Abstract: A device is disclosed that can be used to immobilize the neck of patients suffering from blunt trauma injuries to the cervical spine. The device implements biomechanically justified features to immobilize the spine without further harming the patient. In certain embodiments, the device immobilizes the neck by limiting head motion in relation to the upper body.

Abstract: A device for treatment of limbs affected with Lymphedema. The device is a crevice collar which fits into depressed areas and crevices created by over-hanging lobules and protrusions of tissue so that the tissue may be comfortably wrapped with a pressure wrap with exacerbating sores and crevice areas in the skin caused by the Lymphedema.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar comprises an orthopedic brace assembly adapted for extending around a neck of a wearer, and an adjustable chin support adjacent the brace assembly. An infinitely variable actuator operatively interconnects the brace assembly and the chin support, and defines a infinitely variable linear displacement range between maximum and minimum limits of travel. A locking mechanism cooperates with the actuator to releasably lock the chin support in a selected position within the displacement range, thereby custom setting a height of the chin support relative to the brace assembly.

Abstract: A neck brace (10) comprises an impact surface (39,55) adjacent the neck of a wearer of the brace (10) that it is spaced from a helmet (42) and that is configured to limit movement of the helmet by contacting an underside (46) of the helmet, a bearing surface (15,35) bearing on the wearer's body; and a resilient structure (12) between the impact surface (39,55) and the bearing surface (15,35) for transferring impact loads from the helmet (42) on the impact surface, to the wearer's body via the bearing surface. The brace (10) further includes restraining means (58) that is attachable to the rear of the structure (12) with a releasable clip mechanism (66) and to the helmet (42) to inhibit movement of the helmet. The restraining means is in the form of a tether (58) that is attached to the helmet (42) at two spaced locations and that passes with clearance through an aperture in an anchor element (62,64), to allow the helmet (42) to be moved freely while the tether (58) slides through the aperture.

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 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 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 conformable brace used for supporting both the abdomen and lower back of a wearer in preventative and treatment applications. The brace includes an abdominal support panel (110) substantially enclosed within a support envelope (120), a lumbar support panel (210) having a dome-shaped protrusion (240) that complements the lumbar contour of the user's back, and a belt (320) that places the abdominal support panel (110) and the lumbar support panel (210) in opposed biasing arrangement against the torso of a user. The belt (320) is associated with the support envelope (120) and is also inserted though vertical slots (220) in the lumbar support panel (210).

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 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: Cervical collars and methods are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an apparatus may include a cervical collar positionable on a neck of a user. A front portion may include at least one extensible chamber and an opposing rear portion having at least one extensible chamber. The front section and the rear section are mutually removably coupleable. A method in accordance with the various embodiments may include positioning the cervical collar about a neck of the user, and positioning a mouth piece in the user to engage the dentition of the user. Selected chambers in the cervical collar may be extended to urge the collar into contact with at least one of a chin and an occipital region of the user. The neck of the user may be tractioned using a selected mobilization pattern.

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 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 spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved head and neck support brace providing increased support for the user and reduced migration of the support brace.

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 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 present invention is directed to both therapeutic cushioning designed to support the head of a patient in bed to improve respiration and a series of devices designed to assist a patient's respiration and administer fluid to the patient, by ensuring such devices cannot be inadvertently removed from the patient in the absence of medical personnel and cause unwanted injury to the patient. At the same, time, a device is provided to assist a patient's breathing in the absence of such assistive devices, e.g., during sleep.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a shaped shoulder piece to rest on the shoulders of a person to be treated, and a shaped head piece to be laid on it, as support for the chin and two bottom points of the rear lower edge of the skull. This ensures a three-point support of the head on the top side of this shaped head piece. Further, the device comprises a lifting mechanism, which is inserted between the back of the shaped shoulder piece and the shaped head piece. This lifting mechanism is simply a pump in the form of a bellows with a one-way valve for discharge, by which the air cushion can be inflated and discharged arbitrarily.

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: An orthopedic protective assembly is disclosed. The orthopedic protective apparatus includes a foam shaped collar to conform to a user's neck area. The foam shaped collar comprises a multi-layer polymer material having a pliable outermost protective layer to absorb initial impact energy and additional layer(s). The additional layer(s) require(s) greater impact energy to deform than those of the pliable outermost protective layer. In one embodiment, shim extension(s) customize(s) impact energy absorption properties of the foam shaped collar by filling a gap between an underside of the foam shaped collar and a shoulder region of a user.

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: A head/occipital support system for emergency response use, intended to be employed in conjunction with a cervical collar. The system achieves very favorable stowabilty while still providing a wide range of height adjustability to accommodate a range of patients with decreased loading on the head/spine alignment. The system also includes at least one strap(s) to secure the patient by bi-laterally connecting each side of the cervical collar to the patient carrier. An accessory wedge is utilizes for patients requiring a wider range of head support.

