US3098479A

US3098479A - Body and limb holder

Info

Publication number: US3098479A
Application number: US196691A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edgar J Storey
Original assignee: ZIMMON AND CO Inc
Current assignee: ZIMMON AND CO Inc
Priority date: 1962-05-22
Filing date: 1962-05-22
Publication date: 1963-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1980-07-23
Also published as: GB964401A; IT712542A

Description

E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER July 23, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 22, 1962 INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY RNEY I E E I E July 23, 1963 E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 22, 1962 INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY BY E I I EI '7 gdc ATTORNEY July 23, 1963 E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-$heet 3 Filed May 22, 1962 INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOKEY July 23} 1 963 E. J. STOREY 3,098,479

BODY AND LIMB HOLDER Filed May 22, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 59 :EIIE--S- INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY A rTo/eA/E Y July 23, 1963 E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 22, 1962 v. m E M WT V5 J DA A 6 D E BY t Q/Q ATTORNEY July 23, 1963 E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 22, 1962 INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY BY fizz, Q4 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,098,479 BODY AND LIMB HOLDER Edgar J. Storey, San Mateo, Calif, assignor to Zimmon & Company, Inc., Belmont, Calif. Filed May 22, 1962, Ser. No. 196,691 14 Claims. (Cl. 128-134) This invention relates to a new and improved body and limb holder. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable, belt-type fabric holder which may be placed around a portion of the body or of a limb of a patient to control movement of the body or limb to any desired extent. It will be understood that at certain times during treatment, such as in surgery, recovery, emergency, geriatrics, pediatrics and general nursing, such control of a bed patient is of importance. Further, the holder may also be used to support the patient sitting up in a bed or chair, or in a wheel chair. The latter function of the device is particularly useful when the patient is a leg amputee.

An important feature and advantage of this invention is the fact that it may be used in such manner as to afford exactly the degree of control of movement of the patient that is desired, as the condition of the patient Warrants. No other means heretofore used affords this unique feature of variability and versatility of control. Different combinations of body and limb holder-s may be used, or the holders may be used singly. The individual holders may be applied to the body or limbs in different ways, and in different positions. By apply holders in different combinations, in different ways and in different positions, infinite versatility of holding or retraint of the patient is achieved.

For example, a single body holder may be attached to the patient at the chest, stomach or knees, as typical examples. Or one holder may be applied to one or more limbs either independently or in combination with one or more body holders. Further, the body holder when placed in one position achieves greater restraint than when placed in 1an opposite position, as hereinafter explained in detai One of the features of the invention is the construction thereof, whereby the principal material of construction is canton cotton flannel which has a soft, comfortable surface turned toward the body of the patient and a strong backing reinforced by webbing along the margins. Such construction has a number of advantages. One advantage is that the device will not stretch or give under strain in the event that the patient struggles against the restraint of the holder. This is of particular importance, in that if a slight amount of movement is permitted the amplitude of the movement gradually increases, since the greater the distance which the patient can move the greater the momentum which the the patients straining can build up. Thus, applicants holder has unusual strength without use of leather or heavy Webbing used in construction of prior devices.

Another advantage of the invention is the fact that the construction is such that in certain positions of use the more the patient pulls against the holder the tighter it grips him. This feature, however, is attained without the use of leather straps, buckles, and the like, used in conventional holders. Such fastening means used in prior holders have undesirable effects, in that they tend to break during laundering and, further, their presence on the device imparts to the patient a feeling of confinement or restraint which is not desirable.

Another important advantage of the foregoing construction is the fact that the device is soft and comfortable in appearance and to the touch and hence imparts to the patient a feeling of support rather than of restraint which 3,098,479 Patented July 23, 1963 is of important psychological advantage. Other devices containing leather straps or buckles have an obviously frightening effect on the patient. Applicants device, however, has a tendency to lessen the psychological fear of confinement.

A further feature of the foregoing construction is adjust-ability within a wide range to the size of the patient.

