DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] FIG. 1 depicts an assembled head immobilization apparatus 100 for attaching a spine board 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , head immobilization apparatus 100 comprises two head blocks 105 and 110 placed on either side of an injured person's head (see FIG. 11 ). It is noted that, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, blocks 105 and 110 are of a uniform design so that they may be interchanged with each other on either side of the injured person's head. It is, thus, noted that the following description and corresponding Figures regarding either block 105 and 110 may be applied to other, and that duplicate description may be omitted.

[0071] Blocks 105 and 110 are fixed to a headboard (or base) 115 for supporting the back of the injured person's head by pressing down on plunger-type locks 120 and 125 . Blocks 105 and 110 can be released for readjustment or removal by depressing a respective lever on lock members 120 and 125 , which will be described in further detail below. Additional head motion restraint is achieved by connecting a strap 130 , which is attached to block 110 by a rivet 135 , to block 105 by a releasable fastener 140 across the forehead of the injured person (see FIG. 11 ), and connecting a corresponding strap 145 , which is attached to block 105 by a rivet 150 , across the chin back to block 110 by a releasable fastener 155 (see FIG. 11 ). In accordance with the invention, rivets 135 and 150 and fasteners 140 and 155 may be rotatable or disposed at a predetermined angle so that straps 130 and 145 connected across the forehead and chin of the injured person may be angled to accommodate a wider range of head sizes. In addition, the angles of straps 130 and 145 orient the pressures thereof toward the mandible joint, which reduces discomfort while enabling emergency medical personnel to open the mouth of the injured person. Blocks 105 and 110 also include arch openings 157 and 158 , respectively, for providing access to the sides of the injured person's head, including the ears. The arch opening also improves the x-ray transparency of the injured person's head, thus allowing emergency medical personnel to take x-rays of an injured person's head while it is immobilized. In the illustrative embodiment, fasteners 140 and 155 are hook and loop fabric tape-style fasteners that are attached to blocks 110 and 105 , respectively, for fastening straps 130 and 145 . It is noted that any fasteners, such as buttons, additional straps, etc., may be used.

[0072] To ensure comfort, foam pads 160 and 165 are riveted to blocks 105 and 110 on their surfaces that come in contact with the patient. An additional foam pad 170 is attached to headboard 115 via double-sided tape to cushion the back of the head and to prevent sliding. Pads 160 , 165 , and 170 may be made with foam of a color dissimilar to the color of human blood. Advantageously, a used pad ( 160 , 165 , or 170 ) may be easily identified and removed to be decontaminated and/or replaced.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1 , headboard 115 may be attached to a spine board 102 by means of 3 straps 175 , 180 , and 185 (see also FIGS. 6, 7 , and 12 ).

[0074] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict blocks 110 and 105 , respectively, being attached to headboard 115 using lock members 125 and 120 , and illustrate the three ways that blocks 110 and 105 may be adjusted to fit the head of an injured person. Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 2 B, block 105 is attached to headboard 115 by engaging lock member 120 to slot 205 in headboard 115 through a slot 210 in block 105 . Block 105 may be slid laterally (to and from the center of headboard 115 ) along slot 205 , longitudinally along slot 210 , and rotated relative to headboard 115 in 5 degree increments (−/+10 degree range) around lock member 120 . Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 2 A, block 110 may be operated in a similar manner on the opposite side of foam pad 170 along slot 215 of headboard 115 and slot 220 of block 110 . Thus, blocks 105 and 110 are respectively slid within a respective single slot 205 and 215 provided on both sides of foam pad 170 of headboard 115 .

[0075] FIGS. 3, 4A , and 4 B illustrate the two-part construction of lock member 120 , which enables a fit adjustment stage and a locking stage. By pushing lock member 120 down to a fit adjustment stage while in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 , block 105 is physically connected to headboard 115 but can still be longitudinally and laterally adjusted along slot 210 and rotationally adjusted around lock member 120 . The locking stage, enabled by further pushing down on lock member 120 , fixes block 105 in place.

