PATENT ABSTRACT
A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient&#39;s jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient&#39;s neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient&#39;s airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient&#39;s neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient&#39;s airway.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
[0001]    This application is a Divisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/494,843, filed Jun. 30, 2009, allowed, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional application no. 61/076,757, filed 30 Jun. 2008, entitled “Jaw Thrust Device and Method”, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Endeavor 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to devices, systems, and processes useful in patient airway maintenance, and more specifically to devices and methods that perform a jaw thrust. 
         [0004]    2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The jaw thrust is a technique used on patients in a supine position to open the patient&#39;s trachea (airway), which has become blocked by the backward movement of the lower jaw (mandible) relative to the rest of the patient&#39;s skull, which in turn can cause the patient&#39;s airway to be blocked. The practitioner typically uses their thumbs to physically push the posterior (back) aspects of the mandible forward and into a position in which the airway is no longer blocked. When the mandible is displaced forward, it pulls the tongue forward and prevents it from blocking (occluding) the entrance to the trachea, helping to ensure a patent (securely unobstructed) airway. 
         [0006]    Numerous devices have in the past been proposed for assisting in this procedure, which have been met with limited acceptance. Among the difficulties with prior devices is that many secure the patient&#39;s head to the device and/or to the surface (e.g., an operating table) on which the patient is positioned, which limits the medical practitioner&#39;s ability to perform procedures on the patient&#39;s head and neck. Additionally, many prior devices address only the relative position of the mandible and the associated position of the patient&#39;s tongue, and do not address other portions of the patient&#39;s airway. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    According to a first aspect of the invention, a jaw thrust device comprises a frame having a pair of upstanding arms with free ends, two jaw pads and two adjustment mechanisms, each of the adjustment mechanisms mounts a respective one of the jaw pads to a respective one of the free ends, and a neck pad positioned on the frame and between the two jaw pads, the neck pad having first and second ends, the frame holding the neck pad first end such that a portion of the frame and the two neck pad ends together form a triangle shape with the neck pad first end at the triangle apex. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a jaw thrust device comprises a frame having a pair of upstanding arms with free ends two L-shaped jaw pads and two adjustment mechanisms, a jaw pad mounted to each arm free end via one adjustment mechanism, and a neck pad positioned on the frame and between the two jaw pads, the frame holding the neck pad. 
         [0009]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for opening a trachea of a patient comprises hyperextending a neck of a patient, and displacing a mandible of the patient anteriorly. 
         [0010]    Still other aspects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method, given only by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary use of a device in accordance with the present invention to maintain the patency of a patient&#39;s airway; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top, right, rear perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top, left, rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top, right, front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic representation of a bottom view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates a schematic representation of a side view of the embodiment of right side of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures. 
         [0024]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary device  1  embodying principles of the present invention is illustrated. In  FIG. 1 , the device  1  is schematically represented. The device  1  can include a base member  2  that can have a generally triangular shape, as see in side profile or sagittal view. The base member  2  can be oriented relative to a support surface S such that an apex  3  of the triangular shaped base member  2  can be positioned at height relative to the support surface S and at least one side  5  of the base member  2  can be inclined relative to the support surface S. When an adult human patient, in a supine position, is positioned on the support surface S with the back of their neck N resting on the base member  2 , the angle of the side  5  of the base member  2  and the height of the apex of the base member  2  can cause hyperextension of the patient&#39;s neck N. The amount of hyperextension of the patient&#39;s neck N can be an appropriate amount sufficient to minimize occlusion of the patient&#39;s trachea that may be caused by the patient&#39;s internal anatomy. 
         [0025]    In order to maintain patency of the patient&#39;s trachea once the neck N has been properly hyperextended, the device  1  can include a jaw support  4  secured to the base  2 . (Only the right side of the jaw support  4  is viewable in FIG.  4 —see  FIG. 2 , for example, for further illustration of both sides of the exemplary jaw support.) The jaw support  4  can engage and support both sides of the patient&#39;s mandible M at a position relative to the apex  3  and the support surface S. In particular, the jaw support  4  can be oriented relative to the patient such that the jaw support  4  engages the ramus portion R on each side of the patient&#39;s mandible M. Thus, the jaw support  4  can prevent the patient&#39;s mandible M from slipping backwards when the patient&#39;s neck N is hyperextended, by the cooperation of inclined side  5  with other features of the base  2 , as will be described below. 
