Neck Patents (Class 602/18)
  • Patent number: 5778828
    Abstract: A protective pet collar has two sheets of flexible material fastened around an animal's neck for preventing the animal from bending its neck and thereby biting or licking an affected injured area of its body. The protective pet collar has a width adjustment so that the pet collar can easily be adjusted to accommodate different lengths of the necks of different animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ejay International Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dell Klinkhart, Herman O. Klinkhart, Kenneth W. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5776088
    Abstract: A support device for supporting and/or immobilizing the articulated or non-articulated areas of an anatomy. The support device comprises a flexible member having connecting ends, intermediate portions, a central portion, a pad member containing a viscous substance in the central portion, and a permanently deformable sheet. The deformable sheet is deformed in situ and is insertable into the central portion adjacent to the pad member and outwardly thereof so that the pad member is positioned toward the anatomy and conforms to the shape of the deformable sheet and provides comfort to the user. Slots are provided in the flexible member for receiving the deformable sheet and for optionally receiving a chin support which in conjunction with an occipital support which is supported by the deformable sheet enables the support device to be used as a cervical brace. The deformable sheet may be a one-piece member or it may be several interconnected curved members, and it may be a simple curve or a compound curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Joel L. Sereboff
  • Patent number: 5752927
    Abstract: An inflatable cervical traction device (10) comprising a C-shaped multi-ribbed inflatable hollow collar (12) having four separate chambers (14), (16), (18) and (20). Two of the chambers (14) and (16) are located at rear right and left locations of the collar (12), while the other two chambers (18) and (20) are located at front right and left locations of the collar (12). Structures (22) are for securing two opposite front ends of the collar (12) together in a releasable manner, to hold the collar (12) about a neck (24) of a person (26). A facility (28) is for pumping air into the four chambers (14), (16), (18) and (20) of the collar (22) to inflate each of the four chambers (14), (16), (18) and (20) at various pressurized amounts, so that the collar (12) can properly support the neck (24) of the person (26). An assembly (30) is for releasing air from the four chambers (14), (16), (18) and (20) of the collar (12), so that the collar (12) can deflate to be easily removed from the neck (24) of the person (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Richard J. Rogachevsky
  • Patent number: 5738640
    Abstract: An upper spine and neck support cushion. The cushion has a generally vertical spine support pillow which is held at its top end to a generally horizontal neck support pillow. The device is held onto the wearer by a pair of straps which hold the spine support pillow against the upper portion of the wearer's spine and the neck support pillow under the user's neck. When the user is resting against a chair or bed the spine support pillow gently provides support for the upper portion of the wearer's spine and the neck support pillow provides support for the neck while the head is rested upon the chair or bed upon which the user is resting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Diane Carlson-Orsi
  • Patent number: 5728054
    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: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Ambu International A/S
    Inventor: William Martin
  • Patent number: 5722939
    Abstract: A liner for being positioned between a person's body and a body support having a support surface for being positioned adjacent the person's body includes a fabric body configured for being coupled to the body support adjacent the body support. The fabric body is stretchable and resilient in a plurality of directions and is configured so as to wrap about and resiliently grasp the body support to maintain the body support in the shape of the body support adjacent the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Linda Hohlen
    Inventor: Linda M. Hohlen
  • Patent number: 5697894
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying traction or compression force to a patient in the treatment of an injured or diseased part of a musculoskeletal system, in which a point (b) is situated on a first side of a part to be treated L and a point (a) is situated on an opposite side of part L, point (a) being mobile with respect to point (b). The apparatus includes at least one connecting element R connecting point (a) to a point (p) located on a support. At least one force-transmitting element transmits traction or compression force F.sub.R from a force-applying device to each connecting element R. A control unit, which is connected to a force sensor and an acceleration sensor, controls the force-applying device such that the traction or compression force F.sub.R is adjusted to a value which is sufficient to keep a traction or compression force F.sub.O applied to part L constant and to compensate for any changes in F.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Eero Gullichsen, Esa Sipola
  • Patent number: 5692524
    Abstract: A new Adjustable Post Mortem Chin Strap for facilitating retention of a deceased's lower jaw in the closed position during presentations. The inventive device includes a chin strap that engages the lower jaw, a right loop an end of the chin strap and engaging the right ear, and a left loop secured to the end of the chin strap opposite of the right loop and engaging the left ear thereby resiliently biasing the chin strap against the lower jaw. The invention is adjustable to various sizes of heads and may be quickly adjusted to maintain the preferred appearance of the deceased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Adrianna Ramirez
  • Patent number: 5688229
