Patent Publication Number: US-2017348133-A1

Title: Spinal support device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation application of PCT International application Ser. No. PCT/CA2016/051296, filed Nov. 8, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/252,838, filed Nov. 9, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to spinal support devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In sports and other vigorous physical activities, impacts to the head and/or body can cause angular/rotational acceleration (whiplash) of the head and neck. Angular/rotational acceleration and whiplash are associated with concussions. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to spinal support devices designed to reduce the risk of angular/rotational acceleration (whiplash) of the head and neck from impact to the head and/or body while maintaining the typical freedom of movement and range of motion required in sport and other applications. Broadly speaking, spinal support devices as described herein use alternating vertebrae supports and symphyseal resistive joints to mimic the articulation of the human spine, with the symphyseal resistive joints acting to reduce the adverse forces transferred to the wearer of the device. 
     In one aspect, a spinal support device comprises a biomechanically stiff trapezius grapnel adapted to extend over and engage human trapezius muscles from a dorsal position toward a ventral position, a penannular cervical spine support portion coupled to and supported by the trapezius grapnel, and a harness coupled to the trapezius grapnel and adapted to snugly anchor onto a human torso to maintain engagement of the trapezius grapnel with the human trapezius muscles. The cervical spine support portion comprises a series of biomechanically stiff vertebra supports and a series of symphyseal resistive dampers, and the vertebra supports are spaced from one another by symphyseal resistive joints formed by respective ones of the symphyseal resistive dampers extending between adjacent ones of the vertebra supports whereby the vertebra supports alternate with the symphyseal resistive joints. The vertebra supports and the symphyseal resistive joints are positioned for dorsal alignment with respective alternating human vertebrae. 
     Preferably, a distal symphyseal resistive damper that is most distal from the trapezius grapnel relative to the other symphyseal resistive dampers is further distal from the trapezius grapnel than a distal vertebra support that is most distal from the trapezius grapnel relative to the other vertebra supports. 
     The spinal support device preferably further comprises an atlas support flange mechanically coupled to and supported by the cervical spine support portion distal from the trapezius grapnel. The atlas support flange comprises a symphyseal resistive flange portion and a semi-rigid resilient flange portion interposed between the symphyseal resistive flange portion and the distal symphyseal resistive damper. 
     Preferably, the atlas support flange is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the cervical spine support portion. 
     The atlas support flange may extend outwardly from a liner disposed on an innermost surface of the cervical spine support portion. 
     In some embodiments, the symphyseal resistive dampers are formed by ridges on a monolithic collar member formed from resilient material and extending from the trapezius grapnel to and including the distal symphyseal resistive damper, and the vertebra supports are disposed in channels between the ridges. In particular embodiments, the ridges include longitudinal gaps whereby each symphyseal resistive damper comprises a plurality of discrete symphyseal resistive elements. 
     In certain embodiments, the spinal support device further comprises a resilient C-shaped retainer engaging the monolithic collar member. 