         [0026]    A first exemplary embodiment of the device  1  schematically represented in  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a device  10  that can include a base  12  and a jaw support  14  that can engage and support a patient&#39;s neck and mandible, respectively, as described above. 
         [0027]    The base  12  can include a frame  16  and a neck pad  18 . The frame  16  can cooperate with the neck pad to hyperextend the patient&#39;s neck an appropriate amount. The jaw support  14  can be connected to the frame  16 , as will be described in detail below. The neck pad  18  can be merely placed onto the frame  16  or the neck pad  18  can be positively connected to the frame  16 . If the neck pad  18  positively connected to the frame  16 , then the neck pad  18  can either be removably connected or permanently connected to the frame  16 . 
         [0028]    The frame  16  can be configured from a material and with a geometry sufficient to provide an unyielding support of a patent&#39;s neck when the patient is lying supine on a support surface. By way of example, the frame  16  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. 
         [0029]    The frame  16  can form at least a portion of the base  12  and can include a polygonal stand  20 , a first pad support  22  (underneath the neck pad  18 ) and a second pad support  24 . The pad supports  22 ,  24  can extend from opposite ends of the polygonal stand  20 . The pad supports  22 ,  24  can be configured from a material and with a geometry sufficient to provide an unyielding support of a patent&#39;s neck when the patient is lying supine on a support surface. By way of example, the pad supports  22 ,  24  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. 
         [0030]    The polygonal stand  20  and the pad supports  22 ,  24  can be integrally formed to define the frame  16  as a single, homogenous component. In this exemplary embodiment, the polygonal stand  20  and the pad supports  22 ,  24  can be formed by bending the stock into the desired shape. In another exemplary embodiment, the pad supports  22 ,  24  can be formed as separate components and connected to the frame  20  by any known fastening devices. 
         [0031]    The polygonal stand  20  can include a central segment  26 , a first lateral segment  28 , a second lateral segment  30 , a first connector segment  32  and a second connector segment  34 . The first lateral segment  28  can extend from one end of the central segment  26  at an obtuse angle. The second lateral segment  30  can extend from the other end of the central segment  26  at an obtuse angle and symmetrically with respect to the first lateral segment  28 . The first connector segment  32  can extend from the first lateral segment  28  to the first pad support  22 . The second connector segment  34  can extend from the second lateral segment  30  to the second pad support  24 . The first and second connector segments  32 ,  34  can extend at an obtuse angle relative to the respective first and second lateral segments  28 ,  30 , respectively. The first and second connector segments  32 ,  34  can extend from the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24  and any angle deemed sufficient to provide an appropriate hyperextension of the patient&#39;s neck. The junction between the first connector segment  32  and the first pad support  22  and the junction between the second connector segment  34  and the second pad support  24  can be arcuate. In another exemplary embodiment, this junction can be angular. 
         [0032]    Each of the segments  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  can be integrally formed to define the polygonal stand  20  as a single, homogenous component. Or, each of the segments  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  can be formed as separate components and connected to each other by any known fastening devices to form the polygonal stand  20 . 
         [0033]    The neck pad  18  can be permanently secured or removably secured to the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24  in any known manner. If the neck pad  18  is removably connected to the pad supports  22 ,  24 , then the neck pad  18  can be cleaned and reused, or the used neck pad  18  can be disposed and replaced with a new neck pad  18  after each use. The neck pad  18  can span the frame  16  from the first pad support  22  to the second pad support  24 . 
         [0034]    The neck pad  18  can include a first end  36 , a second end  38 , a first side  40 , a second side  42 , a backing  44 , and a cushion  46 . The cushion  46  can include an engagement surface  48  on a side of the cushion opposite to the backing  44 . The backing  44  and the engagement surface  48  can extend from and between the first and second ends  36 ,  38  and the first and second sides  40 ,  42 . The cushion  46  can be formed as a separate component from the backing  44  and subsequently affixed, permanently or removably, to the backing  44  in any known manner. The backing  44  can have a rigidity sufficient to support the patient&#39;s neck in an appropriate hyperextended position above the support surface without substantial deformation to the backing  44 . Any known material providing sufficient rigidity can be used to form the backing  44 . The cushion  46  can be formed from any known soft, resilient material used for cushions. One example of the cushion material can be a foam material. 
         [0035]    The first and second sides  40 ,  42  of the neck pad  18  can be positioned adjacent to the respective first and second pad supports  22 ,  24 . The first and second sides  40 ,  42  can extend substantially parallel to the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24  and can extend beyond the pad supports  22 ,  24 . 
