Neck Patents (Class 602/18)
  • Patent number: 6921376
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical brace that has a chest plate secured to the thorax of a wearer and a chin strut attached to the chest plate. In a preferred embodiment, the chin strut extends to a point on a chin support of a cervical collar disposed adjacent a wearer's chin so as to provide better support. The chest plate is in the form of a vest or can be comprised of a chest plate and a back plate. In preferred embodiments the chin strut extends in a straight line from the chest plate to the chin support and is adjustable and maybe positioned securely, relative to the chest plate, the cervical brace also has a back plate and an occipital support. In certain embodiments it has a rear strut extending between the occipital support and the back plate. In such embodiments, the back plate and the chest plate are preferably attached to each other around the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Jerome Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa A. G. Tweardy, Will Pickering, Clay Burns
  • Patent number: 6913584
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Ambu Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Rudy, Jr., Freddy T. Lee, Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 6899690
    Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Saunders Group, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Duane Saunders, Mark R. Stultz
  • Patent number: 6875189
    Abstract: An improved cervical traction device having main bodies (12) having at their anterior, inferior ends an occipital support (14) and at their anterior, superior ends a head support (16). Maxillary strap (17) and skull strap (19), located at the inferior ends of main bodies (12), along with forehead strap (18), located at the superior ends of main bodies (12), secure the device to the user. A guide rod (20) is located both inferiorly and superiorly to connect the main bodies (12) along with an adjusting rod (22) which is equidistantly located between guide rods (20). A compression spring (24) is secured around the perimeter of each guide rod (20). An adjusting knob (38) is secured to one end of adjusting rod (22), lateral to main body (12). A securing pin (36) and a support guide (34) allow for easy adjustment of head support (16). A strap (26) and a hook (30) allow the device to be attached to a force application device. A hinge (32) secures occipital support (14) to main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: David Eugene Nelson
  • Patent number: 6872188
    Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: PMT Corporation
    Inventors: Eric F. Caille, Jeff Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20040267178
    Abstract: In order to make possible a tension free wearing, in particular in the larynx area, of a cervical collar made of a strip-shaped blank (20) with a removable closure, the blank (20) of the cervical collar (10) has at the ends an adhesion or Velcro closure (30, 31) as closing parts, whereby each end (20a, 20b) of the blank (20) is provided with at least one slit or notch (22, 23) in blank longitudinal direction by configuring at least two tongue-like end sections (21, 21a; 22, 22a), whereby the tongue-like end sections (21, 21a; 22, 22a) of the blank (20) bear the closing parts (30, 31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Petra Benckendorff
  • Publication number: 20040204666
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: M. Lou Marsh
  • Publication number: 20040181180
    Abstract: An airway, neck, and head support device that assists in stabilizing the airway of a supine patient, given local anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care, by keeping the chin elevated thereby preventing secondary collapse of the airway, and by maintaining head stability for the continuance of uninterrupted, safe surgery. The support device, made of polyurethane foam, can also be used to receive and support the neck and the back of the head prior to surgery thereby providing physical comfort for the patient. Construction of this device was designed to enable the user to rotate it from the back of the head to its selected position between the chin and chest or to place it in various selected positions behind the head to push the neck forward, open the airway, and stabilize the head during local anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Oval Wood
  • Publication number: 20040176713
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: W. G. Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Garth, Charles Patterson
  • Patent number: 6786554
    Abstract: An apparatus to support the curve of the posterior aspect of the upper and lower portion of the neck and upper thoracic portion of the spine and behind the ears to provide support to these areas so that the head and neck will remain in a supported position while the individual is asleep. The device also provides a residing area for the skull supporting the weight of the head posteriorly. The invention holds the spine in the ideal position during sleep. The device does not support the head and neck of a passenger when awake and holding his/her head and neck in the appropriate vertical position by the supporting contraction of the muscles. In such times, the passenger's head and neck area are completely free of any uncomfortable contact with the device. The device is not strapped to the neck and does not support the head or neck interiorly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Hormoz Zahiri
