Abstract:
A minimally invasive, adjustable cervical collar including a collapsible occipital section. The collar may be placed on a patient requiring immobilization of the neck without moving the patient&#39;s head or the patient&#39;s neck. The collar includes an adjustable occipital section and a mandibular support section. The device may be of unitary, one-piece construction or the occipital and mandibular sections may be separate, yet attachable.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to cervical collars, specifically, cervical collars designed for immobilization of the spine and neck in emergency medical situations. Immobilization of the spine is critical before transporting an injured person to a hospital. Immobilizing cervical collars assist in preventing movement of the neck, which may in fact result in paralysis or even death of a person with a spinal injury.  
           [0002]    The current art is such that many immobilization or extrication cervical collars are single piece designs that are not adjustable for the posterior or occipital section, nor are they easily or safely applied to an injured person. One problem with the current art is the height of the occipital section of the collar. Many collars are simply too tall for all individuals relative to each individual&#39;s neck and head. Because of this excess height, it is often necessary for emergency medical personnel to elevate an injured person&#39;s head in order to accommodate the collar when placing the occipital section of the collar beneath a person&#39;s neck. Though the movement may be minimal, any movement whatsoever of a person&#39;s neck may be detrimental for a person with an injured spine.  
           [0003]    Another problem with commercially available devices is that cervical immobilization collars are often designed such that they can be placed beneath a patient&#39;s neck from only one direction, usually from the right side of a patient&#39;s head. Furthermore, there may be unavoidable logistical situations such as little room to work on one side of the patient, the presence of an obstruction on one side of the patient, the patient&#39;s position, etc. These situations can present numerous problems, raising the likelihood that it will be necessary to move the patient&#39;s head in order to properly place the collar.  
           [0004]    It is common in the art to construct cervical collars that are designed for reuse as well as collars that are disposed of after a single use. In either instance, the majority of prior art collar designs are not “one size fits all,” resulting in the need for emergency personnel to carry several sizes of collars with them. In the case of a disposable collar, an inappropriately sized collar may be placed on a patient before it is determined that the selected collar is the wrong size. The application and removal of incorrectly sized collars multiple times presents an opportunity for accidental exacerbation of a present injury or the creation of a new injury during each application and removal process. This also results in the needless disposal of multiple collars for a single patient.  
           [0005]    For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,020 (Koledin) describes a cervical collar that can be adjusted to immobilize a patient&#39;s head. The novelty of the invention resides in the adjustable chin support member. The Koledin reference also discloses an adjustable occipital section. However, it is important to note that the adjustable occipital section must be adjusted and locked in place with a separate pin prior to applying the collar to the patient. Furthermore, it is apparent that the occipital section does not collapse to approximately one-half of its fully extended height. As in the prior art, when applying the Koledin collar an emergency worker may be required to move the patient&#39;s neck to fit the relatively wide occipital section beneath a patient&#39;s neck. There will be some movement of the patient&#39;s neck as the vertical height of the occipital section is larger than the open area formed between the patient&#39;s head and shoulders and curve of the patient&#39;s neck. While this may only require a small movement of the patient&#39;s neck, it may be enough of a movement to exacerbate a potential injury or cause further injury or trauma to the patient.  
           [0006]    Therefore a need exist for a cervical collar that may be applied with minimal movement of the patient&#39;s neck while providing solid support to the occipital portion of a patient&#39;s neck before a patient is moved or transferred from an emergency site.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention seeks to address the shortcomings in the current art. The cervical collar of the present invention includes two separate and distinguishable sections: an occipital section and a chin, or mandibular, section. The occipital section is collapsible, and may be properly placed from either the left or the right side of the injured person&#39;s head and neck in its collapsed state by sliding it beneath the person&#39;s neck. No lifting of the person&#39;s head is required. Once the collapsed occipital section is in place, draw straps on the occipital section are employed to pull the occipital section into an expanded position and to secure it in place, thereby providing a solid support for the patient.  