         [0036]    The backing  44  can rest against the pad supports  22 ,  24  without a positive connection thereto. Or, the backing  44  can be positively secured to the pad supports  22 ,  24  in any known manner. Any positive connection between the backing  44  and the pad supports  22 ,  24  can be either a removable connection or a permanent connection. 
         [0037]    The engagement surface  48  of the neck pad  18  can be generally concave in its extent from the first side  40  to the second side  42 . The engagement surface  48  can have a generally convex curvature along a central portion extending from the first end  36  to the second end  38 . This compound curvature of the engagement surface  48  can provide stable support in the posterior, inferior, superior, and lateral directions for the patient&#39;s neck when the patient&#39;s neck is appropriately hyperextended. The backing  44  can minor the geometry of the engagement surface  48  or the backing  44  can be configured in any suitable geometry. 
         [0038]    The first end  36  of the neck pad  18  can be positioned adjacent the junction of the pad supports  22 ,  24  with their respective connector segments  32 ,  34 . The first end  36  of the neck pad  18  can be spaced from the central segment  26  and the first and second lateral segments  28 ,  30  of the polygonal stand  20 . 
         [0039]    The second end  38  of the neck pad  18  can be spaced from the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24 . The second end  38  can curve as it extends from the first side  40  to the second side  42 . Alternatively, the second end  38  of the neck pad  18  can be segmented in a manner that corresponds to the central segment  26  and the lateral segments  28 ,  30  of the polygonal stand  20 . 
         [0040]    In use, a portion of the second end  38  of the neck pad  18  and a portion of the polygonal stand  20  can be placed on and engage the support surface upon which the patient lies. When placed on the support surface, the engaging portions of the second end  38  and the polygonal stand  20  can define the vertices of a triangular shape, when viewed in profile or sagittal view. The apex of this triangular shape relative to the support surface can lie adjacent the first end  36  of the neck pad  18 . The apex of the triangular shape can lie adjacent the junctions of the first and second connector segments  32 ,  34  with the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24 . 
         [0041]    The lengths of the lateral segments  28 ,  30  and the connector segments  32 ,  34  of the polygonal stand  20  and the lengths of the sides  40 ,  42  of the neck pad  18  can be chosen along with the angle defined between the first connector segment  32  and the first pad support  22  and the angle defined between the second connector segment  34  and the second pad support  24  such that the base  12  can elevate the patient&#39;s neck above the support surface an amount to appropriately hyperextend the patient&#39;s neck. Thus, the frame  16  and the neck pad  18  can cooperate to stably support the neck of a supine patient in an appropriate hyperextended position without the need to fix the device  10  to the support surface. 
         [0042]    Routinely, a patient can lie on the support surface in a supine position with both shoulders resting against the support surface. When the engagement surface  48  of the neck pad  18  receives the patient&#39;s neck in this supine position, the central segment  26  of the polygonal stand and a central portion of the second end  38  of the neck pad  18  can engage the support surface. In this position, the lateral segments  28 ,  30  of the polygonal stand  20  can extend away from the support surface. The length of the central segment  26  can be any length sufficient to ensure stable support of the patient&#39;s neck while the central segment  26  engages the support surface without fixing the device to the support surface. 
         [0043]    However, it may be advantageous to slightly roll the patient toward one side such that the opposite shoulder is slightly spaced above the supporting surface. The device  10  can also support a patient&#39;s neck in an appropriate hyperextended position when the patient is slightly rolled toward one side while lying on the support surface. The first and second lateral segments  28 ,  30  can define beveled corners of the frame  16  that can permit rotation of the base  12  in unison with the patient as the patient is rolled slightly toward one side. 
         [0044]    In an instance where the patient is rolled slightly on the support surface toward the patient&#39;s left side, the device  10  can be reoriented relative to the support surface in unison with the patient because the device  10  is not fixed to the support surface. When so reoriented, the first lateral segment  28  of the polygonal stand  20  can engage the support surface and the central segment  26  and second lateral segment  30  can be spaced above the support surface. 
         [0045]    In an instance where the patient is rolled slightly on the support surface toward the patient&#39;s right side, the device  10  can be reoriented relative to the support surface in unison with the patient because the device  10  is not fixed to the support surface. When so reoriented, the second lateral segment  30  can engage the support surface and the central segment  26  and first lateral segment  26  can be spaced above the support surface. 