     In some embodiments, the spinal support device further comprises a throat band extending across an aperture of the cervical spine support portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a superior dorsal isometric view of a first exemplary spinal support device; 
         FIG. 2  is a superior ventral isometric view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an inferior dorsal isometric view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an inferior ventral isometric view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front (dorsal) elevation view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear (ventral) elevation view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a detail front (dorsal) elevation view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 , taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a detail side elevation view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a detail rear (ventral) elevation view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a superior dorsal isometric view of a second exemplary spinal support device; 
         FIG. 15  is a superior ventral isometric view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an inferior dorsal isometric view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an inferior ventral isometric view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front (dorsal) elevation view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a rear (ventral) elevation view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom plan view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a detail front (dorsal) elevation view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 , taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a detail side elevation view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a detail rear (ventral) elevation view of a portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of part of a third exemplary spinal support device, taken along the line  27 - 27  in  FIG. 34  showing a first alignment with human vertebrae; 
         FIG. 28  is a partial cut-away view of the part of the spinal support device shown in  FIG. 27 , showing the first alignment with human vertebrae 
         FIG. 29  is the same cross-sectional shown in  FIG. 27  but showing a second alignment with human vertebrae; 
         FIG. 30  is an exploded top dorsal perspective view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a partially exploded top ventral perspective view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIGS. 32A and 32B  are partial cross-sectional views taken along the line  32 A/B- 32 A/B in  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of a cervical spine support portion of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27 , taken along the line  33 - 33  in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a dorsal view of the cervical spine support portion and a trapezius grapnel of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a plan view of a resilient C-shaped retainer of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a front perspective view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27  harnessed to a human; and 
         FIG. 37  is a rear perspective view of the spinal support device of  FIG. 27  harnessed to a human. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 to 13 , which show a first exemplary spinal support device, indicated generally by reference  100 . The spinal support device  100  comprises a cervical spine support portion  102 , an upper spinal support portion  104  and a lower spinal support portion  106 . The cervical spine support portion  102  is coupled to the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  104  and the lower spinal support portion  106  extends from an inferior end  110  of the upper spinal support portion  104 . The terms “inferior” and “superior” are used herein in their anatomical sense, and are synonymous with “cranial” (toward the skull) and caudal (toward the hips), respectively. The upper spinal support portion  104  and the lower spinal support portion  106  may be monolithically formed as a single element, or may be formed as two parts (each of which may consist of sub-parts) joined to one another. 
     When worn by a human user (not shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 ), the upper spinal support portion  104  and lower spinal support portion  106  together extend from the C7 vertebra to at least the L1 vertebra on a human spine and, as can be seen, the spinal support device  100  is contoured to fit the curvature of a human back. Thus, as best seen in  FIG. 6 , the upper spinal support portion  104  and the lower spinal support portion  106  are adapted to conform to human spinal curvature and, in use, would be secured in position over the wearer&#39;s spine as described further below. 
     The superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  104  comprises a biomechanically rigid trapezius grapnel  112  adapted to extend over and engage human trapezius muscles from a dorsal position toward a ventral position on a human user. The term “biomechanically rigid”, as used herein, means sufficiently rigid to transmit substantially all applied force rather than absorbing the force by deformation. In this sense, the term “biomechanically rigid” means rigid in the same sense that the bones of the skeleton are rigid and thus the term “biomechanically rigid” does not preclude some flexibility. The entirety of the upper spinal support portion  104  may be biomechanically rigid, or only the trapezius grapnel  112  may be biomechanically rigid. Optionally, the upper spinal support portion  104  may be constructed so that the trapezius grapnel  112  is biomechanically rigid and the rigidity of the upper spinal support portion  104  decreases (i.e. the flexibility increases) toward the inferior end  110  thereof. In preferred embodiments, the lower spinal support portion  106  is substantially more flexible than the upper spinal support portion  104 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  104  is generally trident-shaped and the trapezius grapnel  112  comprises outwardly extending opposed trapezius support arms  114  and a spinal support arm  116  disposed between the trapezius support arms  114 . Slots  118  are interposed between the spinal support arm  116  and the trapezius support arms  114 . The trapezius support arms  114  are adapted to engage human trapezius muscles and thereby stabilize the spinal support device  100  while enabling force to be transferred from the cervical spine support portion  102  to the trapezius muscles or, more broadly, the upper torso. The mechanism used to secure the upper spinal support portion  104  and the lower spinal support portion  106  over the wearer&#39;s spine will also maintain the trapezius grapnel  112  in engagement with the wearer&#39;s trapezius muscles. The trident shape is merely one exemplary shape for the trapezius grapnel  112  and other suitable shapes may also be used. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , the cervical spine support portion  102  comprises a generally C-shaped biomechanically rigid C6 vertebra support  120 , a generally C-shaped biomechanically rigid C4 vertebra support  122  and a generally C-shaped biomechanically rigid atlas support  124 . When the spinal support device  100  is worn by a human user, the C6 vertebra support is aligned with and positioned to cradle a human C6 vertebra from a dorsal side thereof, the C4 vertebra support is aligned with and positioned to cradle a human C4 vertebra from a dorsal side thereof, and the atlas support  124  is aligned with and positioned to cradle human C1 and C2 vertebrae from a dorsal side thereof. 