  • Patent number: 6770047
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Bonutti 2003 Trust-A
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 6770046
    Abstract: A minimally invasive, adjustable cervical collar including a collapsible occipital section. The collar may be placed on a patient requiring immobilization of the neck without moving the patient's head or the patient's neck. The collar includes an adjustable occipital section and a mandibular support section. The device may be of unitary, one-piece construction or the occipital and mandibular sections may be separate, yet attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Kyle J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6755197
    Abstract: The inventive apparatus and method of use thereof remedies at least some of the problems and dangers associated with applying restraint holds to violent and/or struggling persons by protecting restraining or escorting personnel from harm that may be inflicted on them by the target person during and after application of restraint holds (such as spitting and biting). The inventive protective apparatus advantageously comprises an collar (for example a cervical collar) that protects and stabilizes the person's neck and prevents neck injuries and head-butting, and a readily deployable face shield that attaches to the cervical collar and that prevents the person from spitting on and/or biting the staff members. The face shield may be permanently or releasably attached to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Handle With Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Chapman
  • Patent number: 6740055
    Abstract: An improved trauma cervical collar for supporting a patient's neck that is adjustable to the patient's neck size in the anterior to posterior and medial to lateral and cephalad to caudal planes. The collar includes a pair of semi-elliptical shaped side members. Each side member includes buckles for attaching securing straps. An occipital securing strap supports the back of the patient's head and has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A back rest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A mandible securing strap for support of the patient's chin has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A chest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. The buckles are spring-loaded to quickly attach to and hold the straps at various lengths as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Dominguez
  • Patent number: 6733469
    Abstract: A cervical vertebrae orthosis. An angle of the orthosis can always be easily adjusted, rapidly and securely, and a lower jaw holding body and an occipital region holding body can always be supported stably. An angle adjusting device (53) of the cervical vertebrae orthosis is structured by coaxially pivoting a clutch member (54) with a radial pawl (56) fixed and attached to a thoracic cage body (1), a lower jaw holding body (6) and an occipital region holding body (8). A clutch portion (60) with a pawl (62) is formed in connection arms (51) and (52) so as to be engaged with the clutch member (54). A stopper ring (63) with an operation pawl (66) is attached to the connection arms (51) and (52) so as to engage the clutch member (54) with the clutch portion (60) and fix them. A holding member (76) with an operation pawl (80) is provided so as to engage with and press to operate the operation pawl (66) of the stopper ring (63).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nagano Prosthetics & Orthotics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Miyaji, Toru Nagano
  • Publication number: 20040082893
    Abstract: A minimally invasive, adjustable cervical collar including a collapsible occipital section. The collar may be placed on a patient requiring immobilization of the neck without moving the patient's head or the patient's neck. The collar includes an adjustable occipital section and a mandibular support section. The device may be of unitary, one-piece construction or the occipital and mandibular sections may be separate, yet attachable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kyle J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6726643
    Abstract: An improved cervical collar comprised of an elongated neck encircling band, a chin support brace, a sternum and shoulder brace and an adjustment system secured to the sternum and shoulder brace and the elongated neck encircling band for adjusting the height of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band. The adjustment system is designed to lock the sternum and shoulder brace in position preventing further extension of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band as well as preventing retrograde movement of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the neck encircling band. The collar also comprises a positive alignment tracking system for maintaining the sternum and shoulder brace in parallel alignment with the elongated neck encircling band as the height of the sternum and shoulder brace is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ambu International A/S
    Inventor: William Martin
  • Publication number: 20040039318
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Santelli,
  • Publication number: 20040015111
