Assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject

Abstract

The head restraint assembly includes a restraining platform configured to receive the subject's head. A first head restraint and a second head restraint are attached to the restraining platform and configured to selectively join first and second sides of the subject's head. The first head restraint has a first zygomatic flange configured to selectively join a zygomatic region of the subject's head at the first side of the subject's head. The second head restraint has a second zygomatic flange configured to selectively join a zygomatic region of the subject's head at the second side of the subject's head. A zygomatic strap extends between the first zygomatic flange and the second zygomatic flange and is configured to selectively fasten the zygomatic flange to the zygomatic region of the subject. The zygomatic strap is configured to move away from the subject's head when the subject's head is restrained by the head restraint assembly.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 298,744, filed January 12, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to head restraint assemblies, body stabilizer assemblies, and restraint assemblies for assisting in restraining a subject. More specifically, the present invention relates to head restraint assemblies, abdominal slings, body stabilizer assemblies, and restraint assemblies including one or more of a head restraint assembly, an abdominal sling, and a body stabilizer. [Background technology]

[0003] Restraint assemblies are known for restraining at least a portion of a subject. As used herein, "restraint" includes immobilizing at least a portion of a subject's body for any reason, including, but not limited to, protecting the subject from others, protecting others from the subject, and / or preventing potentially harmful movement that may injure a portion of the subject's body. Some known restraint assemblies present challenges to medical professionals for a variety of reasons. For example, some known restraint assemblies are not adapted to the subject's anatomy, some are not adapted to restrain only a portion of the subject and pull a portion of the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue toward the head, and / or cannot be used in a magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") scanner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a head restraint assembly includes a restraining platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, and a cheekbone strap. The restraining platform is configured to receive the subject's head. The first head restraint is attached to the restraining platform and configured to selectively engage a first side of the subject's head. The first head restraint has a first cheekbone flange, the first cheekbone flange configured to selectively engage a cheekbone region of the subject's head at the first side of the subject's head. The second head restraint is attached to the restraining platform and configured to selectively engage a second side of the subject's head. The second head restraint has a second cheekbone flange, the second cheekbone flange configured to selectively engage a cheekbone region of the subject's head at the second side of the subject's head. The cheekbone strap extends between the first and second cheekbone edges and is configured to selectively fasten the cheekbone edges to the cheekbone region of the subject, the cheekbone strap being configured to move away from the subject's head when the subject's head is restrained by the head restraint assembly.

[0005] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a head restraint assembly includes a restraining platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, a first hinge connection assembly, and a second hinge connection assembly. The restraining platform is configured to receive a head of a subject. The first head restraint is attached to the restraining platform and configured to selectively engage a first side of the subject's head. The second head restraint is attached to the restraining platform and configured to selectively engage a second side of the subject's head. The first hinge connection assembly has a first portion attached to the first head restraint and a second portion connected to the restraining platform. The first portion of the first hinge connection assembly is selectively hingeable to the second portion of the first hinge connection assembly, thereby providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the first head restraint to conform the first head restraint to the first side of the subject's head. The second hinge connection assembly has a first portion attached to the second head restraint and a second portion connected to the restraining platform. A first portion of the second hinge connection assembly is selectively hingeable to a second portion of the second hinge connection assembly, thereby providing at least three degrees of movement to the second head restraint to conform to a second side of the subject's head.

[0006] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, an abdominal sling has a central sling portion configured to selectively adhere to a subject's abdominal wall skin. The abdominal sling has at least one sling strap extending from the central sling portion and configured to be selectively tensioned. The abdominal sling is configured such that when the central sling portion is adhered to the subject's abdominal wall skin and the at least one sling strap is tensioned, the central sling portion applies a force to the subject's abdominal wall skin to bias the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad.

[0007] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a body stabilizer assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject includes a body stabilizer configured to receive a portion of the subject. The body stabilizer has a stabilizer hole positioned longitudinally along a first lateral stabilizer side of at least one body stabilizer and a stabilizer hole positioned longitudinally along an opposing second lateral stabilizer side of the body stabilizer. Each stabilizer hole extends laterally through the body stabilizer. The body stabilizer assembly includes a plurality of strap connectors. At least a portion of each strap connector is positioned in a corresponding stabilizer hole and is selectively longitudinally movable along the corresponding stabilizer hole. At least one restraining strap is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer via the strap connector and selectively prevents disengagement of the subject from the body stabilizer. Each end of the at least one restraining strap is selectively connected to a corresponding strap connector. At least one restraining strap is routed through a strap connector and is selectively movable vertically relative to the body stabilizer to conform to the subject's anatomy.

[0008] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a restraint assembly for assisting in restraining a subject includes at least one of a head restraint assembly, a body stabilizer assembly, a foot platform, and an abdominal sling. The head restraint assembly is configured to receive at least the head of the subject. The body stabilizer assembly has a body stabilizer configured to receive a portion of the subject's body. The foot platform is configured to receive a portion of the subject's foot and / or a portion of the subject's foot. The abdominal sling is configured to apply a force to the subject's abdominal wall skin to bias the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue cranially.

[0009] These and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a head restraint assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 including a head restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 including a head restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use and including a portion of the head restraint assembly in an alternative configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a perspective front view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 including a head restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use. [Figure 7] 5 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 including a head restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a restraint assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, including a restraint assembly in a pre-assembled state. [Figure 11] 9 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 including a restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use. [Figure 12] 9 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 including a restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use. [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective side view of a head restraint assembly according to one aspect of the present invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partially exploded perspective side view of the embodiment of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a perspective plan view of the element of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a perspective plan view of the element of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the element of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 22] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Diagram 23] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 24] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Diagram 25] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 26] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 27] 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing the head restraint assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view of a body stabilizer assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective front view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] FIG. 29 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 28. [Diagram 31] FIG. 29 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of the element of FIG. 28, with the element in a preassembled state. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective plan view of the elements of FIG. 31, with the elements in an assembled state. [Diagram 33] 29 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 28, including the element of FIG. 28 in various angular positions. [Diagram 34] FIG. 29 is a perspective plan view of the element of the embodiment of FIG. 28. [Diagram 35] FIG. 29 is a perspective plan view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 28. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a partially exploded perspective plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 35. [Figure 37]1 is a perspective plan view of a restraint assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, including the restraint assembly in an exemplary environment of use; [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 37. [Figure 39] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a restraint assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a partially exploded perspective top view of a body stabilizer assembly of the restraint assembly of FIG. 39. [Diagram 41] FIG. 40 is a plan view of the embodiment of the element of FIG. 39. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a perspective bottom view of the element of FIG. 41. [Diagram 43] 40 illustrates an exemplary sequence for transitioning elements of the embodiment of FIG. 39 from a first state to a second state. [Diagram 44] 40 illustrates an exemplary sequence for transitioning elements of the embodiment of FIG. 39 from a first state to a second state. [Diagram 45] 40 illustrates an exemplary sequence for transitioning elements of the embodiment of FIG. 39 from a first state to a second state. [Diagram 46] FIG. 40 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of the element of FIG. 39, with the element in a pre-assembled state. [Figure 47] FIG. 41 is a top view of the body stabilizer assembly of FIG. 40, with elements of the body stabilizer assembly shown in various angular positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise defined.

[0012] As used herein, the term "subject" can refer to any warm-blooded organism, including, but not limited to, humans, pigs, rats, mice, birds, cats, dogs, goats, sheep, horses, monkeys, apes, rabbits, cows, farm animals, livestock, and the like.

[0013] As used herein, the term "medical professional" can be used interchangeably to refer to an individual who prepares for, collaborates with, and / or performs a surgical procedure and / or an individual who prepares for, collaborates with, and / or performs a tool operation.

[0014] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "said" can also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be further understood that the terms "comprising" and / or "including" as used herein can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or assemblies, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, assemblies, and / or combinations thereof.

[0015] As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0016] As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” can be interpreted to include X and Y.

[0017] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of X and Y" can be interpreted to include X, Y, or a combination of X and Y. For example, if an element is described as having at least one of X and Y, the element can include X, Y, or a combination of X and Y at a particular time, and the selection can change over time. In contrast, the phrase "at least one of X" can be interpreted to include one or more Xs.

[0018] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "on," "mounted," or the like, to another element, it may be directly located or directly attached or attached to the other element, or intermediate elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as, for example, "directly connected" to another element, intermediate elements are not present. Those skilled in the art should understand that references to structures or features set forth as "adjacent" other features may not have portions that overlap with or are located beneath the adjacent feature.

[0019] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (such as "below," "above," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features as illustrated. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms may cover different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the figures is turned upside down, elements described as "below" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features.

[0020] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a "first" element described below may also be referred to as a "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order shown in the claims or drawings.

[0021] The invention comprises, consists of or consists essentially of the following features in any combination:

[0022] 1-3 illustrate a head restraint assembly 100 for selectively restraining and / or immobilizing a subject's head H during transport, during a medical program, and / or for any other desired purpose. The head restraint assembly 100 includes a restraining platform 102. The restraining platform 102 has a first platform portion 104a and a second platform portion 104b separated from the first platform portion 104a by a longitudinally extending restraining gap 108. The term "longitudinal" is used herein to indicate a generally vertical direction in the orientation of FIG. 1 and is indicated as "LO" in FIGS. 1-3. The first platform portion 104a includes a first post 110a extending laterally and a first flange 112a extending from the first post 110a toward the second platform portion 104b. The term "lateral" is used herein to indicate a direction substantially perpendicular to the "longitudinal" direction, and in the orientation of FIG. 2 is shown as a vertical direction, and in the orientation of FIG. 1 is shown as "TR" in FIG. 3. The term "lateral" is used herein to indicate a direction substantially perpendicular to the "longitudinal" and "lateral" directions, and in the orientation of FIG. 1 is shown as a horizontal direction, and in the orientation of FIG. 1 is shown as "LA" in FIG. 3. The second platform portion 104b includes a second post 110b extending in the vertical direction and a second flange 112b extending from the second post 110b toward the first platform portion 104a. The first flange 112a and the second flange 112b extend toward each other, such that a portion of the restraining gap 108 extending between the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b may be vertically smaller than a portion of the restraining gap 108 extending between the first post 110a and the second post 110b.

[0023] The third platform portion 104c of the constraining platform 102 extends longitudinally between the first and second platform portions 104a, 104b and connects the first and second platform portions 104a, 104b to one another. At least one of the first, second and third platform portions 104a, 104b and 104c may be formed separately from and subsequently connected to at least one other of the first, second and third platform portions 104a, 104b and 104c. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first, second and third platform portions 104a, 104b and 104c may be formed integrally with at least one other of the first, second and third platform portions 104a, 104b and 104c as a single unitary structure.

[0024] The third platform portion 104c is configured to position the subject's head H thereon. As shown in FIG. 2, the third platform portion 104c may be generally arcuate in the lateral direction to accommodate the subject's head H. However, it is contemplated that the third platform portion 104c may be curved in any desired manner or extend substantially flat in the lateral direction to accommodate the subject's head H. The third platform portion 104c may be positioned laterally on the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b such that the third platform portion 104c is at least partially elevated laterally above the first platform portion 104a and the second platform portion 104b. The elevated third platform portion 104c may make positioning easier for the medical professional, and thus, elevating the third platform portion 104c above the remaining platform portions 104a, 104b may aid the medical professional in positioning the subject's head H on the third platform portion 104c.

[0025] 1-3, the third platform portion 104c may include a reusable or disposable pedestal cushion 114 configured to be interposed between the subject's head H and the third platform portion 104c. The pedestal cushion 114 provides a softer surface for positioning the subject's head H than the essentially rigid third platform surface 104c. The pedestal cushion 114 may be substantially permanently attached to the third platform portion 104c or may be configured to be selectively detachable from the third platform portion 104c as needed.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the first post 110a includes a first longitudinally facing platform surface 116a and the second post 110b includes a second longitudinally facing platform surface 116b opposite the first platform surface 116a. The restraining platform 102 may include a gripping element 118 for supporting / transporting the restraining platform 102 and / or the head restraint assembly 100 as a whole. As shown in FIG. 1, the gripping element 118 may extend longitudinally from the second platform surface 116b, however, it is contemplated that the gripping element 118 may extend in any direction from any portion, face, or surface of the restraining platform 102. The gripping element 118 is shown in FIG. 1 in the form of an arcuate handle, however the gripping element 118 may have any desired shape / form that can be gripped by a medical professional.

[0027] 1-3, the third platform portion 104c defines a first lateral platform side 120a of the restraining platform 102 and is laterally separated from a second lateral platform side 120b of the restraining platform 102. The first lateral platform side 120a may include at least one of a first head restraint 122a, a first hinge connection assembly 124a, and a first slide member 126a.

[0028] The first head restraint 122a is configured to selectively engage a first side FS of the subject's head. In particular, the first head restraint 122a has a first base 128a for engaging the first side FS of the subject's head H. The first base 128a can include a first ear hole 230a defined by an inner periphery 232a of the first base 128a. The first ear hole 230a is configured to be substantially aligned with at least a portion of an ear E of the subject S when the first head restraint 122a is engaged with the first side FS of the subject's head H. As shown in FIG. 3, the subject's ear E can extend at least partially through the first ear hole 230a. It is also contemplated that in a particular use environment, the subject's ear E may be at least partially aligned or adjacent to the first ear hole 230a, or may be spaced apart from the first ear hole 230a.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the first base 128a may have at least one flange (shown here as flanges 134a, 136a, 138a) extending from a first side FS of the subject's head H for selectively joining the subject's head H. For example, the first base 128a may have a first zygomatic flange 134a, a first forehead flange 136a, and a first parietal flange 138a extending from an outer periphery 140a of the first base 128a. The first zygomatic flange 134a is configured to selectively join the zygomatic region CR of the subject's head H, the first forehead flange 136a is configured to selectively join the forehead F of the subject's head H, and the first parietal flange 138a is configured to selectively join the parietal region C of the subject's head H. As defined herein, the "parietal region" of the subject's head H is the region of the subject's head H adjacent to or overlapping at least one of the subject's parietal suture, the sagittal suture, the apical bone on a first side FS of the subject's head H, and the apical bone on a second side SS of the subject's head H.

[0030] At least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic flange 134a, the first forehead flange 136a, and the first parietal flange 138a may be formed separately from and then connected to at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic flange 134a, the first forehead flange 136a, and the first parietal flange 138a. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic flange 134a, the first forehead flange 136a, and the first parietal flange 138a may be integrally formed as a single, whole structure with at least another one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic flange 134a, the first forehead flange 136a, and the first parietal flange 138a.

[0031] The first head restraint 122a may have a reusable or disposable first head cushion 142a interposed between a first side FS of the subject's head H and at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic edge 134a, the first forehead edge 136a, and the first parietal edge 138a. The first head cushion 142a provides a surface that is softer to the first side FS of the subject's head H than the first base 128a, the first zygomatic edge 134a, the first forehead edge 136a, and / or the first parietal edge 138a without a cushion, and is joined to the first side FS of the subject's head H. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first head cushion 142a is a single cushion provided on each of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic edge 134a, the first forehead edge 136a, and the first parietal edge 138a. Alternatively, the first head cushion 142a may include multiple separate cushions. In such an arrangement, at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic flange 134a, the first forehead flange 136a, and the first parietal flange 138a may have a cushion that is separate from a cushion provided on at least another one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic flange 134a, the first forehead flange 136a, and the first parietal flange 138a. The first head cushion 142a may be essentially permanently attached to the first head restraint 122a or may be configured to be selectively detachable from the first head restraint 122a as needed.

[0032] The first hinge connection assembly 124a may be in the form of a first ball-socket assembly 124a. The first ball-socket assembly 124a may include a first ball portion 144a attached to a first ball stem 146a. The first ball stem 146a extends from the first ball portion 144a to the first base portion 128a along a first stem axis 148a and couples the first ball portion 144a to the first head restraint 122a. At least one of the first ball portion 144a, the first ball stem 146a, and the first base portion 128a may be formed separately from and subsequently connected to at least one other of the first ball portion 144a, the first ball stem 146a, and the first base portion 128a. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of first ball portion 144a, first ball stem 146a and first base portion 128a can be formed integrally with at least one other of first ball portion 144a, first ball stem 146a and first base portion 128a as a single unitary structure.

[0033] First ball and socket assembly 124a further includes a first socket portion 150a in first ball socket seat 152a, for example by being recessed into first ball socket seat 152a. Although first ball and socket assembly 124a is shown and described as having first ball portion 144a attached to first head restraint 122a and first socket portion 150a attached to first ball socket seat 152a, first ball and socket assembly 124a may be configured such that first ball portion 144a is attached to first ball socket seat 152a and first socket portion 150a is attached to first head restraint 122a.