A particular feature and advantage of the invention is the construction thereof. A narrow belt, substantially longer than the circumference of the body or limb to be held is formed with a transverse slit adjacent one end through which the opposite end is inserted, so that the holder forms a loop and when the ends of the holder are pulled in opposite directions, it tightens around the body or limb. To prevent the strain imparted by the patient from tearing the device at the slit the construction of the margin of the slit is of particular importance, as hereinafter described in detail. Webbing reinforces the margins of the holders to keep the fabric from stretching, extensions of the webbing providing ties to secure the holder to a bed rail or other suitable support.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that being constructed essentially of a single thickness of material which has a soft surface on one side and yet has great strength, improves the laundering and sterilizability of the device. Thus, since the main portion of the holder is constructed of a single layer of cloth, the tendency of multiple layers to separate during laundering and to shrink at diiferent rates is eliminated. Further, the absence of any metal, leather, or plastic parts which may interfere with laundering and sterilizing, or rust or bend, is a particular advantage in hospital use.

Another advantage of the invention is the fact that the tapes of webbing at either end of the holder may be formed in knots as required, but such knots may be untied with the fingers without undue effort or consumption of time due to the construction of the webbing used. Thus, the Webbing may be knotted to the rails of the bed or to an overhead support used to suspend a lmrb above the bed. All these operations and the untieing of that knots are facilitated by the construction hereinafter described.

Still another advantage of the invention is the absence of chance of mechanical failure of buckles, cl-asps and similar devices.

A particular feature and advantage of the invention is the versatility of use of the holder. Thus, considering the body holder, if used in one direction (i.e., opening at the top), tieing the webbing to the bed-frame pre vents the patient from raising or from moving either to left or right and hence, for practical purposes, holds the patient immobilized. Thus, the holder is superior even to safety rails which patients sometimes climb over while under drugs or other medication. This use of the device immobilizes the patient for practical effect. However, by allowing slack in the strap more mobility may be afforded, but still the patient is held in such manner as not to injure himself. On the other hand, if the device is turned backward (i.e., opening at the bottom), the patient may rotate or even sit up but still is held so that there is a definite limit of movement and any danger of falling from bed is eliminated. Any pressure from the patient leaning against the holder pulls against the holder and holds the patient in place. In the latter position, the holder functions as a safety (device rather than a restraining device. The patient may roll to reach a glass of liquid and sit up to drink it, but, as he sits, the holder tightens to hold him securely.

Alternatively, the body of the patient may be held on the side, which prevents the patient from rolling onto the back or chest in the event that there are post-operative incisions, drainage, or other tubes, or the like, at such locations.

If the device is so applied as to hold the patient in a sitting position, the holder has a further advantage of not tending to drop downwand out of position and yet to permit relative freedom of movement while in sitting position. This is due to the fact that the holder grips the patient with only the required degree of tightness. Thus, the holder may be used to prevent a patient from falling out of a wheel chair, providing the necessary support without interfering with limited normal movement of the patient. This feature is, as has been mentioned, of particular advantage where the patient is a leg amputee.

Directing attention now to the limb holder, such device accommodates wide variations in dimensions of the limb of the patient. A particular advantage of the invention is the fact that application of the holder does not cut off circulation of blood in the limb. Nevertheless, the holder may be 'tied in place with a knot so that suspending the limb by means of the webbing does not cause tightening of the holder about the limb.

Accordingly, the invention may be used to hold a limb immobilized or merely to suspend the limb from an overhead support.

Sets of body holders and of limb holders may be used in combination as explained later in this specification and, as thus used, achieve greater or less control of movement of the patient or of different portions of the patient. The body holders and limb holders cooperate to control movement in any degree from complete immobilization to limitation of movement within a certain amplitude of only one limb.

A further optional feature of the invention is the provision of a simple jacket which fits over the head of the patient and has straps under the arms, thus preventing relative movement of the patient and jacket. The jacket has four loops, preferably at the front and back lower corners. A body holder of the type heretofore described is passed through the loops and then secured to the bed rails. The combined jacket and holder thus holds the patient effectively.

The jacket may also be worn by a wheelchair patient and the holder used to support the patient in the chair.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a body holder, the ends of the webbing broken away;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the reverse of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view :of the fabric portions from which the holder is constructed, one portion thereof being broken away;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the manner in which the tape applied to the margin of the slit in a holder is folded;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, of a limb holder;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of a limb holder;

FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic view, showing the fabric portions from .which the limb holder is constructed, and the webbing which is applied to the margins of the holder;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing two body holders and three limb holders applied in diiferent manner, such applications being illustrative of some of the uses of the device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the device used to restrain a patient lying on the side;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing two limb holders used to immobilize an arm for intravenous injection;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing one body holder and one limb holder supporting a patient in a wheel chair;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a portion of the structure of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a jacket over the shoulder of a patient and a body holder attached thereto;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the jacket shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a [front elevation of the jacket.

