Patent Publication Number: US-2013231597-A1

Title: Immobilization device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/760,887 filed Apr. 15, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/617,819, filed on Nov. 13, 2009, both applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an immobilization device for use by wearers having cervical or spinal injuries. Specifically, the immobilization device functions to fully or partially immobilize the head and neck of the wearer by way of vest components for supporting and transferring loads from halo support rods that support a halo about a wearer&#39;s head. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Immobilization devices, such as halo vests, are used to immobilize cervical and spinal injuries to facilitate healing. The immobilization devices are normally worn for an extended duration as these sensitive injuries heal. A conventional immobilization device includes front and rear vest components connected to one another and secured to the wearer by a plurality of straps. Halo support rods connect to the vest components and support a halo upright assembly that in turn may be secured to the wearer&#39;s head in a variety of known configurations. 
     While there are numerous known immobilization devices, many of these known devices are inadequate at comfortably distributing pressure exerted onto the chest of the wearer from the halo upright assembly. In particular, many conventional devices apply pressure to anatomical regions that are sensitive to loading. These known devices are cumbersome to apply, particularly for weakened wearers, and do not adequately adapt to the anatomy of the wearer. Moreover, known devices are often found to be ill fitting and lack means for adjustment to a variety of anatomical sizes. 
     Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of an immobilization device are described herein which alleviate or eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an immobilization device includes an anterior component defining a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest. The anterior component forms an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section and corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component defining a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back. The posterior component forms a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer. Elongate cushion elements are connected to and generally confined within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects the anterior and posterior components. 
     The posterior component defines upper and lower portions. The posterior outwardly bowed portion is preferably three-dimensionally shaped relative to the two-dimensional shaped section forming the remainder of the posterior component. 
     The posterior component may define an elongate opening extending between the upper and lower portions of the posterior component and generally corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer. It follows that two cushion elements are preferably adhered to the posterior component within the posterior outwardly bowed area and on opposed sides of the opening and generally corresponding to sides of the spinal column of the wearer. The cushion elements may be secured at an upper portion of the posterior component, and extend past the posterior bowed area to the lower portion of the posterior component. 
     The posterior component may define opposed upper arms each having a living hinge such that the strapping system connects to the upper arms and extends over the living hinges. An upper portion of the posterior component defines a posterior curved recess extending laterally across thereof. The immobilization device further includes a posterior cross plate having dimensions corresponding to the posterior recess and arranged to be secured within the posterior recess. The posterior cross plate is contoured to correspond to the posterior bowed area. The immobilization device further comprises an upright halo support having at least two rods securing to opposed ends of the posterior cross plate. 
     The anterior component defines an anterior curved recess extending laterally across the anterior component, and further includes an anterior cross plate having corresponding dimensions to the anterior recess and arranged to be secured within the anterior recess. The anterior cross plate is preferably contoured to correspond to the anterior outwardly bowed area. An upright halo support having at least two rods may secure to opposed ends of the anterior cross plate. 
     A lower strapping system includes first and second lower strap stabilizers each having a first end connected to corresponding first and second sides, respectively, of a lower portion of the posterior component. First and second slots are formed on the anterior component for loosely receiving a second end of the first and second lower strap stabilizers, respectively. First and second elastic lower straps each have a first end connected to the first and second lower strap stabilizers at the lower portion of the posterior component, respectively. The lower straps adjustably extend over the first and second lower strap stabilizers and have second ends securable to one another. According to one variation of the strapping system, the second end of each of the lower strap stabilizers is trimmable in length. 
     The lower strap stabilizers preferably define a retention element near the first end thereof arranged for retaining the chest elastic straps in close proximity therewith on the posterior side of the immobilization device. The lower strap stabilizers may be detachably connected to the posterior component, and the lower strap stabilizers may have greater rigidity than the elastic straps. Furthermore, the second ends of the lower straps can have a plurality of unfixed locations that secure to one another. 