         [0046]    As with the central segment  26 , the length of the lateral segments  28 ,  30  can be any length sufficient to ensure stable support of the patient&#39;s neck while the appropriate one of the lateral segments  28 ,  30  engages the support surface without fixing the device  10  to the support surface. Thus, it is not necessary to fix the device  10  to the support surface when the device is in any of the above-mentioned orientations relative to the support surface. However, the device  10  can be removably fixed relative to the support surface in any known manner, as desired. 
         [0047]    In addition to providing stable support of the patient&#39;s neck, the concave curvature of the neck pad  18  can accommodate the multiple orientations of the polygonal stand  20  on the support surface. Similarly, the configuration (arcuate or segmented) of the second end  38  of the neck pad can also accommodate the multiple orientations of the polygonal stand  20  on the support surface. 
         [0048]    After the patient&#39;s neck has been appropriately hyperextended, the jaw support  14  can be used to position the patient&#39;s jaw relative to the neck such that occlusion of the patient&#39;s trachea by the patient&#39;s internal anatomy can be minimized. The jaw support  14  can include first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  and first and second jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56  engaging the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52 , respectively. 
         [0049]    The first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  can extend from the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24 , respectively, at positions external to the first and second sides  40 ,  42 , respectively, of the neck pad  18 . Each of the mounting arms  50 ,  52  can include a first end connected to the respective pad support  22 ,  24  and a free end spaced from both the pad supports  22 ,  24 . The first ends of the mounting arms  50 ,  52  can be connected to the first and second pad supports  22 ,  24  in any manner known in the art suitable to ensure a substantially rigid relationship therebetween. 
         [0050]    By way of example, the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. If the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  are fabricated from the same material stock as the frame  16 , then the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  can be integrally formed as a single, homogenous component with the frame  16 . 
         [0051]    The first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  can extend away from the engagement surface  48  to a height sufficient to permit an adjustment range for the respective one of the jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56  while not impeding placement of either of the lateral segments  28 ,  30  onto the support surface. Details of the adjustability offered by the mounting arms  50 ,  52  will be discussed below. 
         [0052]    The first and second mounting arm  50 ,  52  can be arcuate and can be aligned about a common arc. This geometry can promote contact with the patient&#39;s mandible when the neck pad  18  receives the patient&#39;s neck. Simultaneously with promotion of contact with the mandible, this geometry imparts a thrust force onto the patient&#39;s mandible that can push inward (medially) on the mandible. Thus, the jaw support  14  can be self-seating and can resist slippage relative to the mandible. 
         [0053]    The curvature of the mounting arms  50 ,  52  can also be sufficient to allow clearance of the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  with the support surface when either of the lateral segments  28 ,  30  of the polygonal stand  20  engage the support surface, as discussed above. The curvature of the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  can also be set to ensure sufficient clearance of the patient&#39;s neck as it is moved into and out of contact with the engagement surface  48  of the neck pad  18 . 
         [0054]    In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second mounting arms  50 ,  52  can be linear. In another exemplary embodiment, the mounting arms  50 ,  52  can include an arcuate portion connected to the respective pad support  22 ,  24  and a linear portion connected to the other end of the arcuate portion. 
         [0055]    The second jaw assembly  56  can be substantially identical to or substantially a minor image of the first jaw assembly  54  and can operate substantially identically to the first jaw assembly  54 . Accordingly, the following description of the jaw assemblies  54 ,  56  will be limited to the second jaw assembly  56 . 
         [0056]    The second jaw assembly  56  can include a jaw pad  58 , an adjustment post  60  and a connector assembly  62 . The jaw pad  58  can be secured to one end of the adjustment post  60  in any known manner. The connector assembly  62  can be movably secured to the second mounting arm  52  in either direction indicated by the arrows A. The adjustment post  60  can be movably mounted to the connector assembly  62  in either direction indicated by the arrows B. 
         [0057]    The jaw pad  58  can include a deformable core (not shown) and a removable cover. The core can be made from a deformable material and can be secured to the adjustment post  60 . The cover can enclose the core in part or in total. The cover can be made from a cloth material and can be removed from around the core for cleaning and reused or the cover can be removed, disposed and replaced with a new cover after each use. 
         [0058]    In another exemplary embodiment, the entire jaw pad  58  can be removably mounted to the adjustment post  60 . In this exemplary embodiment, the jaw pad  58  can be formed as a single component as compared to a separate core and cover component. This single component jaw pad can be removed, cleaned, and reused. Or, this single component jaw pad can be removed and replaced with a new jaw pad after each use. 