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: A kit for cooling the blood in the carotid arteries includes a cervical immobilization collar and a cooling element. The cooling element may include a body-facing panel attached on a body-facing surface to a lining layer, an outward-facing panel, and cooling material disposed between the body-facing panel and the outward facing panel. The cooling material comprises urea and Carbamakool™ in an amount sufficient to produce a temperature of 20° F. to 35° F. within a minute of activation when measured on the body-facing surface of the body-facing panel.

Abstract: A kit and method for cooling the carotid arteries includes cervical immobilization collar includes a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, at least two cheek support structures having an extended vertical length, and an anterior opening that may be covered with a door. The door has a body-facing surface on which a pressure member may be secured and an outward-facing surface. The kit and method also includes a cooling element that may be disposed within the anterior opening and can be secured to the substantially annular support structure by placing the cooling element between the anterior portion of a patient's neck and the pressure member located on the door.

Abstract: A kit and method for cooling the carotid arteries includes cervical immobilization collar includes a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, a chin rest, at least two cheek support structures having an extended vertical length, and an anterior opening that may be covered with an anterior removable door. The door has a body-facing surface and an outward-facing surface, the body-facing surface on which the pressure member is secured. The kit and method also includes a cooling element that may be disposed within the anterior opening and can be secured to the substantially annular support structure by placing the cooling element between the anterior portion of a patient's neck and the pressure member located on the door.

Abstract: A hyperextension brace with a frame construction has adjustable upper and lower supports as well as adjustable side members. The frame comprises a sub-clavicula support and a pelvic and pubic support connected by side members. The height of the side members and the width of the sub-clavicula support and the pubic support are adjustable by using non-rotational telescopic and lockable connections. The sub-clavicula support may be connected by a turnbuckle screw arrangement to the side members. The frame may be made of composite material, suitably a polymer reinforced by glass fiber and/or carbon fiber. All adjustments may be made without requiring any tools.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel cervical collar for maintaining the airways in head and neck immobilized trauma patient open. This collar comprises a rigid motion-restricting frame (220, 230, 240, 270, 280) attached to the head (100); and, a jaw clasp (210, 290) attached to the jaw (110). The collar is simultaneously restricting the motion of the head (100) and neck while allowing motion of the jaw (110) to maintain open airways. A jaw clasp (290) useful for performing the jaw-thrust maneuver motion of the jaw (110) to maintain open airways is also presented. Said device comprising a plurality of movable fitting elements adapted to fit the jaw (110) tightly; and, a plurality of movable mover elements adapted to move the jaw (110).

Abstract: The present invention teaches a head and neck cast for providing secure immobilization of a patient's upper neck and head extremities and includes a lower ergonomically configured ring supported upon the shoulders of the wearer. An upper ring is vertically displaceable in each of upper and lower directions relative to the lower support ring via an interconnecting network of both scissoring and vertically extending jacks. In this fashion, the neck and head of the patient is immobilized via the positional support provided by the lower ring and without the need for screws mounted to the skull.

Abstract: A method of using a neck brace to move a neck of a person or stabilize the neck includes connecting a vest of the neck brace to a torso of a person. A support member of the neck brace is connected to the vest. A chin support of the neck brace is connected to a chin of the person. Force is applied between the support member and the chin support to move the chin support relative to the support member. A cam member of the neck brace guides movement of the chin support relative to the support member.

Abstract: A cervical traction/stretch system includes a traction/stretch mechanism for applying tension between a body's head and shoulders, the traction/stretch mechanism including a bellows; a pump operatively coupled with the traction/stretch mechanism for alternately inflating and deflating the bellows; and an at least semi-automatic controller operatively coupled with the pump for at least semi-automatically controlling the pump by activating and deactivating the same in such manner as to alternately and repeatably inflate and deflate the bellows to prescribed pressure levels over prescribed pressure intervals.

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: 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: An orthosis comprises a cervical portion that holds a head in place relative to a thoracic portion worn by a wearer. The orthosis has an intermediate portion disposed intermediate the cervical and thoracic portions. The orthosis also has a first adjustment region that provides at least 15° of relative movement between the cervical and intermediate portions, and a second adjustment region that provides at least 15° of relative movement between the thoracic and intermediate portions. First and second adjustment regions allow the orthosis to comfortably accommodate differently proportioned wearers, and each comprises one or more locking devices to prevent undesired movement of the cervical and thoracic portions relative to the intermediate portion.

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 cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes a front portion, a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side, and a fastening device that removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. At least one cooling device is disposed on an interior of the front portion and/or the back portion to induce hypothermia in a patient.