    Abstract: A cervical collar is disclosed. The collar has a chin support which can be adjusted up or down to accommodate necks of different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Eric Bauer
  • Patent number: 5687743
    Abstract: A head strap assembly for reducing snoring activity includes a front strap for extending around a head spaced forwardly of ears and below a chin of a user, a rear strap for extending around the head and rearwardly of the ears and above the chin of the user with the rear strap crossing the front strap between the ears and chin of the user, and a link strap interconnecting the front and rear straps above the ears of the user. The front strap preferably has an upper portion and a lower portion with pairs of adjacent ends for positioning on each side of the head of the user. The assembly may also include an adjustable fastening elements which are attached to the pair of adjacent ends of the upper and lower portions of the front strap for providing overlapping releasable coupling of the adjacent ends of the upper and lower portions of the front strap to one another. The assembly may also include an upper chin pad, a lower chin pad and a head pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Isabell Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5685831
    Abstract: A back brace having interlocking frame members jointed at a first pivotal hinge connection where the two vertically disposed members join the other member. The two vertical members join each other at an adjustable second hinged connection. Above the first hinge connection the upper vertical member may be removed to make the brace appear less conspicuous. Four straps with end hook and loop members allow attachment of the brace to a user's forehead, shoulders and waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: John P. Floyd
  • Patent number: 5632722
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical collar preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, which includes flexibility enhancing openings which allow the collar to conform properly to the shape of a patient's neck. Most preferably, the collar is formed from linear low density polypropylene, which is an injection moldable material. The collar may be injection molded and include rivets injection molded directly as part of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Jerome Group Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa A. G. Tweardy, George E. Moore
  • Patent number: 5624387
    Abstract: A cervical brace includes a support brace which, in use, is receivable about and circumferentially surrounds a wearer's neck and is generally supportable on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso. The support brace includes a pair of spaced-apart generally vertically-extending, length-adjustable front struts, and a pair of spaced-apart, generally vertically extending, length adjustable rear struts, spaced rearwardly from the front struts, each of which struts has a top end and a bottom end, and two pairs of upper and lower spaced-apart, generally horizontally extending, length-adjustable side struts, each pair of which connects one of the front struts to the rear strut disposed rearwardly thereof. A pair of generally horizontally-disposed length adjustable front and rear cross braces connect the front and rear struts, respectively, together adjacent to lower ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Charles McGuinness
  • Patent number: 5622529
    Abstract: A lightweight plastic cervical collar includes a one-piece injected molded body, of a flexibility and length sufficient to enable the body to be wrapped around the neck of a wearer. One or more absorbent compressible foam strips are attached to an inner side of the body. A front section of the body defining part of a front collar half includes a generally T-shape integrally molded chin support. Upper edge portions of the body are made flexible by the provision of elongated openings and integral hinges formed by molded grooves extending generally longitudinally in the body. A first fabric-strip fastener is adhered to the front body section near one free end while a second, matably configured flexible fabric-strip is extended from the free end of the rear body section to join the adjoining collar ends together. Where the molded body extends around a tracheal opening, transverse reinforcement ridges are molded in the body to prevent collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Salvatore Calabrese
  • Patent number: 5593382
    Abstract: A surgical collar for emergency rescues has mandibular and occipital supports that will each adjust vertically without affecting the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Ronald M. Rudy, Jr., Freddy T. Lee
  • Patent number: 5588957
    Abstract: An improved cervical collar having an elongated neck encircling band secured to a two-piece chin support brace wherein each end of each of the two pieces of the chin support brace are permanently secured to the elongated encircling band body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Ambu International A/S
    Inventor: Bill Martin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5584799
    Abstract: An improved splint/therapeutic device for at least partially limiting the mobility of a selected portion of a patient's body. The device (10) includes a splint body (12) fabricated of a resilient material, the splint body (12) defining an inner surface (18) for engaging the patient's body. The splint body (12) also defines a preselected flexibility whereby the resilient material of the splint body biases the patient's body to a desired body position and provides a preselected degree of mobility. The splint/therapeutic device (10) is secured to the patient's body with securing means such as tape, integrally formed body encircling portions (26'), or with securing straps (26) provided with hook-and-loop fasteners (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: James C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5575763