     The C6 vertebra support  120 , C4 vertebra support  122  and atlas support  124  are spaced from one another and joined together by respective symphyseal resistive joints formed by symphyseal resistive dampers extending therebetween. The term “symphyseal resistive damper” means an element or set of elements which, when interposed between two parts, can function as a symphyseal gliding joint between those two parts and permits limited relative angular (flexion/extension) and rotational movement of one of the parts relative to another while resisting the force of such movement so as to apply a braking/decelerating effect to such movement, and “symphyseal resistive joint” refers to a joint comprising a “symphyseal resistive damper”. A C6-C4 symphyseal resistive damper extends between the C6 vertebra support  120  and the C4 vertebra support  122  to form a C6-C4 symphyseal resistive joint  126  therebetween, and a C4-atlas symphyseal resistive damper extends between the C4 vertebra support  122  and the atlas support  124  to form a C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  128  therebetween. The cervical spine portion  102  is joined to the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  104  by an upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive damper extending between the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion and the C6 vertebra support  120  which forms an upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  130 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 , the C6-C4 symphyseal resistive joint  126 , the C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  128  and the upper spine-cervical symphyseal resistive joint  130  are each discrete joints formed from separate pieces of resilient material. In the illustrated embodiment, the C6-C4 symphyseal resistive joint  126  is a generally C-shaped element that extends between the superior end of the C6 vertebra support  120  and the inferior end of the C4 vertebra support  122 , and the C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  128  is a generally C-shaped element that extends between the superior end of the C4 vertebra support  122  and the inferior end of the atlas support  124 . The upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  130  conforms to the shape of the trapezius grapnel  112  and extends both inferiorly and superiorly thereof. More particularly, the upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  130  is on the ventral side of the upper spinal support portion  104  and extends inferiorly beyond the slots  118  and superiorly beyond the trapezius support arms  114  and a spinal support arm  116 . Beyond the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  104 , the upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  130  converges to form a penannular collar  132  extending to the inferior end of the C6 vertebra support  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the material that forms the upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  130  also extends inferiorly along the ventral surface of the spinal support device  100  to the inferior end  140  of the lower spinal support portion  106 . In other embodiments the material that forms the upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint may not extend as far inferiorly; for example the material may extend only to the inferior end of the upper spinal support portion. 
     The resilient material used to form the C6-C4 symphyseal resistive joint  126 , the C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  128  and the upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  130  may be, for example, an elastomeric material or a suitable force-reactive polymer such as those offered under the trademark D3O® by Design Blue Limited, having an address at 7-8 Commerce Way, Croydon CR0 4XA, UK. 
     The relative positions of the trapezius grapnel  112 , C6 vertebra support  120 , C4 vertebra support  122  and atlas support  124  and the symphyseal resistive joints  126 ,  128 ,  130  allow the cervical spine support portion  102  and the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  104  to mimic the natural articulation of a human spine. At the same time, the structure provides resistance to applied force causing flexion/extension/rotation of the spine (e.g. from a ball or another player impacting the head and/or body), thereby reducing angular/rotational acceleration (whiplash) of the head and neck from impact to the head or body). Specifically, the resilient material forming the symphyseal resistive joints  126 ,  128 ,  130  provides progressively increasing resistance to deformation. The deformation may be compression, tension, or a combination (depending on the nature of the movement, some parts of a particular symphyseal resistive joint may be in compression while other parts are in tension). Where the symphyseal resistive joints are formed from an elastomeric material, the resistance to deformation will increase as displacement increases, and where the symphyseal resistive joints are formed from a force-reactive polymer, the resistance to deformation will increase as the applied force increases. Since relative movement of the trapezius grapnel  112 , C6 vertebra support  120 , C4 vertebra support  122  and atlas support  124  results in deformation of the symphyseal resistive joints  126 ,  128 ,  130 , the symphyseal resistive joints  126 ,  128 ,  130  provide a progressively increasing resistance toward the limits of the range of motion, which in turn provides a mechanical resistance to (i.e. braking/deceleration of) of whiplash-related and concussion-related movement. 