[0034] The first ball portion 144a is selectively received in and selectively hinged to the first socket portion 150a. With this configuration, the first head restraint 122a provides at least three degrees of freedom of movement to conform to a first side FS of the subject's head H. For example, the first head restraint 122a can at least vertically pivot from the orientation shown in FIG. 1 about a first central point 154a of the first ball portion 144a, laterally pivot from the orientation shown in FIG. 1 about the first central point 154a of the first ball portion 144a, and laterally or vertically pivot from the orientation shown in FIG. 1 about the first rest stem axis 148a.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the first ball socket assembly 124a can include a first ball restraining mechanism 556a for selectively holding the first head restraint 122a in a fixed position. The first ball restraining mechanism 556a can include a first restraining control knob 558a and a first ball stopper 560a. The first restraining control knob 558a can be actuated to move the first ball stopper 560a longitudinally toward the first ball portion 144a as needed. The first ball stopper 560a is longitudinally movable until the first ball stopper 560a engages the first ball portion 144a. When the first ball stopper 560a engages the first ball portion 144a, movement of the first ball portion 144a (and the first ball stem 146a connected thereto) relative to the first ball socket 152a is essentially restrained. Because first head restraint 122a is coupled to first ball portion 144a via first ball stem 146a, movement of first ball portion 144a is restrained and first head restraint 122a is held in a fixed position. Thus, first head restraint 122a can be moved to a desired position that conforms to a first side FS of subject's head H and then locked in place by first ball restraining mechanism 556a when the desired position is reached. When movement of first head restraint 122a is again required, first ball stopper 560a can be disengaged from first ball portion 144a by actuating first restraining control knob 558a (e.g., by rotating first restraining control knob 558a in a second direction opposite the first direction) to move first ball stopper 560a longitudinally away from first ball portion 144a.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first sliding mechanism 126a includes a first sliding seat 162a. The first sliding seat 162a includes a first sliding seat notch 264a and a second sliding seat notch 266a extending longitudinally inward from an exterior of the first sliding seat 162a. The first sliding seat notch 264a is configured to receive the first flange 112a, and the second sliding seat notch 266a is configured to receive the second flange 112b. As shown in FIG. 15, the first sliding mechanism 126a further includes a first threaded portion 15210a of a drive shaft 15212. The drive shaft 15212 is rotatably mounted to the restraining platform 102 and is substantially prevented from undesired lateral and / or longitudinal movement by a stop 15214 extending transversely from the third platform portion 104c. The drive shaft 15212 extends laterally through the first threaded opening 15216a of the first sliding seat 162a such that the first threaded portion 15210a is threadedly engaged with the first threaded opening 15216a. The first shaft end 15218a of the drive shaft 15212 includes a first sliding control knob 168a. The first sliding control knob 168a can be actuated (e.g., by rotation) to rotate the drive shaft 15212 relative to the first sliding seat 162a as needed. In response to the rotation of the drive shaft 15212, the first sliding seat 162a is caused to move laterally along the first threaded portion 15210a and slide laterally along the first and second flanges 112a, 112b of the restraining platform 102. Thus, actuation of the first sliding control knob 168a can selectively move the first sliding seat 162a toward the second lateral platform side 120b of the restraining platform 102.

[0037] The first sliding base 162a may be secured to the first ball-socket base 152a and operably connected to the first head restraint 122a via the first ball-socket assembly 124a. Thus, the first head restraint 122a may be connected to the first lateral platform side 120a of the restraint platform 102 via the first ball-socket assembly 124a and the first sliding mechanism 126a. In response to selective lateral movement of the first sliding base 162a, the first head restraint 122a is moved laterally relative to the restraint platform 102. Thus, the first sliding control knob 558a may be selectively actuated to move the first head restraint 122a laterally toward the subject's head H received on the third platform portion 104c to engage the first side FS of the subject's head H, and to move the first head restraint 122a laterally away from the subject's head H to disengage from the first side FS of the subject's head H.

[0038] Although the first hinge connection assembly 124a is illustrated and described as a ball and socket assembly, the first hinge connection assembly 124a may be another mechanism having a first portion connected to the first head restraint 122a and a second portion connected to the restraint platform 102 (e.g., via a first sliding mechanism 126a), and capable of selectively hingedly connecting the first portion to the second portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the first head restraint 122a.

[0039] The second lateral platform side 120b of the restraining platform 102 includes at least one of a second head restraint 122b, a second hinge connection assembly 124b, and a second slide member 126b.

[0040] The second head restraint 122b is configured to selectively engage a second side SS of the subject's head H toward a first side FS of the subject's head H. In particular, the second head restraint 122b has a second base 128b for engaging the second side SS of the subject's head H. The second base 128b can include a second ear hole 230b defined by an inner periphery 232b of the second base 128b. The second ear hole 230b is configured to be substantially aligned with at least a portion of an ear E of the subject S when the second head restraint 122b is engaged to the second side SS of the subject's head H. The subject's ear E can extend at least partially through the second ear hole 230b. It is also contemplated that in a particular use environment, the subject's ear E may be at least partially aligned or adjacent to the second ear hole 230b, or may be spaced apart from the second ear hole 230b.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the second base 128b may have at least one flange (shown here as flanges 134b, 136b, 138b) for selectively joining the subject's head H at a second side SS of the subject's head H. For example, the second base 128b may have a second zygomatic flange 134b, a second forehead flange 136b, and a second parietal flange 138b extending from an outer periphery 140b of the second base 128b. The second zygomatic flange 134b is configured to selectively join the zygomatic region CR of the subject's head H, the second forehead flange 136b is configured to selectively join the subject's forehead F, and the second parietal flange 138b is configured to selectively join the subject's parietal region C.

[0042] At least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic flange 134b, the second forehead flange 136b, and the second parietal flange 138b may be formed separately from and then connected to at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic flange 134b, the second forehead flange 136b, and the second parietal flange 138b. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic flange 134b, the second forehead flange 136b, and the second parietal flange 138b may be formed integrally with at least another one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic flange 134b, the second forehead flange 136b, and the second parietal flange 138b as a single unitary structure.

[0043] The second head restraint 122b may have a reusable or disposable second head cushion 142b interposed between the second side SS of the subject's head H and at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic edge 134b, the second forehead edge 136b, and the second parietal edge 138b. The second head cushion 142b provides a softer surface for bonding to the second side SS of the subject's head H than the second base 128b, the second zygomatic edge 134b, the second forehead edge 136b, and / or the second parietal edge 138b without a cushion. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second head cushion 142b is a single cushion provided on each of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic edge 134b, the second forehead edge 136b, and the second parietal edge 138b. Alternatively, the second restraint cushion 142b may include multiple separate cushions. In this arrangement, at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic flange 134b, the second forehead flange 136b, and the second parietal flange 138b may have a cushion that is separate from a cushion on at least another one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic flange 134b, the second forehead flange 136b, and the second parietal flange 138b. The second head cushion 142b may be essentially permanently attached to the second head restraint 122b, or may be configured to be selectively detachable from the second head restraint 122b as needed.

[0044] The second hinge connection assembly 124b may be in the form of a second ball-socket assembly 124b. The second ball-socket assembly 124b may include a second ball portion 144b attached to a second ball stem 146b. The second ball stem 146b extends from the second ball portion 144b to the second base portion 128b along a second stem axis 148b and connects the second ball portion 144b to the second head restraint 122b. At least one of the second ball portion 144b, the second ball stem 146b, and the second base portion 128b may be formed separately from and subsequently connected to at least one other of the second ball portion 144b, the second ball stem 146b, and the second base portion 128b. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of second ball portion 144b, second ball stem 146b, and second base portion 128b may be formed integrally with at least one other of second ball portion 144b, second ball stem 146b, and second base portion 128b as a single, unitary structure.

[0045] The second ball socket assembly 124b further includes a second socket portion 150b in the second ball socket seat 152b, such as by being recessed into the second ball socket seat 152b. Although the second ball socket assembly 124b is shown and described as having a second ball portion 144b attached to the second head restraint 122b and a second socket portion 150b attached to the second ball socket seat 152b, the first ball socket assembly 124b may be configured such that the second ball portion 144b is attached to the second ball socket seat 152b and the second socket portion 150b is attached to the second head restraint 122b.

[0046] The second ball portion 144b can be selectively received in and selectively hinged to the second ball portion 150b. Such a configuration provides the second head restraint 122b with at least three degrees of freedom of movement such that the second head restraint 122b conforms to the second side SS of the subject's head H. For example, the second head restraint 122b can at least vertically pivot about the second central point 154b of the second ball portion 144b from the orientation shown in FIG. 1, laterally pivot about the second central point 154b of the second ball portion 144b from the orientation shown in FIG. 1, and laterally or vertically pivot about the second stem axis 148b from the orientation shown in FIG. 1.

[0047] The second ball socket assembly 124b may include a second ball restraining mechanism 556b for selectively holding the second head restraint 122b in a fixed position. The second ball restraining mechanism 556b may be similar to the first ball restraining mechanism 556a shown in detail in FIG. 5. The second ball restraining mechanism 556b may include a second ball restraining control knob 558b and a second ball stopper 560b. The second restraining control knob 558b may be actuated as needed to move the second ball stopper 560b longitudinally toward the second ball portion 144b. The second ball stopper 560b may be moved longitudinally until the second ball stopper 560b engages the second ball portion 144b. When the second ball stopper 560b engages the second ball portion 144b, movement of the second ball portion 144b (and the second ball stem 146b connected thereto) relative to the second ball socket 152b is essentially restrained. Since the second head restraint 122b is connected to the second ball portion 144b via the second ball stem 146b, movement of the second ball portion 144b is restricted and the second head restraint 122b is held in a fixed position. Thus, the second head restraint 122b can be moved to a desired position where it conforms to the second side SS of the subject's head H, and then, once the desired position is reached, is locked in place by the second ball restraining mechanism 556b. When movement of the second head restraint 122b is again required, the second ball stopper 560b can be moved vertically away from the second ball portion 144b by actuating the second restraining control knob 558b (e.g., by rotating the second restraining control knob 558b in a second direction opposite the first direction).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second sliding mechanism 126b includes a second sliding seat 162b. The second sliding seat 162b includes a first sliding seat notch 264b and a second sliding seat notch 266b extending longitudinally inward from an exterior of the second sliding seat 162b. The first sliding seat notch 264b is configured to receive the first flange 112a, and the second sliding seat notch 266b is configured to receive the second flange 112b. As shown in FIG. 15, the second sliding mechanism 126b further includes a second threaded portion 15210b of a drive shaft 15212. The drive shaft 15212 extends laterally through the second threaded opening 1526b of the second sliding seat 162b such that the second threaded portion 15210b is threadedly engaged with the second threaded opening 1526b. The second shaft end 15218b of the drive shaft 15212 includes a second sliding control knob 168b. The second sliding control knob 168b can be actuated (e.g., by rotation) as needed to rotate the drive shaft 15212 relative to the second sliding seat 162b. In response to the rotation of the drive shaft 15212, the second sliding seat 162b is caused to move laterally along the second threaded portion 15210b and to slide laterally along the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b of the constraining platform 102. Thus, actuation of the second sliding control knob 168b can selectively move the second sliding seat 162b laterally toward or away from the first lateral platform side 120a of the constraining platform 102.

[0049] A single drive shaft 15212 is threadedly connected to the first and second sliding bases 162a, 162b such that selective actuation response of either the first and second control knobs 168a, 168b simultaneously moves both the first and second sliding bases 162a, 162b laterally relative to one another or away from one another. However, it is contemplated that the first and second sliding mechanisms 126a, 126b may include a single drive shaft 15212 such that one of the first and second control knobs 168a, 168b selectively rotates such that only the associated one of the first and second sliding bases 162a, 162b moves laterally.

[0050] The second sliding base 162b can be secured to the second ball-socket base 152b and can be operably connected to the second head restraint 122b via the second ball-socket assembly 124b. The second head restraint 122b can thus be connected to the second lateral platform side 120b of the restraining platform 102 via the second ball-socket assembly 124b and the second sliding mechanism 126b. In response to selective lateral movement of the second sliding base 162b, the second head restraint 122b is moved laterally relative to the restraining platform 102. The second sliding control knob 558b can thus be selectively actuated to move the second head restraint 122b toward the subject's head H side received on the third platform portion 104c to engage the second side SS of the subject's head H. And, selectively actuated to move the second head restraint 122b away from the subject's head H to disengage from the second side SS of the subject's head H.

[0051] Although the second hinge connection assembly 124b is shown and described as a ball and socket assembly, the second hinge connection assembly 124b may be any other mechanism having a first portion connected to the second head restraint 122b and a second portion connected to the restraint platform 102 (e.g., via a second sliding mechanism 126b), with the first portion selectively hinged to the second portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint 122b.

[0052] Via first and second sliding mechanisms 126a, 126b, first and second head restraints 122a, 122b can also selectively move laterally relative to restraint platform 102. Additionally, first and second ball and socket assemblies 124a, 124b hinge first and second head restraints 122a, 122b relative to one another. Thus, first and second head restraints 122a, 122b are adjustable relative to restraint platform 102 and subject's head H, and are at least partially independently adjustable relative to one another to fit corresponding sides FS, SS of subject's head H.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3-4 and 6-7, the head restraint assembly 100 can include at least one strap 370, 490, 4100 extending from one of the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b to the other of the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b. The at least one strap can be configured to selectively fasten the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b to the subject's head H to maintain the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b joined to the first side FS and the second side SS of the subject's head H and to help prevent the subject's head H from undesirably disengaging from the head restraint 100. If desired, fastening the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b to the subject's head H with the at least one strap can also help to essentially immobilize the subject's head H.

[0054] For example, the head restraint assembly 100 may include a cheekbone strap 370 extending between a first cheekbone flange 134a and a second cheekbone flange 136b. In particular, the first cheekbone flange 134a may have a first cheekbone connecting portion 372a extending from the periphery 140a of the first base 128a and a first cheekbone attachment portion 374a extending generally perpendicularly from the first cheekbone connecting portion 372a. The first cheekbone attachment portion 374a may extend through a cheekbone hole 376 configured to pass at least a portion of the cheekbone strap 370 therethrough. The second cheekbone flange 136b may have a second cheekbone connecting portion 372b extending from the periphery 140b of the second base 128b and a second cheekbone attachment portion 374b extending generally perpendicularly from the second cheekbone connecting portion 372b. A first end 378a of the cheekbone strap 370 can be fixedly connected to at least the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b. A second end 378b of the cheekbone strap 370 can selectively surround a cheekbone hole 376 extending through the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a and can be pulled toward the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b to selectively fasten the first cheekbone edge 134a and the second cheekbone edge 136b to the cheekbone region CR of the subject. Once the first cheekbone edge 134a and the second cheekbone edge 136b are optionally fastened, the second end 378b of the cheekbone strap 370 can be selectively attached to another portion of the cheekbone strap 370 to maintain a desired degree of fastening of the first cheekbone edge 134a and the second cheekbone edge 136b. The second end 378b of the cheekbone strap 370 may be attached to other portions of the cheekbone strap 370 via at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook and ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, string eye fasteners, sawtooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0055] Although the head restraint assembly 100 has been shown and described as having a cheekbone hole 370 extending through the first cheekbone attachment portion 374, with a first end 378a of the cheekbone strap 370 fixedly connected to the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b, the head restraint assembly 100 may be configured such that the cheekbone hole 376 extends through the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b, with a first end 378a of the cheekbone strap 370 fixedly connected to the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a. Additionally, although first end 378a of cheekbone strap 370 has been described as being fixedly connected to second cheekbone attachment portion 374b, first end 378a of cheekbone strap 370 can be selectively fixedly connected to second cheekbone attachment portion 374b and removed from second cheekbone attachment portion 374b, as desired, to use a similar alternative cheekbone strap 370 or to replace cheekbone strap 370 with one that includes at least one cheekbone strap having different physical characteristics (e.g., length, thickness, width, material, flexibility) than the original cheekbone strap 370.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 6-7, the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a and the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b are configured to space the cheekbone strap 370 from the subject's head H during use. This spacing allows a medical professional to access the subject's nose N and mouth M as needed. For example, the space between the cheekbone strap 370 and the subject's head H may allow a medical professional to attach at least one of a nasal cannula 480 (FIG. 4), a gas (e.g., oxygen gas) delivery mask 682 (FIG. 6), a non-rebreather mask 784 (FIG. 7), any other device, or combination thereof, which is proximate to the subject's nose N and / or mouth M when the subject's head H is restrained in the head restraint assembly 100.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a can include a first cheekbone notch 486a extending inwardly from an exterior of the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a. The second cheekbone attachment portion 374b can include a second cheekbone notch 486b extending inwardly from an exterior of the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b. The first cheekbone notch 486a and the second cheekbone notch 486b can be configured to selectively receive and selectively retain at least a portion of a cross-sectional circumference of a medical tube 488a, 488b, respectively. Although the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a and the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b are shown having one cheekbone notch 486a, 486b, respectively, at least one of the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a and the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b can have none, one, or multiple cheekbone notches. Further, at least one of the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a and the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b, in addition to having a cheekbone notch 486a, 486b, can include other features configured to selectively receive and selectively retain the medical tubing 488a, 488b. For example, at least one of the first cheekbone attachment portion 374a and the second cheekbone attachment portion 374b can include a fitting configured to selectively receive and selectively retain the medical tubing 488a, 488b.

[0058] 4, the head restraint assembly 100 may include a forehead strap 490 extending between the first forehead flange 136a and the second forehead flange 138b. In particular, the first forehead flange 136a may have a forehead connection portion 492 extending from the periphery 140a of the first base 128a and a forehead attachment portion 494 extending generally perpendicularly from the forehead connection portion 492. The forehead attachment portion 494 may extend through a forehead hole 496 configured to receive at least a portion of the forehead strap 490. A first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 may be fixedly connected to at least the second forehead flange 138b. The second end 498b of the forehead strap 490 can be pulled toward the second forehead flange 138b to selectively encircle a forehead hole 496 passing through the forehead attachment portion 494 and selectively tighten the first forehead flange 136a and the second forehead flange 138b against the subject's forehead F. Once the first forehead flange 136a and the second forehead flange 138b are tightened as desired, the second end 498b of the forehead strap 490 can be selectively attached to another portion of the forehead strap 490 to maintain a desired degree of tightening of the first forehead flange 136a and the second forehead flange 138b. The second end 498b of the forehead strap 490 may be attached to other portions of the forehead strap 490 via at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook and ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, loop fasteners, sawtooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0059] Although the head restraint assembly 100 has been shown and described as having a forehead hole 496 extending through a portion of the first forehead flange 136a and a first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 fixedly connected to the second forehead flange 136b, the head restraint assembly 100 may be configured such that the forehead hole 496 extends through a portion of the second forehead flange 136b and the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 is fixedly connected to the first forehead flange 136a. Additionally, while the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 has been described as being fixedly connected to the second forehead flange 136b, the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 can be selectively fixedly connected to the second forehead flange 136b and removed from the second forehead flange 136b, as desired, to use a similar replacement forehead strap 490 or to replace the forehead strap 490 with one that includes at least one forehead strap having different physical characteristics (e.g., length, thickness, width, material, flexibility) than the original forehead strap 490.