    Abstract: A cervical orthosis has front and rear cervical orthosis members. The front cervical orthosis member includes a chest support abutting against the region from the shoulders to the chest. Two front supporting portions are arranged from the chest support along both side portions of the anterior of neck and both side portions of the head. The rear cervical orthosis member includes a back support abutting against the region from the shoulders to the back. Two rear supporting portions are arranged from the back support along both side portions of the posterior of neck. An occipital region brace portion extends further upward from the upper end of each of the rear supporting portions so as to brace the occipital region. The cervical orthosis also has a forehead brace member abutting against the forehead and bracing the frontal region, and a cheek brace member arranged on the internal surfaces of the front supporting portions so as to brace the cheeks without disturbing the movement of the mandible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignees: Toshinobu Onomura, Hiroto Nagata, Kawamura Gishi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Nagata, Shoichi Komaba, Toru Nagano, Hidenori Kanezaki
  • Patent number: 5575295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring spinal cervical curvature by having the patient lie on his back on a surface with his neck at the C3/C6 vertebra positioned in the groove formed in the top of a block of a substantially non-deformable material supported in an upright position on the surface. The width of the groove is greater than the width of the patient's neck, and the thickness of the block at least at the top surface is generally in the range of 1/2 inch to 3 inches. The height of the groove at its lowest position is sufficient so that the patient's head is supported above the surface, but is not so great as to be uncomfortable for the patient. The patient remains in this position for several minutes and the treatment is repeated preferably three times a day for a period of several months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Chiro-Yog, Inc.
    Inventors: Guruchander S. Khalsa, Muktiar S. Khalsa
  • Patent number: 5569176
    Abstract: A cervical traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the head and neck for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical region of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a frame, an upstanding neck support carried by the frame, an inflatable elongated bladder carried by the neck support, restraining straps for securing the device to the user's head such that the bladder is disposed below and adjacent the user's neck, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly and apply angular traction to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Richard A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5542910
    Abstract: A neck support for supporting the head and neck of a person lying on their back on a supporting surface has a support member having an upper surface which, when the neck support is located on the supporting surface below the head and neck of a person lying on their back thereon, extends upwardly and rearwardly from the supporting surface to engage the back of the person's head and neck to position the head and neck at an angle to the horizontal in the range of from about 40.degree. to about 50.degree.. The upwardly and rearwardly extending surface is transversely inwardly curved to receive the back of the person's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Tiura Oliver
  • Patent number: 5531669
    Abstract: A cervical brace including occipital and chin supports rigidly interconnected by rigid support bar means and interlocking assemblies in a manner maintaining such in fixed though adjustable position for fitting thereof to a patient. As the preferred form, a U-shaped support bar extends between an occipital support and a chin support with fastening means provided on each side of the chin support for releasably securing the legs of the support bar to the chin support. Adjustable stops are provided along the support bar legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Center for Prosthetics Orthotics, Inc.
    Inventor: David Varnau
  • Patent number: 5520623
    Abstract: A medical device immobilizes a patient's head and enables the patient to lie face down without turning the face to either side. A cushioned face-shaped frame has a rigid convex open mesh attached to it so that the patient's face is spaced apart from a support surface when the periphery of a patient's face lies against the cushioned frame. A transversely extending base having an adjustable height is connected to the frame by an interconnecting member having an adjustable length. The patient's chest overlies the base and therefore the face-receiving frame is held against movement when the device is in use. The effective height of the base and its distance from the frame are adjustable for the comfort of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Dallas Williams
  • Patent number: 5520619
    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: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Ambu International A/S
    Inventor: William Martin
  • Patent number: 5507718
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to apply traction to the cervical spine to help repair, non-invasively, a herniated cervical disc. A doughnut shaped member, appropriately cushioned, is constructed using elastic springy materials. Cushioned portions are placed against the underside of the chin and against the chest, and the member is bent to a saddle shape by securing opposing sides of the member behind the neck using flexible string or strap-like connecting members. The resulting structure applies pressure to the underside of the chin, in a comfortable manner, thereby providing traction to the herniated disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Herman Kabat
  • Patent number: 5503621