    Abstract: A traction collar comprises a body (1) having axial extension, the body (1) being equipped with inflatable sections (5, 7, 9) and means (13, 26) for supplying air to the sections (5, 7, 9) or to dispose of air from the sections (5, 7, 9). The traction collars in the market only offer individual adaption to the carrying person to a limited degree. Significant for the traction collar according to the present invention is that the body (1) is manufactured from cellular plastic material, or a material having corresponding properties, that each of the sections (5, 7, 9) comprises at least one compartment (15, 17, 22, 23, 24) provided in the body (1), and that an air cushion (14, 16, 18, 19, 20) is provided in the compartment (15, 17, 22, 23, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Stefan Axelsson
  • Patent number: 6663581
    Abstract: A cervical collar comprising a neckband fabricated from a substantially incompressible plastic material and including a front body section having a first substantially flat shape and being bendable into a second substantially tubular shape, the front body section having a central portion, a laterally extending first side portion, and an opposed laterally extending second side portion. The cervical collar also includes a mandible support fabricated from a substantially and compressible plastic material comprising a centrally located chin support, a laterally extending first side portion, and an opposed laterally extending second side portion and a clip associated with the cervical collar which is moveable from a first unengaged position to a second engaged position in collaboration with a plurality of protrusions located on the cervical collar which define a plurality of predefined positions between the mandible support and the neckband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Salvatore Calabrese
  • Patent number: 6659972
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard E. Stamper, Matthew P. Meek
  • Patent number: 6656143
    Abstract: A vacuum fixation device to provide semi-rigid head fixation during medical imaging and medical procedures/operations of the face and head is disclosed. The invention addresses the problem of patient movement during medical/imaging procedures. The invention is a vacuum fixation bag that is designed to provide maximum surface area contact with the subject's head creating semi-rigid immobilization while allowing access to the face and cranial vault. The invention is comprised of an airtight flexible bag containing an effective amount of Styrofoam beads and a closable port providing semi-rigid fixation. The bag is especially configured to provide stabilization to the neck, the under surface of the mandible, the lateral head around the peri-auricular surfaces, and the forehead. The current invention is provided as a sterile, single use item that provides semi-rigid head fixation during medical imaging and medical procedures/operations of the face and head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Robert Browd
  • Publication number: 20030195444
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Caddy Company, LLC
    Inventor: Gail L. Gerstmar
  • Patent number: 6625829
    Abstract: A chin support pillow for supporting a person's head in an upright position while sitting. The pillow includes an elongate cushioning body with a cloth covered foam core and a zippered cloth outer cover. A flexible strap extends from one end of the body and is connectable to the other end of the body using interconnecting patches of hook and loop fastener material to bend the body at the center into a V-shaped configuration. The center of the body in such a V-shaped configuration fits between the chin and the upper chest region of the person with the first and second legs extending along and fitting between opposite lower edges of the jaw and the respective shoulder regions to support the person's head. The flexible member extends around the back of the person's neck and is of adjustable length to custom fit the person wearing the chin support pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Zell
  • Publication number: 20030181838
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: W. G. Holdings, LLC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey C. Garth
  • Publication number: 20030098026
    Abstract: A patient positioning assistance device is disclosed. The patient positioning assistance device is placed under the head of a patient in a supine position during endotracheal intubation of the patient. The device comprises a base and an inflatable chamber slidably coupled to the base to facilitate positioning of the chamber under the head of the patient and being operable to adjust a tilt position of the head of the patient to facilitate insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: V. C. Saied
  • Publication number: 20030093019
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 6553994
    Abstract: An orthopaedic support having a substrate having a series of channels in one surface thereof with a series of vent holes in the channels to promote heat dissipation through the substrate. The channels provide cooling of the skin in contact with the orthopaedic support without rendering the substrate prone to damage. Vent holes are located in the channels to provide venting through the orthopaedic support and the dissipation of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: IWI Ltd.
