Abstract: Apparatus to support a user's head. For example, the apparatus may include a shaped resilient block locatable adjacent the neck of a user and, may include a retention apparatus to maintain the position of the shaped resilient block.

Abstract: Provided is a folding cervical vertebra protective band which not only has a sufficient cervical vertebra protective function, but also can be easily folded into a conveniently portable size.

Abstract: The invention relates to head or neck supports which support the head or neck in a tilted back position and comprises or includes: a) a harness locatable to the upper body portions of a person, b) a rigid member extending from a region of the harness stabilized in respect of and by the use of the harness relative to the body, and when in use, the harness is attached to the body of a person, the rigid member extending therefrom to provide a support region thereof which when the person is in a substantially upright position, and the head is tilted backwards to allow viewing of an object above the horizontal, the support region comes in contact with at least part of the back of the head and provides at least vertical support to the head.

Abstract: The neck traction device elongated a user's neck with the application of force on the user's shoulders. One embodiment includes a head pad, a vertically movably head support frame, a pivotally connected linkage member coupled to a shoulder frame element. The shoulder frame and shoulder pads are longitudinally movably mounted and the linked system exerts a longitudinal force on the user's shoulders when the user's head rests on the head pad and depresses the head pad. A biasing mechanism either upwardly supports the head frame or longitudinally limits the extension of the shoulder frame such that when the head is lifted off the head frame, the biasing mechanism raises the head pad and moves back the shoulder frame and pads. Alternatively, a transmission may be used to convert the substantially downward force due to the head weight to a longitudinal force on the shoulder pads.

Abstract: A cervical brace and therapy device for use to rehabilitate an injured neck of a person is described having a base support structure shaped to fit about the neck and rest on the shoulders of the person; a support ring assembly attachable to the base support structure in a horizontal position below the mandible of the person, the support ring assembly having an anterior section and a posterior section; a rotational member attached to the support ring assembly in a manner to rotate about the support ring assembly; an occipital-mandible support member shaped to accommodate the mandible and the occipital portions of the head of the person, the occipital-mandible support member being attachable to the rotational member in a manner to permit the occipital-mandible support member a predetermined range of rotation; and a cushioning assembly situated within the support ring assembly to cushion against an abrupt stop at the end of the predetermined range of motion.

Abstract: A cervical collar is disclosed. The cervical collar includes a main collar structure and at least one flexible adjustment member. The main collar structure can be configured to attach the upper chest and the shoulder of the patient and support the head of the patient. The main collar structure further has at least one concave portion. The flexible adjustment member can be disposed to the concave portions and is provided for securing the main collar structure at the back of the neck of the patient and can be configured to form a treatment region at the back of the neck of the patient, thereby conveniently caring the patient at the treatment region.

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 support device (1) comprises a first support structure (6) which is conformable to an object to be supported, and a second support structure (2) which has an activated state in which the second support structure substantially locks the first support structure into a conformed shape, and supports tensile loading on the support device, and an inactivated state in which the first support structure is able to conform to an object.

Abstract: A cervical immobilization collar incorporates one or more cooling elements for inducing a mild cerebral hypothermia by transcutaneous cooling of oxygenated blood flowing through carotid arteries. The immobilization collar includes an annular support structure having an extended axial length for limiting cervical compaction of a wearer's neck and a chin rest for limiting cervical rotation of the wearer's neck. In addition, the one or more cooling elements, which function as a heat extractor, are carried by the support structure in positions for inducing transcutaneous conduction of heat through an anterior portion of the wearer's neck from at least one of the wearer's carotid arteries.

Abstract: A neck support/brace for protecting a neck has a flexible collar with a top wall, bottom wall, sidewalls and sectional walls disposed therebetween that form compartments therein. A plurality of cells are disposed within the compartment. Each of the fluid cells have a valve element disposed therein. When the pressure acting upon the cells is below a threshold pressure, fluid or air flows through the valve element to allow movement of the neck. Alternatively when the pressure on the cells is above the threshold pressure the valve element closes preventing fluid or air flow out of the fluid cell thus causing the cell to stay inflated and provide resistance to a neck movement.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device kit comprises a cervical traction/stretch device including an expandable bellows section which is made of non-elastic and non-stretchable material. The device further includes a shoulder section which can be fixed to or made integral with the bellows section. At least two, preferably three, interchangeable head sections are provided so that substantially all human head sizes can be supported by the device. Also provided is a head frame section which is releasably assembled with one of the head sections, the bellows section and the shoulder section to provide a cervical traction/stretch device. The bellows section, the shoulder section and the head section have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive and support a patient's neck.