[0076] FIGS. 5, 6A , and 6 B illustrate parts of block 105 and headboard 115 , respectively, that interact with lock member 120 for locking block 105 to headboard 115 .

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B , 6 A, and 6 B, the fit adjustment stage is engaged with two flexible fingers 405 and 410 on the lower half of lock member 120 each engaging slot 205 of headboard 115 , thus locking block 105 vertically in place. In the fit adjustment stage, block 105 may still be rotated around lock member 120 and slid longitudinally along slot 210 of block 105 and laterally along slot 205 of headboard 115 .

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5 , and 6 B, the locking stage is engaged with rows of teeth 305 and 310 on the upper part of lock member 120 each locking into a respective rack of teeth 505 and 510 on block 105 , thus fixing block 105 longitudinally and rotationally. Lateral motion is also fixed by further deflecting flexible fingers 405 and 410 into respective racks of teeth 605 and 610 in slot 205 of headboard 115 .

[0079] In the locking stage, block 105 can be unlocked for removal or for readjustment (in the adjustment stage) by pressing an unlock lever 515 , as shown in FIG. 5 , on the upper lock part of lock member 120 and lifting up. Pressing lever 515 disengages it from a locking tab 615 (shown in FIG. 6B ) in lock member 120 and disengages each set of teeth 305 , 310 , 405 , and 410 from their respective rack 505 , 510 , 605 , 610 by simply lifting lock member 120 , thus allowing block 105 to once again ratchet along the surface of headboard 115 with three degrees of freedom, as illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B . In the unlocked state, block 105 can also be disconnected from headboard 115 by pulling up on it. Correspondingly, the operation of block 110 is the same as that of block 105 described above.

[0080] FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate, step-by-step, the immobilization of a patient using head immobilization apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first step is to attach base headboard 115 to one end of spine board 102 . Straps 175 and 180 , which are riveted to headboard 115 on one side, loop around and under spine board 102 and fasten back to headboard 115 via clips 705 and 710 on the other side.

[0081] With headboard 115 in place, spine board 102 can be easily stored with no need to remove headboard 115 until cleaning is required. As shown in FIG. 8 , the patient is placed onto spine board 102 with his head centered on foam pad 170 . Each block ( 105 and 110 ) and lock member ( 120 and 125 ) assembly is then placed into headboard 115 on either side of the head. Block adjustments are then made in an effort to restrict head motion and to center the ear in arch opening 157 , as shown in FIG. 9 . Once the desired position of a block ( 105 ) is established, the user pushes down on the lock member ( 120 ), fixing the block ( 105 ) in place, as illustrated in FIG. 10 . Preferably, an audible sound and/or visual cues may be provided to notify the user when the lock member ( 120 ) is fully engaged.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11 , with both blocks ( 105 and 110 ) fixed snuggly against the patient's head, the two head-straps ( 130 and 145 ), made of loop material, are pulled taut across the chin and the forehead and fastened to the adjacent block ( 105 and 110 ) where a patch of fastening material ( 140 and 155 ) is provided. In this condition, the patient's head is fully immobilized.

[0083] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of head immobilization apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For clarity of illustration, block 110 and lock member 125 have been omitted from FIG. 12 with the understanding that they correspond to block 105 and lock member 120 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 12 , block 105 is attached to headboard 115 by engaging lock member 120 to slot 205 in headboard 115 through slot 210 in block 105 .