[0060] The head restraint assembly 100 may include a crown strap 4100 extending between a first crown flange 138a and a second crown flange 138b. In particular, the first crown flange 138a may have a crown connection portion 4102 extending from the periphery 140a of the first base 128a and a crown attachment portion 4104 extending generally perpendicularly from the crown connection portion 4102. The crown attachment portion 4104 may include a crown hole 4106 extending therethrough that is configured to have at least a portion of the crown strap 4100 inserted therethrough. A first end 4108a of the crown strap 4100 may be fixedly connected to at least the second crown flange 138b. The second end 4108b of the top strap 4100 can selectively encircle a top hole 4106 passing through the top attachment portion 4104 and can be pulled towards the second top flange 138b to selectively fasten the first top flange 138a and the second top flange 138b to the subject's top C. Once the first top flange 138a and the second top flange 138b are fastened as desired, the second end 4108b of the top strap 4100 can be selectively attached to another portion of the top strap 4100 to maintain a desired degree of fastening of the first top flange 138a and the second top flange 138b. The second end 4108b of the top strap 4100 may be attached to other portions of the top strap 4100 via at least one of a jig, adhesive, a hook and ring fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope eye fastener, a sawtooth fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0061] Although the head restraint assembly 100 has been shown and described as having a top hole 4106 extending through a portion of the first top flange 138a and a first end 4108a of the top strap 4100 fixedly connected to the second top flange 138b, the head restraint assembly 100 may be configured such that the top hole 4106 extends through a portion of the second top flange 138b and the first end 4108a of the top strap 4100 is fixedly connected to the first top flange 138a. Additionally, although the first end 4108a of the top strap 4100 has been described as being fixedly connected to the second top flange 138b, the first end 4108a of the top strap 4100 may be selectively fixedly connected to the second top flange 138b and removed from the second top flange 138b, and if desired, a similar alternative top strap 4100 may be used or the top strap 4100 may be replaced with one that includes at least one top strap having different physical properties (e.g., length, thickness, width, material, flexibility) than the original top strap 4100.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, the head restraint assembly 100 can be included as part of a restraint assembly 8110 for assisting in restraining a subject S. The restraint assembly 8110 further includes a body stabilizer assembly 8111 having a body stabilizer 8112 configured to receive a portion of the subject's body B below the subject's head H. The head restraint assembly 100 can be removably attached to the body stabilizer 8112 via a head connector 8114. As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the head connector 8114 has laterally opposed first and second head connector surfaces 9116a and 9116b that are laterally spaced apart from one another. The head connector 8114 can have a substantially triangular cone shape in cross section. Thus, a lateral width of the head connector 8114 can decrease from the first head connector surface 9116a to the second head connector surface 9116b. However, the head connector 8114 can have any desired cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, rectangular, arcuate, and / or linear.

[0063] The first and second posts 110a, 110b of the first and second platform portions 104a, 104b may include first and second head connector notches 9118a, 9118b extending laterally therethrough, respectively. The first and second head connector notches 9118a, 9118b are configured to match a cross-sectional shape of the head connector 8114 such that the first head connector end 9120a of the head connector 8114 selectively inserts longitudinally through the first and second connector notches 9118a, 9118b to join the head connector 8114 to the head restraint assembly 100. The first head connector notch 9118a and the second head connector notch 9118b can be configured such that when the head connector 8114 extends through the first head connector notch 9118a and the second head connector notch 9118b, a press fit and / or frictional engagement occurs between the head restraint assembly 100 and the head connector 8114. The press fit and / or frictional engagement between the head restraint assembly 100 and the head connector 8114 can help prevent the head connector 8114 from undesirably disengaging from the head restraint assembly 100.

[0064] Alternatively or in addition to maintaining the head connector 8114 connected to the head restraint assembly 100 with a press fit and / or frictional engagement, the head connector 8114 may be selectively or substantially permanently connected to at least one of the first platform portion 104a, the second platform portion 104b, and the third platform portion 104c via one or more fasteners. Each fastener connecting the head connector 8114 to the head restraint assembly 100 may be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanently adhesive epoxy), a sticky tape (e.g., a high performance acrylic sticky double sided tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and ring fastener, a fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. It is also contemplated that the head connector 8114 may be formed integrally with at least one of the first platform portion 104a, the second platform portion 104b, and the third platform portion 104c as a single unitary structure.

[0065] 8 and 10, the body stabilizer 8112 has first and second stabilizer surfaces 8122a and 8122b laterally opposed and spaced apart from one another. The first and second stabilizer seats 10124a and 10124b can extend laterally from the second stabilizer surface 8122b. The first and second stabilizer seats 10124a and 10124b can have free end faces 10126a and 10126b, respectively, that are longitudinally opposed to the second stabilizer surface 8122b. The two free end faces 10126a and 10126b can be coplanar to aid in stabilizing the body stabilizer 8112 during use. At least one of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer seat 10124a, and the second stabilizer seat 10124b may be formed separately from and subsequently connected to at least one other of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer seat 10124a, and the second stabilizer seat 10124b. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer seat 10124a, and the second stabilizer seat 10124b may be formed integrally with at least one other of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer seat 10124a, and the second stabilizer seat 10124b as a single unitary structure.

[0066] The first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can be separated from one another via a laterally extending stabilizer gap 10128. The first stabilizer pedestal stabilizer gap and the second stabilizer pedestal stabilizer gap can form the stabilizer gap 10128 such that the second head connector end 9120b of the head connector 8114 is selectively inserted vertically into the stabilizer gap 10128 between the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b to join the head connector 8114 to the body stabilizer 8112 on a first vertical stabilizer side 10130a of the body stabilizer 8112. The first stabilizer seat 10124a, the second stabilizer seat 10124b, and the stabilizer gap 10128 can be configured such that a press fit and / or frictional engagement occurs between the body stabilizer 8112 and the head connector 8114 when the head connector 8114 is inserted into the stabilizer gap 10128. The press fit and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112 and the head connector 8114 can help prevent undesired disengagement of the head connector 8114 from the body stabilizer 8112.

[0067] 9-10, the first head connector surface 9116a may further include at least one head locking protrusion 9132 configured to engage at least one head locking detent 10134 of the second stabilizer surface 8122b when the head connector 8114 is engaged with the body stabilizer 8112. The engagement of the head locking protrusion 9132 with the head locking detent 10134 also helps prevent undesired disengagement of the head connector 8114 from the body stabilizer 8112. It is also contemplated that the head connector 8114 may be a single, unitary structure integral with the body stabilizer 8112.

[0068] 8, the body stabilizer 8112 can include at least one stabilizer hole 8136 (shown here as stabilizer holes 8136a, 8136b, 8136c, 8136d, 8136e, 8136f) extending laterally therethrough. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 8, the body stabilizer 8112 includes a first stabilizer hole 8136a, a second stabilizer hole 8136b, and a third stabilizer hole 8136c positioned longitudinally on stabilizer side 8138a along a first side of the body stabilizer 8112. The body stabilizer 8112 further includes a fourth stabilizer hole 8136d, a fifth stabilizer hole 8136e, and a sixth stabilizer hole 8136f positioned longitudinally along a second lateral stabilizer side 8138b of the body stabilizer 8112. The first stabilizer hole 8136a, the second stabilizer hole 8136b, and the third stabilizer hole 8136c may be longitudinally aligned or longitudinally offset with the fourth stabilizer hole 8136d, the fifth stabilizer hole 8136e, and the sixth stabilizer hole 8136f. The stabilizer holes 8136a, 8136b, 8136c, 8136d, 8136e, 8136f can be used by at least one medical professional to grasp the body stabilizer 8112 and transport the restrained subject.

[0069] 8 and 11, the body stabilizer assembly 8111 can include at least one restraining strap 8140 (shown here as restraining straps 8140a, 8140b, and 8140c) selectively attached to the body stabilizer 8112 and configured to selectively prevent the subject S from emerging from the body stabilizer 8112. The at least one restraining strap 8140 can also be configured to secure at least a portion of the subject's body B to the body stabilizer 8112. The body stabilizer assembly 8111 can include, for example, a first restraining strap 8140a, a second restraining strap 8140b, and a third restraining strap 8140c. The first restraining strap 8140a can extend through between the first stabilizer hole 8136a and the fourth stabilizer hole 8136d, the second restraining strap 8140b can extend through between the second stabilizer hole 8136b and the fifth stabilizer hole 8136e, and the third restraining strap 8140c can extend through between the third stabilizer hole 8136c and the sixth stabilizer hole 8136f.

[0070] Each of the first, second, and third restraint straps 8140a, 8140b, and 8140c can be selectively moved longitudinally along a respective stabilizer hole 8136a, 8136b, 8136c, 8136d, 8136e, 8136f such that each of the first, second, and third restraint straps 8140a, 8140b, and 8140c is positioned at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's body B to conform to the subject's anatomy. Each of the first restraint strap 8140a, the second restraint strap 8140b, and the third restraint strap 8140c can be selectively retained attached to the body stabilizer 8112 and joined to the subject S by using at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook and ring fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope eye fastener, a sawtooth fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0071] The first stabilizer surface 8122a can include a reusable or disposable stabilizer cushion 8142 configured to be interposed between the subject's body B and the first stabilizer surface 8122a. The stabilizer cushion 8142 provides a softer surface for positioning on the subject's body B than the essentially rigid first stabilizing surface 8122a. The stabilizer cushion 8142 can be essentially permanently attached to the first stabilizer surface 8122a or can be configured to be selectively detached from the first stabilizer surface 8122a as needed.

[0072] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, at least one of the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b can include a winglet attachment hole 8144a, 8144b extending laterally therethrough. For example, the body stabilizer 8112 shown in Figures 8 and 10 includes a first winglet attachment hole 8144a in the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and a second winglet attachment hole 8144b in the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b. Each of the first winglet attachment hole 8144a and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b are configured to selectively receive a winglet attachment protrusion 8146 of a winglet 8148 to attach the winglet 8148 to the body stabilizer 8112.

[0073] The winglet 8148 is configured to selectively receive the arm A of the subject S and has laterally opposed first and second winglet surfaces 8150a and 8150b that are laterally spaced apart from one another. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146 extends laterally from the first winglet surface 8150a on a first lateral winglet side 8152a of the winglet 8148. When the winglet 8148 is attached to the body stabilizer 8112, the first winglet surface 8150a is adjacent or proximate to the second stabilizer surface 8122b. As shown in FIG. 10, the second winglet surface 8150b of the attached winglet 8148 can be approximately flush with the free end surfaces 10126a, 10126b of the first stabilizer base 10124a and the second stabilizer base 10124b without significantly compromising the stability of the body stabilizer 8112.

[0074] The winglet attachment protrusion 8146 and the first and second winglet attachment holes 8144a and 8144b are configured to allow the winglet 8148 to be selectively pivoted to a desired angular position of arm A for receiving the subject relative to the body stabilizer 8112. Pivoting the winglet 8148 to the desired angular position may include removing the winglet attachment protrusion 8146 from one of the first and second winglet attachment holes 8144a and 8144b to pivot the winglet 8148 to the desired angular position relative to the body stabilizer 8112, and then reattaching the winglet 8148 to the body stabilizer to position the winglet 8148 at the desired angular position. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146 and the first and second winglet attachment holes 8144a and 8144b may be mated or displaced to allow the winglet 8148 to pivot in predetermined angular increments relative to the body stabilizer 8112 (as shown in the configurations of Figures 8, 10 and 11) or to allow the winglet 8148 to freely pivot relative to the body stabilizer 8112. The mating or displaced may include forming at least a portion of the winglet attachment protrusion 8146' and the first and second winglet attachment holes 8144a' and 8144b' into a generally octagonal shape, any other polygonal shape, or any other desired shape.

[0075] 8 and 10, the winglet 8148 can include at least one winglet hole 8154 (shown here as winglet holes 8154a, 8154b, 8154c, 8154d, 8154e) extending laterally therethrough. In the example configuration and orientation of FIG. 8, the winglet 8148 includes a first winglet hole 8154a and a second winglet hole 8154b positioned laterally along a first longitudinal winglet side 8156a of the winglet 8148. The winglet 8148 also includes a third winglet hole 8154c and a fourth winglet hole 8154d positioned laterally along a second longitudinal winglet side 8156b of the winglet 8148. The first winglet hole 8154a and the second winglet hole 8154b may be laterally aligned or laterally offset with the third winglet hole 8154c and the fourth winglet hole 8154d. The fifth winglet hole 8154e may extend laterally through the winglet 8148 at the second lateral winglet side 8152b of the winglet 8148. The winglet holes 8154a, 8154b, 8154c, 8154d, 8154e may be used by at least one medical professional to grasp the winglet 8148 and / or manipulate the arm A of the subject when transporting the restrained subject S.

[0076] 8 and 11, the restraint assembly 8110 can include at least one winglet strap 8158 (shown here as winglet straps 8158a and 8158b) selectively attached to the winglet 8148 and configured to selectively prevent the subject's arm A from disengaging from the winglet 8148. The at least one winglet strap 8158 can also be configured to secure at least a portion of the subject's arm A to the winglet 8148. The restraint assembly 8110 can include, for example, a first winglet strap 8158a and a second winglet strap 8158b. The first winglet strap 8158a can pass around and extend between the first winglet hole 8154a and the third winglet hole 8154c, and the second winglet strap 8158b can pass around and extend between the second winglet hole 8154b and the fourth winglet hole 8154d.

[0077] Each of the first and second winglet straps 8158a and 8158b can be selectively moved laterally along a respective winglet hole 8154a, 8154b, 8154c, 8154d such that each of the first and second winglet straps 8158a and 8158b is positioned at a selected lateral position along the subject's arm A to conform to the subject's anatomy. Each of the first and second winglet straps 8158a and 8158b can be selectively attached to the winglet 8148 and retained attached to the subject's arm A by using at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, saw tooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0078] The first winglet surface 8150a may have a reusable or disposable winglet cushion 8160 interposed between the subject's arm A and the first winglet surface 8150a. The winglet cushion 8160 provides the subject's arm A with a softer surface for placement than the generally rigid first winglet surface 8150a. The winglet cushion 8160 may be essentially permanently attached to the first winglet surface 8150a or may be configured to be selectively detached from the first winglet surface 8150a as needed.

[0079] Although the body stabilizer assembly 8111 is shown having only one winglet 8148, the body stabilizer assembly 8111 may have any number of winglets 8148. For example, one winglet 8148 may be attached to a first winglet attachment hole 8144a and a second winglet 8148 may be attached to a second winglet attachment hole 8144b.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-11, the body stabilizer assembly 8111 can include a foot platform 8162 configured to receive a portion of the subject's foot FT and / or a portion of the subject's leg L. The foot platform 8162 is removably attached to the body stabilizer 8112 via a foot connector 8164. The foot platform 8162 includes first and second foot surfaces 8166a and 8166b laterally opposed and laterally spaced apart from one another. The first foot surface 8166a is configured to receive the subject's foot FT and / or leg L. The second foot surface 8166b can be selectively or essentially permanently connected to a first foot connector end 8168a via one or more fasteners. Each fastener connecting the foot connectors 8164 to the foot platform 8162 may be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanently adhesive epoxy), a tape (e.g., a high performance acrylic adhesive double sided tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and ring fastener, a fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. Alternatively, the foot platform 8162 and the foot connectors 8164 may be integrally formed as a single unitary structure.

[0081] The foot connector 8164 has first and second laterally opposed foot connector surfaces 8170a and 8170b that are laterally spaced apart from one another. The foot connector 8164 may have a generally triangular conical shape in cross section similar to the head connector 8114. Thus, the lateral width of the foot connector 8164 may decrease from the first foot connector surface 8170a to the second foot connector surface 8170b. However, the foot connector 8164 may have any desired cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, rectangular, arcuate, and / or rectilinear.

[0082] The first stabilizer base 10124a and the second stabilizer base 10124b can form a stabilizer gap 10128 between the first stabilizer base 10124a and the second stabilizer base 10124b so that the second foot connector end 8168b of the foot connector 8164 can be selectively inserted vertically into the stabilizer gap 10128 to match the cross-sectional shape of the foot connector 8164, thereby joining the foot connector 9164 to the body stabilizer 8112 on the second vertical stabilizer side 10130b of the body stabilizer 8112. The first stabilizer seat 10124a, the second stabilizer seat 10124b, and the stabilizer gap 10128 can be configured such that a press fit and / or frictional engagement occurs between the body stabilizer 8112 and the foot connector 8164 when the foot connector 8164 is inserted into the stabilizer gap 10128. The press fit and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112 and the foot connector 8164 can help prevent the foot connector 8164 from undesirably disengaging from the body stabilizer 8112.

[0083] The first foot connector surface 8170a may further include at least one foot locking protrusion 8172 configured to engage at least one foot locking detent 10174 of the second stabilizer surface 8122b when the foot connector 8164 is engaged with the body stabilizer 8112. The engagement of the foot locking protrusion 8172 with the foot locking detent 10174 also helps prevent undesired disengagement of the foot connector 8164 from the body stabilizer 8112.

[0084] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the foot platform 8162 can include at least one foot hole 8176 (shown here as foot holes 8176a, 8176b, 8176c) extending laterally therethrough. In the exemplary configuration of Figures 8 and 11, the foot platform 8162 includes a first foot hole 8176a positioned laterally along a first lateral foot side 8178a of the foot platform 8162. The foot platform 8162 further includes a second foot hole 8176b positioned laterally along a second longitudinal foot side 8178b of the foot platform 8162. The first foot hole 8176a and the second foot hole 8176b can be longitudinally aligned with one another or longitudinally offset from one another. When the foot platform 8162 is connected to the body stabilizer 8112, the third foot hole 8176c can extend laterally through the foot platform 8162 on a longitudinal side 8180 of the foot platform that faces the body stabilizer 8112. The foot holes 8176a, 8176b, 8176c can be used by at least one medical professional to grasp the foot platform 8162 when transporting the restrained subject S.

[0085] The first foot surface 8166a may also include a foot handle 8182 that protrudes laterally from the first foot surface 8166a. The foot handle 8182 may include a foot handle hole 8184 that extends laterally through the foot handle 8182. When transporting a restrained subject, at least one medical professional may grasp the foot handle 8182 and the foot platform 8162 using the foot handle hole 8184.

[0086] The restraint assembly 8110 may include at least one foot strap 8186 (shown here as foot straps 8186a and 8186b) configured to selectively attach to the foot platform 8162 and selectively prevent disengagement of the subject's foot FT and / or leg L from the foot platform 8162. The at least one foot strap 8186 may also be configured to secure at least a portion of the subject's foot FT and / or leg L to the foot platform 8162. The restraint assembly 8110 may include, for example, a first foot strap 8186a and a second foot strap 8186b. The first foot strap 8186a may extend around and through and between the first foot hole 8176a and the foot handle hole 8184 to restrain one leg L and foot FT of the subject S. A second foot strap 8186b can be adapted to restrain the subject S's other leg L and foot FT by passing around and extending between the second foot hole 8176b and the foot handle hole 8184.