    Inventor: Maurice R. Bard
  • Publication number: 20030078529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical brace that has a chest plate secured to the thorax of a wearer and a chin strut attached to the chest plate. In a preferred embodiment, the chin strut extends to a point on a chin support of a cervical collar disposed adjacent a wearer's chin so as to provide better support. The chest plate is in the form of a vest or can be comprised of a chest plate and a back plate. In preferred embodiments the chin strut extends in a straight line from the chest plate to the chin support and is adjustable and maybe positioned securely, relative to the chest plate, the cervical brace also has a back plate and an occipital support. In certain embodiments it has a rear strut extending between the occipital support and the back plate. In such embodiments, the back plate and the chest plate are preferably attached to each other around the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Lisa A.G. Tweardy, Will Pickering, Clay Burns
  • Publication number: 20030060744
    Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Eric F. Caille, Jeff Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20030055367
    Abstract: An improved trauma cervical collar for supporting a patient's neck that is adjustable to the patient's neck size in the anterior to posterior and medial to lateral and cephalad to caudal planes. The collar includes a pair of semi-elliptical shaped side members. Each side member includes buckles for attaching securing straps. An occipital securing strap supports the back of the patient's head and has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A back rest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A mandible securing strap for support of the patient's chin has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A chest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. The buckles are spring-loaded to quickly attach to and hold the straps at various lengths as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Dominguez
  • Publication number: 20030050582
    Abstract: The invention relates to head or neck supports which support the head or neck in a tilted back position and comprises or includes:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Darrell Maitland Poole
  • Publication number: 20030050583
    Abstract: A cervical fixation system comprises a body rigidly attached to a patient's skull at one or more rigid attachment points. One method of achieving such a rigid attachment is through the use of bone screws. The bone screws may comprise a shoulder. The bone screws may further attach to the body of the cervical fixation system. Examples of possible attachment methods include the use of a quick disconnect head, and the use of a threaded body on the bone screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel K. Farley, Anthony J. Mulac, Richard L. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6503213
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 6500136
    Abstract: A cervical remodeling collar positionable over a patient's head and neck and upon the patient's shoulders and chest for reducing forward posture of the patient's head by restoring normal forward curvature to the patient's cervical vertebrae. The collar comprises a main frame having a posterior traction member attached thereto and operative to apply a posteriorly directed force to the patient's head which draws the head into a posterior translation. Also attached to the main frame is an anterior traction member which is operative to apply an anteriorly directed force into the patient's cervical vertebrae which acts in concert with the posteriorly directed force to cause certain cervical vertebrae to be stretched into extension while other cervical vertebrae are simultaneously stretched into flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Donald W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6494854
    Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustable join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: PMT Corporation
    Inventors: Joel K. Visness, Eric F. Caille
  • Publication number: 20020173737
    Abstract: To provide a cervical vertebrae orthosis in which an angle can be adjusted always easily, rapidly and securely, and a lower jaw holding body and an occipital region holding body can be supported always stably, an angle adjusting means (53) of a cervical vertebrae orthosis is structured by coaxially pivoting a clutch member (54) with a radial pawl (56) fixed and attached to each of a thoracic cage body (1), a lower jaw holding body (6) and a occipital region holding body (8), a clutch portion (60) with the same shaped pawl (62) formed in connection arms (51) and (52) so as to be engaged with the clutch member (54), a stopper ring (63) with an operation pawl (66) attached to the connection arms (51) and (52) so as to engage the clutch member (54) with the clutch portion (60) and fix them, and a holding member (76) with an operation pawl (80) provided so as to engage with and press to operate the operation pawl (66) of the stopper ring (63).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Nagano Prosthetics & Orthotics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Miyaji, Toru Nagano
  • Patent number: 6481026
    Abstract: A neck and spine brace device for athletes that allows for a free and natural range of head motion while providing a stabilization link between a helmet and force absorbing body protection. The interlinking brace yields under torsional and multi-load flexation while compression of the helmet loads are transferred under longitudinal force dispersion to shoulder protection pads of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas John McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20020169401