A feature of the invention is the versatility of the holder. In the specification which follows there is first described a body holder shown in detail in FIGS. 1 to 4, and a limb holder shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Some of the numerous uses :of the holder are shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the body holder alone being used in some instances, the limb holder alone in other instances, but in many instances body and limb holders being used in combination.

Turning now to the construction of body holder 11, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, the holder comprises two fabric portions, namely, a major fabric portions 14 and a minor fabric portion 16 assembled adjacent each other with a slit 17 separating the abutting edges. As best shown in FIG. 3, major portion 14 is formed of a truncated long tapering piece of material provided with narrow side and short end hems 18, 18, 1 9 along each edge. Hem 21 at the wider end has corners 22 cut out to eliminate overlapping when the hems are folded back. Minor portion 16 is of truncated triangular shape and is also provided with narrow side and short end hems 23, 23, 24 along the edges. Hem 26 at the wider end has corners 27 cut away. The major and

minor fabric portions

14, 16 are preferably made of can-ton cotton flannel, a material which has a soft flannel-like surface on the reverse side (i.e., the side shown in FIG. 2), whereas on its front side (i.e., the side shown in FIG. 1) the fabric is plain. A feature of the material is the fact that it will not readily stretch and yet its flannel side is comfortable when applied to the body of the patient. A reinforcing piece 28 [of cotton webbing, illustrated in FIG. 4, is applied around the slit opening -17 between the major and minor fabric portions to reinforce the edges of slit 17 so that they do not split or stretch. The first or longitudinal stretch 29 of webbing is cut off at the first corner 31 and extends fnorn that corner to the opposite edge of the belt. At the opposite edge the webbing is folded under at a 45 angle at corner 32 and has a short, triangularshaped transverse stretch 133 which is folded back at a 45 angle at third corner 34 in a second longitudinal stretch 36.

Stretches

29 and 36 are parallel but spaced apart a short distance, such as approximately /s-inch, which is the width of slit 17. At the beginning end of reinforcement 28 the corner 37 webbing is folded at a 45 angle and provides a short triangular transverse stretch 38 which passes under the end of stretch 29, likewise being cut at an angle at first corner 31. Webbing reinfiorcement 28 is stitched to the front side of the holder by stitching 39 and covers

hems

21 and 26 which have been folded back on

portions

14 and 26, respectively. Stitching 41

interconnects portions

14 and 16 along either edge, but does not restrict the full slit length between

stretches

33 and 38. The transverse short stretch 3 3, 38 define or limit the length of slit 17 and the long parallel stretches 29, 36 define the width of the slit. By reason of the fact that the webbing is relatively stiff, deformation or stretching around slit 17 is prevented.

A pair of

webbing tapes

46, 47 are used in body holder 11. First tape 46 has an extended length at the slit end 49 which serves as tie 49 and crosses over tape 47 at truncated end 48 of the minor fabric portion. First tape '48 extends along and is stitched by stitching 51 to one margin of minor portion 16 covering the concealed hem 23 and thence across one end of webbing reinforcement 28 and continues along one edge of major fabric portion 14 to end 52 opposite end 48 where it again crosses over second tape 47. From end 52 webbing extends in tail 53 for an extended length. Second tape 47 is similar in application to the first tape, as is best shown in FIG. 1, and similar elements thereof are designated by the same reference numeral, followed by subscript a.

Ties

49, 49a diverge at an angle of about 45 as do

ties

53, 53a. Transverse stitches 54 and '56 are applied at ends 48 and 52.

In use, holder 11 may be used in either of the manners shown in FIG. 8, as well as in other manners, some of which have heretofore been explained. Turning attention to the thorax position of FIG. 8, the major portion 14 of holder 11A is placed under the back of the patient and brought around to the front, passing under minor portion 16. The narrow outer end 52 of major portion 14 is passed through slit 17 in reinforcement 28 and overlaps portion 114. Ends 52, 48 of major and minor portions .14, 16 are pulled apart until holder 11A engages the body of the patient with sufficient tightness to accomplish the desired degree of control. The four

ties

49, 49a, 53, 53a of the webbing are tied to rails 57 of the bed in knots 5'9. Holder 11A pulls the body of the patient down against mattress 58 and

ties

44, 49a, 53, 53a stretching apart prevents movement upward or downward relative to the bed. Hence, the thorax of the patient is, for practical purposes, immobilized.

