of the main support piece. The flexible edges form a three-dimensional anatomically configured proximal support portion defined along a proximal area of the anterior portion. The anterior main support piece defines a supporting spring portion centrally located along the proximal area of the anterior portion. The proximal support portion is formed around and encompasses the supporting spring portion.

Abstract: A brace that includes a chin support for stabilizing a patient's chin in a fixed relative position. More specifically, the chin support is maintained in a fixed position through the use of additional mechanisms such as a chest plate, an articulating arm, or a telescoping arm. The brace is used to stabilize a patient's chin when the patient's chin is placed upon the chin support.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar designed to accommodate a broad range of prospective wearers with unique physical attributes, and to restrict the movements of the wearer's cervical spine, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The cervical collar includes a front portion and back portion, which may be adjusted in relation to one other to vary the circumference of the cervical collar. The front portion includes upper and lower plastic portions which may be adjusted to vary the height of the cervical collar, and a front thoracic extender which may be adjusted to achieve a desired restrictiveness of flexion movement. The back portion includes occipital and back thoracic extenders which may be adjusted to achieve a desired restrictiveness of extension movement. The adjustable features may be operated independently of one another. The adjustable features include locking means to ensure that the cervical collar is securely applied to the wearer.

Abstract: An engineered designed article providing multi-directional support. Portions of three or more overlapping, circular-like bodies are integrated on a flexible planar membrane into products, such as bandages, headgear, tool handles, lumbar pillows, backpacks, cervical supports, and back supports, to offer a multi-directional, (360° quadrant) support or pressure-concentrating area, to enhance specific support at the medial, lateral, inferior and/or superior part of a body part. The article can be made of material that is waterproof, acts as a shock absorber, and provides multi-directional support. Medicaments can be infused into the pressure-concentrating area of the support or into the membrane itself. An aperture for accepting IV needles is also provided.

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: A brace and traction device and associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, the device incorporates a forwardly open head and jaw brace which is adjustably supported vertically above a forwardly collar member. The brace and the collar member are adapted such that the brace is able to mate with the collar member while still being able to rotate to the subject's left and right while remaining planar to the collar member. Adjustment may be accomplished for example manually or via an electronic motor controlled by a control mechanism and microprocessor. The microprocessor may be adapted to store information regarding a user's sessions, and facilitate communication with patient and physician personal devices, thus sending these data from recorded sessions. The processor element may also be adapted to implement therapy sessions based on physician-entered program specifications, or based on pre-programmed specifications.

Abstract: A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.

Abstract: A cervical collar including an anterior portion having a rigid or semi-rigid shell anterior main support piece. The anterior portion defines resilient or flexible edges formed along the periphery of the main support piece. The flexible edges form a three-dimensional anatomically configured proximal support portion defined along a proximal area of the anterior portion. The anterior main support piece defines a supporting spring portion centrally located along the proximal area of the anterior portion. The proximal support portion is formed around and encompasses the supporting spring portion.

Abstract: A cervical-head harness has a cervical support collar has two pair of attachment points. When the cervical collar is in place on a user, attachment points of a first pair of attachment points of the collar lie on either side of the user's head below the user's mandible and between the user's chin and ear. With the cervical collar in place on the user, attachment points of a second pair of attachment points of the collar extend on either side of the user's head proximate a back of the user's head. A strap extends from each of the attachment points and each strap is attached to a support. In use, the support extends above a head of the user.

Abstract: A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.

Abstract: The brace includes: a chest plate; a chin support; a rod having a top surface, the rod adjustably attached to the chest plate; and an adjustable linkage connected to the top surface and to the chin support. The brace is used to immobilize a Patient's chin relative to The Patient's spinal column, or The Patient's chest, or both when the Patient's chin is placed upon the chin support.

Abstract: A cervical collar has an anterior portion and a posterior portion having side extending portions removably connecting to the anterior portion. The posterior portion includes a rigid or semi-rigid main support piece and a resilient edge integrally secured to at least a substantial portion of a periphery of the main support piece that is substantially more flexible than the main support piece. The main support piece defines opposed upper side sections and a lower section. The upper side sections extend upwardly from the side extending portions and are oriented toward a proximal middle region and spaced apart by a first distance. The lower section extends continuously between the side extending portions and is spaced a second distance from the upper side sections.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.