           [0008]    The mandibular section may be connected to the occipital section forming a unitary or one-piece cervical collar. Alternatively, the mandibular section may be designed as a separate, yet attachable piece. Once the occipital section is secured in place, the mandibular section encircles the front of the patient&#39;s neck and is secured to the occipital section, preferably with a hook and loop material, such as Velcro®. The secured collar will allow the patient to be moved from an emergency site with minimal movement of the patient&#39;s neck and spine thereby preventing exacerbation of present injuries as well as minimizing the likelihood of further injury to the patient. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a first embodiment of a cervical collar according to the present invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1A is a front view illustrating an alternative first embodiment of a cervical collar according to the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a back view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2A is an exploded back view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the occipital section in a collapsed position.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the occipital section in an expanded position.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 shows the invention being slid beneath a patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 shows the invention positioned beneath a patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 shows the height of the occipital section being adjusted.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 shows the invention secured around a patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a back view of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 shows the second embodiment of the present invention positioned beneath a patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 shows the height of the occipital section of the second embodiment being adjusted.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 shows the second embodiment of the present invention secured around a patient&#39;s neck. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment according to the present invention. A cervical collar  20  is shown having an occipital section  22  and a mandibular section  24 . The collar  20  is formed from a flexible, semi-rigid material, such as plastic. The occipital section  22  is connected to the mandibular section  24  at an end tab  25 . The end tab  25  may be integrally formed with the mandibular section  24 , or designed from a separate piece of material. The mandibular section  24  may be adjustable (as represented in phantom) to accommodate varying sizes of necks.  
         [0027]    Still referring to FIG. 1, the occipital section  22  has a first band  26  and a second band  28 . The first band  26  is connected to the end tab  25 . The second band  28  is slidably connected to the first band  26  and the end tab  25 . In the preferred embodiment, the first band  26  and the second band  28  are of relatively the same horizontal width, sufficiently wide enough to allow the occipital section  22  to firmly support a patient&#39;s neck. Again in my preferred embodiment, the vertical heights of the first band  26  and of the second band  28  are also relatively the same. A pair of slots  30  is formed in the second band  28 . The slots  30  are in communication with a pair of posts  32  that are connected to the first band  26 . The slots  30  and the posts  32  allow the second band  28  to be slidably collapsed and expanded with respect to the first band  26  and to the mandibular section  24 . When the occipital section  22  is in an expanded position, an opening  33  is formed between the first band  26  and the second band  28 . The opening  33  allows for proper positioning of the patient&#39;s head and makes wearing of the collar  20  more comfortable for the patient.  
         [0028]    Now referring to FIG. 1A, an alternative embodiment of the collar  20  is shown. Opening  33  has been replaced with “U” shaped or elongated channel  35 . As will be discussed in detail below, the presence of “U” shaped channel  35  allows the occipital section  22  to be expanded without any disturbance or movement of the patient&#39;s head.  
         [0029]    A pair of pull straps  34  is connected to the second band  28  to assist in collapsing and expanding the occipital section  22 . While it is possible to adjust the occipital section  22  without the use of the pull straps  34 , or other adjustment aids, the use of the straps  34 , allows for the least amount of movement of a patient&#39;s neck, thereby reducing the chance of further aggravating any possible injuries.  