In the manner of application of holder 11B to the abdomen as shown in FIG. 8, major portion 14- is placed across the front of the body and on the underside (not shown) the narrow end of the major portion is inserted through the slit in the holder and ends 48, 52 drawn apart,

tapes

49, 49a, 53, 53a likewise being tied to rails 57 of the bed. This manner of application, were it not for the other holders shown in FIG. 8, would permit the patient to turn on his left or right side with the slit through which the major and minor portions of the holder intersect serving as a pivot, but would prevent the patient from moving off the bed in either direction, or moving lengthwise of the bed.

It will be understood that the two illustrated manners of application of the body holder are not intended as the sole manner of use.

Directing attention to the limb holder 12, shown in detail in FIGS. 5 to 7, holder 12 is proportioned similarly to the body holder but is of smaller size and somewhat different construction. Different size limb holders may be provided, one for the ankle and a smaller holder for the wrist, as required.

As shown in FIG. 7, major and

minor fabric portions

61, 62, which are made of material similar to the body

holder fabric portions

14 and 16, comprise a triangular minor portion 62 truncated at end 65 having at its base provision for a double hem 63 and also having provision along each side edge and the outer end for

single hems

64, 64, 66. The major fabric portion 61 is a long tapering member truncated at one end 67, having provision at its base for a double hem 68 and having provision along each side edge and the truncated end for

single hems

69, 69, '71. In the assembly of the device no tape reinforcement, similar to reinforcement 28 shown in FIG. 4, need be employed because the forces applied are usually less. The abutting edges of the major and

minor portions

61, 62 are folded over and double hemmed by stitching 73 and spaced apart to provide slit 72. Stitches 74

interconnect portions

61, 62 adjacent the opposite edges, but do not restrict the width of slit 72. i

A single piece 76 of webbing serves as a tie at the mmor portion 62 of the limb holder, its inner end being tacked to the truncated end 65 of minor portion 62. Second piece 77 of webbing is of greater length than the first. At end 67, webbing end 78 is attached to major fabric portion 61 and extends along the edge thereof crossing over slit 72 and defining the upper end thereof. Webbing 77 then con tinues along the upper edge of minor portion 62 to trun- 6 cated end 65. At end '65, webbing 77 is folded over in fold 79 so that it assumes an angle of approximately and the crossed over portion 81 is positioned on top of the end of first webbing 76. Second webbing 77 then continues in stretch 81 along the bottom edge of minor fabric portion 62 and bridges over and defines the lower end of slit 72 between the two

portions

61, 62. From this juncture the tape continues along the bottom edge of major portion 61 crossing over on top of the initial end 78 of the second webbing and then extends out to the desired length beyond end 67 in tie 82.

In use, tie '82 and outer end 67 of major portion 61 are slipped through slit 72, the flannel side of the holder being next to the skin of the patient. The ends 65, 67 of holder 12 are pulled apart until the holder tightens around the limb with the desired degree of firmness. Where it is desired to immobilize the limb, as is the case with holder 12A on the right angle in FIG. 8,

ties

76 and 82 are in knot 83 over slit 72. One tie 76 is tied to rail 57 in knot 84. The opposite tie 82 may be tied to the opposite bed rail or, as shown in FIG. 8, tie 82 is tied with knot 86 to tie 76 of another limb holder on the left angle. In the case of the left arm, ties 76, 82 of holder 12c are tied in knot '83 and are then tied by knot 87 to overhead support 13.

The body holders 11A and 11B are used in two different positions, as shown in FIG. 8, for two different purposes, all as has heretofore been explained. It will be understood that in normal usage two oppositely disposed holders would not be used simultaneously. FIG. 8 also shows the use of body and limb holders cooperatively. Thus, limb holders 12A, 120 tied together effectively immobilize the legs and prevent the patient from moving his body toward the head or foot of the bed to slip out of one of body holders.

FIG. 9 shows a further use of the body holder 11C for use on a patient with an incision on chest or back. Apply ing holder 11C over the uppermost side of the patient with slit 17 on top and tying tapes 4949a and 5353a to opposite rails prevents the patient from rolling either onto his chest or back. Thus, damage to the patient is avoided, a feature of considerable importance when drainage tubes are installed in the incision or where the incision has not healed. One or more limb holders 12 (not shown in FIG. 9) are preferably used with the holder 11C in this position of use to prevent the patient from moving in such manner as to escape from the restraint.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate use of body holder 11D to hold a patient in a wheel chair. The minor portion 14 passes out through slit 17 across the chest of the patient seated on seat 91. The tapes are passed around in back of backrest 92 being spread apart.