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: In an embodiment, a device for reducing brain and cervical spine injury includes a headpiece sufficiently designed to secure to a user's head, the headpiece having a first attachment member; a support harness sufficiently designed to secure to the user's torso, the support harness having a second attachment member; and a telescoping member having a main tube and a series of progressively smaller diameter tubes nested within each other, wherein the smaller diameter tubes are adapted to extend and compress in a linear plane by the intake and outflow of fluid, wherein the telescoping member has a first engaging member for engaging the first attachment member, and wherein the telescoping member has a second engaging member for engaging the second attachment member.

Abstract: A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including a chin support adjustably connected to a collar body, the collar body defining an elongate slot; a cable located on the collar body; a cable stop connected to a distal portion of the cable and connecting between the collar body and the chin support, the cable stop being slidingly positionable along the slot on the collar body; and a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the elongate slot. The cable cooperates with the pulley so that the direction of the cable is changed between the cable stop and a proximal portion of the cable, and movement of the distal portion of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the slot and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a spacer, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region.

Abstract: A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a strap, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. The frame is secured to the user's head. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck and forces the cervical spine to curve forwardly. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).

Abstract: A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including a chin support adjustably connected to a collar body, a cable reel for adjusting the length of a cable, a cable stop connecting between the collar body and the chin support and slidingly positionable along a slot on the collar body and a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the elongate slot. Adjustment of the length of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the slot and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body.

Abstract: A belt positionable around a lower back of a wearer has a first end, a second end, a center, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A neck support has a base fabricated of a rigid material covered with a padding layer of a closed cell elastomeric foam material. The base is in a cylindrical configuration with a horizontal axis. A tube assembly is formed of upper and lower tubes each having an upper end and a lower end. A lower bracket is coupled to the exterior surface of the belt at the center. The lower end of the lower tube has a lower pivot pin pivotably coupled to the lower bracket. An upper bracket is attached to the base of the neck support at an axial central extent. The upper end of the upper tube has a pivot pin pivotably coupled to the upper bracket.

Abstract: A brace device for the spinal support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a plurality of component parts operable in combination to be placed over substantially the thoracic, lumbar and/or cervical portions of the spine of the wearer, each component part being moveable relative to at least one other component part. Movement resisting means are provided on one or more of said component parts and operable upon activation to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of at least one component part relative to at least one other component part. One or more predetermined regions of the combination of component parts are in a substantially flexible configuration when the movement resisting means are not activated, facilitating positioning, fitment and/or adjustment of the brace device around the wearer.

Abstract: An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.

Abstract: A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including chin support adjustably connected to a collar body having a stop guide, an adjustment member for adjusting the length of a cable trained around a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the cable guide and connected to a cable stop connecting between the collar body and the chin support and movably positionable along the stop guide on the collar body, wherein the length of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the stop guide and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar front portion fabricated from an injection molded thermoplastic resin which when used in connection with a back portion is able to secure a wearer's head and neck. The cervical collar can either be a single piece collar with an integral front portion and back portion or as a two-piece collar with the front and back portions as separate and distinct pieces that are connected together. The front portion incorporates a mandible and chin support which is rigid at the distal ends and flexible at the median to accept and accommodate any wearer's uniquely shaped chin. Furthermore, the chin support central portion is essentially perpendicular to the rest of the front collar portion.

Abstract: An embodiment of an adjustable cervical collar system includes a collar body and a chin support structure assembled together, about respective pivots at opposed ends, for pivotal movement about a pivot axis so that the angle subtended by the collar body and chin support structure can be adjusted. The collar body and chin support structure can be locked in a selected position by a locking mechanism. A release mechanism permits the wearer to release the locking mechanism using one hand, and the angular position of the chin support structure relative to the collar body is changed manually. When the release mechanism is released, the locking mechanism automatically locks the chin support in the new position. A neck strap is detachable from the chin support structure and the collar body, and its length is also adjustable.

Abstract: A hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as mating hook-bearing fastener material and loop pile fastener material are arranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at various effective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability. The device may include inflatable bladders, stays, and a chin support and may be wrapped around a patient's neck as a cervical support collar.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

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 passive cervical spine stabilizing system includes a head engagement member, a torso supported member, and at least one stabilization connector having a first portion configured to be secured to the head engagement member and having a second portion configured to be secured to the torso supported member, wherein the at least one stabilization connector includes a surface in contact with a shear-thickening non-Newtonian fluid.