     The strapping system also includes first and second upper or shoulder strap stabilizers each having a first end connected to corresponding first and second sides, respectively, of an upper portion of the posterior component. First and second upper straps having a first end are connected to the first and second sides of the upper portion of the posterior component, respectively. The upper straps adjustably extend over and beyond the first and second upper strap stabilizers and connect to corresponding first and second sides of an upper portion of the anterior component. The first and second sides of the upper portion of the posterior component each define a living hinge permitting articulation of the upper portion of the posterior upon tensioning of the upper straps. 
     In another embodiment of the immobilization device, an anterior component defines different portions contoured to a shape of a human chest. The anterior component has an upper portion defining opposed sides each forming a strap receiving anterior tab. Each anterior tab includes a bottom portion extending from an end area of the upper portion, and a top portion defining a slot. The top portion is angled outwardly away from the upper portion so as to extend away from a human chest. A posterior component connects to the anterior component via a shoulder strapping system. The upper strapping system connects the anterior tabs to the posterior component such that when the upper strapping system is tensioned, force is distributed away from a wearer&#39;s chest by the anterior tabs. 
     According to one variation of this embodiment, the anterior tabs rigidly extend from the upper portion of the anterior component. In an alternative variation, the anterior tabs are arranged to resiliently bias outwardly from the upper portion. 
     An upright halo support having first and second anterior rods may secure to the first and second end areas of the anterior component at anterior locations below the first and second anterior tabs. 
     In another variation, the anterior location whereat the first and second anterior rods secure is generally located at the same height on a wearer as the posterior location whereat the first and second posterior rods secure. The first and second anterior rods may extend upwardly from the upper portion in alignment with the first and second anterior tabs such that the first and second rods extend past the first and second anterior tabs, respectively, within a width of the first and second anterior tabs, respectively. The first and second posterior rods may likewise extend upwardly from the posterior component in alignment with the first and second posterior tabs such that the first and second posterior rods extend past the first and second posterior tabs, respectively, within a width of the first and second posterior tabs. 
     In another embodiment of the immobilization device, an anterior component defines portions contoured to a shape of a human chest. The anterior component has a bottom portion defining a central lower region including first and second opposed sides forming first and second belt loops, respectively, protruding outwardly from the bottom portion. First and second wings extend from beyond the corresponding first and second belt loops. The central lower region forms first and second living hinges located near the corresponding first and second belt loops, and the hinges are biased so as to facilitate drawing the first and second opposed sides of the central lower portion inwardly toward one another and against a wearer&#39;s abdominal region. It will be understood that this arrangement allows for a more secure fit over the wearer&#39;s abdominal or lower chest regions and more effectively distributes pressure exerted on the wearer by the lower strapping system. 
     In a variation, the lower strapping system includes first and second elongate strap stabilizers mounted on the posterior component, wherein the anterior component has at least one locking aperture formed on the central lower region. A locking device secures the lower strapping system to the anterior component by engaging the locking aperture. The lower strapping system extends over the first and second wings, respectively, and urges the first and second wings inwardly at least at the first and second living hinges. 
     According to another embodiment, the immobilization device has an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest. The anterior component forms an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section and corresponds to the sternum of the wearer. The anterior component includes a top component, and a bottom component having a central strut segment extending in a substantially vertical configuration. The top component has a substantially vertical attachment portion slidably engaging the bottom component. The top component defines an upper portion extending inwardly at a transition point toward a wearer at an oblique angle relative to the attachment portion. This arrangement permits the top component to more closely conform to the anatomy of the wearer. 
     In one variation, the transition point is a living hinge arranged to variably bias the upper portion relative to the attachment portion. In another variation, the transition point rigidly directs the upper portion relative to the attachment portion. A clinician may use the transition point so as to appropriately shape the anterior component according to an individual wearer&#39;s anatomy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view of an anterior component according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front elevational view showing a variation of the anterior component according to  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a top elevational view showing the anterior top component according to  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2B  is a side elevational view showing the anterior component according to  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2C  is a side elevational view showing a variation of the anterior component according to  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2D  is a perspective sectional view showing the anterior bottom component according to  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a posterior component assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of a variation of the posterior component according to  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the posterior component according to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is schematic view of the posterior vest assembly according to  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view of another variation of the posterior component. 