Tapes

49, 53a are tied together in knot 93- at the back of the chair and

tapes

49a, 53 are similarly tied in knot 94. The holder thus prevents the patient from falling forward out of the chair. As the patient bends forward his weight pulls the ends of the holder apart and tightens the holder around the patient. The tightening sensation affords a feeling of security. The spreading apart of the

tapes

49, 49a in divergent directions and 53, 53a in similar divergent directions prevents the patient from sliding down back 92 and thence off seat 91. The latter restraint may be augmented by tieing one or more limb holders 12D applied to an angle, to leg support 96. The holder 11D permits a certain amount of freedom of movement of the patient, thus allowing the body to be moved suficiently to prevent fatigue.

Use of

limb holders

12A, 12C tied together, as shown in FIG. 8, effectively immobilizes both legs. Arms may be similarly immobilized. However, tieing one limb to one side of the bed only permits mobility of the limb. Thus, the left hand of the patient in FIG. 8 may be used to lift a glass from the bedside stand and lift to the lips, but not to reach and untie knots securing the body holder tapes to the bedrails.

FIG. 10 shows use of two limb holders 12E, 12F used in conjunction with an armboard 98 for intravenous injection. The major portion 61 passes across the patients arm away from the viewer in FIG. 10; under the armboard 98 and across the underside thereof, thence under minor portion 62 and out through slit 72. Tape '76 is passed under board 98 and around the other side and tied in knot 99 to the tape 82.

Tapes

76 and 82 are then tied to opposite bedrails 57. Similarly, holder 12F is used to secure the upper arm to board 98. It will thus be seen that the patients arm is secured to board 98 and the arm is also effectively immobilized during injection.

Directing attention to FIGS. 13 to 15, an auxiliary jacket 101 for use in conjunction with body holder 11 is shown. Jacket 101 is slipped over the head of the patient and has straps 102 fitting under the arms. Hence relative movement of the patient and jacket 101 is minimal. Loops 103 are provided at the four bottom corners of the jacket. Holder 11 fits through the four loops 103 and is applied in the same manner as holder 11A in FIG. 8. Thus holder 11 prevents the patient from lifting himself from the bed and, further, prevents movement of the jacket longitudinally of the bed. Since, as has been stated, the patient cannot, for practical purposes, move relative to the jacket, an even more effective immobilization of the patient results.

As an alternative, with the jacket applied as in FIG. 13, holder 11 may be reversed, i.e., slit positioned underneath the patient as is holder 111B in FIG. 8, greater mobility of the patient is achieved. Thus the patient may roll from side to side of the bed, but movement longitudinally of the bed is restricted.

Jacket 11 has a body 106 preferably consisting of a single piece of canvas material, wider at either bottom edge 107 and narrowing toward the center or shoulder portions 108. A circular opening "109 is formed at the center for the neck of the patient. The side edges 111 and bottom edges 107 and also the neck opening 109 are formed with

narrow hems

112, 113, 114, respectively.

On-either side is an elongated piece of webbing which forms front and back loops 103 and strap 102. Thus the webbing commences on the front of the jacket at a point 116 about one-third the distance from the bottom edge 107 and etxends down along the front of the jacket to a point 117 slightly below the bottom edge 107, whereupon the webbing loops back to the point 116 of beginning and is folded at right angles. Stitches 118 secure the webbingto the jacket. The length of loops 1103 is sufiicient to accomomdate the width of holder 11. From point 116 the webbing extends to the back of the body 106 in a stretch which comprises strap 102. Strap 102 has a length such that the arm of the patient may be slipped bet-ween strap 10 2 and shoulder portion v108. On the back of the jacket a rear loop 103 is formed which is the reverse of front loop 103. The left-hand and right-hand webbings are substantially similar.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail, by Way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A holder of the character described comprising a major fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape with substantially straight top and bottom edges converging outwardly, and an inner tranverse edge, a minor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of said triangular shape being of substantially the same length as said transverse edge of said major fabric portion,.said base and inner'transverse edge being positioned in proximity to each other and spaced apart to define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides of said minor fabric portion converging in the opposite direction from the top and bottom edges of said major fabric portion, first webreinforcing extending continuously along one face of one edge of said major fabric portion and the contiguous side of said minor fabric portion, second web reinforcing extending continuously on the same face of said major fabric portion as said first reinforcing and along the opposite edge of said major fabric portion and contiguous side of said minor portion, said web reinforcings extending across and defining the ends of said slit, and elongated webbing ties extending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor fabric portions, the length of said major fabric portion being substantially greater than the length of said minor fabric portion, the base of said minor fabric portion and inner transverse edge being hemmed and reinforced to maintain straight margins for said slit.