Abstract: A device for treating neck tension or neck injury is provided. The device includes a base connected to a head support which is capable of continuous bi-directional movement relative to at least one axis of said base. The device is configured such that the continuous bi-directional movement is capable of repetitively flexuring and/or extending neck vertebrae of a user of the device.

Abstract: A neck support/brace for protecting a neck has a flexible collar with a top wall, bottom wall, sidewalls and sectional walls disposed therebetween that form compartments therein. A plurality of cells are disposed within the compartment. Each of the fluid cells have a valve element disposed therein. When the pressure acting upon the cells is below a threshold pressure, fluid or air flows through the valve element to allow movement of the neck. Alternatively when the pressure on the cells is above the threshold pressure the valve element closes preventing fluid or air flow out of the fluid cell thus causing the cell to stay inflated and provide resistance to a neck movement.

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: Shoulder-Neck-Shaper is designed mainly to alleviate the discomfort of upper back and neck in workers. Since the revolution of “IT” and “service industries” more and more of the workers sit at the desk hours and hours with neck bent and shoulder drooping forwards. Similarly workers working over the counter tops have similar complaints. SNS unit will help in squaring the shoulders relieving the constant stretch of upper back of the top and inner connecting muscles of the shoulder blades. Similarly a more natural position of the neck will help to relieve the discomfort at the junction of neck and upper thoracic spine. It may also relieve any pins and needles in arms by opening numeral foramina of the neck bones by relieving any stretched nerves of neck and upper back.

Abstract: Trauma cervical stability devices for using 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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application is directed to: shaping a neck support to conform to a neck of a patient while the neck is configured with a desired lordosis of a cervical spine of the patient, performing a surgical procedure on the cervical spine of the patient based on the desired lordosis, and during or after the surgical procedure, holding the neck of the patient in the neck support to configure the neck with this desired lordosis, and pivoting the neck cradle about two or more different pivot axes as the neck is held to evaluate two or more different ranges of motion of the cervical spine of the patient.

Abstract: A cervical brace having a cervical collar. The collar has a front collar portion and a rear collar potion wherein the rear collar portion comprises an occipital support. A vest comprising a front vest portion and a back vest portion is attached to the front collar portion to limit movement of the front vest portion with respect to the cervical collar while the back vest portion is free to move with respect to the cervical collar rear portion.

Abstract: A forward head position correction collar is provided which in combination includes a shoulder collar assembly, a chin mastoid piece for engaging and positioning the head of a wearer of the collar; and interconnecting means for interconnecting the chin piece to the collar assembly as to enable the chin piece to be manually and preferably incrementally adjustable with respect to the shoulder collar assembly in a Z-direction to thereby adjust the supported head of the wearer from the forward head position to an increasingly corrected position. The interconnecting means is further adapted for displacing the chin-mastoid piece in a vertical direction with respect to the shoulder collar assembly simultaneously with and proportional to the incremental adjustment of the chin-mastoid piece along the Z-axis.

Abstract: A system for preventing a patient's shoulders from rising or “shrugging” during a medical procedure is presented. The patient lies on a table and wears a jacket. A number of straps are used to couple the jacket to the table. Each strap has a first end and a second end. The first end of each strap is coupled to the jacket and the second end of each strap is coupled to the table. The straps have sufficient tension to prevent the patient's shoulders from rising or “shrugging” during the medical procedure. The patient's feet rest on foot plate to prevent the patient from sliding toward the foot of the table due to the force exerted on the patient's shoulders because of the tension of the straps.

Abstract: The orthotic device for the restraint of a portion of the human body has flexible tabs at the edges of its principal panel. The flexible tabs are substantially rectangular in outline to maximize support area, but are tapered in cross-section substantially between the base and tip or otherwise configured to increase the flexibility of the tabs toward the tip to aid in comfort at the transition.