     In order to couple movement of a user&#39;s head to the spinal support device  100 , the spinal support device  100  is provided with at least one helmet integration element that is pivotally mounted to the atlas support  124 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 , the spinal support device  100  is provided with a single generally C-shaped helmet integration element  134 . The atlas support  124  is pivotally nested within the helmet integration element  134  so that the helmet integration element  134  can pivot inferiorly and superiorly relative to the atlas support  124  within a limited range of pivotal motion. In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet integration element  134  is coupled to the atlas support  124  by opposed pivot pins  136 ; suitable bushings and/or bearings (not shown) may be associated with the pivot pins  136 . 
     In use, a helmet (not shown) is coupled to the helmet integration element  134  so that movement of the helmet during flexion and extension of the head will cause a corresponding movement of the helmet integration element  134 ; preferably, the helmet can be releasably coupled to the helmet integration element  134 . For example, one or more tethers (not shown) may extend from the helmet integration element  134  for securing the helmet integration element  134  to a helmet (e.g. via snap fitting or other fastener) and the back of the helmet can be shaped to engage the helmet integration element  134 . In such an embodiment, movement of the helmet during flexion of the head will move the helmet integration element  134  via tension applied through the tethers, and movement of the helmet during extension of the head will move the helmet integration element  134  by way of the back of the helmet pushing on the helmet integration element  134 . In other embodiments, the helmet integration element  134  may be rigidly coupled to the helmet so that the helmet and the helmet integration element  134  move in unison. 
     When flexion and extension of the head are within the limited range of pivotal motion of the helmet integration element  134  relative to the atlas support  124 , the helmet integration element  134  can pivot freely relative to the atlas support  124 . Thus, the limited range of pivotal motion will be selected to correspond to an ordinary or “safe” range of flexion and extension to preserve freedom of movement. When flexion or extension of the head moves beyond the ordinary or “safe” range, the pivotal movement of the helmet integration element  134  relative to the atlas support  124  will exceed the limited range of pivotal motion. This will cause the helmet integration element  134  to engage the atlas support  124  so that further flexion/extension of the head will move the helmet integration element  134  and the atlas support in unison so that further movement will be resisted by C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  128  (and possibly the other symphyseal resistive joints  126 ,  130 ). 
     While helmets used in conjunction with the spinal support devices described herein will typically be specially adapted for coupling to the helmet integration element thereof, it is contemplated that different types of helmets may be provided for different activities, with each such helmet being similarly adapted for coupling to a helmet integration element. Thus, there may be different helmets for, for example, football, hockey, skateboarding, alpine sports or other activities, with each such helmet being adapted for coupling to the same type of helmet integration element. In such an embodiment, a single spinal support device may be used for multiple activities by decoupling one helmet from the helmet integration element and then coupling a different helmet to the helmet integration element. 