2. A holder according to claim 1, in which said first webbing reinforcing extends outwardly beyond both ends of said holder and comprises webbing ties and said second webbing reinforcing extends outwardly beyond both ends of said holder and comprises webbing ties, said first and second webbing crossing over at each end of said holder and said ties at each end diverging outwardly.

3. A holder according to claim 1, in which said first webbing reinforcing extends along said one edge of said major and minor body portions and is folded back upon itself at a first end of said holder and then comprises said second webbing reinforcing along the opposite edge of said major and minor body portions, an extension of said webbing reinforcement at a second end of said holder opposite said first end comprising one said webbing tie, and a separate piece of webbing being tacked to said webbing reinforcing at said first end and comprising another of said webbing ties.

4. A holder according to claim 1, Which further comprises slit reinforcing means fixed to said holder around both sides and both ends of said slit.

5. A holder according to claim 1, which further comprises slit reinforcing webbing stitched to said major and minor body portions, extending along one edge margin of said slit, across one end of said slit, back along the other edge margin of said slit and back across the opposite end of said slit.

6. A holder according to claim 5, in which the four corners of said slit reinforcing webbing are folded at approximately 45 angles.

7. In combination, a holder according to claim 1 and a jacket having front and back formed with a neck opening, means interconnecting said front and back positioned to fit under the arms of the wearer and four loops in the corners of said front and back, said holder passing through all of said loops.

8. The use of the combination of claim 7, comprising positioning said jacket on a patient with the patients head through said neck opening and said means under the arms of the patient, positioning said holder with the major portion around the back of said jacket and through the two said loops on the back of the jacket, drawing the major portion around either side of the patient and up through the two said loops on the front of the jacket, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, and tying said webbing ties of said major and minor portions to opposite sides of the bed, whereby the patient is held against upward movement relative to the bed, against turning movement from side to side and against movement laterally and longitudinally of the bed.

9. The use of a holder according to claim 1, on a patient lying in a bed comprising positioning said holder with said major portion under the body of the patient and said slit uppermost, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, tying the webbing ties of said major and minor portions to opposite sides of said bed, whereby said patient is held against upward movement relative to said bed, positioning a second said holder around a first ankle of the patient,

passing the major portion of said second holder under the minor portion thereof and out through the slit of said second holder, knotting the webbing ties of said second holder together adjacent said slit thereof, tying one said last-named tie to the side of the bed nearest said first ankle, positioning a third said holder around the second ankle of the patient, passing the major portion of said third holder under the minor portion thereof and out through the slit of said third holder, knotting the webbing ties of said third holder together adjacent said slit thereof, tying one said last named tie to the side of the bed nearest said second ankle and tying together the second ties of said second and third holders, whereby each leg of the patient is held both laterally and longitudinally of the bed.

10. The use of a holder according to claim 1 on a patient in a bed comprising passing the major portion of said holder around a limb of the patient, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, tying said webbing ties together in a knot adjacent said slit, and tying the outer ends of said webbing ties to an overhead support to suspend the limb of the patient.

11. The use of a holder according to claim 1 on a patient in a bed comprising passing the major portion of said holder around a limb of the patient, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, tying said webbing ties together in a knot adjacent said slit, and tying one of said webbing ties to one side of the bed and the other said webbing tie to the other side of the bed to hold said limb against lateral movement relative to the bed.

12. The use on a patient lying in a bed of a holder of the type having a major fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape with outwardly converging top and bottom edges and a transverse inner edge, a minor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of said triangular shape being of substantially the same length as said transverse inner edge of said major fabric portion, said base and said inner transverse edge being in proximity to each other and spaced apart to define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides of the minor portion converging in the opposite direction from the top and bottom edges of said major fabric portion, means joining said major and minor portions together at the ends of said slit, and webbing ties extending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor portions, the length of said major portion being substantially greater than the length of said minor portion, said use comprising positioning said holder with said major portion under the body of the patient and said slit uppermost, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, tying the webbing ties of said major and minor portions to opposite sides of said bed, whereby said patient is held against upward movement relative to said bed, positioning a second said holder around a first ankle of the patient, passing the major portion of said second holder under the minor portion thereof and out through the slit of said second holder, knotting the webbing ties of said second holder together adjacent said slit thereof, tying one said lastnamed tie to the side of the bed nearest said first ankle, positioning a third said holder around the second ankle of the patient, passing the major portion of said third holder under the minor portion thereof and out through the slit of said third holder, knotting the webbing ties of said third 10 holder together adjacent said slit thereof, tying one said last named tie to the side of the bed nearest said second ankle and tying together the second ties of said second and third holders, whereby each leg of the patient is held both laterally and longitudinally of the bed.

13. The use on a patient lying in a bed of a holder of the type having a major fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape with outwardly converging top and bottom edges and a transverse inner edge, a minor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of said triangular shape being of substantially the same length as said transverse inner edge of said major fabric portion, said base and said inner transverse edge being in proximity to each other and spaced apart to define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides of the minor portion converging in the opposite direction from the top and bottom edges of said major fabric portion, means joining said major and minor portions together at the ends of said slit, and webbing ties extending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor portions, the length of said major portion being substantially greater than the length of said minor portion, said use comprising passing the major portion of said holder around a limb of the patient, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, tying said webbing ties together in a knot adjacent said slit, and tying the outer ends of said webbing ties to an overhead support to suspend the limb of the patient.

14. The use on a patient lying in a bed of a holder of the type having a major fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape with outwardly converging top and bottom edges and a transverse inner edge, a minor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of said triangular shape being of substantially the same length as said transverse inner edge of said major fabric portion, said base and said inner transverse edge being in proximity to each other and spaced apart to define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides of the minor portion converging in the opposite direction from the top and bottom edges of said major fabric portion, means joining said major and minor portions together at the ends of said slit, and webbing ties extending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor portions, the length of said major portion being substantially greater than the length of said minor portion, said ruse comprising passing the major portion of said holder around a limb of the patient, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit, tying said webbing ties together in a knot adjacent said slit, and tying one of said webbing ties to one side of the bed and the other said webbing tie to the other side of the bed to hold said limb against lateral movement relative to the bed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 853,025 McCalrnont May 7, 1907 1,048,750 Smith Dec. 31, 1912 1,877,704 Switlik Sept. 13, 1932 1,923,809 Bates Aug. 22, 1933 2,429,283 Veyt Oct. 21, 1947 2,851,033 Posey Sept. 9, 1958 2,868,194 Lee Jan. 13, 1959

Claims

1. A HOLDER OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED COMPRISING A MAJOR FABRIC PORTION HAVING AN ELONGATED, NARROW TAPERED SHAPE WITH SUBSTANTIALLY STRAIGHT TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES CONVERGING OUTWARDLY, AND AN INNER TRANSVERSE EDGE, A MINOR FABRIC PORTION HAVING A TRIANGULAR SHAPE, THE BASE OF SAID TRIANGULAR SHAPE BEING SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME LENGTH AS SAID TRANSVERSE EDGE OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION, SAID BASE AND INNER TRANSVERSE EDGE BEING POSITIONED IN PROXIMITY TO EACH OTHER AND SPACED APART TO DEFINE THE SIDE EDGES OF A TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING SLIT, THE SIDES OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION CONVERGING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM THE TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION, FIRST WEB REINFORCING EXTENDING CONTINUOUSLY ALONG ONE FACE OF ONE EDGE OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION AND THE CONTIGUOUS SIDE OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION, SECOND WEB REINFORCING EXTENDING CONTINUOUSLY ON THE SAME FACE OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION AS SAID FIRST REINFORCING AND ALONG THE OPPOSITE EDGE OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION AND CONTIGUOUS SIDE OF SAID MINOR PORTION, SAID WEB REINFORCINGS EXTENDING ACROSS AND DEFINING THE ENDS SAID SLIT, AND ELONGATED WEBBING TIES EXTENDING OUT BEYOND THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID MAJOR AND MINOR FABRIC PORTIONS, THE LENGTH OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION BEING SUBSTANTIALLY GREATER THAN THE LENGTH OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION, THE BASE OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION AND INNER TRANSVERSE EDGE BEING HEMMED AND REINFORCED TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT MARGINS FOR SAID SLIT.