    Abstract: A body brace for use in the treatment of scoliosis and other spinal abnormalities includes a bottom shell sized and shaped to be fitted around a patient's pelvis, a middle shell sized and shaped to be fitted around the patient's abdomen and a top shell sized and shaped to be fitted around the back and the sides of the patient's rib cage. The top shell is made up of a left segment and a right segment. The middle shell is connected to the bottom shell by first and second lockable swivel mechanisms which provide for lateral, front and back, and rotational movement of the middle shell relative to the bottom shell. The left segment of the top shell is connected to the middle shell by a third lockable swivel mechanism which provides for lateral, front and back, and rotational movement of the left segment of the top shell relative to the middle shell independent of the right segment of the top shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Boston Brace International, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5498233
    Abstract: A device for energetic activation of spine system includes a segment 1 comprising numerous bulges 2 combined with grooves 3. Numerous grooves 4 are disposed on the lateral side of a bulge 2. Two grooves 6 are placed on the upper side, between each third pair of bulges 2. Two concentrically placed cylindrical outlets 5 are disposed on the front side of each outlet 2. A horizontally placed outlet 7 with two cylindrical outlets 8 and a pair of holes 9 are disposed on the front side of the segment 1. An identical outlet 10 with holes 9, 11 is disposed on the back side of the segment 1. Numerous outlets 12 in the form of lines and dots are disposed over the whole surface of the lower side of the segment 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Branislav Stojanovic
  • Patent number: 5454781
    Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device comprises a hollow inflatable body made of an elastically expandable material and includes a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows portion which is integrally formed with the head portion and to the shoulder portion. The bellows portion, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a user's neck. Pumping structure is connected to the body for pumping air into the body and for relieving or releasing air out of the body and the head portion. The bellows portion and the shoulder portion have an un-inflated condition, a first inflated condition and a second inflated condition where the bellows portion acts against and between the head portion and the shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Glacier Cross, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph M. Chitwood
  • Patent number: 5441479
    Abstract: The cervical traction device comprises: a body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows which extends substantially across the width and height of the body between and connected to the head portion and to the shoulder portion and acting against and between substantially the full inner end surface of the head portion and the full inner end surface of the shoulder portion. The bellows, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a patient's neck. A hand operated air pump is connected to the bellows for pumping air into the bellows and for relieving or pumping air out of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Glacier Cross, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Chitwood
  • Patent number: 5437613
    Abstract: The invention relates to a neck brace for protecting the user during vigorous activities. The neck brace has an elongated non-stretchable, flexible strap carrying a T-shaped pin on one end thereof. An eye bracket is fixedly attached to a helmet of the user, the opening in the bracket allowing to engage the pin of the strap therein. The second end of the strap is secured to the body harness of the user and, the strap is stretched tight to prevent dislocation of the users muscles and neck bones during the activities. As a result, the user can bend his head slightly downward but not so much as to force his head down on to his chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventors: David Reggio, Donald Riley
  • Patent number: 5437612
    Abstract: A cervical collar is provided which has front and rear semi-rigid portions, attached by hook and loop fasteners. The front portion-comprises a semi-rigid preformed jaw support contoured to follow the jaw line of a patient, and a preformed sternum brace contoured to contact the sternum and upper trapezius of the patient and to support said jaw support. The rear portion of the cervical collar is contoured to follow the curve of the back of the head or occiput and to support the head and neck. The sternum brace has right, left, and central sections, wherein the height of the central section is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's sternum and jaw at the chin and the height of the right and left sections is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's upper trapezius muscle and jaw. The height of the right and left sections is independent of the height of the central section. Further, the jaw support may include a cushioning pad and a covering of anti-decubitus material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: The Jerome Group
    Inventors: George E. Moore, Lisa A. G. Tweardy
  • Patent number: 5433696
    Abstract: A cervical orthosis having a thoracosternal semi-component for a thoracosternal position and a dorsal semi-component for a dorsal position, each of he semi-components including a lower and an upper part, a pair of upper and lower connectors for connection of the upper parts and the lower parts of the semi-components, a connector as one of the upper and the lower parts for connection of the semi-components, and spacers for spacing of the lower and upper parts of each of the semi-components frown each other to provided for the adjustment to fit each individual wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Leonardo Osti
  • Patent number: 5411038
    Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided. An embodiment which is preferable for production by vacuum forming is disclosed. A method of using the apparatus for incrementally adjusting the position of a patient's head or the curvature of a patient's spine is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Joseph C. Mollendorf, Robert M. Catipovic, Lillian A. Pascale
  • Patent number: 5411471