     The spinal support device  100  may be secured on the dorsal side of a user&#39;s torso in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, a harness (not shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 ) may be used. The harness may comprise opposed fastening straps (not shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 ) that extend between the superior end  108  of the upper spinal support portion  102  (in particular the spinal support arm  116 ) and the projections  138  at the Y-shaped inferior end  140  of the lower spinal support portion  106  for strapping the spinal support device  100  onto a user&#39;s back. Thus, the fastening straps are adapted for fastening the upper spinal support portion and the lower spinal support portion onto a human back in registration with a spine thereof. In another embodiment, the upper spinal support portion  104  and the lower spinal support portion  106  may be integrated into the dorsal side of a torso garment such as a vest, compression shirt, or the like. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14 to 26 , which show a second exemplary spinal support device, indicated generally by reference  200 . The second exemplary spinal support device  200  shown in  FIGS. 14 to 26  is similar to the first exemplary spinal support device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 , with like features denoted by like reference numerals, except with the prefix “2” instead of “1”. Thus, the cervical spine support portion of the second exemplary spinal support device  200  is denoted by reference  202 , the upper spinal support portion of the second exemplary spinal support device  200  is denoted by reference  204 , and so on. The second exemplary spinal support device  200  differs from the first exemplary spinal support device  100  primarily in that instead of being discrete joints formed from separate pieces of resilient material, in the second exemplary spinal support device  200  the symphyseal resistive dampers that form the C6-C4 symphyseal resistive joint  226 , the C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  228  and the upper spine-cervical symphyseal resistive joint  230  are formed from at least one monolithic layer of resilient material extending from the trapezius grapnel  212  along the cervical spine support portion  202 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, one or more layers  242  of resilient material are disposed on the ventral side of the upper spinal support portion  204 , and extend from just above the inferior end  240  of the lower spinal support portion  206  superiorly to the upper spinal support portion  204  and along and past the trapezius grapnel  212  and then along the ventral side of the cervical spine support portion  202  to the atlas support  224 . The resilient material need not extend as far inferiorly as is shown in the illustrated embodiment but merely needs to extend far enough inferiorly to perform the symphyseal resistive joint functions. At the junction between the superior end  208  of the upper spinal support portion  204  and the C6 vertebra support  220 , the layer(s)  242  of resilient material converge to form a penannular collar  232  forming part of the upper spine-cervical spine symphyseal resistive joint  230 , and continue along the ventral side of the cervical spine support portion  202 . The C6-C4 symphyseal resistive joint  226  is formed by a portion of the layer(s)  242  of resilient material that projects dorsally between the C6 vertebra support  220  and the C4 vertebra support  222 , and the C4-atlas symphyseal resistive joint  228  is formed by a portion of the layer(s)  242  of resilient material that projects dorsally between the C4 vertebra support  122  and the atlas support  124 . The resilient material may be, for example, an elastomeric material or a force-reactive polymer. Where multiple layers  242  are provided, the layers may be of identical, similar or dissimilar resilient materials. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 27 to 37 , which show a third exemplary spinal support device, indicated generally by reference  300 , according to an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 27 to 29 , the third spinal support device  300  comprises a biomechanically stiff trapezius grapnel  312  adapted to extend over and engage human trapezius muscles from a dorsal position toward a ventral position, a penannular cervical spine support portion  302  coupled to and supported by the trapezius grapnel  312 , and a harness  395  (see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ). The term “biomechanically stiff”, as used herein, means sufficiently rigid to transmit the majority of applied force while absorbing a minor portion of the applied force by deformation. In this sense, the term “biomechanically stiff” means stiff in the same sense that thick fibrocartilage is stiff, and the term “biomechanically stiff” implies less rigidity (more flexibility) than the term “biomechanically rigid”. The trapezius grapnel  312  may be made from, for example, silicone, rubber or suitable polymer materials. 
     The penannular shape of the cervical spine support portion  302  (best seen in  FIG. 31 ) allows it to cradle the cervical spine portion of a user&#39;s neck, as shown in  FIGS. 27 to 29 . The cervical spine support portion  302  comprises a series of biomechanically stiff vertebra supports  340  and a series of symphyseal resistive dampers  342 . Like the trapezius grapnel  312 , the biomechanically stiff vertebra supports  340  may be made from, for example, silicone, rubber or suitable polymer materials, which may be the same material used for the trapezius grapnel  312  or a different material. The symphyseal resistive dampers  342  may be formed, for example, from an elastomeric material or a suitable force-reactive polymer such as those offered under the trademark D3O® by Design Blue Limited. The vertebra supports  340  are spaced from one another by symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342 . More particularly, one of the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  extends between each adjacent pair of vertebra supports  340  so that the vertebra supports  340  alternate with the symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 27 to 29 , the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342 , that is, the symphyseal resistive damper  342  that is furthest from the trapezius grapnel  312  relative to the other symphyseal resistive dampers  342 , is further distal from the trapezius grapnel  312  than the distal vertebra support  340 , that is, the vertebra support  340  that is furthest from the trapezius grapnel  312  relative to the other vertebra supports  312 . 