         [0059]    The jaw pad  58  can have an engagement surface  64  that can contact the ramus portion of the patient&#39;s mandible when the patient is positioned on the device as described herein. In  FIG. 2 , the engagement surface  64  is best viewed on the jaw pad  58  associated with the first jaw pad assembly  54 .  FIG. 2  depicts the engagement surface  64  of the jaw pad  60  as a substantially planar surface. However, the engagement surface  64  of the jaw pad  60  can be configured in any geometry deemed appropriate for stable engagement with the patient&#39;s mandible. 
         [0060]    By way of example, the adjustment post  60  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. 
         [0061]    The connector assembly  62  can include a housing  63  that can include respective through-holes for the second mounting arm  52  and the adjustment post  60 . The connector assembly  62  can slide along the second mounting arm  52  via the respective through-hole and the adjustment post  60  can slide within the respective through-hole of the connector assembly  62 . Thus, the first and second jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56  can be adjusted to best fit the anatomy of each patient. 
         [0062]    The through-hole of the housing  63  that receives the adjustment post  60  can be oriented relative to the base  12  such that the adjustment post extends inwardly and upwardly (supero-medially) over the neck pad  18 . The adjustment post  60  can slide along its length within the housing  63  so that the jaw pad  58  can engage and subsequently displace the patient&#39;s mandible forward (anterior) by an amount sufficient to minimize occlusion of the trachea by the patient&#39;s internal anatomy. 
         [0063]    Once adjusted to the desired position, the first and second jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56  can be fixed in position by the respective connecter assembly  62 . By way of example, the connector assembly  62  can include a ratchet assembly (not shown) associated with each of the through-holes. The ratchet assembly can be any known ratchet assembly. 
         [0064]    Alternatively, the connector assembly  62  can utilize other fastening devices to secure the second jaw pad assembly  56  relative to the second mounting arm  52  and the adjustment post  60  relative to the connector assembly  62 . Examples of these alternate fastening devices can include a set screw, a cam-lever assembly, a ball and detent assembly, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the through-holes can be dimensioned to provide a friction fit with the mounting arm  52  and the adjustment post  60 . 
         [0065]    As a independent feature of the jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56 , the mounting arms  50 ,  52 , adjustment posts  60  and the respective through-holes can have complimentary geometries that can prevent, or at least impede relative rotation between the through holes and the respective one of the mounting arms  50 ,  52  and the adjustment posts  60 . An exemplary geometry can be a square cross-sectional geometry. 
         [0066]    Thus, the device  10  can position a patient&#39;s neck in an appropriate hyperextended position while the patient lies on the support surface. The device  10  can also be adjusted for each patient so that the patency of the trachea can be maintained after the neck has been hyperextended by an appropriate amount. Additionally, the device  10  can accommodate multiple orientations of the patient relative to the support surface while providing and maintaining the appropriate hyperextension of the patient&#39;s neck. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment of the device  1  schematically represent in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, a device  70  can be substantially identical to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 , except as noted below. Accordingly, substantially identical features of the device  70  are denoted by the same references numerals as used for the device  10  of a  FIG. 2 . 
         [0068]    The device  70  can include a neck pad  72  that can be configured to internally receive the pad supports (not visible—see pad supports  22 ,  24  of  FIG. 2 , for example) of the frame  16  and a portion of the mounting arms  50 ,  52 . In particular, the pad supports can extend within the neck pad  72  between the backing  74  and the cushion  76  of the neck pad  72 . Thus, the neck pad  72  can be connected to the frame  16 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 4  illustrates a third embodiment of the device  1  schematically represent in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, a device  80  can be substantially identical to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 , with any exceptions and/or modifications noted below. Accordingly, substantially identical features of the device  80  are denoted by the same references numerals as used for the device  10  of a  FIG. 2 . 
         [0070]    The device  80  can include a base  82 . The base  82  can include a frame  84  and a neck pad  86 . The neck pad  86  can include a backing  88  and a cushion  90 . The backing  88  and the cushion  90  can include substantially all the features of the backing  44  and the cushion  46  described with reference to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . In this exemplary embodiment, the backing  88  of the neck pad  86  can be integrally formed with the frame  84  to define a single, homogenous component. The cushion  90  of the neck pad  86  can be affixed to the backing  88  in any manner described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0071]    The frame  82  can include a polygonal stand  92  that can be configured as a solid planar wall. The polygonal stand  92  can include a central edge segment  94 , a first lateral edge segment  96 , and a second lateral edge segment  98  that lie along the periphery of the polygonal stand  92 . The first lateral edge segment  96  can extend from one end of the central edge segment  94  at an obtuse angle. The second lateral edge segment  98  can extend from the other end of the central edge segment  94  at an obtuse angle and symmetrically with respect to the first lateral edge segment  96 . The device  80  can be oriented relative to a support surface with any one of the edge segments  94 ,  96 ,  98  in contact with the support surface and the remaining edge segments  94 ,  96 ,  98  spaced from the support surface in any manner described above with respect the segments  26 ,  28 ,  30  of the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]    The polygonal stand  92  can include an upper edge segment  100 , a first side edge segment  102 , and a second side edge segemnt  104 . The upper edge  100  can abut the first end  36  of the neck pad  86 . The upper edge  100  can be arcuate with a curvature that can conform to the curvature of the first end  36  of the neck pad  86 . 