Abstract: A traction device having an adjustable tensioning mechanism, the traction device attachable to a head support and a cervical collar. The tensioning mechanism includes a traction base, a slider slidably connected to the traction base and an adjustment mechanism to force the traction base and slider in opposite directions. One of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the head support and the other of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the cervical collar.

Abstract: A cervical support brace including an upper U-shaped support member having a first support prong and a second support prong and a lower U-shaped support member having a first support prong and a second support prong. A first linkage member connects the first support prong of the upper U-shaped support member with the first support prong of the lower U-shaped support member. A second linkage member connects the second support prong of the upper U-shaped support member with the second support prong of the lower U-shaped support member. The linkage members allow for a dynamic range of motion of the cervical support brace when worn.

Abstract: The device of the present invention relates to a resuscitation device that can be operated by a single user in a hands-free manner and a method of using the resuscitation device for administration by the user to a patient of either pulmonary resuscitation or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which employs fresh air. The device of the present invention may be either human-actuated or non-human actuated. Typically, when used in emergency situations, the device of the present invention is human-actuated. The device of the present invention comprises a neck support means interconnectedly related to a mask; wherein the mask is interconnectedly related to a respiratory hose by means of a one-way valve coupling; and further wherein the respiratory hose is interconnectedly related to a bellows device by means of a one-way valve coupling.

Abstract: A head-and-neck support collar is provided that supports the cervical region of the spine and the base of the skull when the head is in a tilted-back position. The collar is designed to reduce head-and-neck stress, strain and pain during physical activities that require the wearer to look upwards, especially for extended periods of time. The collar includes an elongated neck cushion that is positioned behind the neck of the user. A harness is attached to either end of the elongated neck cushion and is routed over the shoulders, under the arms and across the back. A two part quick release mechanism is provided between the harness and each end of the cushion to facilitate quick and complete release of the cushion from the harness. This quick release mechanism is preferably a hook and loop type fastener.

Abstract: A neck protective device, comprising at least two protective elements (100), partially overlapped therebetween, supporting means (200) and respective connecting means (300) of the protective elements (100), and characterized in that the connecting means (300) is apt to allow the mutual rotation of the protective elements (100), working as hinges along different axes of rotation (401, 402), in a manner such that the protective elements (100) slide the one against the other one.

Abstract: Neck brace that inhibits excessive neck movement during impact, yet allows for a high degree of movement of the wearer's head during normal operation of the neck brace. May include impact surface(s) that limits movement of a helmet by contacting an underside of the helmet; bearing surface(s) configured for bearing on wearer; a structure between impact surface and bearing surface, sufficiently resilient to transfer impact loads of the helmet to the impact surface, to the wearer's body; wherein the impact surface is displaceable towards an adjacent part of the bearing surface and wherein the structure is configured to permit the displacement at rates slower than a predetermined rate of displacement and to resist the displacement if the rate of displacement exceeds the predetermined rate. May include a pivotal joint between the displaceable part and remainder of neck brace and impact brake element(s).

Abstract: An adjustable neck brace worn at a human neck for fixing a cervical vertebra includes a cover panel and an adjusting device fixed onto a surface of the cover panel, and the adjusting device includes an adjusting rod, a limit member and an adjusting knob disposed on a surface corresponding to the adjusting rod, and an end of the limit member includes a bracket, and the adjusting knob links an adjusting gear installed at the adjusting rod, and an end of the adjusting rod includes a height adjusting plate having a supporting portion for supporting a chin. With the foregoing technical measures, the invention features a secured and stable structure to maximize the effects of medical treatment and physical therapy. The height of the supporting portion can be adjusted to provide users a feedback about a definite feel of the adjustment through the bracket.

Abstract: The corset to relieve the cervical spine includes the head strap (1) and the waist strap (5). The head strap is fixed over the forehead and the waist strap around the body. The head and the waist straps are mutually connected with strips that can be adjusted to the height of the person using the corset. The strips are to limit bending of the head forward and to the left and right, as well as its rotation around the vertical axis. This produces a significant fixation that enhances effects of eccentric contraction of the deep neck muscles. This, in turn, at head bending or rotation, significantly diminishes aggravating effects to the cervical spine. With regard to the strip construction, there are three corset embodiments: corset (A) with buckles (10) on strips, corset (B) with holes (15) on strips, and corset (C) with buckles and holes on strips. The strips may be connected to a cap or head scarf instead of the head strap.