[0087] Each of the first and second foot straps 8186a, 8186b can be selectively moved longitudinally along the respective foot holes 8176a, 8176b and foot handle holes 8184. This longitudinal movement positions each of the first and second foot straps 8186a, 8186b at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's leg L and / or foot FT to conform to the subject's anatomy. Each of the first and second foot straps 8186a, 8186b can be selectively attached to the foot platform 8162 and retained to be selectively joined to the subject's leg L and / or foot FT by use of at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, sawtooth fasteners and / or other suitable fasteners or combinations of fasteners.

[0088] The first foot surface 8166a may have a reusable or disposable foot cushion 8188 configured to be interposed between the first foot surface 8166a and the subject's foot FT and / or leg L. The foot cushion 8188 provides a softer surface for placement against the subject's foot FT and / or leg L than the essentially rigid first foot surface 8166a. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 8, the foot cushion 8188 is a single cushion. Optionally, the foot cushion 8188 may include multiple separate cushions. In such a configuration, one cushion may be interposed between the first foot surface 8166a and one leg L / foot FT of the subject S, while another second cushion may be interposed between the first foot surface 8166a and another leg / foot of the subject. The foot cushion 8188 may be essentially permanently attached to the first foot surface 8166a or may be configured to be selectively detached from the first foot surface 8166a as needed.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the restraint assembly 8110 can include an abdominal sling 12190. The abdominal sling 12190 can include a central sling portion 12192 having a first sling strap surface 12194a and a second sling strap surface 12194b. The first sling strap surface 12194a is configured to selectively engage the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject, and the second sling strap surface 12194b is configured to turn away the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject when the first sling strap surface 12194a is engaged to the subject S. The first sling strap surface 12194a can include a biocompatible adhesive 14196 disposed to selectively maintain engagement of the first sling strap surface with the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject.

[0090] The abdominal sling 12190 further includes at least one sling strap 13198 (here shown as sling straps 13198a, 13198b, 13198c) extending from the central sling portion 12192. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 12-14, the abdominal sling 12190 includes a first sling strap 13198a, a second sling strap 13198b, and a third sling strap 13198c extending from the central sling portion 12192. The first sling strap 13198a has a first end 13200a connected to the central sling portion 12192. The second end 13200b of the first sling strap 13198a can selectively encircle the first restraining strap 8140a adjacent the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and can be pulled towards the central sling portion 12192 to tighten the first sling strap 13198a. Once the first sling strap 13198a is tensioned as desired, the second end 13200b of the first sling strap 13198a can be selectively attached to another portion of the first sling strap 13198a to maintain a desired tension in the first sling strap 13198a. The second end 13200b of the first sling strap 13198a can be attached to the remaining portion of the first sling strap 13198a via at least one of a jig, adhesive, a hook ring fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope eye fastener, a saw tooth fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. As shown in FIG. 13, the second end 13200b of the first sling strap 13198a includes a first hook portion 13202a configured to connect to a first ring portion 13204a on the first sling strap 13198a to attach the second end 13200b of the first sling strap 13198a to the remaining portion of the first sling strap 13198a.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the second sling strap 13198b has a first end 1326a connected to the central sling portion 12192. The second end 1326b of the second sling strap 13198b can selectively encircle the first restraining strap 8140a adjacent the second side stabilizer side 8138b and can be pulled toward the central sling portion 12192 to tension the second sling strap 13198b. Once the second sling strap 13198b is tensioned as desired, the second end 13206b of the second sling strap 13198b can be selectively attached to another portion of the second sling strap 13198b to maintain a desired tension in the second sling strap 13198b. The second end 1326b of the second sling strap 13198b can be attached to the remaining portion of the second sling strap 13198b via at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook and ring fastener, magnetic fastener, locking fastener, hook and eye fastener, button, rope eye fastener, saw tooth fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. As shown in FIG. 13, the second end 13206b of the second sling strap 13198b can include a second hook portion 13202b configured to connect to a second ring portion 13204b on the second sling strap 13198b to attach the second end 13206b of the second sling strap 13198b to the remaining portion of the second sling strap 13198b.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the third sling strap 13198c has a first end 13208a connected to the central sling portion 12192. The third sling strap 13198c can be positioned laterally between the first sling strap 13198a and the second sling strap 13198b. Thus, the second end 13208b of the third sling strap 13198c can selectively encircle the first restraining strap 8140a between the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b and can be pulled toward the central sling portion 12192 to tighten the third sling strap 13198c. Once the third strap 13198c is tensioned as desired, the second end 13208b of the third strap 13198c can be selectively attached to other portions of the third strap 13198c to maintain a desired tension in the third strap 13198c. The second end 13208b of the third sling strap 13198c can be attached to other portions of the third sling strap 13198c via at least one of a jig, adhesive, a hook and ring fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope eye fastener, a sawtooth fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. As shown in FIG. 13, the second end 13208b of the third sling strap 13198c can include a third hook portion 13202c configured to connect to the third ring portion 13204c for attaching the second end 13208b of the third sling strap 13198c to the remainder of the third sling strap 13198c.

[0093] When the central sling portion 12192 is joined to the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS, tension in at least one of the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c is configured to cause the central sling portion 12192 to apply a force to the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS to urge the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue AST cranially. The term "cephalad" is defined herein as the side toward the head H of the subject S. Thus, the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c can be tensioned to urge the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue AST cranially as needed. Urging the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue AST cranially is particularly useful when the medical professional has suitable access to portions of the subject S that would otherwise be occluded or covered by the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue AST.

[0094] The first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b and the third sling strap 13198c are attached to the body stabilizer 8112 via the first restraint strap 8140a, however, at least one of the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b and the third sling strap 13198c can be connected directly to the body stabilizer 8112 so as to surround at least one of the stabilizer holes 8136a, 8136b, 8136c, 8136d, 8136e, 8136f. For example, the first sling strap 13198a can be coupled to the body stabilizer 8112 by looping through the fourth stabilizer hole 8136d that passes through the second side stabilizer 8138b, as described above, and the third sling strap 13198c can be looped around the first restraining strap 8140a. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first strap 13198a, the second strap 13198b, and the third strap 13198c is connected to at least one of the second strap 8140b and the third strap 8140c rather than or in addition to being connected to the first strap 8140a.

[0095] At least one of the central sling portion 12192, the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c may be formed separately from and subsequently connected to at least one of the central sling portion 12192, the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the central sling portion 12192, the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c may be formed integrally with at least another one of the central sling portion 12192, the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c as a single unitary structure.

[0096] 16-27 illustrate a second embodiment of a head restraint assembly 100' that may be included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Because head restraint assembly 100' of FIGS. 16-27 is similar to head restraint assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-12 and 15, structures in FIGS. 16-27 that are the same or similar to structures described with reference to FIGS. 1-12 and 15 have the same reference numerals with an upper bracket "'" added. Descriptions of common elements and operations similar to elements and operations in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment but should be considered incorporated below by reference as appropriate. Additionally, elements and functionality illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly described or illustrated.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the head restraint assembly 100' includes a restraint platform 102'. The restraint platform 102' has a first platform portion 104a' and a second platform portion 104b'. The second platform portion 104b' is separated from the first platform portion 104a' by a longitudinally extending restraint gap 108'. The first platform portion 104a' includes a laterally extending first post 110a' and a first guide rail 16220a extending laterally from the first post 110a' to the second platform portion 104b'. The second platform portion 104b' includes a longitudinally extending second post 110b' and a second guide rail 16220b extending laterally from the second post 110b' to the first platform portion 104a'. Because the first and second guide rails 16220a, 16220b extend toward one another, the portion of the constraint gap 108' that extends between the first and second flanges 112a', 112b' may be vertically smaller than the portion of the constraint gap 108' that extends between the first and second posts 110a', 110b'. At least one of the first and second guide rails 16220a, 16220b may be integrally formed with each of the first and second posts 110a', 110b' into a single, unitary structure, or may be formed separately and then attached to each of the first and second posts 110a', 110b'.

[0098] The third platform portion 104c' of the constraining platform 102' extends longitudinally between the first platform portion 104a' and the second platform portion 104b' and connects the first platform portion 104a' and the second platform portion 104b' to one another. At least one of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c' can be formed separately from at least one other of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c' and then connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c' can be formed integrally with at least one other of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c' as a single unitary structure.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the restraining platform 102′ further includes a platform mounting member 17222. The platform mounting member 17222 includes a platform mounting main body 17224. The platform mounting main body 17224 extends longitudinally between the first platform portion 104a′ and the second platform portion 104b′ and defines an internal platform mounting cavity 17226. The platform mounting cavity 17226 extends longitudinally between a first opening 17228a in the first post 110a′ and a second opening 17228b in the second post 110b′. Alternatively, in a configuration that omits the first opening 17228a of the restraining platform 102′, the platform mounting cavity 17226 can extend longitudinally from the second post opening 17228b to a blind end adjacent the first platform portion 104a′.

[0100] The platform mounting body 17224 includes a first mounting body sidewall 18230a, a second mounting body sidewall 18230b, a first mounting body end wall 18232a and a second mounting body end wall 18230b. The first mounting body sidewall 18230a includes a first drive shaft opening 18234a and a retention opening 18236 extending laterally therethrough. Similarly, the second mounting body sidewall 18230b includes a second drive shaft opening 18234b and a locking opening 17238 extending therethrough. 17-18, the retention opening 18236 and the locking opening 17238 are longitudinally offset from one another such that the longitudinal spacing of the locking opening 17238 is closer to the second platform portion 104b' than the retention opening 18236, and the first traction shaft opening 18234a and the second traction shaft opening 18234b are longitudinally aligned with one another. The first mounting body end wall 18232a includes a laterally extending head platform opening 18240.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 16-17, the head restraint assembly 100' includes a head platform 16242 that is separate from and selectively connectable to the restraint platform 102'. The head platform 16242 includes a first platform surface 16244a configured for the subject's head H to rest thereon. The first platform surface 16244a may be substantially arcuate in a lateral direction to accommodate the subject's head H. However, it is contemplated that the first platform surface 16244a may be curved or extend in any desired manner to extend generally flat in a lateral direction as needed to accommodate the subject's head H. The first platform surface 16244a may include a reusable or disposable pedestal cushion (e.g., pedestal cushion 114) having any desired material and structure disposed between the subject's head H and the first platform surface 16244a. The base cushion may be essentially permanently attached to the first platform surface 16244a or may be configured to be selectively detachable from the first platform surface 16244a as needed.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 17, the head platform 16242 includes a second platform surface 16244b laterally opposed to the first platform surface 16244a. The second platform surface 16244b includes a head platform protrusion 17246 extending laterally therefrom. The head platform protrusion 17246 defines a cylindrical drive shaft passageway 17248 extending laterally therefrom. As shown in FIG. 16, when the head platform 16242 is selectively joined to the restraining platform 102′, the head platform protrusion 17246 is received in the head platform opening 18240 such that the drive shaft passageway 17248 is longitudinally aligned with the first drive shaft opening 18234a and the second drive shaft opening 18234b. The drive shaft passageway 17248 can include a center divider that at least partially divides the drive shaft passageway 17248 into a first passageway portion 17248a and a second passageway portion 17248b.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 16-17, a first lateral platform side 120a' of the restraining platform 102' may include at least one of a first head restraint 122a', a first hinge connection assembly 124a', and a first sliding member 126a'.

[0104] First head restraint 122a' is configured to selectively engage a first side FS of the subject's head H. First head restraint 122a' is essentially the same as first head restraint 122a of FIGS. 1-12 and 15. However, first head restraint 122a' includes a first support strap 16250a for reinforcing the structure of first base 128a'. First support strap 16250a aligns with first ear hole 230a' and extends laterally from inner periphery 232a' of first base 128a'.

[0105] The first head restraint 122a' includes a first zygomatic flange 134a', a first forehead flange 136a', and a first parietal flange 138a', although the first head restraint 122a' can have any desired number of flanges. Each of the first zygomatic flange 134a', the first forehead flange 136a', and the first parietal flange 138a' is formed separately from the first base 128a' and then connected to the first base 128a', e.g., to the periphery 140a' of the first base 128a'.

[0106] The first cheekbone flange 134a', the first forehead flange 136a' and the first parietal flange 138a' may include a first cheekbone flange attachment member 16252a, a first forehead flange attachment member 16254a and a first parietal flange attachment member 16256a, respectively, for selectively connecting each of the first cheekbone flange 134a', the first forehead flange 136a' and the first parietal flange 138a' to the first base 128a'. In particular, the first cheekbone flange mounting member 16252a can be selectively connected to the first cheekbone flange connector member 16258a of the first base 128a', the first forehead flange mounting member 16254a can be selectively connected to the first forehead flange connector member 16260a of the first base 128a', and the first parietal flange mounting member 16256a can be selectively connected to the first parietal flange connector member 16262a of the first base 128a'.

[0107] In the configuration shown in Figures 16-17, the first cheekbone edge connector member 16258a, the first forehead edge connector member 16260a and the first parietal edge connector member 16262a each have the form of a hook, and the first cheekbone edge mounting member 16252a, the first forehead edge mounting member 16254a and the first parietal edge mounting member 16256a each have the form of a bar to which the hooks can be selectively attached. However, each of the flange attachment members 16252a, 16254a, 16256a may be connected to the flange connector members 16258a, 16260a, 16262a in any other desired manner, for example, with at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, sawtooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0108] The first cheekbone flange connector member 16258a, the first forehead flange connector member 16260a, and the first parietal flange connector member 16262a can extend from the periphery 140a' of the first base 128a' or any other portion of the first base 128a'. Through the hook sockets, each of the first cheekbone flange 134a', the first forehead flange 136a', and the first parietal flange 138a' can be selectively pivoted relative to the first base 128a' when connected to the first base 128a'. This pivoting capability allows at least one of the first cheekbone flange 134a', the first forehead flange 136a', and the first parietal flange 138a' to be selectively positioned in a desired orientation relative to the subject's head H and / or to a body structure that is compatible with the subject's head H.

[0109] The first hinge connection assembly 124a' may be essentially the same as the first hinge connection assembly 124a of FIGS. 1-5. Thus, the first hinge connection assembly 124a' may be in the form of a first ball-socket assembly 124a'. The first ball-socket assembly 124a' may include a first ball portion 144a' attached to a first ball stem 146a'. The first ball stem 146a' connects the first ball portion 144a' to the first head restraint 122a' (e.g., to a first support strap 16250a). At least one of the first ball portion 144a', the first ball stem 146a', and the first support strap 16250a may be formed separately from at least one other of the first ball portion 144a', the first ball stem 146a', and the first support strap 16250a and then connected. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the first ball portion 144a', the first ball stem 146a' and the first support strap 16250a can be formed integrally with at least one other of the first ball portion 144a', the first ball stem 146a' and the first support strap 16250a as a single, unitary structure.

[0110] First ball-socket assembly 124a' further includes a first socket 150a' that is associated with first ball-socket seat 152a', for example, by being recessed into first ball-socket seat 152a'. First ball portion 144a' is selectively received in and selectively hingeable to first socket portion 150a'. This arrangement provides first head restraint 122a' with at least three degrees of freedom of movement such that first head restraint 122a' conforms to a first side FS of the subject's head H.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 17, the first ball socket assembly 124a' may include a first ball restraining mechanism 556a' for selectively holding the first head restraint 122a' in a fixed position. The first ball restraining mechanism 556a' may include a first restraining shaft 17264a, a first restraining control knob 558a' connected to one end of the first restraining shaft 17264a, a first movable ball stopper 560a' connected to the other end of the first restraining shaft 17264a, and a first fixed ball stopper 17266a fixed to the first socket portion 150a'. One end of the first restraining shaft 17264a is connected to the first movable ball stopper 560a' and the other end of the first restraining shaft 17264a is connected to the first restraining control knob 558a'. The first ball socket seat 152a' includes a first threaded opening 17268a in fluid communication with the first socket portion 150a'. The first restraining shaft 17264a extends through the first threaded opening 17268a such that the first movable ball stopper 560a' is inside the first socket portion 150a', the first restraining control knob 558a' is outside the first socket base 152a', and the first threaded portion 17270a of the first restraining shaft 17264a is threadedly engaged with the first threaded opening 17268a.

[0112] If desired, the first inhibiting control knob 558a' can be actuated to move the first movable ball stopper 560a' vertically toward the first ball portion 144a' and the first fixed ball stopper 17266a. The first movable ball stopper 560a' can be moved vertically until the first movable ball stopper 560a' is mated to the first ball portion 144a'. Once the first movable ball stopper 560a' is mated to the first ball portion 144a', the first ball portion 144a' (and the first ball stem 146a' connected thereto) is essentially inhibited from moving relative to the first ball socket seat 152a'. Because the first head restraint 122a' is coupled to the first ball portion 144a' via the first ball stem 146a', the first ball portion 144a' is inhibited from moving and the first head restraint 122a' is held in a fixed position. Thus, first head restraint 122a' can be moved to a desired position where it conforms to first side FS of the subject's head H and then locked in place by first ball restraint mechanism 556a' once the desired position is reached. When movement of first head restraint 122a' is again required, first restraint control knob 558a' can be actuated (e.g., by rotating first restraint control knob 558a' in a second direction opposite the first direction) to disengage first movable ball stopper 560a' from first ball portion 144a' and move first movable ball stopper 560a' longitudinally away from first ball portion 144a' and first fixed ball stopper 17266a.