         FIG. 9  is an assembly view showing an immobilization device having the anterior component according to  FIG. 1B  and the posterior component according to  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     A. Overview 
     A better understanding of different embodiments of the invention may be had from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements. 
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     It will be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limit the meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning 
     Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. 
     B. Various Embodiments of the Immobilization Device 
     In general, the immobilization device includes an anterior vest assembly and a posterior vest assembly connecting to the anterior vest assembly via a halo upright assembly and a strapping system. Interface plates form part of the anterior and posterior vest assemblies, and serve as mounting supports for the upright assembly. Suitable padding is provided which corresponds to the anterior and posterior vest assemblies, and secures to rear surfaces thereof and are located adjacent to the body of the wearer. 
     The anterior and posterior vest assemblies each have a configuration that minimizes pressure on bony prominences of the wearer. Specifically, the contours of the vest assemblies include contoured surfaces at curved bone areas of the wearer, and outwardly bowed areas to minimize pressure at particularly sensitive anatomical regions. Indeed, corresponding vest assemblies cover the sternum but bow outwardly thereat, and partially cover the ribs, but may not directly engage the wearer&#39;s shoulder blades, or the spinous processes. 
     The halo upright is particularly provided to maintain the head of the wearer in a predetermined spatial relationship to the body of the wearer, and includes a plurality of support plates and support rods which couple to the interface plates for securing to the anterior and posterior vest assemblies. The upper strapping system includes adjustable-length flexible straps connecting the vest assemblies at the top or shoulders of the wearer, and a lower strapping system including an adjustable length belt connecting the vest assemblies at the lower portion, or the lower chest or abdominal regions of the wearer. 
     In view of these basic features of the immobilization device, attention is turned to the individual features of the anterior and posterior vest assemblies. 
     An exemplary anterior vest assembly or component  10  according to the immobilization device of the present invention is shown by way of  FIGS. 1A and 2A . The anterior vest assembly  10  includes a top component  11 , an interface plate  14  extending laterally across the top component  11 , and a bottom component  16  adjustably connected to the top component  11 . The top and bottom components  11 ,  16  may be constructed from a semi-rigid or rigid polymeric material, and may be generally shaped to the contours of a human chest. Padding  18 ,  20  is provided which lines inner surfaces of the top and bottom components  11 ,  16 , respectively. 
     The top component  11  has an upper portion  12  including first and second arms  28 ,  29  separated by a recessed arcuate profile  13  defined therebetween. The region proximate the arcuate profile  13  downwardly extends into the top component  11  and is located between the arms  28 ,  29  thereby defining a three-dimensionally outwardly bowed portion  22 . Thus, where the top component  11  overlies the sternum of the wearer, the bowed portion  22  spaces the top component  11  from the sternum of the wearer. It follows that the top component minimally applies or does not apply any pressure to the area at and immediately surrounding the wearer&#39;s sternum. 
     The three-dimensionally shaped bowed portion  22  is contoured markedly different in contrast to the remainder surfaces  54 ,  56  of the top and bottom components  11 ,  16  (shown herein by example in a flat configuration), respectively, which may be considered as being two-dimensionally shaped relative to the bowed portion. The two-dimensional shape in other words is defined as adhering to the generically shaped features of the top and bottom components, whereas the bowed portion protrudes outwardly relative to the remainder surfaces. 