Abstract: A cervical support system for restricting head and neck movement of a patient recovering from an injury to or surgery on the spine. The support system includes a supporting member for mounting onto and around the head and neck of the patient. The supporting member includes an injection molded base portion integral with an occipital lobe supporting portion. The base portion is arranged to rest on the shoulder of the patient while the occipital lobe supporting portion is arranged to extend along the neck from the shoulder to the head of the patient. An arcuate member such as a C-collar is disposed on an outer surface of the supporting member. A plurality of adjustment devices such as a turn-tab adjustment mechanism on an outer surface of the arcuate member rotatably connect the arcuate member to the supporting member to position the arcuate member onto, and with respect to, the supporting member.

Abstract: A cervical brace and therapy device for use to rehabilitate an injured neck of a person is described having a base support structure shaped to fit about the neck and rest on the shoulders of the person; a support ring assembly attachable to the base support structure in a horizontal position below the mandible of the person, the support ring assembly having an anterior section and a posterior section; a rotational member attached to the support ring assembly in a manner to rotate about the support ring assembly; and an occipital-mandible support member shaped to accommodate the mandible and the occipital portions of the head of the person, the occipital-mandible support member being attachable to the rotational member in a manner to permit the occipital-mandible support member a predetermined range of rotation.

Abstract: A cervical support and redefinition structure which includes (a) an elongate collar that is removeably wrapable about a user's neck, with this collar having a central cervical region which is employable adjacent the cervix during use of the support structure to redefine the outside spatial profile of the cervix, and (b) pillow structure which is detachably connectable through connective interface structure, and in various different positions and orientations relative to the outside of the central cervical region, to cooperate with the collar in the providing of cervical support.

Abstract: An emergency medical collar adapted to be moved between a first more flexible state and a second more rigid state includes a body sized and adapted to be fitted to the neck region of a patient, and a chamber disposed inside of the body. The emergency medical collar also includes a support element disposed inside of the chamber. The emergency medical collar is adapted to allow attachment to the neck region of a patient when the neck of the patient is in a variety of positions, for example, neutral, extended, flexed, or lateral.

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: An adjustable neck brace worn at a human neck for fixing a cervical vertebra includes a cover panel and an adjusting device fixed onto a surface of the cover panel, and the adjusting device includes an adjusting rod, a limit member and an adjusting knob disposed on a surface corresponding to the adjusting rod, and an end of the limit member includes a bracket, and the adjusting knob links an adjusting gear installed at the adjusting rod, and an end of the adjusting rod includes a height adjusting plate having a supporting portion for supporting a chin. With the foregoing technical measures, the invention features a secured and stable structure to maximize the effects of medical treatment and physical therapy. The height of the supporting portion can be adjusted to provide users a feedback about a definite feel of the adjustment through the bracket.

Abstract: A cervical immobilization device is disclosed and includes at least one and, preferably, at least two opposite arms that can be folded between a flat and an upright position to engage and support a patient's head. A reversible actuating device folds the arms to the supporting position, and can lock the arms in the folded supporting position. Alternatively, a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position can be provided. The reversible actuating device can be coupled to the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the reversible actuating device is a flexible member that passes around a guide to a position which can be gripped by the user.

Abstract: A cervical immobilizing device includes a pair of arms that can be folded to an upright position to engage and support a patient's head, an actuating device for folding the arms to the supporting position, and a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position. The actuating device is coupled to the outer ends of the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the actuator device is flexible member that passes around a guide to a position which can be gripped by the user. The locking device can be a cinching, ratcheting or clamping device, or a combination thereof, on the actuator device. In one embodiment, the folding arms include a coupling device for coupling the arms to a base in a sliding arrangement to enable the arms to slide along the base to a folded position. A blank is also disclosed that can be folded to form the cervical immobilizing device.