[0113] 16-17, the first sliding mechanism 126a' includes a first sliding base 162a'. The first sliding base 162a' includes a first sliding base notch 264a' and a second sliding base notch 266a' that extend longitudinally inward from an outer side of the first sliding base 162a'. The first sliding base notch 264a' is configured to receive the first guide rail 16220a, and the second sliding base notch 266a' is configured to receive the second guide rail 16220b. 17, the first sliding mechanism 126a' further includes a first drive shaft 15212a, a first sliding control knob 168a' connected to one end of the first drive shaft 15212a, a first end support 17272a located at an opposite end of the first drive shaft 15212a, and a first threaded portion 15210a' located laterally between the ends of the first drive shaft 15212a. The first drive shaft 15212a extends laterally through the first threaded opening 15216a' of the first sliding seat 162a' such that the first threaded portion 15210a' is threadedly engaged with the first threaded opening 15216a'. The first end support 17272a of the first drive shaft 15212a is inserted into the drive shaft passage 17248 (e.g., inserted into the first passage portion 17248a) via the first drive shaft opening 18234a. Thus, when the first threaded portion 15210a is threadedly engaged with the first threaded opening 15216a', the first drive shaft 15212a is supported via the first threaded portion 15210a, and when the first end support 17272a is received in the drive shaft passage 17248, the first drive shaft 15212a is supported via the first end support 17272a.

[0114] As needed, the first sliding control knob 168a' can be actuated (e.g., by rotation) to rotate the first drive shaft 15212a relative to the first sliding seat 162a'. In response to the rotation of the first drive shaft 15212a, the first sliding seat 162a' is caused to move laterally along the first threaded portion 15210a' and slide laterally along the first and second guide rails 16220a and 16220b of the constraining platform 102'. Thus, actuation of the first sliding control knob 168a' can cause the first sliding seat 162a' to move laterally, i.e., selectively, toward or away from the second lateral platform side 120b' of the constraining platform 102'.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 16-17, the first sliding base 162a' and the first ball socket base 152a' may be two parts of a single first base case 16274a. The first sliding base 162a' is thus secured to the first ball socket base 152a' and operably connected to the first head restraint 122a' via the first ball socket assembly 124a'. The first head restraint 122a' is thus connected to the first lateral platform side 120a' of the restraining platform 102' via the first ball socket assembly 124a' and the first sliding mechanism 126a'. In response to selective lateral movement of the first sliding base 162a', the first head restraint 122a' (and thus the first base case 16274a as a whole) is caused to move laterally relative to the restraining platform 102'. Thus, the first sliding control knob 558a' can be selectively actuated to move the first head restraint 122a' toward the subject's head H received on the first platform surface 16244a to engage the first side FS of the subject's head H, and the first head restraint 122a' can be selectively actuated away from the subject's head H to disengage from the first side FS of the subject's head H.

[0116] The second lateral platform side 120b' of the restraint platform 102' includes at least one of a second head restraint 122b', a second hinge connection assembly 124b', and a second slide member 126b'.

[0117] The second head restraint 122b' is configured to selectively join a second side SS of the subject's head H opposite a first side FS of the subject's head H. The second head restraint 122b' is essentially the same as the second head restraint 122b of FIGS. 1-12 and 15. However, the second head restraint 122b' includes a second support strap 16250b for reinforcing the structure of the second base 128b'. The second support strap 16250b is aligned with the second ear hole 230b' and extends laterally from the inner periphery 232b' of the second base 128b'.

[0118] The second head restraint 122b' includes a second zygomatic flange 134b', a second forehead flange 136b', and a second parietal flange 138b', although the second head restraint 122b' can have any number of flanges. Each of the second zygomatic flange 134b', the second forehead flange 136b', and the second parietal flange 138b' is formed separately from the second base 128b' and then connected to the second base 128b', e.g., to the periphery 140b' of the second base 128b'.

[0119] The second cheekbone flange 134b', the second forehead flange 136b' and the second parietal flange 138b' include a second cheekbone flange attachment member 16252b, a second forehead flange attachment member 16254b and a second parietal flange attachment member 16256b, respectively, and each of the second cheekbone flange 134b', the second forehead flange 136b' and the second parietal flange 138b' can be selectively connected to the second base 128b'. In particular, the second cheekbone flange mounting member 16252b can be selectively connected to the second cheekbone flange connector member 16258b of the second base 128b', the second forehead flange mounting member 16254b can be selectively connected to the second forehead flange connector member 16260b of the second base 128b', and the second parietal flange mounting member 16256b can be selectively connected to the second parietal flange connector member 16262b of the second base 128b'.

[0120] In the configuration shown in Figures 16-17, the second cheekbone edge connector member 16258b, the second forehead edge connector member 16260b and the second parietal edge connector member 16262b each have the form of a hook, and the second cheekbone edge mounting member 16252b, the second forehead edge mounting member 16254b and the second parietal edge mounting member 16256b each have the form of a bar to which the hooks can be selectively attached. However, each of the flange attachment members 16252b, 16254b, 16256b may be connected to the flange connector members 16258b, 16260b, 16262b in any other desired manner, for example, with at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, sawtooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0121] The second cheekbone flange connector member 16258b, the second forehead flange connector member 16260b, and the second parietal flange connector member 16262b can extend from the periphery 140b' of the second base 128b' or any other portion of the second base 128b'. When joined via the hook sockets, each of the second cheekbone flange 134b', the second forehead flange 136b', and the second parietal flange 138b' can selectively pivot relative to the second base 128b' when connected to the second base 128b'. This pivoting capability allows at least one of the second cheekbone flange 134b', the second forehead flange 136b', and the second parietal flange 138b' to be selectively positioned in a desired orientation relative to the subject's head H and / or to a body structure that conforms to the subject's head H.

[0122] The second hinge connection assembly 124b' may be essentially the same as the second hinge connection assembly 124b of FIGS. 1-5. Thus, the second hinge connection assembly 124b' may be in the form of a second ball-socket assembly 124b'. The second ball-socket assembly 124b' may include a second ball portion 144b' attached to a second ball stem 146b'. The second ball stem 146b' connects the second ball portion 144b' to the second head restraint 122b' (e.g., to the second support strap 16250b). At least one of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b', and the second support strap 16250b may be formed separately from at least one of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b', and the second support strap 16250b and then connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b' and the second support strap 16250b may be formed integrally with at least one other of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b' and the second support strap 16250b as a single, unitary structure.

[0123] The second ball-socket assembly 124b' further includes a second socket 150b' that is associated with the second ball-socket seat 152b', for example, by being recessed into the second ball-socket seat 152b'. The second ball portion 144b' is selectively received in and selectively hinged to the second ball portion 150b'. This arrangement provides the second head restraint 122b' with at least three degrees of freedom of movement to allow the second head restraint 122b' to conform to the second side SS of the subject's head H.

[0124] The second ball socket assembly 124b' may include a second ball restraining mechanism 556b' for selectively holding the second head restraint 122b' in a fixed position. The second ball restraining mechanism 556b' may be similar to the first ball restraining mechanism 556a' shown in detail in FIG. 17. The second ball restraining mechanism 556b' may include a second restraining shaft 17264b, a second restraining control knob 558b' connected to one end of the second restraining shaft 17264b, a second movable ball stopper 560b' connected to the other end of the second restraining shaft 17264b, and a second fixed ball stopper 17266b positioned in the second socket 150b'. One end of the second restraining shaft 17264b is connected to the second movable ball stopper 560b' and the other end of the second restraining shaft 17264b is connected to the second restraining control knob 558b'. The second ball socket seat 152b' includes a second threaded opening 17268b in fluid communication with the second socket 150b'. The second restraint shaft 17264b extends through the second threaded opening 17268b such that the second movable ball stopper 560b' is located within the second socket portion 150b', the second restraint control knob 558a' is located outside the second socket seat 152b', and the second threaded portion 17270b of the second restraint shaft 17264b is threadedly coupled to the second threaded opening 17268b.

[0125] If desired, the second inhibiting control knob 558b' can be actuated to move the second movable ball stopper 560b' vertically toward the second ball portion 144b' and the second fixed ball stopper 17266b. The second movable ball stopper 560b' is vertically movable until the second movable ball stopper 560b' is joined to the second ball portion 144b'. When the second movable ball stopper 560b' is joined to the second ball portion 144b', the second ball portion 144b' (and the second ball stem 146b' connected thereto) is essentially inhibited from moving relative to the second ball portion 152b'. Because the second head restraint 122b' is connected to the second ball portion 144b' via the second ball stem 146b', the movement of the second ball portion 144b' is inhibited and the second head restraint 122b' is held in a fixed position. Thus, second head restraint 122b' can be moved to a desired position where first head restraint 122b' conforms to second side SS of subject's head H and is then locked in place by second ball restraint mechanism 556b' once the desired position is reached. When movement of second head restraint 122b' is again required, second restraint control knob 558b' can be actuated (e.g., by rotating second restraint control knob 558b' in a second direction opposite the first direction) to disengage second movable ball stopper 560b' from second ball portion 144b' and move second movable ball stopper 560b' longitudinally away from second ball portion 144b' and second fixed ball stopper 17266b.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 16-17, the second sliding mechanism 126b' includes a second sliding seat 162b'. The second sliding mechanism 126b' may be similar to the first sliding mechanism 126a' shown in detail in FIG. 17. The second sliding seat 162b' includes a first sliding seat notch 264b' and a second sliding seat notch 266b' extending longitudinally inward from an exterior of the second sliding seat 162b'. The first sliding seat notch 264b' is configured to receive the first guide rail 16220a, and the second sliding seat notch 266b' is configured to receive the second guide rail 16220b. The second sliding mechanism 126b' further includes a second drive shaft 15212b, a second sliding control knob 168b' connected to one end of the second drive shaft 15212b, a second end support 17272b located at the opposite end of the second drive shaft 15212b, and a second threaded portion 15210b' located laterally between the ends of the second drive shaft 15212b. The second drive shaft 15212b extends laterally through a second threaded opening 15216b' of the second sliding seat 162b' such that the second threaded portion 15210b' is threadedly engaged with the second threaded opening 1526b'. The second end support 17272b of the second drive shaft 15212b is inserted into the drive shaft passage 17248 (e.g., inserted into the second passage portion 17248b) via the second drive shaft opening 18234b. Thus, when the second threaded portion 15210b is threadedly engaged with the second threaded opening 15216b', the second drive shaft 15212b is supported via the second threaded portion 15210b, and when the second end support 17272b is received in the drive shaft passage 17248, the second drive shaft 15212b is supported via the second end support 17272b. The first and second drive shafts 15212a, 15212b extending into the drive shaft passage 17248 selectively at least partially prevent undesired disengagement between the head platform 16242 and the restraining platform 102'.

[0127] If desired, the second sliding control knob 168b' can be actuated (e.g., rotated) to rotate the second drive shaft 15212b relative to the second sliding seat 162b'. In response to the rotation of the second drive shaft 15212b, the second sliding seat 162b' is moved laterally along the second threaded portion 15210b' and slid laterally along the first guide rail 16220a and the second guide rail 16220b of the constraining platform 102'. Thus, actuation of the second sliding control knob 168b' can selectively move the second sliding seat 162b' laterally toward or away from the first lateral platform side 120a' of the constraining platform 102'. Because the second drive shaft 15212b is separate from the first drive shaft 15212a, the first sliding base 162a' and the second sliding base 162b' can move relative to each other, such that one of the first sliding base 162a' and the second sliding base 162b' can move laterally while the other remains stationary.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 16-17, the second sliding base 162b' and the second ball socket base 152b' may be two parts of a single second base case 16274b. The second sliding base 162b' is thus secured to the second ball socket base 152b' and operably connected to the second head restraint 122b' via the second ball socket assembly 124b'. The second head restraint 122b' is thus connected to the second lateral platform side 120b' of the restraining platform 102' via the second ball socket assembly 124b' and the second sliding mechanism 126b'. The selective lateral movement response of the second sliding base 162b' causes the second head restraint 122b' (and thus the second base case 16274b as a whole) to move laterally relative to the restraining platform 102'. Thus, the second sliding control knob 558b' can be selectively actuated to move the second head restraint 122b' toward the subject's head H received on the first platform surface 16244a to engage the second side SS of the subject's head H, and selectively actuate the second head restraint 122b' away from the subject's head H to disengage from the second side SS of the subject's head H.

[0129] Via first and second sliding mechanisms 126a' and 126b', first and second head restraints 122a' and 122b' can also selectively move laterally relative to restraint platform 102'. Additionally, first and second ball-socket assemblies 124a' and 124b' hinge first and second head restraints 122a' and 122b' relative to one another. Thus, first and second head restraints 122a' and 122b' are adjustable relative to restraint platform 102' and subject's head H, and are at least partially independently adjustable relative to one another to fit corresponding sides FS, SS of subject's head H.

[0130] As shown in Figures 16-17, the head restraint assembly 100' further includes a quick release mechanism 16276. As shown in Figures 17 and 19-20, the quick release mechanism 16276 includes a release body 17278 that is selectively inserted at least partially into the platform mounting member 17222. In particular, the release body 17278 is configured to be at least partially inserted into the platform mounting cavity 17266 via the second opening 17228b of the second post 110b'.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 19-20, the release body 17278 includes an insert portion 19280 and a gripping portion 19282. The insert portion 19280 includes a first release sidewall 19284a and a second release sidewall 19284b that are laterally opposed. The first release sidewall 19284a has a retention fork 19286 formed therein. The retention fork 19286 is selectively resiliently deflectable laterally relative to the remainder of the first release sidewall 19284a. The retention fork 19286 includes a retention prong 19288 extending laterally therefrom. The first release sidewall 19284a also defines a first release pawl 19290a. The first release pawl 19290a has a first pawl portion 19292a and a second pawl portion 19292b that are longitudinally adjacent. 19, the inner lateral height of the first prong 19292a is less than the inner lateral height of the second prong 19292b. The first prong 19292a is also spaced closer to the retention fork 19286 than the second prong 19292b.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 19-20, the second release sidewall 19284b has a locking fork 19294 formed thereon. The locking fork 19294 is selectively deflectable laterally relative to the remainder of the second release sidewall 19284b. The locking fork 19294 includes a locking lug 19296 extending from a side surface thereof. The second release sidewall 19284b also defines a second release pawl 19290b. The second release pawl 19290b has a first pawl portion 19298a and a second pawl portion 19298b that are longitudinally adjacent. As shown in FIG. 19, the inner lateral height of the first pawl 19298a is less than the inner lateral height of the second pawl 19298b. Additionally, the first pawl 19298a is spaced closer to the locking fork 19294 than the second pawl 19298b.

[0133] As shown in Figures 19-20, the gripping portion 19282 of the release body 17278 includes a gripping hole 19300. Figure 16 shows the release body 17278 inserted into the platform mounting cavity 17266. As shown in these figures, the insertion portion 19280 is positioned within the platform mounting cavity 17266, but the gripping portion 19282 is maintained outside of the platform mounting cavity 17266 such that a medical professional can selectively manipulate the release body 17278 via the gripping portion 19282.

[0134] When the release body 17278 is inserted into the platform mounting cavity 17266 in the longitudinal retention direction L1, the retention fork 19286 and the locking fork 19294 can be resiliently biased inward (e.g., toward each other) to the retention position shown in FIG. 16 via contact of the retention lugs 19288, the locking lugs 19296, and the first and second mounting body side walls 18230a and 18230b. When the release body 17278 is in the retention position, the retention lugs 19288 can be longitudinally aligned with the retention opening 18236, and in response, the retention fork 19286 can at least partially return to its pre-deflected state (e.g., natural elastic properties via the retention fork) and the retention lugs 19288 can at least partially protrude into the retention opening 18236. The locking lugs 19296 are not longitudinally aligned with the locking opening 17238 when in the retention position. Thus, the locking fork 19294 can be held in a resiliently deflected state when in the retaining position.

[0135] The first claw portions 19292a, 19298a of the first release pawl 19290a and the second release pawl 19290b are aligned longitudinally with the first drive shaft opening 18234a and the second drive shaft opening 1823b when in the retaining position. Thus, a portion of the first drive shaft 15212a extends through the first claw portion 19292a of the first release pawl 19290a, and a portion of the second drive shaft 15212b extends through the first claw portion 19298a of the second release pawl 19290b. Such an arrangement is seen at least in FIGS. 21-22. As shown in FIG. 22, the inner lateral height of the first end support 17272a and the second end support 17272b is greater than the inner lateral height of the first claw portions 19292a, 19298a. Thus, when the release body 17278 is in the retaining position, it selectively prevents the first and second drive shafts 15212a, 15212b from undesired disengagement from the drive shaft passageway 17248 via the first and second drive shaft openings 18234a, 18234b, and thus from undesired disengagement from the restraining platform 102'. By substantially preventing disengagement of the first and second drive shafts 15212a, 15212b, the release body 17278 also substantially prevents the first and second base cases 16274a, 16274a (and corresponding first and second hinge connection assemblies 124a', 124b', and first and second slide members 126a', 126b') and first and second head restraints 122a', 122a' from undesired disengagement from the restraining platform 102'. Thus, when in the retaining position, the quick release mechanism 16276 at least partially retains (ie, holds) the connected components of the head restraint assembly 100' and the head restraint assembly 100' in the assembled condition of FIG.

[0136] However, the quick release mechanism 16276 also provides the medical professional with the ability to quickly separate the components of the head restraint assembly 100' from one another when necessary. FIGS. 21-22 show the head restraint assembly 100' in an assembled state and a portion of the quick release mechanism 16276 in a retained position. As shown in FIG. 23, when it is necessary to remove the head restraint assembly 100', the medical professional can manipulate the release body 17278 to move the release body 17278 from the retained state to the released state. For example, the medical professional can grasp the gripping portion 19282 of the release body 17278 and press the release body 17278 in a longitudinal release direction L2 opposite the longitudinal retention direction L1. As the release body 17278 is pressed in the longitudinal release direction, the retaining end wall 20302 (FIG. 20) of the retaining lug 19288 is pressed longitudinally into engagement with a portion of the first mounting body side wall 18230a that defines the retaining opening 18236. The retention end walls 20302 are curved and / or angled to allow the retention lugs 19288 (and thus the retention forks 19286 ) to be resiliently deflected laterally inwardly so as to remove the retention lugs 19288 (and thus the retention forks 19286 ) from the retention openings 18236 .

[0137] The release body 17278 moves in a longitudinal release direction until the release body 17278 reaches a release position. In the release position, the locking lug 19296 is longitudinally aligned with the locking opening 17238, and in response the locking fork 19294 may at least partially return to its pre-deflected state (e.g., natural resilient properties via the locking tab) such that the locking lug 19296 may at least partially protrude into the locking opening 17238. When in the release position, the retention lug 19296 is not longitudinally aligned with the retention opening 18236. Thus, the retention fork 19286 may be retained in a resiliently biased state when in the release position.