     The top component  11  defines a curvilinear recess  24  which closely conforms to the shape of the anterior interface plate  14 , thereby enabling the interface plate  14  to be securely received therein. As depicted in  FIG. 1A , the curvilinear recess  24  and the interface plate  14  likewise are shaped to correspond to the arcuate profile  13 . Indeed, the curvilinear recess  24  is formed over at least a portion of the bowed portion  22 , and thereby both the curvilinear recess  24  and the interface plate  14  have bowed portions,  27 ,  30 , respectively, which are shaped to likewise protrude outwardly along with the bowed portion  22  of the upper portion  12  relative to the remainder surfaces of the top component  11 . The interface plate  14  is secured to the top component  11  via suitable male and female fasteners  50 ,  52 . 
     A lip  26  protrudes from the top component  11  and extends along upper and lower perimeters of the curvilinear recess  24  so as to retain the interface plate  14  therein. Moreover, the extent at which the lip  26  protrudes outwardly from the top component  11  is preferably the same distance as the thickness as the interface plate  14 . Therefore, the interface plate  14  and the lip  26  are flush with one another, thereby providing a relatively smooth combination of surfaces. 
     There is an absence or interruption of the lip  26  at the top portion of the first and second arms  28 ,  29 . Instead, a slot  31  is formed from the top component and is used to couple with shoulder straps extending from the posterior vest assembly  100 . The absence of the lip at the top portion of the first and second arms  28 ,  29  also allows for attachment points  32  formed at opposed ends of the interface plate  14  to be exposed for coupling to corresponding support rods of the upright assembly. 
     The top component  11  includes an elongate attachment portion  33  located at a lower portion thereof. While the attachment portion  33  and the bottom component  16  are connected in a similar manner to the subassembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,376, incorporated herein by reference, there are a few deviations. 
     The attachment portion  33  includes an affixation point  34  which is a button biased outwardly which locks onto one of a series affixation points  44  defined on a centrally located strut segment  40  formed by the bottom component  16  to secure the top and bottom components together. The series of affixation points  44  permits adjustment of the height position of the bottom component relative to the top component, thereby accommodating patients of different body types. The attachment portion  33  defines opposed laterally extending flanges directed toward the affixation point  44 , and sized so as to slidably receive and retain outer edges  45  of the bottom component  16 . The attachment portion  33  also defines elongate ribs  38  that are correspondingly received by channels  43  formed on the bottom component  16 . 
     The bottom component  16  defines lateral wings  46 ,  47  extending from a central lower region  42 . The wings  46 ,  47  are adapted to extend about at least the anterior regions of the wearer&#39;s ribs to thereby bear on selected muscle groups. The wings  46 ,  47  define loops  48 , and the central lower region  42  defines an aperture  58 . The loops  48  and the aperture  58  are adapted to receive suitable straps or similar affixation elements that permit the anterior and posterior vest assemblies to be comfortably and securely fitted onto the wearer. 
     In reference to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1B , a variation of the anterior vest assembly  310  is shown generally having many of the same features as in the embodiment  10  according to  FIG. 1A , and additional features described below. The anterior vest assembly  310  is shown with an upright halo support  317  having first and second anterior rods  317 A,  317 B securing to first and second end areas  359 A,  359 B of the interface plate  314  on the top component  311  at anterior locations below first and second anterior strap receiving tabs  357 A,  357 B at first and second arms  328 ,  329 , respectively, formed from opposed upper portions of the top component  311 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2B , each anterior tab  357 A,  357 B includes a bottom portion  361  extending from an end area of the upper portion  312 . Each anterior tab  357 A,  357 B has a top portion  363  defining a slot  331  and angled outwardly away from upper portion  311  so as to extend away from a wearer&#39;s chest, in particular at the clavicle portions of the wearer&#39;s chest. Because the clavicle is a bony protuberance, the anterior tabs effectively reduce or eliminate undue forces at the clavicle. 
     A shoulder strapping system connects the anterior tabs to the posterior component such that when the strapping system is tensioned, force is distributed away from a wearer&#39;s chest at the at least one anterior tab. 