         [0073]    The first side edge segment  102  can extend from the first lateral edge segment  96  to the upper edge segment  100 . The first side edge  102  can abut the backing  88 . The first side edge segment  102  can extend at an obtuse angle relative to the first lateral edge segment  96 . The first side edge segment  102  can extend at an acute angle relative to the upper edge segment  100 . 
         [0074]    The second side edge segment  104  can extend from the second lateral edge segment  98  to the upper edge segment  100 . The second side edge segment  104  can abut the backing  88 . The second side edge segment  104  can extend at an obtuse angle relative to the second lateral edge segment  98 . The second side edge segment  104  can extend at an acute angle relative to the upper edge segment  100 . 
         [0075]    The edge segments  94 ,  96 ,  98 ,  100 ,  102 ,  104  together can define the perimeter of the planar wall of the polygonal stand  92 . 
         [0076]    The backing  88  can include a groove  107  formed in the surface of the backing  88  that abuts the cushion  90 . The groove  107  appears as a convex ridge from the outside of the backing  88 , as viewed in the orientation of  FIG. 4 . The groove  107  can extend from the first side  40  of the neck pad  18  to the second side  42  of the neck pad  90 . 
         [0077]    The device  80  can include a jaw support  108 . The jaw support  108  can include a C-shaped mounting post  109 . By way of example, the mounting post  109  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. 
         [0078]    The mounting post  109  can be centered in the groove  107  such that first and second free ends  110 ,  112  can extend beyond the respective ends of the groove  107  and the sides  40 ,  42  of the neck pad  86 . The free ends  110 ,  112  can extend away from the engagement surface  48  of the cushion  90 . 
         [0079]    The depth of the groove  107  can be such that the mounting post  109  can lie flush with the surface of the backing  88  that abuts the cushion  90 . 
         [0080]    In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the mounting post  109  can include two separate post sections. In this alternate exemplary embodiment, the groove  107  can include separate groove sections that receive a respective one of the post sections. These separate groove sections can extend from the respective sides  40 ,  42  of the neck pad  86  and terminate at respective position on the backing  88  intermediate the sides  40 ,  42 . 
         [0081]    A further modification for the groove  107  can include a divider spanning the width of the groove  107  that can divide the groove into two sections. Each of these groove sections can receive a respective one of the post sections just described above. 
         [0082]    The jaw support  108  can include first and second jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56 . The jaw assemblies can be substantially identical in structure and operation to the jaw assemblies  54 ,  56  described above with reference to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . The jaw assemblies  54 ,  56  can be movably mounted along the respective free ends  110 ,  112  of the mounting post  109 . 
         [0083]    The frame  84  can further include a first reinforcing support (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) and a second reinforcing support  106 . The first reinforcing support can be minor image of the second reinforcing support  106 . Accordingly, further reference is made only to the second reinforcing support  106 . 
         [0084]    The second reinforcing support  106  can extend from the polygonal stand  92  to the backing  88 . The reinforcing support  106  can extend along at least a portion of second side edge segment  104 . The second reinforcing support  106  can extend along the bottom surface of the backing  88  and can abut the convex ridge of the groove  107 . The second reinforcing support  106  can include a plurality of ribs  114  arranged in a criss-cross pattern. Each of the ribs  114  can span from the bottom surface of the backing  88  to the bottom edge of the reinforcing support  106 . The second reinforcing support  106  can provide increased rigidity in the region adjacent the apex of the base  82 , where the apex lies adjacent to the junction of the upper edge segment  100  and the first end  36  of the neck pad  86 . 