[0138] The locking end wall 20304 (FIG. 20) of the locking lug 19296 can be configured to substantially prevent the release body 17278 from moving further in the longitudinal release direction once the release body 17278 reaches the release position. In particular, the locking end wall 20304, unlike the retaining end wall 20302, can extend generally perpendicular to the second mounting body side wall 18230b when in the release position. Thus, as the release body 17278 moves further in the longitudinal release direction, the locking end wall 20304 is forced into engagement with a portion of the second mounting body side wall 18230b that defines the locking opening 17238. Due to the vertical orientation, engagement of the locking end wall 20304 with the second mounting body side wall 18230b does not deflect the locking lug 19296 (and thus the locking fork 19294) laterally inward. Conversely, the bond substantially prevents further movement of the release body 17278 in the longitudinal direction. The bond also serves, at least in part, to prevent the release body 17278 from undesirably disengaging from the restraining platform 102'.

[0139] As shown in Figures 23-24, when in the release position, the second claw portions 19292b, 19298b of the first and second release pawls 19290a, 19290b are longitudinally aligned with the drive shaft passageway 17248 and the first and second drive shaft openings 18234a, 18234b. Thus, a portion of the first drive shaft 15212a extends through the second claw portion 19292b of the first release pawl 19290a, and a portion of the second drive shaft 15212b extends through the second claw portion 19298b of the second release pawl 19290b. The inner lateral height of the first and second end supports 17272a, 17272b is less than the inner lateral height of the second claw portions 19292b, 19298b. Thus, as shown in Figure 24, when the release body 17278 is in the released position, the first and second drive shafts 15212a, 15212b can be selectively removed from the drive shaft passages 17248 via the first and second drive shaft openings 18234a, 18234b, respectively, and thus removed from the restraining platform 102'. Figure 25 shows the release body 17278 in the released position with the locking lug 19296 at least partially protruding into the locking opening 17238.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 26, the first and second base cases 16274a, 16274b (and corresponding first and second hinge connection assemblies 124a', 124b' and first and second slide members 126a', 126b') and the first and second head restraints 122a', 122a' can be selectively removed from the restraint platform 102' using the first and second drive shafts 15212a, 15212b. Rather than removing both, the medical professional may remove only the first head restraint 122a', first hinge assembly 124a', first sliding member 126a' and first base case 16274a, while leaving the second head restraint 122b', second hinge connection assembly 124b', second sliding member 126b' and second base case 16274b attached to the restraint platform 102', or vice versa.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 27, when the drive shafts 15212a, 15212b are removed from the drive shaft passages 17248, the head platform 16242 can be selectively removed from the restraint platform 102'. Thus, when in the released position, the quick release mechanism 16276 allows the components of the head restraint assembly 100' to be at least partially quickly separated from one another, allowing the head restraint assembly 100' to be quickly removed. The ability to quickly remove the head restraint 100' is beneficial when a medical professional desires to quickly remove at least the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122b' from the subject's head H. The removal method described above is also beneficial in that the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122b' can be quickly removed from the restraint platform 102' and the subject's head H without removing the straps 370, 490, 4100.

[0142] 1-12 and 15, head restraint assembly 100' may include cheekbone straps 370 extending between first cheekbone flange 134a' and second cheekbone flange 136b', forehead straps 490 extending between first forehead flange 136a' and second forehead flange 138b', and crown straps 4100 extending between first parietal flange 138a' and second parietal flange 138b'. Head restraint assembly 100' may include any desired number of straps extending from one of first head restraint 122a' and second head restraint 122b' to the other of first head restraint 122a' and second head restraint 122b'.

[0143] Further, similar to the head restraint assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-12 and 15, the head restraint assembly 100' of FIGS. 16-27 may be connected to a head connector 8114. The head connector 8114 may be selectively or essentially permanently connected to at least one of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c' via one or more fasteners. Each fastener connecting the head connector 8114 to the head restraint assembly 100 may be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanently adhesive epoxy), a sticky tape (e.g., a high performance acrylic sticky double sided tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and ring fastener, a fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. It is contemplated that head connector 8114 may be formed integrally with at least one of first platform portion 104a', second platform portion 104b', and third platform portion 104c' as a single unitary structure. Head restraint assembly 100' may also alternatively or additionally be configured to press-fit and / or friction-fit with head connector 8114 in a manner similar to head restraint assembly 100.

[0144] 28-36 show a second embodiment of a body stabilizer assembly 8111', which is included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Because the body stabilizer assembly 8111' of FIGS. 28-36 is similar to the body stabilizer assembly 8111 of FIGS. 8 and 10-12, structures in FIGS. 28-36 that are the same or similar to structures described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10-12 have the same reference numerals and have an upper bracket "'" added. Descriptions of common elements and operations similar to elements and operations in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment, but should be considered incorporated below by reference as appropriate. Additionally, elements and functions illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly illustrated or illustrated.

[0145] 28-29, body stabilizer 8112' has first and second stabilizer surfaces 8122a and 8122b that are laterally opposed and spaced apart from one another in the laterally direction. Second stabilizer surface 8122b' can include any other number of laterally extending stabilizer pedestals (e.g., first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and second stabilizer pedestal 10124b) or any other stabilizing features extending therefrom to help stabilize the body stabilizer in use.

[0146] Either head restraint assembly 100, 100' may be selected to connect to the body stabilizer 8112' via the head connector 8114. However, in addition to the stabilizer gap 10128 that includes the body stabilizer 8112 of FIGS. 8 and 10-11, the body stabilizer 8112' may include a stabilizer pocket 29306 configured to selectively receive the second head connector end 9120b of the head connector 8114 to connect the head connector 8114 to the body stabilizer 8112' on the first longitudinal stabilizer side 10130a' of the body stabilizer 8112'. The stabilizer pocket 29306 may be configured such that a press fit and / or friction fit is created between the body stabilizer 8112' and the head connector 8114 when the head connector 8114 is inserted into the stabilizer pocket 29306. The press fit and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112' and the head connector 8114 can help prevent undesired disengagement of the head connector 8114 from the body stabilizer 8112'.

[0147] Alternatively or in addition to the head connector 8114 remaining connected to the body stabilizer 8112' by a press fit and / or frictional engagement, the head connector 8114 may be essentially permanently connected or selectively connected to the body stabilizer 8112' after being inserted into the stabilizer pocket 29306 via one or more fasteners. Each fastener connecting the head connector 8114 to the body stabilizer 8112' may be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanently adhesive epoxy), a tape (e.g., a high performance acrylic adhesive double sided tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and ring fastener, a press fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. It is also contemplated that the head connector 8114 may be a single, unitary structure integral with the body stabilizer 8112'.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 28, the body stabilizer 8112' can include at least one stabilizer hole 8136' (shown here as stabilizer holes 8136a'-i') extending laterally therethrough. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 28, the body stabilizer 8112' includes a first stabilizer hole 8136a' through a fourth stabilizer hole 8136d' positioned longitudinally on a stabilizer side 8138a' along a first side of the body stabilizer 8112'. The body stabilizer 8112' further includes a fifth stabilizer hole 8136e' through an eighth stabilizer hole 8136h' positioned longitudinally along a second lateral stabilizer side 8138b' of the body stabilizer 8112'. The first through fourth stabilizer holes 8136a'-8136d' may be vertically aligned or vertically offset with the fifth through eighth stabilizer holes 8136e'-8136h'. The ninth stabilizer hole 8136i' may be located proximate the second vertical stabilizer side 10130b' of the body stabilizer 8112' and located laterally between the stabilizer holes 8136a'-d' on the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' and the stabilizer holes 8136e'-h' on the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b'. Any of the stabilizer holes 8136a'-i' may be used by at least one medical professional to grasp the body stabilizer 8112' for transporting the restrained subject S.

[0149] 28, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' may include at least one restraining strap 8140' (shown here as restraining straps 8140a'-e') configured to selectively attach to the body stabilizer 8112' and selectively prevent disengagement of the subject S from the body stabilizer 8112'. The at least one restraining strap 8140' may also be configured to secure at least a portion of the subject's body B to the body stabilizer 8112'. The body stabilizer assembly 8111' may include, for example, first restraining strap 8140a'-fifth restraining strap 8140e'.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 28, each restraining strip 8140' can be selectively attached to the body stabilizer 8112' via at least one strip connector 28308 (shown here as first through tenth strip connectors 28308a through 28308j). As shown in FIGS. 31-32, each strap connector 28308 includes a first strap connector portion 31310 and a second strap connector portion 31312. The first connector portion 31310 includes a first connector flange 31314. A first surface 316a of the first connector flange 31314 includes a connector attachment portion 318 to which an end of an associated restraining strap 8140' can be selectively connected. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 31-32, each end of each restraining strap 8140' can have a restraining strap attachment member 28320 connected thereto. 31-32, each restraining strap attachment member 28320 can include a buckle portion 31322. An associated end of an associated restraining strap 8140' is looped and attached to the restraining strap attachment member 28320 via the buckle portion 31322. Although the end of the restraining strip 8140' is described as being joined to the restraining strip attachment member 28320 via a buckle connection, the restraining strip 8140' may be joined to the restraining strip attachment member 28320 in any other desired manner.

[0151] Each restraining strap attachment member 28320 may further comprise an attachment portion 31324. An associated end of the restraining strap 8140' associated with the restraining strap attachment member 28320 is connected to the connector attachment portion 31318 via the attachment portion 31324. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 31-32, the attachment portion 31324 of the restraining strap attachment member 28320 is in the form of a hook and the connector attachment portion 31318 is in the form of a bar, the hook being selectively attachable to the bar. However, the restraining tape attachment member 28320 may be connected to the first strap connector portion 31310 in any other desired manner, for example, by using a jig, adhesive, hook and ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, saw tooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0152] The second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314 may include laterally extending threads 31326 for selectively attaching the first connector portion 31310 to the second connector portion 31312. The second strap connector portion 31312 includes a second connector flange 31328 having laterally opposed first and second faces 31330a and 31330b. The first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328 includes a receiver 31332 extending therefrom. The receiver 31332 is depicted as a post-shaped receiver 31332, but may have any desired shape. The receiver 31332 includes female threads 31334 that may be selectively threaded therethrough to couple the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 3131312. Although the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 312 are described and depicted as being connected to one another by a threaded engagement, the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 may be configured to be selectively directly or indirectly connected in any other desired manner.

[0153] 32, when the strap connector 28308 is connected to the body stabilizer 8112', the second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314 abuts and / or is adjacent to the first stabilizer surface 8122a', the first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328 abuts and / or is adjacent to the second stabilizer surface 8122b', and the receiver 31332 is positioned in the associated stabilizer hole 8136'. Thus, the second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314, the first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328, and the receiver 31332 define a recessed groove 32336 (e.g., annular recessed groove) configured to receive a portion of the associated stabilizer hole 8136' proximate the body stabilizer 8112'. Once the strap connectors 28308 are attached to the body stabilizer 8112' as described above, each end of each restraining strap 8140' can be selectively connected to the body stabilizer 8112' by connecting the restraining strap attachment members 28320 to the strap connectors 28308 as described above.

[0154] Each of the strap connectors 28308 can be selectively moved longitudinally along a respective stabilizer hole 8136a'-8136i' relative to the body stabilizer 8112'. This longitudinal movement allows each of the first through fifth restraint straps 8140a'-8140e' to be positioned at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's body B to conform to the subject's anatomy. The strap connectors 28308 can be freely moved along their respective stabilizer holes 8136a'-8136i' (i.e., can move upon application of a small or negligible force) or can move only upon application of a large, pre-determined force. The strap connector 28308 may be alternatively configured to apply a compressive force to the body stabilizer 8112' to substantially prevent undesired movement of the strap connector 28308 along the respective stabilizer holes 8136a'-8136i' when the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are fully connected. In such a configuration, if movement of a selected strap connector 28308 is required, the casual caregiver can at least partially disengage the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 to relieve at least a portion of the compressive force, move the strap connector 28308 to a desired longitudinal position, and then fully reconnect the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312.

[0155] Although the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are described as being connected to one another via a threaded joint, other joints can be provided such as, but not limited to, a magnetic joint, a hook and ring joint, a screw and threaded hole joint, a locking joint, an adhesive joint, a screw and nut joint, an aperture pin joint, a button joint, a press fit joint, or any other suitable joint or any combination thereof. Additionally, although the strap connector 28308 is described as having two separate sub-pieces (i.e., the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312), each strap connector 28308 can be formed as a single unitary structure or having any desired number of sub-assemblies.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 30, the first stabilizer surface 8122a' can have a reusable or disposable stabilizer cushion 8142' configured to be interposed between the first stabilizer surface 8122a' and the subject's body B, leg L, and / or foot FT. The stabilizer cushion 8142' provides the subject with a softer surface for placement than the essentially rigid first stabilizer surface 8122a'. The stabilizer cushion 8142' can be essentially permanently attached to the first stabilizer surface 8122a' or can be configured to be selectively detached from the first stabilizer surface 8122a' as needed. The stabilizer cushion 8142' can also be configured to provide (e.g., print) medical information 30338 (e.g., National Institutes of Health Stroke Volume Tables) for medical professionals to reference as needed. As shown in FIG. 28, at least one of the restraint straps 8140' includes a cushion strap cover 28340 connected thereto and configured to be interposed between the restraint strap 8140' and the subject's body B, legs L, and / or feet FT.

[0157] As shown in Figures 28-29 and 33, at least one of the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b' can include laterally extending winglet mounting holes 8144a', 8144b'. For example, the body stabilizer 8112' shown in Figures 28-29 and 33 includes a first winglet mounting hole 8144a' in the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' and a second winglet mounting hole 8144b' in the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b'. Each of the first winglet mounting hole 8144a' and the second winglet mounting hole 8144b' is configured to selectively receive a winglet mounting protrusion 8146' of a winglet 8148' to mount the winglet 8148' to the body stabilizer 8112'.

[0158] The winglet 8148' is configured to selectively receive an arm A of a subject S. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146' extends laterally from a first winglet surface 8150a' at a first lateral winglet side 8152a' of the winglet 8148'. When the winglet 8148' is attached to the body stabilizer 8112', the first winglet surface 8150a' abuts or is adjacent to the second stabilizer surface 8122b'.

[0159] The winglet attachment protrusion 8146', the first winglet attachment hole 8144a', and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b' are configured to allow the winglet 8148' to be selectively pivoted relative to the body stabilizer 8112' to a desired angular position of arm A for receiving the subject. Pivoting the winglet 8148' to the desired angular position includes pivoting the winglet 8148' to the desired angular position relative to the body stabilizer 8112' by removing the winglet attachment protrusion 8146' from one of the first winglet attachment hole 8144a' and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b', and then reattaching the winglet 8148' to the body stabilizer, wherein the winglet 8148' is in the desired angular position. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146' and the first and second winglet attachment holes 8144a' and 8144b' may be mated or displaced to allow the winglet 8148' to pivot in predetermined angular increments relative to the body stabilizer 8112' (as shown in the configurations of FIGS. 28 and 33), or to allow the winglet 8148' to freely pivot relative to the body stabilizer 8112'. The mating or disposition may include forming at least a portion of the winglet attachment protrusion 8146' and the first and second winglet attachment holes 8144a' and 8144b' into a generally octagonal shape, any other polygonal shape, or any other desired shape.

[0160] As shown in Figure 28, the winglet 8148' can include at least one winglet hole 8154' (shown here as winglet holes 8154a'-8154e') extending laterally therethrough. In the exemplary configuration and orientation of Figure 28, the winglet 8148' includes a first winglet hole 8154a' and a second winglet hole 8154b' positioned laterally along a first longitudinal winglet side 8156a' of the winglet 8148'. The winglet 8148' also includes a third winglet hole 8154c' and a fourth winglet hole 8154d' positioned laterally along a second longitudinal winglet side 8156b' of the winglet 8148'. The first winglet hole 8154a' and the second winglet hole 8154b' can be laterally aligned or laterally shifted with the third winglet hole 8154c' and the fourth winglet hole 8154d'. The fifth winglet hole 8154e' can extend laterally through the winglet 8148' at the second lateral winglet side 8152b' of the winglet 8148'. Any of the winglet holes 8154a'-8154e' can be used by at least one medical professional to grasp the winglet 8148' and / or manipulate the arm A of the subject when transporting the restrained subject S.

[0161] 28, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' may include at least one winglet strap 8158' (shown here as winglet straps 8158a'-8158c') selectively attached to the winglet 8148' and configured to selectively prevent the subject's arm A from disengaging from the winglet 8148'. The at least one winglet strap 8158' may also be configured to secure at least a portion of the subject's arm A to the winglet 8148'. The restraint assembly 8110 may include, for example, first winglet strap 8158a'-third winglet strap 8158c'.

[0162] Each winglet strap 8158' may be selectively attached to the winglet 8148' via at least one strap connector 28308 (tenth strap connector 28308k through sixteenth strap connector 28308p shown in FIGS. 28 and 30). The strap connectors 28308 for the winglet straps 8158' may be essentially the same or smaller than the strap connectors 28308 for the winglet straps 8158' and the strap connectors 28308 for the restraining straps 8140a'-8140e'. Thus, the above construction description of the strap connectors 28308 for the restraining straps 8140a'-8140e' is believed to be applicable to the strap connectors 28308 for the winglet straps 8158' as well.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 34, each end of each winglet strap 8158' can have a winglet strap attachment member 28342 connected thereto. As shown in FIG. 34, each winglet strap attachment member 28342 can include a buckle coupling 34344. The associated end of the associated winglet strap 8158' is ringed via the buckle coupling 34344 and connected to the winglet strap attachment member 28342. Although the end of the winglet strap 8158' is described as being joined to the winglet strap attachment member 28342 via a buckle coupling, the winglet strap 8158' may be joined to the winglet strap attachment member 28342 in any other desired manner.