    Abstract: A portable brace for posterior support of the neck and upper back area consisting of back portion to which a movable neck portion is attached. The neck portion rotates in either the right or left direction and can be extended upwards to accommodate different neck dimensions. The back portion to which the neck portion is fastened fits over the shoulder area and extends downward to approximately the middle area of the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Luis Terrazas
  • Patent number: 5409450
    Abstract: A cervical brace for painful cervical disorders and injuries includes an elongated, posterior stabilizer molded to the shape of the wearer's posterior occipital, cervical and thoracic surfaces when in the medically desirable position characterized by the shoulders being in a square "military" position and the head retracted with the ear lobes over the superior point of the shoulders. The inferior portion of the stabilizer is fixed against the wearer's upper and mid-thoracic region by a pair of adjustable arm loops and optional trunk strap which also bring and maintain the shoulders to the square "military" position. A chin strap is attached to the superior portion of the stabilizer and is operable to apply a force posteriorly at the chin to draw the head posteriorly toward the superior portion of the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald Donelson
  • Patent number: 5403266
    Abstract: A cervical traction collar capable of ambulatory use by a patient comprises a pair of elongated overlying semi-rigid flexible upper and lower support members secured at their ends to encircle the neck, with releasable attachment means such as Velcro fasteners securing the overlying upper and lower support members for adjusting the height of the collar. A tubular, flexible, air-inflatable bladder is secured to the collar so as to project downwardly away from a bottom edge of the lower support member continuously around the bottom of the collar. The bladder is filled with air under pressure from a manually operated air pump to inflate the bladder so that it presses downwardly against the shoulder region of the patient continuously around the lower neck region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: United States Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven Bragg, Frederick J. Koolhof, Vick G. Bonessa
  • Patent number: 5385535
    Abstract: A cervical collar includes a generally annular support brace which, in use, is receivable about and circumferentially surrounds a wearer's neck and is generally supportable on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso. The support brace includes a pair of vertically-spaced-apart, interconnected and generally horizontally-disposed, arcuate, upper and lower support members, each having a front central portion and rear opposite terminal end portions which, in use, are disposed generally adjacent to the front and rear of the wearer's neck, respectively. The support brace also has adjustable and releasable rear straps for joining the terminal end portions of the support members together. A chin support is also provided for engaging and supporting the chin of the wearer, which is mounted on the support brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Charles McGuinness
  • Patent number: 5382226
    Abstract: A cervical traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the head and neck for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical region of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a frame, an upstanding neck support carried by the frame, an inflatable elongated bladder carried by the neck support, restraining straps for securing the device to the user's head such that the bladder is disposed below and adjacent the user's neck, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly and apply angular traction to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Richard A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5366438
    Abstract: An improved cervical collar that includes of an elongated neck encircling band secured to a two-piece chin support brace wherein each end of each of the two pieces of the chin support brace are permanently secured to the elongated encircling band body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Bill Martin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5336160
    Abstract: A lightweight splint for use in wilderness or remote areas which is readily adaptable to multiple uses is disclosed. A single plastic strip is provided which can be adjustably positioned to form an arm splint having an adjustable angle, using a centrally located slit and an associated semi-circular array of apertures which can be secured in a variable orientation. The splint may also serve as a cervical or plantar splint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Wilderness Alert Safety Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Anna Christensen
  • Patent number: 5334133
    Abstract: A cervical collar for immobilizing the head and neck of a patient to a backboard. A base attached to posterior portion of said collar rests within a recess defined by a frame mounted upon said backboard. A sliding member secures said base within said recess of said frame and is locked into place by a pin and groove latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Terry L. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5320596
    Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer by means of a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State Univ. of NY
    Inventors: Robert M. Catipovic, Joseph C. Mollendorf, Lilian A. Pascale
  • Patent number: 5302170
    Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining the head of a patient in predetermined spatial relationship to the body of the patient. The device comprises an truncated elliptical member (halo) adapted to fit around the patient's head from front to back. The device also includes a superstructure for attaching the open-backed halo to a vest worn by the patient. The superstructure includes both horizontal and vertical rack and pinion adjustments for adjusting the height and angulation of the halo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: The Jerome Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Lisa A. G. Tweardy
  • Patent number: 5295949
