Cranial position orientation detection method and apparatus for pediatric patients

Abstract

A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods, material selections, and sensors produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures. Further embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are adapted to detect and monitor motion and position of the subject, providing retrospective or real-time data for caregivers.

1 . A cranial support comprising:
 a concave occipital cup portion and a head strap portion contiguously oriented with said occipital cup portion, said occipital cup portion and said head strap portion further comprising a patient oriented face and an environmental oriented face, said head strap portion adapted to fit around a forehead of an infant whereby said occipital cup portion is sized and shaped to accommodate a posterior aspect of a head of said infant; and   a pressure detecting sensor oriented within said cranial support between said patient oriented face and said environmental oriented face, said pressure detecting sensor in data communication with a processing unit;   wherein said patient oriented face further comprises a material having hypoallergenic, biocompatible, non-irritating properties.   
     
     
         2 . A force-distributing cranial support suitable for a head of an infant comprising:
 a head strap portion;   an occipital cup portion operatively attached to said head strap portion;   a gel assembly formed to have a concave shape and comprising a gel element of a semi-solid material, said semi-solid material adapted to distribute a force of said head of said infant applied thereon, said gel element encapsulated within an envelope sealed around a perimeter of said envelope thereby maintaining said gel elements in a fixed orientation and location;   a padded layer forcibly adhered to said gel assembly, said padded layer being flexible, whereby said padded layer takes on said concave shape of said gel assembly; and   a patient oriented face and an environmental oriented face, said patient oriented face comprising a material having hypoallergenic, biocompatible, non-irritating properties, said patient oriented face oriented to contact said head of said infant;   wherein said padded layer and said adhered gel assembly are elements of said occipital cup portion of said force-distributing cranial support;   wherein said head strap portion is oriented relative to said occipital cup portion such that said head strap portion is snugly conformable to a forehead of said infant while said occipital cup portion is adapted to be operatively positioned adjacent to an occipital region of said head of said infant, and   wherein said head strap portion further comprises a pressure sensor, an energy storing unit, and a processing unit, said pressure sensor in electrical communication with said energy storing unit and said pressure sensor in data communication with said processing unit.   
     
     
         3 . A force-distributing cranial support suitable for a head of an infant comprising:
 an occipital cup portion and an operatively attached head strap portion, wherein said force-distributing cranial support has a patient oriented face and an environmental oriented face, said patient oriented face comprising a material having hypoallergenic, biocompatible, non-irritating properties;   a cushion assembly oriented within said occipital cup portion, said cushion assembly adapted to distribute a force of said head of said infant applied thereon; and   a sensor apparatus;   wherein said head strap portion is configured relative to said occipital cup such that said head strap portion is snugly conformable to a forehead of said infant while said occipital cup portion configured to be operatively positioned adjacent to an occipital region of said head of said infant.   
     
     
         4 - 30 . (canceled)