         [0030]    Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the collar  20  is capable of securely encircling a patient&#39;s neck. A pair of adjustable supporting fasteners  36  is located on the occipital section  22 , opposite where the occipital section  22  is connected to the mandibular section  24 . The fasteners  36 , preferably located with one fastener  36  on the first band  26  and one fastener  36  on the second band  28 , are employed together with a fastening material  38  to adjust the cervical collar  20  and secure the collar  20  in place when encircled around a patient&#39;s neck. The adjustable fasteners  36  and fastening material  38  are preferably designed of a hook and loop style material, such as Velcro®. While the collar  20  is shown with two fasteners  36 , it is to be understood that additional or fewer fasteners could be used without departing from the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2 shows the backside of the cervical collar  20 . Padding  40  is attached to the collar  20  in areas where the collar  20  directly contacts the patient, such as the shoulder, chin, neck, and chest areas. The padding  40  can be a foam type material, or any similar material that will contribute to the comfort of the patient wearing the collar  20 . The padding  40  on the occipital section  22  is arranged in such a way that the second band  28  will be allowed to slide uninhibitedly with relation to the first band  26 , while still solidly supporting a patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0032]    In FIG. 2, the first band  26  and the second band  28  are situated parallel to one another and preferably overlap in a substantially planar relationship. However, it has been contemplated that the bands may be arranged to abut one another in the same plane. Likewise, the bands may have an arcuate shape that more closely fits the shape of the patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2A is an exploded back view of the cervical collar  20  shown in FIG. 1. The occipital section  22  is exploded to show the first band  26  separately from the second band  28 . The slots  30  each have a biased end  30   a . As the occipital section  22  is expanded, the posts  32  slide along the slots  30 , and the posts  32  will come into contact with the biased end  30   a  of the slots  30 . The slots  30  act as a guide so that the first band  26  and the second band  28  are restricted from movement laterally with respect to one another. An emergency worker will further expand the occipital section  22  past the indent forming the biased end  30   a  by pulling on the pull straps  34  (see FIG. 7), thereby fixing and securing the occipital section  22  in place. Other means, such as snaps or locks, could also be used to hold the occipital section  22  in place when extended. However, the use of the biased end  30   a  ensures the least amount of movement for a patient&#39;s head and neck, as no extra movement is necessary to snap or lock the collar in place.  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the collar  20  is shown in an enclosed position. When the collar  20  is enclosed by connecting the hook and loop fastener and material  36  and  38  (not shown), areas of the mandibular section  24 , such as a chin support  42  and neck side rests  44 , as they conform to the patient become more evident. The chin support  42  and the side rests  44  contribute to the immobility features of the collar  20 . The occipital section  22  is shown in a collapsed position, with the second band  28  sliding behind the first band  26 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 shows the same perspective view of the collar  20  as seen in FIG. 3 except that the occipital section  22  is now shown in an expanded position. The straps  34  are pulled upwardly to move the second band  28  out from behind the first band  26 . The second band  28 , which is approximately the same height as the first band  26 , is pulled outwardly and secured in a fully extended position. The biased end  30   a  of the slots  30  (see FIG. 2A) indicate when the occipital section  22  has been fully extended. Also, the biased ends  30   a  of the slots  30  allow the posts  32  to hold the occipital section  22  in an extended position. It is also possible that the posts  32  may contain a locking mechanism that will further secure the occipital section  22  in place when extended.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 5 and 6 show the collar  20  in relationship to a patient  50 . As the patient  50  lies unmoving, the collapsed occipital section  22  is slid underneath the patient&#39;s neck. The occipital section  22  can fit comfortably beneath the patient&#39;s neck without needing to adjust or move the patient&#39;s neck. Also, because the occipital section  22 , when collapsed, is narrower than the space between the patient&#39;s head and shoulders, the collar  20  may be positioned properly while the occipital section  22  is beneath the patient&#39;s neck without moving the patient, thereby allowing an emergency worker to properly position the collar  20 . The result is less of a chance of aggravating any present injury and, also, reducing the chance of further injury. Once the collar  20  is situated adequately underneath the neck, an emergency worker will hold the first band  26  of the occipital section  22  in place. The worker than uses her other hand to pull on the pull straps  34  to extend the second band  28  of the occipital section  22  (see FIG. 7). The posts  32  connected to the first band  26  slide along the slots  30  of the second band  28  until the occipital section  22  is fully extended. The biased ends  30   a  of the slots  30  (see FIG. 2A) indicate full extension of the occipital section  22 , thus forming a solid support for the patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0037]    As shown in FIG. 8, the collar  20  may now be wrapped around the patient&#39;s neck. The chin rest  42  of the mandibular section  24  is fit below the patient&#39;s chin and the collar  20  is secured by connecting the adjustable loop fasteners  36  to the hook material  