         [0085]    The backing  88 , the polygonal stand  92 , and the reinforcing supports  106  can be formed from any suitable material sufficient to provide an unyielding support of a patent&#39;s neck when the patient is lying supine on a support surface. By way of example, the backing  88 , the polygonal stand  92  and the reinforcing supports  106  can be fabricated from ABS. However, these components of the device  80  can be formed separately from dissimilar materials. If these components of the device  80  are formed from the same material, these components of the device  80  can be integrally formed to define a single, homogenous component of the device  80 . 
         [0086]      FIGS. 5-9  illustrate a fourth embodiment of the device  1  schematically represent in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, a device  120  can be substantially identical to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 , with any exceptions and/or modifications noted below. Description of the device  120  is provided with specific reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0087]    The device  120  can include a base  122  and a jaw support  124  that can engage and support a patient&#39;s neck and mandible, respectively, as described above with reference to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0088]    The base  122  can include a frame  126  and a neck pad  128 . The jaw support  124  can be connected to the frame  126 , as will be described in detail below. The neck pad  128  can be merely placed onto the frame  126  or the neck pad  128  can be positively connected to the frame  126 . If the neck pad  128  is positively connected to the frame  126 , then the neck pad  128  can either be removably connected or permanently connected to the frame  126 . Details of the engagement of the frame  126  by the neck pad  128  will be described below. 
         [0089]    The frame  126  can be configured from a material and with a geometry sufficient to provide an unyielding support of a patent&#39;s neck when the patient is lying supine on a support surface. By way of example, the frame  126  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. 
         [0090]    The frame  126  can include a polygonal stand  130 , a first lateral pad support  132 , a second lateral pad support  134  and a transverse pad support  136 . The pad supports  132 ,  134  can extend from opposite ends of the polygonal stand  130 . The pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  can be configured from a material and with geometry sufficient to provide an unyielding support of a patent&#39;s neck when the patient is lying supine on a support surface. By way of example, the pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  can be fabricated from hollow tubing stock or solid rod stock. This stock can have any cross-section deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Examples of materials for the stock can include metals and plastics. In another example, stainless steel can be used for the stock material. Stainless steel is a common material for surgical equipment known to for its ability to withstand repeated sterilizations and it can be readily formed into complex geometric configurations. 
         [0091]    The polygonal stand  130  and the pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  can be integrally formed to define the frame  126  as a single, homogenous component. In this exemplary embodiment, the polygonal stand  130  and the pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  can be formed by bending the stock into the desired shape. In another exemplary embodiment, the pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  can be formed as separate components and connected to the frame  126  by any known fastening device. 
         [0092]    The polygonal stand  130  can be substantially identical in structure and operation as described above with reference to the polygonal stand  20  of the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, reference numbers of  FIG. 2  are used in  FIGS. 5 and 6  to denote the substantially identical structure of these two embodiments. 
         [0093]    The neck pad  128  can be permanently secured or removably secured to the any of the pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  in any manner known in the art. If the neck pad  128  is removably connected to the pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136 , then the neck pad  128  can be cleaned and reused, or the used neck pad  128  can be disposed of and replaced with a new neck pad  128  after each use. The neck pad  128  can span the frame  126  from the first pad support  132  to the second pad support  134 . 
         [0094]    In this exemplary embodiment, the neck pad  128  can be removably connected to each of the lateral pad supports  132 ,  134 . The neck pad  128  can include first and second clips  148 ,  150 . The clips  148 ,  150  can be configured to resiliently clamp to a respective one of the lateral pad supports  132 ,  134 . 
         [0095]    The neck pad  128  can include a first end  152 , a second end  154  (see  FIG. 9 ), a first side  156 , a second side  158 , a backing  160 , and a cushion. The cushion is omitted from  FIGS. 5-9  for clarity and can be configured with structure and operation in manner substantially identical to the cushion  46  of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 . The backing  160  can extend from and between the first and second ends  152 ,  154  and the first and second sides  156 ,  158 . The pad supports  132 ,  134 ,  136  can extend along the entirety of the respective sides  156 ,  158  and the second end  154 . The backing  160  can have a rigidity sufficient to support the patient&#39;s neck in an appropriate hyperextended position above the support surface without substantial deformation to the backing  160 . Any material providing sufficient rigidity can be used to form the backing  160 . According to another exemplary embodiment, the backing  160  alternatively, even if it is less preferable, can be made in the form of a taught sling, that is, of a flexible material that is stretched between the sides. 
         [0096]    The structural relationship of the neck pad  128  to the frame  126  can be substantially identical to that described above with respect to the neck pad  18  and the frame  16  of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0097]    The jaw support  124  can be substantially identical in structure and operation to the jaw support  14  of the device of  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, reference numbers of  FIG. 2  are used in  FIGS. 5 and 6  and structure that can be unique to the jaw support  124  of the device  120  of  FIGS. 5-9 , as compared to the jaw support  14  of the device  10  of  FIG. 1  will be noted in the following description. 