     As will be explained in greater detail below, the harness  395  (see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ) is mechanically coupled to the trapezius grapnel and is adapted to snugly anchor onto a human torso to maintain engagement of the trapezius grapnel with the human trapezius muscles and thereby maintain correct anatomical positioning of the third spinal support device  300 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 30 , in the exemplary third spinal support device  300 , the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  are formed by ridges  344  on a monolithic collar member  346  formed from resilient material, with the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342  forming the cranial end  347  of the monolithic collar member  346 . The monolithic collar member  346  may be formed, for example, from an elastomeric material or a suitable force-reactive polymer such as those offered under the trademark D3O® by Design Blue Limited. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridges  344  include longitudinal gaps  348  which divide each symphyseal resistive damper into a plurality of discrete symphyseal resistive elements  350 . The longitudinal gaps  348  provide for flexibility, stretching and articulation of the collar member and, in the illustrated embodiment, extend beyond the ridges into the underlying substrate  352  of the monolithic collar member  346 . The vertebra supports  340  are disposed in the longitudinally extending channels  354  between the ridges  344 , and the monolithic collar member  346  also includes a recessed region  356  at the caudal end  358  thereof, i.e., the end opposite the cranial end  347 , which receives the trapezius grapnel  312 . Thus, the monolithic collar member  346  extends from the trapezius grapnel  312  at the caudal end  358  of the monolithic collar member  346  to and including the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342  forming the cranial end  347  of the monolithic collar member  346 . An additional symphyseal resistive damper  342  is formed between the trapezius grapnel  312  and the proximal vertebra support  340 , that is, the vertebra support  340  that is closest to the trapezius grapnel  312  relative to the other vertebra supports  312 . 
     The use of the monolithic collar member  346  to form the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  represents merely one exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, the collar member and the symphyseal resistive dampers may be separate and discrete (i.e. non-monolithic) components. For example, the symphyseal resistive dampers may comprise separate pieces bonded to or otherwise secured on a collar member. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 27 to 29 , the vertebra supports  340  and the symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  are sized and positioned for dorsal alignment with respective alternating human vertebrae  360 . In the figures, the C1 vertebra (atlas bone) is denoted by reference  360 A, the C2 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 B, the C3 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 C, the C4 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 D, the C5 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 E, the C6 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 F, the C7 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 G and the T1 vertebra is denoted by reference  360 H. Embodiments of the third exemplary spinal support device  300  may be provided in a number of different sizes to accommodate individuals of different ages, heights, sizes and genders. For a given size of spinal support device  300 , the exact alignment of the vertebra supports  340  and the symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  with the vertebrae  360  will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the wearer&#39;s trapezius muscles and the length of the wearer&#39;s neck. Thus, for the same size of spinal support device  300 , the alignment may be shifted relatively cranially or relatively caudally from one user to another.  FIGS. 27 and 28  show a relatively more cranial alignment in which the vertebra supports  340  are in registration with and positioned to dorsally cradle the C2 vertebra  360 B, the C4 vertebra  360 D and the C6 vertebra  360 F, and the symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  are in registration with and positioned to dorsally cradle the C3 vertebra  360 C, the C5 vertebra  360 E and the C7 vertebra  360 G.  FIG. 29  shows a relatively more caudal alignment in which the vertebra supports  340  are in registration with and positioned to dorsally cradle the C3 vertebra  360 C, the C5 vertebra  360 E and the C7 vertebra  360 G, and the resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  are in registration with and positioned to dorsally cradle the C4 vertebra  360 D, the C6 vertebra  360 F and the T1 vertebra  360 H. 