Abstract: A helmet and shoulder pad combination is provided with an improved helmet support and restrictor to minimize rearward hyperextension and whiplash-type head movement as well as axial compression.

Abstract: A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway.

Abstract: A non-invasive cervical-thoracic correction system for therapeutic use and for correction of abnormalities in a person's posture is disclosed. The system comprises a chest brace that includes shoulder supports that fit to the person's shoulders; a body harness connected to the chest brace by way of one or more support straps so as to provide a stable foundation when fitted to the person; and a forehead pad mounted to the chest brace by way of a spring connection that provides a variable amount of tension to the forehead pads such that the person's head is biased into a position that is in keeping with normal posture. The spring connection includes a helix spring. The forehead pad is mounted to the chest brace by way of an adjustable joint that allows the person to adjust a force providing the bias to the head.

Abstract: A universally adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a U-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right planar chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports.

Abstract: A neck brace (10) having a collar member (12) to be arranged around a wearer's neck, and a rear member (14) extending from, the collar member (12) and to be abutted on the wearer's back. The brace further comprises releasable fastening means (74, 75, 88a, 88b, 92) for fastening the collar member to the rear member, such that the collar member and the rear member may also be detached.

Abstract: A neck brace (10; 110; 210) having a collar member (12; 212) to be arranged around a wearer's neck, and a rear member (14; 214) extending from, the collar member and to be abutted on the wearer's back. The brace further comprises pivoting means (37, 38, 40, 276a, 278, 280a, 280b, 280c) for pivoting the collar member and the rear member relative to each other about a pivoting axis (X; Y) which, when in use, is substantially parallel to the wearer's shoulders.

Abstract: A folding cervical vertebra protective band which includes a belt-like protective band body having a length and a width for substantially surrounding an entirety of a cervical portion of a user; and an attachable/detachable fixing means for holding the protective band body, when in use, around the cervical portion, wherein the protective band body has divided components obtained as a result of multiple divisions of the protective band body in a longitudinal direction thereof and also has hinge portions for foldably coupling the multiple divided components to each other when in use and foldably coupling the multiple components together, into a small size when not in use.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar comprises an orthopedic brace assembly adapted for extending around a neck of a wearer, and an adjustable chin support adjacent the brace assembly. An infinitely variable actuator operatively interconnects the brace assembly and the chin support, and defines a infinitely variable linear displacement range between maximum and minimum limits of travel. A locking mechanism cooperates with the actuator to releasably lock the chin support in a selected position within the displacement range, thereby custom setting a height of the chin support relative to the brace assembly.

Abstract: Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.

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: Spinal traction and restoration using application of forces in user-selectable distinct unitary directions by a rotatable pointable constrained inflator proximate a device base. The constrained inflator provides selectable, variable and pointable force to effect any of the following therapies: [1] Axial Traction; [2] Force to Upper Cervical Spine; [3] Force to Mid-Cervical Spine; [4] Force to Lower Cervical Spine; and [5] Traction Force Applied to Upper Thoracic Spine.

Abstract: A support system designed to reduce the stress exerted on the back of a wearer when he bends over to lift a load. It comprises a harness and a yoke for distributing the load on the shoulder of the wearer and a tension system equipped with elastic cables. It further comprises leggings including straps designed to wrap around the sole of the wearer and to maintain the force acting on the leg as close as possible to the bone structure of the leg of the wearer, thereby relieving stress on his back and along his legs.

Abstract: A walking assistance device has a leg link formed by connecting a first link member and a second link member through a third joint assembly. A force generated at the leg link by driving the third joint assembly is transmitted to the body of a user. The walking assistance device enables the user to deeply squat by making the third joint assembly highly bendable. The third joint assembly has with a joint link member, a first joint which connects the joint link member and a first link member, and a second joint which connects the joint link member and the second link member. The walking assistance device is further equipped with a drive source which imparts a torque in a stretching direction to the first joint, and an elastic member which elastically holds the second joint in a predetermined stretched state until a predetermined value or more acts thereon.

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: Trauma cervical stability devices for use by ambulatory personnel arriving at the scene of an injured patient are disclosed. The trauma cervical stability devices comprise a cap element, releasable and adjustable head straps, a shoulder harness, and at least one adjustable member operatively connected to the cap element and the shoulder harness. The trauma cervical stability devices are compact, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and can be placed on a patient with little or no movement of the patient. The trauma cervical stability devices are also useful in diagnosing the severity of damage to a neck and the stability of the patient's neck by applying forces to the patient's head using the trauma cervical stability device. In another embodiment of the devices the devices comprise head straps 210, shoulder harnesses 220, lateral head elements 212, and adjustable pressure fixation elements 214. The fixation elements may be vacuum pillows.

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.