         [0098]    The jaw support  124  can include first and second jaw pad assemblies  162 ,  164 . Reference numbers of  FIG. 2  are used to denote structure of the jaw pad assemblies  162 ,  164  that can be substantially identical in structure and operation as the jaw pad assemblies  54 ,  56  of the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0099]    The jaw pad assemblies  162 ,  164  can include first and second jaw pads  166 ,  168 , respectively. The jaw pads  166 ,  168  can be connected to a respective one of the adjustment posts  60  in any manner discussed above with respect to the device  10  of  FIG. 2 . The jaw pads  166 ,  168  can include respective L-shaped engagement surface  170 ,  172 . The L-shaped engagement surfaces  170 ,  172  of the jaw pads can provide a thrust to the lower (inferior edge) of the patient&#39;s mandible that can inhibit, and possibly prevent, the patient&#39;s mandible from sliding backwards (posteriorly), while also engaging against the side of the patient&#39;s mandible along the ramus portion, thus inhibiting, and possibly preventing, the jaw pads  166 ,  168  from sliding medially into the patient&#39;s neck. 
         [0100]      FIGS. 10 and 11  schematically illustrate a fifth embodiment of the device  1  schematically represent in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  can schematically represent an embodiment of the device  1  substantially identical to the device  80  of  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, a device  180  can include a base  182  and a jaw support  184  substantially identical in structure to the base  82  and the jaw mount  14 , respectively, of the device  80  of  FIG. 4 , with at least the following exceptions. 
         [0101]    The base  182  can be configured for positive connection to the support surface such that the base  182  can be immobilized relative to the support surface. In this exemplary embodiment, the jaw support  184  is configured to move in either direction along an arcuate path (indicated by the arrows P) relative to the base  182  when the patient is rolled slightly to either side, respectively, while lying supine on the support surface. 
         [0102]    The jaw support  182  can include a C-shaped mounting post  186  that can move within an arcuate passage  188  formed though the base  182 . The passage  188  can be configured to frictionally engage the mounting post  186  or any known fastening device (not shown) can be used to lock the mounting post  186  in the desired position along the arcuate path P. The passage  188  and the mounting post  186  can be configured with complimentary geometries that can prevent, or at least impede rotation of the mounting post to the left or right, as viewed in  FIG. 11 . According to yet another exemplary embodiment, similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the C-shaped mounting post  186  can instead be attached to a platform which is mounted to the base  182 . The platform, which includes a triangularly shaped portion which can hyperextend a patient&#39;s neck as described with reference to the other embodiments herein, carrying the post  186  and the other affixed structures, slides relative to the base  182  in the same curved path as the post  186  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In this manner, the patient can be rotated along the same arcuate path P when resting on the platform, keeping the jaw pads pressing against the remus portion of the patient&#39;s jaw and pressing against the back of the patient&#39;s neck to hyperextend the neck. 
         [0103]    As can be readily appreciated from the several illustrations, it can be particularly advantageous when the frame, including the arms, forms at least part of an arc, e.g., a portion of a circle, so that the jaw pads engage the patient&#39;s mandible and simultaneously push medially inward on the patient&#39;s mandible, thus self-seating the jaw pads to the mandible and resisting the jaw pads slipping off the mandible. 
         [0104]    The shape of the head rest also can be advantageous, by effectively forming a ‘knee’ over which the patient&#39;s neck rests, which in turn can provide at least two beneficial effects. The ‘knee’ of the head rest can stabilize the patient on the device, because the patient&#39;s head can rest on the side of the ‘knee’ opposite the patient&#39;s shoulders and lower neck, thus inhibiting, and likely preventing, the device and the patient from sliding relative to each other. Stated somewhat differently, the triangle can provide firm support which can resist any downward movement or disengagement of the neck pad from the neck as the jaw pads are actively thrusting the patient&#39;s mandible forward (anteriorly). Additionally, this configuration can hyperextend the patient&#39;s neck, which in turn can further assist in opening the patient&#39;s airway. 
         [0105]    Optionally, for all of the embodiments, a strap (not illustrated) can be provided which can extend around the patient&#39;s forehead and around a portion of the device, to assist in holding the device to the patient. 
         [0106]    While the invention has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents. The entirety of each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated by reference herein.