[0084] FIGS. 13A, 13B , and 13 C illustrate a flat storage position of head block 105 (and 110 ) ( FIG. 13A ) and an upright deployment position thereof ( FIG. 13B ) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 13 A, head block 105 comprises a hinge portion 1305 that allows an upper portion 1310 of block 105 to rotate 90 degrees to the upright deployment position shown in FIG. 13B . Corresponding snap hooks 1315 and 1320 and snap holes 1325 and 1330 snap into engagement and lock head block 105 in the upright deployment position of FIG. 13B . It is noted that the snap engagement of hooks 1315 and 1320 to holes 1325 and 1330 can be disengaged to restore block 105 to the flat position of FIG. 13A for storage. Referring back to FIG. 1 , it is further noted that strap 145 , rivet 150 , and releasable fastener 140 are arranged on block 105 in an identical manner as strap 130 , rivet 135 , and releasable fastener 155 of block 110 . Alternatively, as illustrated by FIGS. 12, 13A , and 13 B, head block 105 may comprise strap bridges 1205 and 1210 for accommodating the equivalent of straps 130 and 145 described above. As described before, blocks 105 and 110 may be interchanged on either side of the injured person's head. In other words, head blocks 105 and 110 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, are identical with no differentiation between left and right head blocks. Furthermore, blocks 105 and 110 may be molded flat, as shown in FIG. 13 A, and snapped into place upon deployment, as illustrated by FIG. 13B . Consequently, the manufacture of head blocks 105 and 110 is simplified. FIG. 13C illustrates an alternative embodiment for a detachable snap feature 1335 (which operates in a similar manner as snap hooks 1315 and 1320 and snap holes 1325 and 1330 shown in FIG. 13A ) and hinge mechanism 1340 (which corresponds to hinge portion 1305 shown in FIG. 13A ) for the above-described rotating engagement of upper portion 1310 of head block 105 from the flat storage position (shown in FIGS. 13A and 13C ) to the upright deployment position (shown in FIG. 13B ).

[0085] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, upper portion 1310 of head block 105 (and 110 ) is taper-walled, having a bell-shaped cross section, with an arch opening 157 (and 158 , as shown in FIG. 1 and described above). The shape of upper portion 1310 , in accordance with the invention, allows x-rays be taken on the cervical spine region of a patient with minimal artifacts, and unimpeded through arch opening 157 (and opening 158 of corresponding head block 110 shown in FIG. 1 ). Details of the bell-shaped cross section of upper portion 1310 and its reduction of x-ray artifacts will be further described below with reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B , and 19 C.

[0086] As described above, according to one embodiment of the invention, blocks 105 and 110 are attached and locked to separate base headboard 115 , which can be attached to spine board 102 using straps 175 , 180 , and 185 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 . Advantageously, straps 175 , 180 , and 185 are disposed in such a manner that headboard 115 may be attached to a spine board ( 102 ) of any design or manufacture.

[0087] In accordance with another embodiment, the aforementioned features of headboard 115 may be incorporated directly to spine board 102 , whereby head blocks 105 and 110 may be attached directly to spine board 102 . FIG. 14 illustrates blocks 105 and 110 attached directly to a spine board 1400 using lock member 120 and lock member 125 (not shown), thus omitting base headboard 115 . FIG. 15 depicts spine board 1400 without blocks 105 and 110 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 15 , spine board 1400 includes a single slot 1405 and 1410 to engage a respective head block, which are functional equivalents of slots 205 and 215 of headboard 115 . Block 105 may be attached to spine board 1400 by engaging lock member 120 to a slot 1405 in spine board 1400 through a slot 210 in block 105 . Block 105 may be slid laterally (to and from the center of spine board 1400 ) along slot 1405 , longitudinally along slot 210 , and rotated relative to spine board 1400 in 5 degree increments (−/+10 degree range) around lock member 120 . Correspondingly, block 110 may be operated in a similar manner along slot 1410 . Thus, blocks 105 and 110 may be respectively slid within a respective single slot 1405 and 1410 provided on both sides of a center portion of spine board 1400 . By decreasing the total number of parts (base headboard 115 ) and attachments thereof (straps 175 , 180 , and 185 ), this embodiment reduces the storage space required, and improves x-ray clarity and patient immobilization.

[0088] The lock member ( 120 and 125 ) for engaging a head block ( 105 and 110 ) to a base board ( 115 or 1400 ) described thus far is based on the positive engagement of meshes of gear teeth. When a head block ( 105 and 110 ) is connected to the base board ( 115 or 1400 ) using the lock member ( 120 and 125 )(where a bottom portion of the lock member may include a mechanism for movably attaching to a slot in the base board through a slot in the head block), the head block may be adjusted longitudinally (along the long axis of the backboard), laterally (towards the centerline of the board), and rotationally around a locking mechanism ( 120 and 125 ). By pushing down on the locking mechanism ( 120 and 125 ), the user may lock the three adjustment components into place. This locking step causes two locking fingers to deflect into the gaps between rows of teeth in the base, holding the head block ( 105 and 110 ) in position laterally. This user action is also simultaneously meshing two sets of teeth on the handle with teeth on the head block ( 105 and 110 ), effectively fixing the head block ( 103 and 110 ) longitudinally and rotationally. A lock member ( 120 and 125 ) based on mechanical engagement is very strong and can consistently perform its function in wet, hot, and cold environments.

[0089] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a head block ( 105 and 110 ) may be locked in position by friction. Instead of relying on the interference of teeth to restrict motion, high friction planar surfaces that have enough pressure exerted normal to the surfaces thereof may be used to eliminate motion between them. This alternative locking mechanism may be used particularly for the locking of a head block ( 105 and 110 ) laterally on a base board ( 115 or 1400 ). When the user pushes down on a handle, as will be described in detail below, instead of deflecting teeth into the spaces between other teeth, one flat surface is pushed against another with enough force to eliminate the possibility of slip. The contact surface may be roughened to provide a high-friction interface or a compressible material such as synthetic rubber or other elastomer could be employed to ensure a solid grip. On a microscopic level, frictional locking is very similar to the large teeth rack system: miniature “teeth” are interlocking on the adjacent surfaces thereby restricting motion. It is the high force normal to the contact surfaces that is the major difference between the two techniques. For this alternative embodiment, the part complexity is greatly reduced because rows of teeth are no longer needed.

[0090] FIG. 16 depicts a head block 1600 , an interfacing block 1605 , and a spine board 1610 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the above-described friction-based locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 16 , head block 1600 includes detachable foam pad 1607 (which is an equivalent of foam pad 160 ), a tape guiding surfaces 1612 and 1613 a tape receiving holder 1615 , a cam lock 1620 , and a notch 1625 for slidably accommodating interfacing block 1605 . A tape dispenser (not shown) is disposed under tape guiding surface 1612 . According to the invention, interfacing block 1605 may be permanently mounted on head block 1600 . As further illustrated in FIG. 16 , head block 1600 is attached to spine board 1610 by sliding interfacing block 1605 into a track 1635 of spine board 1610 . Head block 1600 may be adjusted laterally (to and from center of spine board 1610 ), longitudinally (by sliding head block 1600 on interfacing block 1605 along notch 1625 ), and rotationally (by rotating around interfacing block 1605 ) before being locked into place on spine board 1610 by lowering cam lock 1620 . Head block 1600 also comprises slanted surface 1637 , which is the functional equivalent of arch opening 157 , for providing emergency medical personnel access to the side of the injured person's head, including the ear. Spine board 1610 includes a removable head pad 1640 , which is similar to head pad 170 . It is noted that head block 1600 is attached directly to spine board 1610 , corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 .

[0091] FIG. 17 illustrates head block 1600 and a corresponding head block 1700 attached to spine board 1610 using a headboard 1705 (similar to headboard 115 ) so as to immobilize an injured person's head in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 17 , head block 1700 comprises a tape dispenser 1710 that is similar to the dispenser under tape guiding surface 1612 . A tape receiving holder similar to holder 1615 is disposed under tape guiding surface 1715 of head block 1700 . As illustrated by FIG. 17, a tape 1720 from the dispenser under guiding surface 1612 is extended across the forehead of the patient and removably attached to the receiving holder under guiding surface 1715 of head block 1700 . Similarly, tape 1725 from dispenser 1710 may be extended across the chin of the patient and removably attached to receiving holder 1615 . Thus, tapes 1720 and 1725 perform the function of fitting head blocks 1600 and 1700 to the sides of the patient's head, which is similar to that of straps 130 and 145 . Similar to rivets 135 and 150 and fasteners 140 and 155 , the tape dispensers and receivers may be rotatable or disposed at a predetermined angle so that tapes 1720 and 1725 connected across the forehead and chin of the injured person may be angled to accommodate a wider range of head sizes. Tapes 1720 and 1725 , integrated in blocks 1600 and 1700 , allow for easy strapping of the patient's head. As described before, cam lock 1620 is used to lock block 1600 into position, and may be disengaged by lifting in the direction of arrow 1730 . As further illustrated by FIG. 17 , slanted surface 1637 and a corresponding slanted surface 1735 of head block 1700 provide emergency medical personnel with access to the sides of the patient's head, including the ears.

[0092] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a friction-based locking mechanism for holding a head block ( 105 ) in place on a base ( 115 ). By pushing down on a handle 1805 of a lock mechanism that is similar to lock mechanism 120 (shown in FIG. 6B ), an internal lock feature of the lock mechanism causes a lock section 1810 to deflect out against base slot walls 1815 of base board 115 with sufficient normal pressure to hold head block 105 in place. The friction-based locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B is significantly simpler than lock mechanism 120 shown in FIG. 6 B, thus simplifying a manufacturing process therefor.

[0093] As described before, head blocks 105 and 110 may be taper-walled, having bell-shaped cross sections for minimizing x-ray artifacts. In further consideration of minimizing x-ray artifacts, head blocks 105 and 110 are preferably made from a relatively x-ray transparent material (and a disposable, cleanable, and rigid material)(e.g., a non-metallic material). FIGS. 19A, 19B , and 19 C illustrate the x-ray transparent cross-sectional structure of upper portion 1310 (of head blocks 105 and 110 ) shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B , and 13 C.

[0094] In order to provide sturdy head immobilization, head blocks 105 and 110 are preferably shaped so that they are sufficiently rigid. However, abrupt density (or thickness) changes of an object between an x-ray source and an image pickup, e.g., x-ray film or slide, causes x-ray artifacts. As shown in FIG. 19A, a curvilinear shape with tapered/feathered ends (or bell shape) causes significantly less x-ray artifacts than other rigid shapes, such as U-channel sections (with vertical walls) and ribbings. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 19B and 19C , it is preferable that upper portion 1310 (of head blocks 105 and 110 ) have a cross section that is curvilinear with tapered/feathered ends (or bell shaped), and without any ribs or vertical walls.

[0095] As described before, arch openings 157 and 158 of head blocks 105 and 110 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) are provided so that the injured person's head, particularly the cervical spine area, is x-ray transparent. It is further noted that all fasteners (e.g., 140 and 155 ) and mechanisms (e.g., 120 and 125 ) for head blocks 105 and 110 are arranged away from the cervical spine area for similar reasons.

[0096] FIG. 20A is an exploded view of head block 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 20 A, pad 160 may be removably attached to head block 105 by engaging rivets 2005 a, 2005 b and 2005 c and washers 2010 a, 2010 b and 2010 c to head block 105 through corresponding holes in pad 160 . FIGS. 20B and 20C are diagrams illustrating holes 2015 a, 2015 b and 2015 c on pad 160 for engaging rivets 2005 a, 2005 b and 2005 c and washers 2010 a, 2010 b and 2010 c. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, head block 110 and pad 165 may include a similar structure, a description of which will not be repeated. As described before with reference to FIG. 1 , pads 160 and 165 may be riveted to blocks 105 and 110 on their surfaces that come in contact with the patient. An additional pad 170 may be attached to headboard 115 to cushion the back of the head and to prevent sliding. FIG. 20D is a diagram illustrating the shape of additional pad 170 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Pads 160 , 165 , and 170 may be made with foam of a color dissimilar to the color of human blood and may be removably riveted or attached to head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 , respectively. Pads 160 , 165 , and 170 may also be fastened to head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 by hook and loop fabric tape-style fasteners, two-sided adhesive fasteners, and the like. It is noted that any fasteners, such as buttons, additional straps, etc., may be used. Advantageously, a used pad ( 160 , 165 , or 170 )—if contaminated from contact with a patient—may easily be identified and removed to be decontaminated and/or replaced without the need to replace entire head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 .

[0097] As further described with reference to FIG. 1 , additional head motion restraint may be achieved by connecting strap 130 , which may be attached to block 110 by rivet 135 , to block 105 by releasable fastener 140 across the forehead of the injured person (see FIG. 11 ), and connecting a corresponding strap 145 , which is attached to block 105 by a rivet 150 , across the chin back to block 110 by a releasable fastener 155 (see FIG. 11 ). In accordance with the invention, rivets 135 and 150 and fasteners 140 and 155 may be rotatable or disposed at a predetermined angle so that straps 130 and 145 connected across the forehead and chin of the injured person may be angled to accommodate a wider range of head sizes. Referring back to FIG. 20 A, rivet 135 may be replaced by a fastener 2020 similar to fastener 140 . Correspondingly, rivet 150 ( FIG. 1 ) may be replaced by a fastener (not shown) similar to fastener 155 ( FIG. 1 ). In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, fasteners 140 , 155 and 2020 may be hook and loop fabric tape-style fasteners that are attached to blocks 110 and 05 , respectively, for fastening straps 130 and 145 . Alternatively, the hook and loop fasteners could be removable or molded to the blocks to snap in and out. It is noted that any fasteners, such as buttons, two-sided adhesive fasteners, etc., may also be used. Advantageously, a used strap ( 130 , 145 ) or fastener ( 140 , 155 and 2020 ) may be removed to be decontaminated and/or replaced without the need to replace entire head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 .

[0098] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, all elements, including straps ( 130 and 145 ), fasteners ( 140 , 155 and 2020 ) and pads ( 160 , 165 , and 170 ), for contacting a patient's body part that is to be immobilized may be easily removed, decontaminated and/or replaced. These elements may also be packaged and sold as a kit of replaceable parts. For example, a kit may consist of two block pads, two head straps and one base pad. As a result, head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 (or spine board 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 ) may be quickly reused by simply replacing the contact elements. Furthermore, head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 (or spine board 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 ) may, thus, have an extended useful life for not having to be replaced for contamination of their respective contact elements. Thus, a replacement pad and strap kit for a head immobilization system may allow the durable components (such as head blocks 105 and 110 and headboard 115 ) to be reused indefinitely thereby reducing cleaning costs and minimizing exposure to pathogens. Such a kit of replaceable parts may also reduce material waste compared to having all disposable components without any durable components (i.e. head immobilizers). The durable components may be made of molded plastic material, which would make them essentially reusable but still low enough in cost to be disposed of when significantly contaminated.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 21 , replaceable parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may also be used with a cervical (neck-stabilizing) collar. The collar comprises a neck band 2110 , a mandible support 2160 , and padding 2180 . Padding 2180 is attached to the aforementioned components to enhance the comfort of the wearer. The padding 2180 consists of a piece of neck foam 2182 and a second piece of chin foam 2189 . The neck foam 2182 has the same general shape as the neck band 2110 to which it is attached, but is sized to extend somewhat beyond the upper and lower margins of the neck band 2110 . The foam is attached by a plurality of snaps, rivets, or other attachment structure provided for this purpose, and may be permanently or replacably attached to the neck band and mandible support. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck band 2110 is provided with a series of fastener holes for facilitating attachment of the neck pad via rivets. Similarly, chin foam 2189 is configured to overlie and provide padding for the chin piece 2130 . As shown in FIG. 21 , neck foam 2182 may be removably attached to neck band 2110 by engaging rivets 2190 a, 2190 b, 2190 c, 2190 d and 2190 e and spacers 2191 a, 2191 b, 2191 c, 2191 d and 2191 e to neck band 2110 through corresponding slots in neck foam 2182 . Similarly, chin foam 2189 may be removably attached to chin piece 2160 by engaging spacers 2192 a, 2192 b and 2192 c and rivets 2193 a, 2193 b and 2193 c to chin piece 2130 through corresponding slots in chin foam 2189 .