    Abstract: A multi-positional support device, one use being to provide the head, neck, and cervical spine of a patient with rest, support, and kinesthetic input in various degrees of head and neck rotation, without causing discomfort to the patient or tilting the patient's head. An embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate member, a first end, a second end, and a body extending between said first and second ends, said elongate member further comprising a first contoured surface, said first contoured surface comprising a plurality of first surface recesses. Each of said first and second ends may have a depth that is larger than the depth of said body of said elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Lionel A. Walpin
  • Patent number: 6471661
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for measuring and supporting the cervical curve include a tool comprising a plurality of predetermined curves each substantially complementary in shape to a cervical curve, for measuring a person's cervical curve when the tool is positioned adjacent the nape of the person's neck. The tool comprises a predetermined size range of curves for allowing measurement of variously sized cervical curves. An embodiment of the tool includes a plurality of cards having a predetermined curve positioned along the edge of the card, for positioning adjacent the nape of the person's neck to measure the cervical curve. The method includes providing a cervical support pillow having dimensions substantially corresponding to the cervical curve measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20020156409
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Freddy T. Lee, Sanjay H. Parikh, Ronald M. Rudy, Thomas Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020156408
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Melvin Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20020151833
    Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a harness coupled to a suspension assembly for suspending the harness at a predetermined height. The harness includes a neck support placed behind a user's neck and a chin rest connected to the neck support on which the user's chin rests. Hand grips extending from the chin or forehead rest allow a user to manually grasp the chin rest and support a portion of their weight as the remainder of their weight is supported by the cervical spine through the traction device. Approximately six to eight repetitions of the method, each performed for ten to twenty seconds, result in nourishment, repair, and regeneration of avascular tissues in the disks, ligaments, cartilage, and improved cervical and lumbar lordotic curves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Burl Pettibon
  • Patent number: 6458090
    Abstract: A multi-positional support device, one use being to provide the head, neck, and cervical spine of a patient with rest, support, and kinesthetic input in various degrees of head and neck rotation, without causing discomfort to the patient or tilting the patient's head. An embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate body, a first end, and a second end, said elongate body further comprising a first contoured surface, said first contoured surface comprising a plurality of first surface recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Lionel A. Walpin
  • Publication number: 20020138028
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Ambu Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Rudy, Freddy T. Lee, Thomas Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020138027
    Abstract: A ventilated neck brace that provides support to the wearer's neck while providing improved ventilation and breathability. Most embodiments of the neck brace are comprised of an elongate member that defines a neck support, a transition section, and an elongate shoulder rest. Most configurations of the neck brace allow the wearer to adjust the width and length of the neck brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Carlito V. Bugarin
  • Patent number: 6447468
    Abstract: A portable cervical traction apparatus includes a head receiving member having a U-shaped configuration and a chin strap for being secured to the back of a person's head. The head receiving member includes a protrusion for engaging the occipital bone of the person's head. The apparatus includes a base member contoured to rest atop a person's shoulders. An air cylinder is attached to the base member and includes a shaft extendable therefrom by actuation of an air pump. The shaft is coupled to the head receiving member such that the head receiving member is incrementally moved away from the base member upon actuation of the air cylinder, whereby to relieve cervical pressure or tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: James T. Hankins, Leamon Cotton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6423020
    Abstract: An emergency extrication collar including a flexible band for encircling the wearer's neck, and a chin support member which may be readily adjusted in elevation with respect to the band so as to permit adjustment to fit patients having varying neck sizes. The chin support member is connected to the band by means of a post which is slidably connected to a vertical strap on the band, and such that the elevation of the chin support member above the post, and thus the neck size of the collar, may be adjusted by simply sliding the post and chin support upwardly to any selected size between the size extremes. A pawl and ratchet interconnection between the post and strap precludes movement in the opposite direction. The collar is secured in its adjusted size by means of a locking arm which is pivotally mounted on the post, and movement of the locking arm to its release position also releases the pawl and ratchet interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Koledin
  • Patent number: 6409694
    Abstract: A ventilated neck brace that provides support to the wearer's neck while providing improved ventilation and breathability. Most embodiments of the neck brace include an elongate member that defines a neck support, a transition section, and an elongate shoulder rest. Most configurations of the neck brace allow the wearer to adjust the width and length of the neck brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Carlito V. Bugarin
  • Publication number: 20020068889
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti