Human Hand Mimetic and Pediatric Bolster Support System Device

Abstract

A human hand mimetic and pediatric support system device to provide comfort, positioning aid, sense of security and support for infants, especially premature infants or other users lacking full mobility. This device consists of a cavity in the shape of a human hand (glove/mitten) partially or totally filled with a freely flowable material and closed at the cuff. An optional extension to the cuff mimics an arm/forearm to provide extra length, weight and/or flexibility of usage. This device provides continual gentle pressure and subtle restraint by mimicking the touch of a human hand and conforming to the contour of the body. The device may be used directly touching the skin, is washable without disassembly, and it does not interfere with medical or other equipment. It may be used under or over the body of the infant (excluding the face) or to secure external items in place such as pacifiers, bottles, paperwork, toys, tubes, etc.)

1 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) Securing an infant in a prone resting position with head turned sideways;   (b) Placing the length of said device over an infant;   (c) Ensuring that device extends and contours over the hips, buttocks, and back of the infant;   (d) Whereby the infant is provided, boundaries, support and the comfort and weight of a human hand on his or her back.   
   
   
       2 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) Securing an infant in a prone resting position with head turned sideways;   (b) Placing a hand shaped cavity of the device over the hips and buttocks of said infant; and,   (c) Whereby the infant is provided support and the comfort and weight of a human hand on his or her backside.   
   
   
       3 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) Securing an infant in a resting position on his or her side;   (b) Wrapping the length of a hand shaped cavity and an extension of the device around the infant, so that said hand shaped cavity rests next to the infant's head and said extension extends the length of the infant's back; and,   (c) Whereby the position of the infant is stabilized and rollovers of the infant are prevented.   
   
   
       4 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) Securing an infant in a resting position on his or her side;   (b) Placing an extension of the device between the legs of the infant as a pillow; and,   (c) Whereby the infant remains in a more natural posture providing comfort, boundaries, and a sense of security.   
   
   
       5 . A method of using the hand and mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) securing an infant in a supine resting position;   (b) placing said device beneath the infant's head as a pillow; and,   (c) whereby the infant's head is maintained in a safe and comfortable position without compromising the spine.   
   
   
       6 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) securing an infant in a prone resting position;   (b) placing said device beneath the infant's stomach so the device is perpendicular to the infant; and,   (c) whereby the infant's position is maintained for the safety and comfort of the infant.   
   
   
       7 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) securing an infant in a sitting position;   (b) placing at least one device on at least one side of said sitting infant so that the length of said device is parallel to the length of and touching said infant; and,   (c) whereby the infant is provided support to remain upright, and assisting a correct posture by protecting the spine against unnecessary lateral movements.   
   
   
       8 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) Identifying loose items near an infant and incubator;   (b) placing the length of said device over loose items in an infant bed; and   (c) whereby said loose items are secured within said incubator and do not get tangled with said infant.   
   
   
       9 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device comprising the steps of:
 (a) manipulating said device so that freely flowable material is moved from a hand shaped cavity into and confined in an extension (that mimics an arm) of said device;   (b) placing said extension of said device lengthwise along the length of an infant from a top of said infants head, down along said infant's spine; and,   (c) whereby unwanted movement of the infant's head is restricted, which is particularly useful during infant intubations and to prevent against unintended tube removal.   
   
   
       10 . A method of using the hand mimetic and pediatric support system device of claim  25  comprising the steps of:
 (a) Securing an infant in a supine resting position;   (b) Wrapping the length of a hand shaped cavity and an extension of the device around at least one side of the infant;   (c) whereby the infant is provided support and boundaries.