[0164] Each winglet strap attachment member 28342 can further include an attachment portion 34346. An associated end of the winglet strap 8158' associated with the winglet strap attachment member 28342 is connected to the connector attachment portion 31318 via the attachment portion 34346. In the configuration shown in FIG. 34, the attachment portion 34346 of the winglet strap attachment member 28342 is in the form of a hook and the connector attachment portion 31318 is in the form of a bar, and the hook can be selectively attached to the bar. However, the winglet strap attachment member 28342 can be connected to the first strap connector portion 31310 in any other desired manner, for example, by using a jig, adhesive, hook ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, saw tooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0165] 34, when the strap connector 28308 is connected to the winglet 8148', the second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314 interfaces with and / or is adjacent to the first winglet surface 8150a', the first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328 interfaces with and / or is adjacent to the second winglet surface 8150b', and the receiver 31332 is positioned in the associated winglet hole 8154'. Thus, the second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314, the first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328, and the receiver 31332 define a winglet hole 32336 (e.g., annular groove) configured to receive a portion of the winglet hole 8154' associated with the vicinity of the winglet 8148'. Once the strap connection member 28308 is attached to the winglet 8148' as described above, each end of each winglet strap 8158' can be selectively connected to the winglet 8148' by connecting the winglet strap attachment member 28342 to the strap connection member 28308 as described above.

[0166] Each of the strap connectors 28308 can be selectively moved longitudinally along a respective winglet aperture 8154a'-8154d'. This longitudinal movement positions each of the first through third winglet straps 8158a'-8158c' at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's arm A to conform to the subject's anatomy. The strap connectors 28308 can be freely moved (i.e., moved upon application of a small or infinitesimal amount of force) along their respective winglet apertures 8154a'-8154d' or can be moved only upon application of a large amount of predetermined force. The strap connectors 28308 can be alternatively configured to apply a compressive force to the winglet 8148' that substantially prevents the strap connectors 28308 from undesirably moving along their respective winglet apertures 8154a'-8154d' when the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are fully connected. In this configuration, if movement of a selected strap connector 28308 is required, a medical professional can at least partially disengage the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 to relieve at least a portion of the compressive force, move the strap connector 28308 to the desired longitudinal position, and then fully reconnect the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312.

[0167] 30, the first winglet surface 8150a' can have a reusable or disposable winglet cushion 8160' configured to be interposed between the subject's arm A and the first winglet surface 8150a'. The winglet cushion 8160' provides the subject's arm A with a softer surface for placement than the essentially rigid first winglet surface 8150a'. The winglet cushion 8160' can be essentially permanently attached to the first winglet surface 8150a' or can be configured to be selectively detached from the first winglet surface 8150a' as needed.

[0168] Although the body stabilizer assembly 8111' is shown having only one winglet 8148', the body stabilizer assembly 8111' can have any number of winglets 8148'. For example, one winglet 8148' can be attached to a first winglet attachment hole 8144a' and a second winglet 8148' can be attached to a second winglet attachment hole 8144b'.

[0169] Unlike the body stabilizer assembly 8111 of FIGS. 8 and 10-11, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' of FIGS. 28-34 can be configured without a separate foot platform 8162, although the body stabilizer assembly 8111' of FIGS. 8 and 10-11 can optionally include a separate foot platform 8162. If the separate foot platform 8162 is omitted, the lateral length of the body stabilizer 8112' can be configured to receive a portion of the subject's foot FT and / or a portion of the subject's leg L. The fourth and fifth restraining straps 8140d' and 8140e' can be configured to selectively prevent the subject's foot FT and / or leg L from disengaging from the body stabilizer 8112'. The fourth and fifth restraining straps 8140d' and 8140e' can also be configured to secure at least a portion of the subject's foot FT and / or leg L to the body stabilizer 8112'. Based on its positioning, the third restraining strap 8140c' can also be configured to selectively prevent the subject's leg L from disengaging from the body stabilizer 8112' and secure at least a portion of the subject's leg L to the body stabilizer 8112'.

[0170] It is also contemplated that the body stabilizer 8112' may be configured to receive at least a portion of the subject's head H. In such a case, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' may be used in the absence of head restraint assembly 100, 100'. In an alternative non-head restraint assembly, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' may include a head connector 8114 that is selectively or permanently joined to the body stabilizer 8112'. In this configuration, the head connector 8114 may be configured to receive the subject's head H, while the body stabilizer 8112' receives at least one of the subject's body B, arms A, legs L, and feet / legs FT.

[0171] As shown in FIGS. 35-36, the body stabilizer assembly 8111′ can include an attachable tray assembly 35348. The tray assembly 35348 includes a tray table 35350 having laterally opposed first and second tray table surfaces 35352a and 35352b. In use, the first tray table surface 352a can be spaced from the body stabilizer 8112′ and configured to hold medical instruments, medical supplies, any other desired object, or any combination thereof. Thus, the first tray table surface 35352a can be used as a surgical tray.

[0172] The second tray table surface 35352b can face the body stabilizer 8112' during use. The second tray table surface 35352b can be selectively connected to at least one tray leg 35354 (shown here as tray legs 35354a-35354d). In the exemplary configuration of FIGS. 35-36, the second tray table surface 35352b can be connected to the first tray leg 35354a-4th tray leg 35354d. At least one of the tray legs 35354 can be integrally joined to another one of the tray legs 35354 via a foot connector 36356 (shown here as foot connectors 36356a and 36356b). In the exemplary configuration of Figures 35-36, the first foot connector 36356a extends between and connects the first tray leg 35354a and the second tray leg 35354b, and the second foot connector 36356b extends between and connects the third tray leg 35354c and the fourth tray leg 35354d.

[0173] The tray assembly 35348 can include at least one tray connector 35358 (shown here as first through fourth tray connectors 35358a through 35358d) for selectively connecting at least one tray leg 35354 to the body stabilizer 8112'. In particular, the tray assembly 35348 can have one tray connector 35358 for each tray leg 35354. Thus, in the example configuration of FIGS. 35-36, the tray assembly 35348 includes first through fourth tray connectors 35358a through 35358d.

[0174] 36, each tray connector 35358 includes a first tray connector portion 36360 and a second tray connector portion 36362. The first tray connector portion 36360 includes a first tray connector flange 36364. A first surface 3666a of the first tray connector flange 36364 includes a laterally extending first receptacle 36368 for selectively receiving an end of an associated tray leg 35354. The first receptacle 36368 and its associated tray leg 35354 can be configured such that a press fit and / or friction fit is created between the first receptacle 36368 and the associated tray leg 35354 when the associated tray leg 35354 is inserted into the first receptacle 36368.

[0175] Although the first receiver 36368 and the tray leg 35354 are described as being connected to one another via a press fit and / or friction joint, other joints can be provided such as, but not limited to, a magnetic joint, a hook ring joint, a screw and threaded hole joint, a locking joint, an adhesive joint, a screw and nut joint, an aperture pin joint, a button joint, a screw joint, any other suitable joint or any combination thereof.

[0176] The second surface 36366b of the first tray connector flange 36364 may include laterally extending threads 36370 for selectively attaching the first tray connector portion 36360 to the second tray connector portion 36362. The second tray connector portion 36362 includes a second tray connector flange 36372 having laterally opposed first and second surfaces 36374a and 36374b. The first surface 36374a of the second tray connector flange 36372 includes a laterally extending second receiver 36376. The second receiver 36376 is depicted in the figures as a post-shaped receiver 36376, but may have any desired shape. The second receiver 36376 includes female threads 36378 that may be selectively threadedly engaged with the female threads 36378 to couple the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362. Although the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 have been described and depicted as being connected by a threaded joint, the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 may be configured to be joined in any other desired manner.

[0177] 35, when each tray connector 35358 is connected to the body stabilizer 8112', the second surface 36366b of the first tray connector flange 36364 abuts and / or is adjacent to the first stabilizer surface 8122a', the first surface 36374a of the second tray connector flange 36372 abuts and / or is adjacent to the second stabilizer surface 8122b', and the second receiver 36376 is positioned in the associated stabilizer hole 8136'. Thus, the second surface 36366b of the first tray connector flange 36364, the first surface 36374a of the second tray connector flange 36372, and the second receiver 36376 define a recessed groove 35380 (e.g., annular recessed groove) configured as part of the receiving body stabilizer 8112' adjacent the associated stabilizer hole 8136'. Once the tray connector 35358 is attached to the body stabilizer 8112' as described above, the tray legs 35354 can be selectively connected to the body stabilizer 8112' by joining the tray legs 35354 to the tray connector 35358 as described above.

[0178] Although the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 are described as being connected to one another by a threaded joint, other joints can be provided such as, but not limited to, a magnetic joint, a hook-ring joint, a screw-and-hole joint, a buckle joint, an adhesive joint, a screw-and-nut joint, an aperture pin joint, a button joint, a press-fit joint, or any other suitable joint or any combination thereof. Additionally, although the tray connector 35358 is described as having two separate sub-pieces (i.e., the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362), each tray connector 35358 can be formed as a single unitary structure or any desired number of sub-pieces.

[0179] Each of the tray connectors 35358 can be selectively moved vertically along a corresponding stabilizer hole 8136' relative to the body stabilizer 8112'. This vertical movement positions the tray assembly at a selected vertical position along the body stabilizer 8112'. The tray connectors 35358 can be freely moved (i.e., moved when a small or infinitesimal force is applied) along the corresponding stabilizer hole 8136' or can only be moved when a large amount of predetermined force is applied. Additionally, the tray connectors 35358 can be configured to apply a compressive force to the body stabilizer 8112' such that when the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 are fully connected, the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 substantially prevent the tray connectors 35358 from undesirably moving along their respective stabilizer holes 8136'. In such a configuration, if movement of a selected tray connector 35358 is required, the temporary medical personnel can at least partially disengage the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 from one another to relieve at least a portion of the compressive force, move the tray connector 35358 to a desired vertical position, and then at least partially reconnect the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362. Further, because the tray assembly 35348 includes multiple removable parts (i.e., the tray table 35350, the tray legs 35354, the tray connector 35358), the tray assembly 35348 can be easily attached from the body stabilizer 8112' as needed.

[0180] 37-38 show a second embodiment of an abdominal sling 12190' that can be included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. The abdominal sling 12190' of FIGS. 37-38 is similar to the abdominal sling 12190 of FIGS. 12-14, and therefore structures in FIGS. 37-38 that are the same or similar to structures described with reference to FIGS. 12-14 have the same reference numerals and have an upper bracket "'" added. Descriptions of common elements and operations similar to elements and operations in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment, but should be considered incorporated below by reference as appropriate. Additionally, elements and features illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly indicated.

[0181] As shown in FIGS. 37-38 , the abdominal sling 12190′ includes a central sling portion 12192′ having a first sling strap surface 12194a′ and a second sling strap surface 12194b′. The first sling strap surface 12194a′ is configured to selectively adhere to the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject, and the second sling strap surface 12194b′ is configured to turn away the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject when the first sling strap surface 12194a′ adheres to the subject S. The first sling strap surface 12194a′ can include a biocompatible adhesive 14196′ disposed to selectively maintain adherence of the first sling strap surface to the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject. Alternatively or additionally, the first sling strap surface 12194a' may include a biocompatible gel cushion or other friction-increasing member disposed thereon to selectively maintain engagement between the first sling strap surface and the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS.

[0182] The abdominal sling 12190' further includes at least one sling strap 13198' (here shown as sling straps 13198a', 13198b', 13198c') extending from the central sling portion 12192'. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 37-38, the abdominal sling includes a first sling strap 13198a', a second sling strap 13198b', and a third sling strap 13198c' extending from the central sling portion 12192'. The second ends 13200b', 13206b' of the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b' may include a sling strap attachment member 37382 coupled thereto. The strap attachment member 37382 is essentially the same as the restraining strap attachment member 28234. As such, each strap attachment member 37382 includes a buckle portion 37384 such that an associated second end 13200b', 13206b' of an associated strap 13198a', 13198b' is looped and connected to the strap attachment member 37382 via the buckle portion 37384. Although the ends of the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b' are described as being joined to the sling strap attachment member 37382 via a buckle connection, the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b' may be joined to the sling strap attachment member 37382 in any other desired manner (e.g., including but not limited to, snap connections, loop connections, stitching or attachments and / or toggle connections).

[0183] 28 and 37, the body stabilizer 8112' can include strap connectors 28308 (here shown as 17th strap connector 28308q and 18th strap connector 28308r) for the first strap 13198a' and the second strap 13198b'. The strap connectors 28308 for the straps 13198a', 13198b' are essentially the same as the strap connectors 28308 for restraining the straps 8140a'-8140e', but the strap connectors 28308 for the sling straps 13198a', 13198b' may be of different sizes. Thus, the above structural description of the strap connectors 28308 for restraining the straps 8140a'-e' is believed to be applicable to the strap connectors 28308 of the sling straps 13198a', 13198b'. Each strap connector 28308 for the sling strap 13198a', 13198b' extends through an associated stabilizer hole 8136' (shown here as tenth stabilizer hole 8136j' and eleventh stabilizer hole 8136k').

[0184] Each strap attachment member 37382 may further include an attachment portion 37386 connecting the strap attachment member 37382 and an associated second end 13200b', 13206b' of the associated strap 13198a', 13198b' to an associated connector attachment portion 31318 of the associated strap connectors 28308q-r via the attachment portion 37386. In the configuration shown in Figures 37-38, the attachment portion 37386 of the strap attachment member 37382 is in the form of a hook and the connector attachment portion 31318 is in the form of a hook that can be selectively attached to a bar. However, the strap attachment member 37382 may be connected to the first strap connector portion 31310 in any other desired manner, for example, by using a jig, adhesive, hook and ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, sawtooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 37-38, the third sling strap 13198c' is positioned laterally between the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b'. Thus, the second end 1328b' of the third sling strap 13198c' can selectively encircle a selected restraining strap 8140' between the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b' and can be pulled toward the central sling portion 12192' to tighten the third sling strap 13198c'. Once the third sling strap 13198c' is tensioned as desired, the second end 13208b' of the third sling strap 13198c' can be selectively attached to another portion of the third sling strap 13198c' to maintain a desired tension in the third sling strap 13198c'. The second end 13208b' of the third strap 13198c' can be attached to the remaining portion of the third strap 13198c' via at least one of a jig, adhesive, hook and ring fasteners, magnetic fasteners, locking fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, rope eye fasteners, saw tooth fasteners, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fasteners, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. As shown in FIG. 38, the second end 13208b' of the third sling strap 13198c' can include a hook portion 13202c' configured to connect to a ring portion 13204c' of the third sling strap 13198c' to attach the second end 13208b' of the third sling strap 13198c' to the remaining portion of the third sling strap 13198c'.

[0186] When the central sling portion 12192' is joined to the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS, the first sling strap 13198a' can be pulled and connected to the seventeenth strap connector 28308q and the second sling strap 13198b' can be pulled and connected to the eighteenth strap connector 28308r. With these connections, the first strap 13198a' can be connected to the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' of the body stabilizer 8112' and the second strap 13198b' can be connected to the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b' of the body stabilizer 8112'. Pulling on the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b' can pull the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b'. The tension of the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b' can be adjusted at a buckle portion 37384 of the sling strap attachment member 37382. The third strap 13198c' may be selectively tensioned and connected to a selected restraining strap 8140' as described above.

[0187] Pulling on at least one of the first sling strap 13198a', the second sling strap 13198b', and the third sling strap 13198c' is configured to apply a force to the central sling portion 12192' against the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS to urge the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue AST cephalad. Thus, the first sling strap 13198a', the second sling strap 13198b', and the third sling strap 13198c' can be tensioned as needed to urge the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue AST cephalad.

[0188] At least one of the central sling portion 12192', the first sling strap 13198a', the second sling strap 13198b', and the third sling strap 13198c' may be formed separately from and subsequently connected to at least one of the central sling portion 12192', the first sling strap 13198a', the second sling strap 13198b', and the third sling strap 13198c'. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the central sling portion 12192', the first sling strap 13198a', the second sling strap 13198b', and the third sling strap 13198c' may be integrally formed as a single overall structure with at least one of the central sling portion 12192', the first sling strap 13198a', the second sling strap 13198b', and the third sling strap 13198c'.

[0189] 39-46 show a third embodiment of a body stabilizer assembly 8111" that may be included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Because the body stabilizer assembly 8111" of FIG. 39-46 is similar to the body stabilizer assemblies 8111, 8111' of FIG. 8, 10-12, and 28-36, structures in FIG. 39-46 that are the same or similar to structures described with reference to FIG. 8, 10-12, and 28-36 have the same reference numerals and have an upper bracket " " added. Descriptions of common elements and operations similar to elements and operations in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment but should be considered incorporated below by reference as appropriate. Additionally, elements and functions illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly illustrated or illustrated.

[0190] 39-42, the body stabilizer 8112 has first and second stabilizer surfaces 8122a and 8122b that are substantially laterally spaced apart from one another and opposed in the laterally direction. The second stabilizer surface 8122b can include any other number of laterally extending stabilizer pedestals 10124 or any other stabilizing features extending therefrom to help stabilize the body stabilizer in use. For example, as shown in FIGS. 41-42, the second stabilizer surface 8122b can include a first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and a second stabilizer pedestal 10124b on the first stabilizer portion 8112a, and a third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and a fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d on the second stabilizer portion 8112b. Each stabilizer pedestal 10124a-10124d includes an inner pedestal cavity 41388 extending vertically between a first pedestal opening 41390a and a second pedestal opening 41390b. The second openings 41390b ​​of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can extend substantially vertically through a portion of the first body stabilizer portion 8112a, and the second openings 41390b ​​of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d can extend substantially vertically through a portion of the second body stabilizer portion 8112b.

[0191] The first openings 41390a of the first through fourth stabilizer seats 10124a-d are configured to selectively receive head connectors 8114 (shown here as head connectors 8114a-8114b) for attaching any of the head restraint assembly 100, 100' configurations to the body stabilizer 8112. For example, as shown in FIG. 39, the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b, shown in the form of tubes and / or bars having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, may be removably or permanently connected to the restraint platform 102'. To attach the head restraint assembly 100' to the body stabilizer 8112, the first head connector 8114a is inserted into the inner seating cavity 41388 of the first stabilizer base 10124a and the second head connector 8114b is inserted into the inner seating cavity 41388 of the second stabilizer base 10124b. Once the first stabilizer base 10124a and / or the second stabilizer base 10124b configured to receive the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b are selected as shown in FIG. 42, each of the first openings 41390a of the third stabilizer base 10124c and the fourth stabilizer base 10124d can be selectively closed via a seat cap 42392. Alternatively, if desired, the third stabilizer base 10124c and the fourth stabilizer base 10124d can be selected to receive the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b, while each of the first openings 41390a of the first stabilizer base 10124a and the second stabilizer base 10124b can be selectively closed via a base cap 42392.