     According to one variation, the anterior tabs rigidly extend from the upper portion of the anterior component. In another variation, the anterior tabs resiliently extend from the upper portion of the anterior component. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the first and second anterior rods  317 A,  317 B of the halo support secure to the first and second end areas  359 A,  359 B at anterior locations positioned below the first and second anterior tabs  357 A,  357 B. Moreover, as particularly shown in  FIG. 10 , the halo support  317  has first and second posterior rods  319 A,  319 B securing to first and second end areas of the posterior component at posterior locations below the posterior tabs or wings  424 ,  425 . The anterior location whereat the first and second anterior rods  317 A,  317 B secure is generally located at the same height H on a wearer as the posterior location whereat the first and second posterior rods  319 A,  319 B secure. 
     According to a variation, the first and second anterior rods  317 A,  317 B extend upwardly from the top component  311  in alignment with the first and second anterior tabs  357 A,  357 B such that the first and second rods  317 A,  317 B extend past the first and second anterior tabs  357 A,  357 B within a width of the first and second anterior tabs. This configuration provides for improved stability of the support rods and further more effectively distributes any forces on the wearer&#39;s chest. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1B , the anterior component  310  also defines portions contoured to a shape of a human abdominal region. The bottom component  316 , connecting to the top component  311  via knob  335  and centrally located strut segment  340 , forms living hinges  321  located on a lip portion  350  near corresponding first and second belt loops  348 A,  348 B. The lip portion  350  protrudes from and extends along the upper and lower edges of a periphery of the bottom component  316 . It is noted that these living hinges may be similarly shaped to the living hinges  126  depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 1B and 2D  show that the first and second living hinges  321 A,  321 B are biased so as to facilitate drawing the first and second opposed sides  347 ,  349  of the bottom component depending from the central lower region  342  inwardly toward one another and against a wearer&#39;s abdominal region thereby effectively distributing any forces exerted on the wearer&#39;s abdominal region. The hinges  321 A,  321 B are defined at least in part by opposed indentations  368 A,  368 B formed along the upper and lower edges of the periphery of and extending a thickness into the bottom component  316  from the outer surface of the bottom component  316 . 
     The first and second living hinges are formed generally in vertical alignment with the first and second belt loops. The living hinges may be arranged so as to be located between the central lower region and the belt loops, and additional between the belt loops and end portions of the corresponding wings. 
     The bottom component  316  forms a series of locking apertures  358  formed on the central lower region  342  that are arranged to receive a locking device which secures lower strap stabilizers, as shown in  FIG. 10 , to the anterior component. The central lower region  342  defines a recessed portion  323  and raised sections  325  extending across the central lower region  342  whereat the locking apertures  358  are formed. The raised sections  325  allow for alignment of the strap stabilizers so as to better secure to the bottom component  316 . 
     It will be pointed out that the top and bottom components  311 ,  316  may be couple via a locking device  335 , as depicted in  FIG. 2B . This locking device is preferably a rotatable dial having a threaded fastener that engages a threaded aperture formed along the bottom component  316 . 
     The top component  311  and the bottom component  316  may be arranged to extend obliquely relative to one another. Specifically, in the variation of  FIG. 2B , the upper portion  312  extends inwardly at a transition point  351  toward a wearer at an oblique angle relative to the attachment portion  333 . In this variation, the transition portion  351  is a living hinge particularly biased at angle ⊖ 2B  to favor extending toward the wearer&#39;s chest, while not only limited to extending in such direction; it may also flex outwardly from the wearer&#39;s chest. This variation permits a variety of angles which may be formed between the upper portion 
     In a variation of the top component  311  shown in  FIG. 2C , the upper portion  312  extends inwardly relative to the attachment portion  333  at a rigid transition point  369 . The upper portion  312  is arranged at a predetermined angle ⊖ 2C  at the transition point  369  relative to the attachment portion. According to this arrangement, the material forming the top component  311  may be reformed by subjecting it to elevated temperatures to individually fit the top component to the specific anatomy of an individual wearer. 
     Turning to the posterior vest assembly,  FIGS. 3-5  depict an embodiment of a posterior vest assembly  100 . The posterior vest assembly includes a posterior component  102  having upper, middle and lower portions  103 ,  104 ,  105 . As with the anterior top component  11 , an interface plate  106  secures to the upper portion  103 , and provides a means to secure the upright assembly. Likewise, padding  108  is secured to an inner surface of the posterior component  102 . 
     In a similar manner to the anterior top component  11 , the posterior component  102  defines an outwardly bowed portion  116  generally confined to the upper portion  103 . The outwardly bowed portion  116  is defined generally in a vertical direction along the vertical centerline at the upper portion  103 . The posterior component  102  has a generally curved configuration through the upper, middle and lower portions corresponding to a wearer&#39;s back. The bowed portion  116  is generally three-dimensional in relation to remainder surfaces or regions comprising the remainder of the posterior component. 
     Again, in another similarity to the anterior top component, a segment of the periphery of the posterior component  102  at the upper portion  103  defines an arcuate profile  115  and extends downwardly towards the middle portion  104 . The upper portion  103  forms wings  124 ,  125  located on opposed sides of the arcuate profile  115 . The wings  124 ,  125  each define a living hinge  125 , loops  128 , and locking elements  144  for securing and guiding suitable straps for connecting to the top component of the anterior vest component assembly. 
     In reference to  FIG. 6 , the living hinge  126  includes frontal and rear indentations  166 ,  168 , respectively, which permit the hinge  126  to flex both outwardly and inwardly toward the wearer. The living hinge  126  is particularly advantageous to permit some movement or adjustability of the wings  124 ,  125  since the posterior component is either rigid or semi-rigid. The flexure of wings  124 ,  125  provided by the living hinge  126  therefore permits a more conforming fit about the shoulder when the straps connecting to the wings  124 ,  125  are tensioned. This leads to more secure and comfortable fitting of the immobilization device on the wearer. 
     The upper portion  103  also defines a curvilinear recess  118  having an outwardly extending lip  120  located along portions of the periphery thereof, and extending between wings  124 ,  125  formed on opposed sides of the upper portion  103 . The interface plate  106  fits securely within the recess  118 , and corresponds therewith in shape. Both the interface plate  106  and the recess  118  have outwardly bowed portions  122 ,  123 , which correspond in location and shape to the outwardly bowed portion  116 . Suitable fastening elements  154 ,  156  are used to secure the interface plate  106  to the posterior component  102 . 
     The posterior component  102  defines an elongate opening  130 , which is located along the centerline of the posterior component and generally corresponds to the spinal column of a wearer of the immobilization device. In addition, the posterior component  102  forms a plurality of ventilation slots  132 , which facilitate circulation of air between the posterior component and the wearer. 
     The posterior vest assembly  100  includes padding elements  160 ,  162  extending along the spinal column and generally conforming to the shape of the posterior component. In particular, the padding elements  160 ,  162  extend at least in part into the outwardly bowed portion  116  located at the upper portion of the posterior component  102 . Additionally, the padding elements  160 ,  162  extend along portions alongside the opening  130 . 
     The padding elements  160 ,  162  are provided to minimize any pressure that may be exerted against the wearer by the immobilization device along the spinal column of the wearer. Indeed, the padding elements  160 ,  162  fall within the confines  163 ,  164  of the outwardly bowed portion  116 , so as to provide cushioning within this region, and effectively minimize any pressure loads against the spinal column of the wearer. 
     Turning to the lower strapping system for securing the posterior vest assembly  100  to the anterior vest assembly  10 , the lower portion  105  of the posterior component  102  defines lower lateral wings  133 ,  135  protruding outwardly relative to the centerline of the posterior component. The lower strapping system also includes bendable strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  having locking elements  138  and connect to locking slots or keyholes  136  formed on the lateral wings  133 ,  135 . The lower strapping system further includes elastic straps  113 ,  114  that secure to belt loops  134  formed on the lateral wings  133 ,  135 , and overlie on an outer surface of the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110 . Suitable padding  112  is connected to an inner surface of the strap stabilizers  113 ,  114  and adjacently faces the wearer. 