Abstract: A cervical immobilizing device includes a pair of arms that can be folded to an upright position to engage and support a patient's head, an actuating device for folding the arms to the supporting position, and a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position. The actuating device is coupled to the outer ends of the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the actuator device is a flexible member that passes around a guide to a position and gripped by the user. The locking device can be a clinching, ratcheting or clamping device, or a combination thereof, on the actuator device. In one embodiment, the folding arms include a coupling device for coupling the arms to a base in a sliding arrangement to enable the arms to slide along the base to a folded position.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an exercise device where there is a central panel to retain the user's head and neck, and a pair of handles, the handles being attached to the central panel by an upper and lower strut, the overall strut shape being C-shaped, so that the handles may be threadedly retained thereon and adjusted in a rotatable and tiltable fashion, to maintain the head and neck in an immovable condition during abdominal exercise.

Abstract: The cervical collar has three principal pieces: a back panel, a main collar body, and a chin piece. The chin piece is permanently attached to the main collar body and is only attached at its ends to the main collar body so that the center portion of the chin piece can adjust to chin configuration. The back panel engages behind the neck and is tightened with respect to the main collar body to properly support the patient's head and protect the cervical spine. The chin piece adjusts to the patient's chin configuration because it is sufficiently flexible and only supported away from the chin area. Each of the pieces has a foam cushioning layer.

Abstract: A cervical spine brace and traction 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 have cooperating lateral wall sections having mating arcuate surfaces that are juxtaposed and which include interengaging means that assure they remain precisely angularly aligned with each other while the vertical spacing between them is being changed. Support of the brace and adjustment is by pairs of laterally extending brackets which interconnect with rotatable rod mechanisms that carry coaxial right-handed and left-handed lead screw surfaces. A miter gear affixed to each rod in a central location mates with a cooperative miter gear affixed to a horizontal shaft that carries a starwheel at one end which permits smooth and accurate patient adjustment.

Abstract: A cervical collar including a collar member, a chin strap member having a first arm attached to the collar member; and a fastening element coupled to a second arm of the chin strap member. The fastening element attaches the second arm of the chin strap member to the collar member at a time of use. The fastening element includes a pull cord member that pulls the fastening element into an aperture in the collar member to attach the second arm of the chin strap member to the collar member at the time of use. One or more of the components of the collar may be made from materials having an antimicrobial additive which enable the cervical collar to be reused.

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

Abstract: A traction collar includes a body having an axial extension. The body is equipped with inflatable sections and a device for supplying air to the sections or to dispose of air from the sections. The traction collar is manufactured from cellular plastic material, or a material having corresponding properties. Each of the sections has at least one compartment provided in the body and an air cushion is provided in the compartment.

Abstract: A traction adjustable cervical collar transferring weight of the head from the cervical spine to the shoulders. A collar portion releasably encircles the neck and is inflated by inflating apparatus. A bladder of the inflating apparatus is a part of the collar portion and a squeezable hand bulb of the inflating apparatus selectively inflates the bladder. The bladder has a lowermost surface that is flat for preventing slippage along the shoulders of the wearer. The bladder has a pair of side walls and contains a plurality of ribs extending upwardly from the lowermost surface thereof and which have a portion of the pair of side walls of the bladder adjacent thereto being attached thereto so as to provide rigidity to the bladder and prevent it from rolling over onto itself during use.

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

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a movement restricting apparatus designed to prevent an animal from reaching with its mouth or some of its limbs, a zone of its body to be protected. The apparatus comprises features for fixing the apparatus to the animal and for restricting movement being attached or linked to each other. A dorsal slide on the feature for restricting movement is designed to be placed perpendicular to the animal's saggital symmetry, against the top of a part of its spine, and is in the form of a profiled section with open or closed cross-section.

Abstract: A support device (10) having a chin rest (12), malleable shaft (14), and base (16) and a method of using device to maintain patency to the airway of a person with a decreased level of consciousness. The head of the person is positioned such that airway patency is confirmed. The device is then positioned such that airway patency of the person is maintained as needed.

Abstract: A cervical collar that will hold the chin, neck and head of the wearer in an anatomically neutral position when the wearer is in an upright or nearly upright position.