    Abstract: A modular apparatus comprising a neck band and a variety of inserts to provide different functional capabilities useful and beneficial for the treatment of an injury to the neck and the rehabilitation associated therewith. The neck band is provided with a pocket for receiving the interchangeable insertion of the various inserts. One of the inserts in conjunction with the neck bank provides an apparatus for immobilizing or limiting movement of the neck. A cylindrical insert in conjunction with the neck band provides an apparatus beneficial for improving articular motion of the joints of the neck. An insert filled with a medium that may be either heated or cooled in conjunction with the neck band provides either a hot pack or a cold pack. The neck band is of an elastic material and has formed loops on each of its ends to facilitate utilization of the neck band for exercise routines, either by using the band by itself or using the band with one of the inserts inserted in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Charles Hathaway
  • Patent number: 5275581
    Abstract: A cervical collar for circumferential placement around the neck of a wearer in order to form a relatively rigid structure around the neck that is capable of bending circumferentially around the neck for a close fit thereon. A soft base is in confronting relationship to the neck. A splint assembly is fixed to the outer surface of the base and includes a plurality of parallel spaced apart upright splints that are uniformly distributed around the neck when the collar is installed thereon. The splints are separated by an expanse of material which forms a hinge. The hinge permits bending of the collar around the neck while holding the splints in place. Ventilation openings can be located in the spacing between adjacent splints in order to provide ventilation to the neck, facilitate bending of the collar about the neck, and to lessen the weight thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Mikros U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly M. Bender
  • Patent number: 5267931
    Abstract: A hand held contoured cervical alignment and abdominal exercise device that an individual cradles against the cervical spine when performing abdominal exercises. In use, it forces the individual to use the abdominal musculature correctly and prevents hyperflexion/hyperextension of the cervical spine and subsequent symptoms. The result is an increased efficiency in performing abdominal exercises while maintaining the bio-mechanical intergrity of the cervical spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: James G. Faetini
    Inventor: James G. Faetini
  • Patent number: 5261125
    Abstract: A head impact force diversion system utilizes an apertured helmet, a rigid transfer arm, and a vest. The helmet, possessing an opening associated with an elevation which may be pivotable upon the helmet or integral with its surface, and vest are worn in a conventional manner. The rigid transfer arm is mounted and affixed to the vest and extends upward from the mounting, arches near and enters the aperture of the helmet, and terminates underneath the elevation. This system permits the usual range of motion of the head and neck during various activities and protects the head and neck when the helmet receives an impact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: Rudolph Cartwright, John E. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5248293
    Abstract: A support device (10) intended for use by people who suffer from neck dysfunction resulting in loss of head control is described. The support device is designed to support the head while reducing undesirable head motions relative to the torso. The support device includes a stiff support means mounted on the torso such as a yoke (13) worn over the shoulders and the upper torso and a mast (11) that extends upward from the yoke, behind the wearer's head to a rear portion of the head at a height approximately equal to the head's center of gravity (approximately eye level). A head harness (30) is worn on the head. A tether system (20), consisting of one or more tethers (25), is attached between a slider line (21) mounted on the head harness and a portion of the mast, adjacent the rear portion of the head of the person. The head harness connects the head harness to the mast to couple the head and the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Biomechanical Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Hubbard, Robert L. Boughner
  • Patent number: RE34714
    Abstract: A cervical collar including front and back halves adapted to fit around the neck, and an adjustable strap for releasably securing the halves in position on the neck. The halves of the collar are made from a laminate having outer layers of a foamed polymeric material and an inner layer of a solid, non-foamed thermoplastic material. The foam layes provide padding and comfort, and the solid layers provide rigidity and support to immobilize the head and neck. In one embodiment there is provided a large hole in the front most portion of the collar to accommodate the Adam's apple. In another embodiment, the strap is attached to the back half by looping it through parallel slots formed in the rearmost portion of the collar which are narrower than the width of the strap adjacent the slots, and attached to the front half by stitching at the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventors: William R. Burns, Gary R. Burns, Paul W. Burns
  • Patent number: RE35290
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a liner and a surgical collar wherein the liner is formed of a blank of soft, pliable absorbent material shaped to conform to the interior surface of the surgical collar and having opposed reversible folded pockets formed along the opposed ends of the blank for receiving the edges of the surgical collar and a reversible foldable edge flange for overlying the upper peripheral portion of the surgical collar so as to render the collar more comfortable to the wearer. The liner may be formed as a unitary member, or in several parts, depending upon the specific construction of the surgical collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Sue Druskoczi