38 . The chin rest  42  may be adjusted for the size of the patient&#39;s neck, if necessary. A hole  52  is shown in the mandibular section  24  of the collar. While not necessary for the invention, the hole  52  allows access to a patient&#39;s throat, if, for example, an emergency tracheotomy must be performed. The hole  52  may also make wearing of the collar  20  more comfortable for the patient  50 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of a second embodiment of the present invention. A cervical collar  120  is formed of an occipital section  122  and a mandibular section  124  (shown in phantom). The occipital section  122  is separate and distinct from the mandibular section  124 . The occipital section  122  has a first band  126  and a second band  128 . The first band  126  is fixedly secured at one end to an end tab  129 . The second band  128  is slidably connected to the end tab  129 . While the embodiment is shown with one end tab, it would be possible to have an end tab on either side, or no end tab at all. The use of one end tab gives the invention added support while still allowing the occipital section to be easily maneuverable without having to move a patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0039]    Still referring to FIG. 9, the second band  128  contains a pair of slots  130 , which are in communication with a pair of posts  132  that are connected to the first band  126 . The slots  130  and the posts  132  allow the second band  128  to be collapsed and expanded with respect to the first band  126  and to the end tab  129 . A pair of pull straps  134  is connected to the occipital section  122  to assist in collapsing and expanding the second band  128 . A hook and loop, or Velcro® material, adjustable supporting fastener  135  is attached to the end tab  129 . A pair of adjustable fastening strips  136  is located on the end of the occipital section  122  opposite the end tab  129 . The pair of strips  136  is made of the same material as that of the fastener  135 . The number of adjustable fastening strips  136  is not determinative of the invention. Also, the adjustable fastener  135  could be designed as two or more narrower fasteners.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10 shows the backside of the occipital section  122  shown in FIG. 9. Padding  140  is attached to the occipital section  122  on areas where the occipital section  122  will be in direct contact with a patient. The padding  140  on the occipital section  122  is attached to both the first band  126  and the second band  128  in such a way that the second band  128  will be allowed to slide uninhibitedly with relation to the first band  126  while still supporting a patient&#39;s neck. Similar to FIG. 2A, the slots  130  have a biased end  130   a  (not shown), which indicates when the occipital section  122  is in the fully expanded position.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11 shows the occipital section  122  in relation to the patient  50 . The collapsed occipital section  122  is slid under the patient&#39;s neck. The occipital section  122  can fit comfortably underneath the patient&#39;s neck without adjusting or moving the patient&#39;s head or neck. This results in less of a chance of aggravating any present injury and also reduces the chance of further injury. Also, since the occipital section  122  is detached from the mandibular section  124  (not shown), the occipital section  122  may be slid underneath the patient&#39;s neck from either side. This is especially important when the patient may be lying in such a position, such as on a hillside, that placement of the occipital section  122  from a specific direction is prohibited by the ground. The chance that a patient&#39;s neck may be unnecessarily moved is reduced by this safety features of the collar  120 .  
         [0042]    As shown in FIG. 12, once the occipital section  122  is centered in place, an emergency worker grasps the first band  126 . If necessary, the occipital section  122  can be further centered by pulling on the fastener  135  and the strips  136 . The worker then grabs and pulls the pull straps  134  until the occipital section  122  is in a fully expanded position. Once extended, the occipital section  122  forms a solid support for the patient&#39;s neck.  
         [0043]    As shown in FIG. 13, the mandibular section  124  may now be placed on the patient&#39;s neck. A chin rest  142  of the mandibular section  124  is fit below the patient&#39;s chin. The mandibular section  124  is then secured to the occipital section  122  on one side by the adjustable fastener  136  and on the other side by the adjustable fastening strips  135 . The fastener  136  and the strips  135  can be designed to connect to hook material located on the mandibular section  124 , or they can be designed to loop through slits in the mandibular section and folded back on themselves.  
         [0044]    In FIG. 14, the collar  120  is shown secured around the neck of the patient. A hole  152  is shown in the mandibular section  124  of the collar  120 . While not necessary for the invention, the hole  152  allows access at a patient&#39;s throat, if, for example, an emergency tracheotomy must be performed. The hole  152  may also make wearing of the collar  120  for more comfortable for the patient  50 .  
         [0045]    The adaptability of the occipital section reduces possible injuries to a patient. For instance, the first band of the occipital section is described as being held securely in place while the second band is slidable. It is possible and contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention for the first band to slide and the second band to be held in place, or for both sections to slide independently. Also, it is contemplated that the first band and the second band may be arranged wherein they never actually overlap each other, but collapse to an abutting arrangement. Any of these arrangements will meet the concern of placing the occipital section of the collar beneath a patient&#39;s neck without disturbing or moving the patient.  
         [0046]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.