     The strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  are more rigid and have a greater height than the elastic straps  113 ,  114 . The height of the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  provides a greater coverage over the wearer than the elastic straps  113 ,  114 . This configuration allows for improved distribution of pressure about the wearer, and a more stable support about the wearer. The strap stabilizers define retention elements  148  which maintain the elastic straps  113 ,  114  over the strap stabilizers  113 ,  114 , assure that they do not drift over areas of the wearer that are not covered by the strap stabilizers  113 ,  114 . 
     In referring to  FIG. 7 , the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  are connected to the posterior component  104 . The strap stabilizers  109 ,  110 , and elastic straps  113 ,  114  are arranged to extend about the wearer and through the belt loops  48  on the anterior component  11 . 
     According to one variation, the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  each define a plurality of apertures  170  which may be fixably secured via an affixation element  172 , which couples an aperture  170  on both strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  to the affixation point  58 , located on the anterior component  11 . Alternatively, the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  extend through the belt loops  48  on the anterior component  11  without any particular and direct affixation to the anterior component  11 . Instead, the elastic straps  113 ,  114  connect to one another (via, for example, hook and loop fasteners) and secure the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  via pressure exerted thereover. This variation provides for a more flexible fit, and allows for an ease of attachment of the immobilization device onto the wearer. 
     In addition to the aforementioned features of the strap stabilizers, the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  define trim lines  150  at selected locations, which permit the sizing of the strap stabilizers to the girth of the wearer. Also, each strap stabilizer  109 ,  110  defines separation lines  152  which allow for portions of the strap stabilizers corresponding to the elastic straps to better conform to wearer when the elastic straps are tensioned. The separation lines  152  have the particular advantage of enabling a base portion of the strap stabilizers connecting to the posterior component to remain more rigid and/or robust, which portions of the strap stabilizers corresponding to the elastic straps with greater flexibility. 
     The upper strapping system also includes sections particularly arranged for securing the posterior vest assembly to the anterior vest assembly over the shoulders. Specifically, the upper strapping system includes strap stabilizers  140 ,  141  that attach to the wings  124 ,  125  in a similar manner, as do the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110  to the lateral wings  133 ,  135 . Further, straps  142 ,  143  overlie an outer surface of the strap stabilizers  140 ,  141  in a similar manner, as do the elastic straps  113 ,  114  over the strap stabilizers  109 ,  110 . The straps  142 ,  143  couple to corresponding loops  31  of the anterior component  11 . However, the strap stabilizers  140 ,  141  may extend only over part of the shoulder of the wearer or completely over the shoulder of the wearer and secure to the loops  31  on the anterior component  11 . Suitable padding  158 ,  159  underlie the inner surface of the strap stabilizers  140 ,  141  so as to provide additional comfort to the wearer. 
     In referring to  FIG. 8 , another variation of the posterior component  200  is depicted. This variation of the posterior component  200  is particularly designed to accommodate a wearer having a longer back. The posterior component  200  includes many of the same features as the posterior component  102 . However, this posterior component  200  includes vertically curved contours on the side periphery thereof including sections  202 ,  206  located between laterally protruding section  204 . Additionally, elongate pads  208  are secured to the inner surface of posterior component  200  and generally correspond to the geometry thereof. 
       FIG. 9  exemplifies the immobilization device on a wearer with the anterior vest assembly of  FIG. 2B  and the posterior component of  FIG. 7  in combination with the strapping systems according to  FIG. 3 . 
     While the foregoing embodiments have been described and shown, it is understood that alternatives and modifications of these embodiments, such as those suggested by others, may be made to fall within the scope of the invention.