Abstract: A restraint device includes first and second restraint and/or support portions adapted to extend around part of a person. First and second connector portions may secure the first and second restraint and/or support portions to the person. A lock member may be used to selectively prevent disconnection of the first and second connector portions. One or more removable tags or other information elements may be carried on at least one of the first and second restraint and/or support portions and may indicate who placed the restraint device on, or removed the restraint device from the person, and/or what time the restraint device was placed or removed. The tags or other elements may include a unique identifier to indicate whether the restraint device had been previously removed from the person after an initial placement. The restraint device may include an electronic information element configured to transmit information related to the wearer.

Abstract: The brace comprises: a chest plate; a chin support; a rod having a top surface, the rod adjustably attached to the chest plate; and an adjustable linkage connected to the top surface and to the chin support. The brace is used to immobilize a Patient's chin relative to The Patient's spinal column, or The Patient's chest, or both when the Patient's chin is placed upon the chin support.

Abstract: A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.

Abstract: A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.

Abstract: A neck brace (10) is disclosed which comprises two sections (12, 14) which are releasably connected to one another along a split line (18). The ring has upwardly facing surfaces (30, 76.1, 20.2) which limit tilting movement of a helmeted head in all directions. The brace further has a column (68, 70) which extends downwardly from the ring for transferring loads to the wearer's back on each side of the spine.

Abstract: A cast for aligning and supporting first and second bone locations adjoining a bone fracture zone including a body employed in at least one of interior and exterior locations of the bone surrounding the fracture zone. The body provides for at least one of aligning the bone locations on either side of the fracture zone and influencing the bone locations in a compressive fashion against the fracture zone during healing of the bone. The body may further include an internally inserted membrane, such as further exhibiting inflatable bladder incorporating a plurality of elongate stiffening members.

Abstract: A brace device for the spinal support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a plurality of component parts, with each component part being moveable relative to at least one other component part. Movement sensing means are provided, for monitoring the movement of the wearer and/or the movement of one component part relative to the at least one other component part with which it is moveable; the movement sensing means being able to generate output signals indicative of movement or in response to a change in movement. Movement resisting means are provided on component parts and these are operable to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of the component parts relative to other component parts. Control means in communication with the movement sensing means and the movement resisting means are programmed to interpret and/or analyze the output signals generated by the movement sensing means within predetermined parameters and/or criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neck relief device (1) comprising a flexible connecting device (3), which extends along the spine between an upper fixing point (3?) above the cervical vertebrae (3A) of the spine and a lower fixing point (3D) below the cervical vertebrae (3A) of the spine, and a piece of headgear (20, 21) intended therefore.

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: An improved cervical collar suitable for use in emergency or non-emergency situations for adjustment on or off a patient including the elements of an ergonomic occipital support region 102, a bridge junction 119 and an ergonomic spinal support region 101, an adjustable height neck support region 103, the neck support region is vertically aligned but may be horizontally offset, the spinal support region is stoppably and stowably hinged with the occipital support region at the bridge junction, the occipital support region is independently circumferentially sized and positioned adjustably with the neck support region; the spinal support region is independently and adjustably secured to the neck support region distinctively from the occipital and neck support region connections.

Abstract: A device for selectively cooling of the brain of a patient includes a cervical immobilization collar including a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length and an anterior opening. The collar may also include a securing member capable of substantially covering the anterior opening and at least one pressure member. The immobilization collar may be used to secure a cooling element to the anterior portion of a patient's neck, cooling the blood in the patient's carotid arteries.

Abstract: The tutor of this invention is made up of a support (1) to be fixed to the chest of the user with a chin rest (2) being connected to the support (1) through a hinge (7) and also being anchored at an element (3) provided on the patient's neck, and of a plate (4) positioned on the convexity of the patient's dorsal curve and having applied thereto a posteroanterior thrust. The said chin rest (2) is engaged to a means (8) articulated to the support element (1) in a central position with respect to the chin rest (2) and is able to generate and adjust an anteroposterior upwardly oblique thrust F on the chin of the user.

Abstract: An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.