The present invention provides a combination of a splint and a pillow for use in treating and immobilizing a patient. The combination includes a first portion encased in an airtight container and a second portion also encased in an airtight container. The first portion and the second portion are interconnected by an air flow valve having a air flow regulator for controlling airflow between the portions. The first portion may include bean-bag or similar splint and the second portion includes a foam component. The two portions share the same air such that when the first portion is inflated, the second portion is deflated. Wherein, upon opening of the airflow regulator, the air pressure passes between the first portion, deflating the first portion, into the second portion, thus inflating the second portion.

A particle filled neck brace used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient which includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient, the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck and chin. The vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The neck brace also forms a rigid mold over the patient's chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further distracting the patient or restricting the patient's venous return blood flow.

The invention refers to a body fitting element with negative pressure controlled stiffness comprised of a gas tight envelope (1), a plurality of layers fitted in the envelope (3) and a valve (2) adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope, characterized in that the layers comprise a core (4a) made of a material with a high Young's modulus and flexibility and a first cover layer at both sides of the core made of a material with high friction coefficient (4b). Orthoses and protective equipments fabricated with the fitting element can be shaped and fitted to the body in an optimal manner.

A shape-formable apparatus comprising locking sheets. The apparatus can have a first state in which the apparatus is formable, and a second state in which the apparatus has the desired shape and is substantially less formable than in the first state. The apparatus can further include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and at least two locking sheets positioned in the chamber in an at least partially overlapping configuration. Each locking sheet comprises a major surface, and at least a portion of each locking sheet can be patterned to include solid regions and open regions, the solid regions being movable with respect to one another within the major surface.

An orthopedic or prosthetic support including at least three layers that allows for aeration and cushioning of the enclosed area is described herein. The orthopedic or prosthetic support includes an inner cushioning layer which is compressed against the skin in use. An intermediate scaffolding layer is situated substantially parallel to the inner cushioning layer and is maintained in spaced apart relationship with the inner cushioning layer by spacer members. An exterior layer overlays the intermediate scaffolding layer and may be either a flexible breathable fabric such as velvet or a thermoplastic with a plurality of perforations. The inner cushioning layer and the intermediate scaffolding layer include a plurality of perforations providing air pathways through the two layers. The grid-like arrangement of spacer members also define air passages between the inner and intermediate layers which further enhance circulation of exterior air to the skin covered by the orthopedic or prosthetic support.

A particle filled neck brace is used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient and includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient, the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck and chin. The vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The neck brace also specifically forms a rigid mold over the patient's chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further distracting the patient or restricting the patient's venous return blood flow.

A shape-formable apparatus comprising fibrous material. The apparatus can have a first state in which the apparatus is formable into a desired shape, and a second state in which the apparatus has the desired shape and is substantially less formable than in the first state. The apparatus can include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and a fibrous material positioned in the chamber. The fibrous material can be substantially less formable when the apparatus is in the second state than when the apparatus is in the first state.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to variable stiffness devices, including orthoses, that use the principles of granular jamming. In some embodiments, a device may comprise a cell having an air impermeable outer bladder. The outer bladder of the cell can define an internal pocket. A plurality of granular particulates may be disposed within the first cell. The stiffness of the cell can be altered by altering the negative internal pressure of the cell, thereby causing the granular particulates to compact, or jam. In some embodiments, a plurality of cells may be disposed within a device. The location of each of the plurality of cells may correspond to a location of a user's foot. The mechanical characteristics of each cell of the plurality of cells may be independently adjusted by adjusting the negative internal pressure of the cell.

A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.

A particle filled neck brace is used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient and includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient, the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck and chin. The vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The neck brace also specifically forms a rigid mold over the patient's chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further stress onto the patient.