     In both the relatively more cranial alignment ( FIGS. 27 and 28 ) and the relatively more caudal alignment ( FIG. 29 ), the relative positions of the trapezius grapnel  312 , the vertebra supports  340  and the symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  allow the cervical spine support portion  302  to mimic the natural articulation of a human spine. Similarly to the first and second exemplary spinal support devices  100 ,  200 , the symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers  342  provide increasing resistance as they undergo increasing deformation in response to an applied force causing flexion/extension/rotation of the spine and can thereby reduce angular/rotational acceleration (whiplash) of the head and neck from impact to the head or body. 
     In order to couple movement of a user&#39;s head to the third spinal support device  300 , the third spinal support device  300  further comprises an atlas support flange  362  that is mechanically coupled to and supported by the cervical spine support portion  302  distal from the trapezius grapnel  312 . The atlas support flange  362  is disposed cranially of the cranial end  347  of the collar member  346  and extends dorsally outwardly therefrom so that, when the third exemplary spinal support device  300  is worn, the atlas support flange  362  will be interposed between the wearer&#39;s occipital bone  364  and the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342 , generally in registration with the wearer&#39;s atlas bone  360 A. The atlas support flange  362  provides a mechanical linkage between the wearer&#39;s occipital bone  364  and the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342  so that when the wearer&#39;s head moves (e.g. pivots) dorsally, such as from an impact, energy is transferred from the wearer&#39;s skull through the atlas support flange  362  to the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342  and thereby to the cervical spine support portion  302 . In some embodiments, such as for sports where no helmet is worn, the atlas support flange  362  may directly engage the wearer&#39;s head; in other embodiments, such as for helmeted sports, the atlas support flange  362  may engage the helmet, for example at the dorsal base of the helmet. The atlas support flange  362  may have different sizes or shapes depending on its intended use. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 32A and 32B , an atlas support flange  362  that is intended for use in hockey ( FIG. 32A ) may have a smaller volume than one intended for use in American/Canadian football ( FIG. 32B ). The atlas support flange  362  enables the third exemplary spinal support device to be used with standard, unmodified helmets. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in  FIGS. 32A and 32B , the atlas support flange  362  comprises a symphyseal resistive flange portion  368  and a semi-rigid resilient flange portion  370  which, when the atlas support flange  362  is engaged with the cervical spine support portion  302 , is interposed between the symphyseal resistive flange portion  368  and the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342 . The symphyseal resistive flange portion  368  may be made from the same material as the collar member  346 , for example, from an elastomeric material or a suitable force-reactive polymer such as those offered under the trademark D3O® by Design Blue Limited, or a different material. The semi-rigid resilient flange portion  270  may be made from, for example, suitable flexible polymers. The semi-rigid resilient flange portion  270  assists in energy transfer from the skull or helmet through the atlas support flange  262  to the distal symphyseal resistive damper  342 . The symphyseal resistive flange portion  368  also provides progressively increasing resistance to deformation, and can thereby provide further mechanical resistance to (i.e. braking/deceleration of) of whiplash-related and concussion-related movement. 
     As shown in  FIG. 30 , in the illustrated embodiment the atlas support flange  362  is integrated with and extends outwardly from a liner  372  disposed on an innermost surface of the cervical spine support portion  302  such that, in use, the liner  372  will be positioned between the wearer&#39;s neck and the cervical spine support portion  302 . In the illustrated embodiment, the liner comprises a frame  373  ( FIG. 30 ) and a plurality of discrete, spaced apart resilient members  374  laminated within an envelope of breathable mesh  376  (see  FIGS. 32A and 32B —the breathable mesh envelope  376  is not shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31  for clarity of illustration). The breathable mesh  376  and the spacing between the resilient members  374  facilitates airflow along the user&#39;s neck to improve comfort when wearing the spinal support device  300 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the atlas support flange  362 , including both the symphyseal resistive flange portion  268  and the semi-rigid resilient flange portion  370 , is generally L-shaped in cross-section and includes a depending brace  378  forming part of the liner  372 , and is encapsulated within the breathable mesh  376  along with the resilient members  374 . In a preferred embodiment, the liner  372 , and therefore the atlas support flange  362 , is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the cervical spine support portion  302 , and to assist in fitting the spinal support device  300  to a user, liners  372  may be provided with different thicknesses by using resilient members  374  and a depending brace  378  of desired thickness. The liner  372  may be engaged with and disengaged from the cervical spine support portion  302  in a number of ways, including friction and/or pressure between a wearer&#39;s neck and the inner surface of the cervical spine support portion  302  or positive engagement mechanisms such as hook-and-loop fasteners or snap fasteners, among others. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 33 to 35 , in a preferred embodiment the spinal support device  300  further comprises a resilient C-shaped retainer  380  engaging the monolithic collar member  346 . The retainer  380  assists in returning the cervical spine support portion  302  to its neutral penannular shape following distortion, such as from movement by a wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer  380  comprises a curved central open scutiform frame  382  having two outwardly extending arms  384 , and two outer H-frames  386  whose crossbars  388  are coupled to the arms  384  of the central open scutiform frame  382  by fasteners  390  such as rivets or the like. The fasteners  390  extend through the arms  384  of the central open scutiform frame  382 , through the crossbars  388  of the outer H-frames  386  and through the monolithic collar member  346 . The retainer  380  may be made from, for example, a suitable flexible polymer. As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 33 , the retainer  380 , the vertebra supports  340  and the monolithic collar member  346  may all be laminated between inner and outer layers  392 ,  394  of textile, fabric or similar material so as to provide the cervical spine support portion  302  with an exterior sheath. In the illustrated embodiment, lamination between the inner and outer layers  392 ,  394  secures the trapezius grapnel  312  and the other vertebra supports  312  in position on the monolithic collar member  346 , and a layer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is coated onto the exterior surface of the exterior sheath formed by the inner and outer layers  392 ,  394  to provide further structural reinforcement Other techniques, such as adhesive or bonding, may also be used to secure the trapezius grapnel  312  and the other vertebra supports  312  on the monolithic collar member  346 . 
     As noted above, the third spinal support device  300  further comprises a harness  395  (not shown in  FIG. 30 ; see  FIGS. 36 and 37 ), which is secured to the cervical spine support portion  302  to maintain correct anatomical positioning of the third spinal support device  300 . Like the first and second exemplary spinal support devices  100 ,  200 , the third exemplary spinal support device  300  may be integrated into a torso garment such as a vest, compression shirt, or the like. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , the harness  395  to which the cervical spine support portion  302  is formed from (TPU) and is laminated or otherwise suitably secured to a shirt  396  or similar garment. In the illustrated embodiment, the harness  395  is secured to the cervical spine portion  302  by attachment, for example by stitching, to the exterior sheath formed by the inner and outer layers  392 ,  394  ( FIG. 30 ) with further structural reinforcement being provided by bonding the harness to the layer of TPU disposed on the exterior surface of the exterior sheath. In other embodiments, the harness may be made from other suitable materials. Moreover, the harness design shown in the drawings, which loops across the chest, under the arms and between the shoulder blades so as to encircle the torso, is merely exemplary harness arrangement, and any suitable harness arrangement which provides snug anchoring to the torso may be used. 
     The spinal support device  300  is preferably provided with a throat band  397  extending across an aperture  398  of the cervical spine support portion. For example, the throat band  397  may be stitched to or otherwise secured to the exterior sheath formed by the inner and outer layers  392 ,  394  of material, and may be elasticized or otherwise resilient or may take the form of a strap provided with a buckle or other fastener. In some embodiments, for example where the spinal support device  300  is intended for use in ice hockey, the throat band  397  and the inner and outer layers  392 ,  394  may be made from a suitable cut-resistant material. For example, certain sports may require throat protection meeting certain cut-resistance standards. 
     Certain embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.