[0100] The neck band 2110 can be made from various stiff flexible plastics, including without limitation high and low density polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polypropylene, etc. Padding, straps and strips can be joined to the collar by any suitable fastening means, including without limitation snap fasteners, staples and adhesive. Although hook and loop fastening material is used as the preferred means to hold the collar in its neck encircling conformation, other means can be used to perform the same function, such as straps, buckles, snaps, fasteners, cords, tabbed strips or any other substantially non-stretch material with latching means. The cervical collar is further described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,795,315, 6,090,058 and U.S. Pat No. Des. 393,718, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0101] FIG. 22 illustrates a cervical collar in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The collar comprises an elongated band 2210 which is formed of a stiff flexible sheet material such as various plastics, e.g., high and low density polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polypropylene, etc. A foam strip 2221 is preferably secured to the lower edge 2224 of the band 2210 by suitable fastening means, e.g., snap fasteners and/or staples. Cement or other bonding means can also be used. Preferably the foam strip 2221 includes a foam pad 2253 overlying the inside surface of back 2218 , as shown. This provides additional comfort to the patient. The attachment band 2234 overlies a short portion 2219 of foam pad 2253 . In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, attachment band 2234 , and foam strip 2221 and/or foam pad 2253 may be removably attached to neck band 2210 by engaging rivets 2225 a, 2225 b, 2225 c, 2225 d, 2225 e, and 2225 f and corresponding spacers (not shown) to neck band 2210 through corresponding slots in attachment band 2234 , and foam strip 2221 and/or foam pad 2253 . Alternatively, instead of securing the neck band 2210 over the rivets, hooks (not shown) could be provided at both ends of the neck band 2210 to removably attach the foam strip 2221 and/or foam pad 2253 to the neck band 2210 . Similarly, the entire inside surface of the chin support brace 2250 can receive a cushioning (foam) pad. The pads which are used can be foamed plastics such as polyethylene and polyurethane. Most preferably, the foam strip projects a slight distance past the lower edge 2224 , as shown to provide maximum cushioning to the patient. The chin support brace 2250 is a generally C-shaped plate 2252 which has distal apertures 2254 and 2256 and a central aperture 2251 . A cushioning (foam) pad may removably attached to chin support brace (C-shaped plate 2252 ) by engaging rivets 2255 a, 2255 b, and 2255 c and corresponding washers (not shown) through apertures 2251 , 2254 and 2256 and corresponding apertures in the cushioning pad. Other features of the cervical collar of FIG. 22 are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,619 and U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,219, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0102] Thus, a replacement pad and strap kit for a cervical collar (e.g., neck band 2110 or neck band 2210 ) may allow the durable components to be reused indefinitely thereby reducing costs and minimizing exposure to pathogens. Such a kit of replaceable parts may also reduce material waste compared to having all disposable components without any durable components.

[0103] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method(s) and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, the described embodiments apply to immobilizing an injured person's head. However, the invention may be applied to immobilizing other parts of the body, such as an injured person's knee, pelvis, etc.

[0104] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.