[0192] Although the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b are shown with a square cross section, it is contemplated that the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b may have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, a circle, an oval, a rectangle, an arc, a curved shape and / or a straight shape.

[0193] The inner seating cavity 41388 may have a shape complementary to the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b. The inner seating cavity 41388 may also be configured such that a press fit and / or frictional engagement occurs between the body stabilizer 8112 and the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b when the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b are inserted into a selected inner seating cavity 41388. The press fit and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112 and the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b may help prevent the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b (and thus the head restraint prevention assembly 100′) from undesirably disengaging from the body stabilizer 8112.

[0194] Instead of holding the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b press-fit and / or frictionally engaged to the body stabilizer 8112, the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b can be essentially permanently connected or selectively connected to the body stabilizer 8112 after being inserted into the inner seat cavity 41388 via one or more fasteners. Each fastener connecting the first and second head connectors 8114a and 8114b to the body stabilizer 8112 can be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., permanently adhesive epoxy resin), an adhesive tape (e.g., high performance acrylic adhesive double-sided tape), a screw (e.g., plastic or carbon fiber screw), a screw (e.g., plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook ring fastener, a snap fastener, any suitable metallic or non-metallic fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. It is contemplated that the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b may be formed integrally with the body stabilizer 8112 as a single unitary structure.

[0195] 42, the first through fourth stabilizer bases 10124a through 10124d may each include one or more pedestal legs 42394 connected (e.g., coupled) to assist in stabilizing and / or leveling the body stabilizer 8112 during use. The pedestal legs 42394 (if present) may be at least partially formed from polyformaldehyde (also called acetal) or any other desired material.

[0196] 39-40 , the first body stabilizer portion 8112a extends longitudinally from the first vertical stabilizer side 10130a of the body stabilizer 8112 to the first hinge portion 39396a. Similarly, the second body stabilizer portion 8112b extends longitudinally from the second vertical stabilizer side 10130b to the second hinge portion 39396b. Each of the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b includes at least one hinge opening 40398. The first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b are configured to selectively join (e.g., cross) one another such that the hinge openings 40398 of the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b are all axially aligned with one another. Once the hinge openings 40398 are all aligned, the hinge lever 40400 can be inserted through each hinge opening 40398 to selectively couple the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b to form the body stabilizer 8112. Thus, via the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b and the hinge lever 40400, the first body stabilizer portion 8112a and the second body stabilizer portion 8112b can be selectively coupled and separated from one another.

[0197] Thus, the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b and the hinge lever 40400 define a hinge mechanism 39402. The hinge mechanism 39402 allows the first body stabilizer portion 8112a and the second body stabilizer portion 8112b to be selectively coupled and selectively pivot about the hinge lever 40400 between an unfolded state (FIGS. 39, 41-44) and a folded state (FIG. 45). In the unfolded state, the body stabilizer 8112 is configured to receive at least a portion of the subject S. As shown in FIGS. 43-45, the longitudinal length of the body stabilizer 8112 is greater in the unfolded state than in the folded state. Because the body stabilizer 8112 is smaller (and therefore occupies less vertical space) in the folded state, the body stabilizer 8112 can be manipulated into the folded state for storage. As shown in FIG. 45, when the body stabilizer 8112 is folded, the second stabilizer surface 8122b of the first body stabilizer portion 8112a faces the second stabilizer surface 8122b of the second body stabilizer portion 8112b in a generally lateral direction.

[0198] To prevent the body stabilizer 8112 from undesirably pivoting from the deployed state to the folded state (e.g., during use), the body stabilizer 8112 may include a pivot lock mechanism 40404. As shown in FIG. 40, the pivot lock mechanism 40404 includes at least one lock bar 40406 (here shown as a first lock bar 40406a and a second lock bar 40406b) extending in a generally vertical direction. The first lock bar 40406a is configured to be at least partially received within the inner seat cavity 41388 of the third stabilizer seat 10124c, and the second lock bar 40406b is configured to be at least partially received within the inner seat cavity 41388 of the fourth stabilizer seat 10124d. 40 and 42, the first locking bar 40406a and the second locking bar 40406b each have a laterally extending locking protrusion 40408 that is selectively slidable along the locking protrusion 40408 relative to a respective inner seat cavity 41388. Each locking protrusion 408 extends laterally through a corresponding guide opening 42410 in each of the third stabilizer seat 10124c and the fourth stabilizer seat 10124d.

[0199] The first and second locking bars 40406a, 40406b are selectively slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position via their respective locking protrusions 40408. Figures 41-43 show the body stabilizer 8112 in a deployed state with the second openings 40398b (and corresponding inner seat cavities 41388) of the first and third stabilizer seats 10124a, 10124c axially aligned with one another and the second openings 40398b (and corresponding inner seat cavities 41388) of the second and fourth stabilizer seats 10124b, 10124d axially aligned with one another. Figures 42-43 also show the first and second locking bars 40406a, 40406b in the locked position. When in the locked position, the first locking bar 40406a and the second locking bar 40406b extend from the inner seating cavities 41388 of the third stabilizer base 10124c and the fourth stabilizer base 10124d to the inner seating cavities 41388 of the first stabilizer base 10124a and the second stabilizer base 10124b. The first locking bar 40406a and the second locking bar 40406b span the inner base cavities 41388 of the first stabilizer base 10124a and the third stabilizer base 10124c and the second stabilizer base 10124b and the fourth stabilizer base 10124d to substantially prevent undesired pivoting of the first body stabilizer portion 8112a and the second body stabilizer portion 8112b from the deployed state.

[0200] When a medical professional desires to switch the body stabilizer 8112 from the deployed state to the folded state, the medical professional can slide the projections 40408 longitudinally along the respective guide openings 40410 in response to sliding the first and second locking bars 40406a, 40406b from the locked position (FIG. 43) to the unlocked position (FIG. 44). As the first and second locking bars 40406a, 40406b move to the unlocked state, the first and second locking bars 40406a, 40406b slide completely out of the inner seat cavities 41388 of the first and second stabilizer seats 10124a, 10124b. As shown in Figure 44, when in the unlocked position, the first locking bar 40406a and the second locking bar 40406b are therefore substantially (if not completely) positioned within the inner base cavities 41388 of the third stabilizer base 10124c and the fourth stabilizer base 10124d. With the first locking bar 40406a and the second locking bar 40406b in the unlocked position, a medical professional can pivot the first stabilizer body portion 8112a and the second stabilizer body portion 8112b relative to each other (or one relative to the other) about the hinge lever 40400 from the deployed position shown in Figure 44 to a folded position shown in Figure 45.

[0201] If desired, a medical professional can pivot the first and second body stabilizer portions 8112a, 8112b from the folded position to the deployed position. As shown in FIGS. 43-45, the first and second hinge portions 39396a, 39396b can include complementary stop surfaces 43412 configured to engage one another and substantially prevent the first and second body stabilizer portions 8112a, 8112b from pivoting beyond the deployed state as they return to the deployed state. However, it is contemplated that the first and second hinge portions 39396a, 39396b can include any other stop feature (e.g., a protrusion) in addition to or in lieu of the stop surfaces 43412.

[0202] As shown in Figures 39 and 46-47, at least one of the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b can include winglet mounting holes 8144a, 8144b extending laterally therethrough. For example, the body stabilizer 8112 shown in Figures 39 and 46-47 includes a first winglet mounting hole 8144a on the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and a second winglet mounting hole 8144b on the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b. Although each of the winglet mounting holes 8144a, 8144b is shown on the first stabilizer body portion 8114a, the body stabilizer 8112 can be configured such that winglet mounting holes are also or alternatively provided on the second stabilizer body portion 8114b.

[0203] The first winglet attachment hole 8144a and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b do not completely traverse both the first stabilizer surface 8122a and the second stabilizer surface 8122b, but only traverse the first stabilizer surface 8122a. Each of the first winglet attachment hole 8144a and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b is in fluid communication with a winglet attachment groove 39414a, 39414b of the body stabilizer 8112. In particular, the first winglet attachment hole 8144a extends transversely to the first winglet attachment groove 39414a and is in fluid communication with the first winglet attachment groove 39414a. The first winglet attachment groove 39414a extends to the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and at least partially extends toward the lateral stabilizer side 8138b. Similarly, the second winglet attachment hole 8144b extends laterally relative to and in fluid communication with the second winglet attachment groove 39414b. The second winglet attachment groove 39414b is on the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b and extends at least partially laterally toward the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a.

[0204] Each of the first winglet attachment groove 39414a and the second winglet attachment groove 39414b is configured to selectively receive a winglet 8148 such that the winglet 8148 selectively pivots to a desired angular position relative to the body stabilizer 8112 to receive an arm A of the subject. The body stabilizer assembly 8111 may include a winglet lock 39416 for selectively holding the winglet 8148 in the desired angular position. As shown in FIG. 46 , the winglet lock 39416 includes a lock body 46418 (which may be circular in cross section) and a lock pin 46420 (which may be hexagonal in cross section). The winglet 8148 has a winglet recess 46422 for receiving at least a portion of the winglet lock 39416. The winglet recess 46422 may have a first recess 46422a configured to receive the locking body 46418 and a second recess 46422b configured to receive the locking pin 46420. Thus, the first recess 46422a has a circular cross-section and the second recess 46422b has a hexagonal cross-section.

[0205] In use, a medical professional can, for example, insert a winglet 8148 into the first winglet mounting groove 39414a and then position the winglet 8148 in the first winglet mounting groove 39414a such that the winglet recess 46422 is axially aligned with the first winglet mounting hole 8144a. Once aligned, the winglet 8148 can be pivoted to a desired angular position. The winglet lock 39416 can then be inserted laterally through the first winglet mounting hole 8144a until the first lateral interface surface 46424a of the lock body 46418 contacts the second lateral interface surface 46424b of the first recess 46422a. When the first lateral interface surface 46424a and the second lateral interface surface 46424b contact, the locking body 46418 is at least partially positioned in the first recess 46422a and the locking pin 46420 is at least partially positioned in the second recess 46422b. When inserted, the winglet lock 39416 substantially prevents the winglet 8148 from undesirably disengaging from the first winglet attachment groove 39414a and pivoting from an undesirable angular position. If a medical professional desires to remove or pivot the winglet 8148, the winglet lock 39416 can be at least partially removed from the winglet recess 46422 and the first winglet attachment hole 8144a.

[0206] Because the locking pin 46420 and the second recess 46422b are both hexagonal, the locking pin 46420 and the second recess 46422b may be coupled or displaced to allow the winglet 8148 to pivot (as shown in the configuration of FIGS. 46-47) in predetermined angular increments (e.g., 45 degree increments) relative to the body stabilizer 8112. However, the locking pin 46420 and / or the second recess 46422b may be coupled or displaced in other manners to allow incremental rotation. For example, the locking pin 46420 and / or the second recess 46422b may be substantially formed in any other polygonal shape or any other desired shape rather than being substantially hexagonal. Additionally, the cross section of the locking body 46418 may have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, an ellipse, a rectangle, an arc, a curved shape, and / or a straight shape rather than a circle.

[0207] An end 47426 ( FIG. 47 ) of each of the first and second winglet mounting holes 8144a and 8144b can be configured to selectively receive a portion of the locking pin 46420 when the winglet lock 39416 is inserted into the first and second winglet mounting holes 8144a and 8144b. In particular, when the winglet 8148 is coupled to the body stabilizer 8112, the locking pin 46420 can extend through the winglet recess 46422 and enter the selected end 47426. Each end 47426 can be configured to substantially prevent undesired rotation of the locking pin 46420 (and the corresponding attached winglet 8148) when the locking pin 46420 is positioned. The end 47426 can have any desired cross-sectional shape (e.g., hexagonal, rectangular, arcuate, curved, and / or linear) for selectively receiving the locking pin 46420 and selectively preventing rotation of the locking pin 46420. In the example configuration shown in FIG. 47, the end 47426 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

[0208] Although the body stabilizer assembly 8111 is shown having only one winglet 8148, the body stabilizer assembly 8111 may have any number of winglets 8148. For example, one winglet 8148 may be inserted into the first winglet attachment groove 39414a, while a second winglet 8148 may be inserted into the second winglet attachment groove 39414b.

[0209] Each component of the restraint assembly may be at least partially formed from fabric, nylon, foam, rubber, silicone resin, polyethylene (e.g., rotationally molded high density polyethylene), thermoplastic polymer, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), expanded closed cell PVC sheet, glass reinforced thermoplastic polymer (e.g., glass reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber, polyformaldehyde (acetal), any other desired material, and / or any combination thereof. However, in some use environments, the head restraint assembly, the body stabilizer assembly, any other portion of the restraint assembly, and / or the entire restraint assembly may be configured to be free of metal or other non-MRI scanner compatible materials for restraining subject S during an MRI scan.

[0210] Although various aspects of the present disclosure have been specifically illustrated and described with reference to the above exemplary aspects, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various additional aspects are possible. For example, the above specific methods for using the device are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can easily determine any number of tools, sequences of steps, or other equipment / options for placing the above-mentioned device or parts thereof in a substantially similar location to that shown herein. To maintain clarity of the drawings, some of the illustrated repeating parts have not been specifically numbered, but those skilled in the art will recognize the part numbers to be associated with the unnumbered parts based on the numbered parts, and differences between similar parts are not intended to be implied or merely intended by the presence or absence of element numbers in the drawings. Any of the described structures and components can be formed as a single unitary or integral part, or can be composed of individual sub-components, and any of these formations can be associated with any suitable raw material or custom components and / or any suitable material or combination of materials. Any of the described structures and components can be disposable or reusable as needed for a particular use environment. Any assembly may be provided with user-perceptible markings to indicate the material, configuration, at least one size, etc. associated with the assembly, potentially aiding a medical professional in selecting an assembly for a particular use environment from an array of similar assemblies. The "proposed" state may be determined any time before the engineered structure actually reaches that state, with the "proposed" being made immediately before the structure reaches the proposed state. The term "essentially" is used herein to indicate that a particular "essentially" quality approval may include relatively minor non-quality items, but not necessarily all qualities. Although some components described herein are shown to have particular geometric shapes, all structures of the present disclosure may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, relative relationship, cross-sectional area, or any other physical characteristic desired for a particular application.Any structure or feature referred to in the description of one aspect or configuration may be provided in any other aspect or configuration, either alone or in combination with other structures or features, since it would be impractical to describe each aspect and configuration described herein with all options for the discussion of all other aspects and configurations. Apparatus or methods incorporating any of these features should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0211] Other aspects, objects and advantages can be obtained from the accompanying drawings, the invention and the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A head restraint assembly comprising: a restraint platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, and a cheekbone strap; the restraint platform is configured to receive a head of a subject; the first head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and configured to selectively articulate a first side of the subject's head, the first head restraint having a first zygomatic flange, the first zygomatic flange configured to selectively articulate a zygomatic region of the subject's head on the first side of the subject's head; the second head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and configured to selectively articulate a second side of the subject's head, the second head restraint having a second zygomatic flange, the second zygomatic flange configured to selectively articulate a zygomatic region of the subject's head on the second side of the subject's head; a cheekbone strap extending between the first cheekbone edge and the second cheekbone edge and configured to selectively fasten the cheekbone edge against a cheekbone region of the subject, the cheekbone strap configured to move away from the subject's head when the subject's head is restrained by the head restraint assembly.

2. the head restraint assembly further comprises a first ball and socket assembly and a second ball and socket assembly; the first ball-socket assembly includes a first ball portion and a first socket portion, the first ball portion attached to one of the first head restraint and a first ball-socket seat and the first socket portion located in the other of the first head restraint and the first ball-socket seat, the first ball portion being selectively received in the first socket portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the first head restraint to conform the first head restraint to the first side of the subject's head; 2. The head restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein the second ball-socket assembly includes a second ball portion and a second socket portion, the second ball portion attached to one of the second head restraint and the second ball socket seat and the second socket portion located in the other of the second head restraint and the second ball socket seat, the second ball portion being selectively received in the second socket portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint to conform to the second side of the subject's head.

3. the first ball socket assembly includes a first ball restraining mechanism selectively engaging the first ball portion such that movement of the first ball portion relative to the first ball socket seat is inhibited; The movement of the first ball portion is restricted by the first ball restricting mechanism, thereby holding the first head restraint in a fixed position, and the second ball socket assembly includes a second ball restraining mechanism selectively engaging the second ball portion such that movement of the second ball portion relative to the second ball socket seat is inhibited; 3. The head restraint assembly of claim 2, wherein movement of the second ball portion is restrained by the second ball restraining mechanism, thereby holding the second head restraint in a fixed position.

4. The head restraint assembly further comprises a first slide member and a second slide member. the first slide member is configured to selectively slide laterally along the restraining platform, the first slide member being secured to the first ball socket seat; in response to selective lateral movement of the first slide member, the first head restraint moves laterally relative to the restraining platform; the second slide member is configured to selectively slide laterally along the restraining platform, the second slide member being secured to the second ball socket seat; 3. The head restraint assembly of claim 2, wherein in response to selective lateral movement of the second slide member, the second head restraint moves laterally relative to the restraining platform.

5. 2. The head restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first zygomatic flange and the second zygomatic flange includes a notch, the notch configured to selectively receive and selectively retain a medical tubing.

6. the first head restraint includes a first forehead flange configured to selectively engage a forehead of the subject's head on the first side of the subject's head; and the second head restraint includes a second forehead flange configured to selectively engage the subject's forehead on the second side of the subject's head; The head restraint assembly further comprises a forehead strap; 2. The head restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein the forehead strap extends between the first and second forehead flanges and is configured to selectively fasten the forehead flanges to the subject's forehead.

7. the first head restraint includes a first crown flange configured to selectively engage a crown of the subject's head at the first side of the subject's head; and the second head restraint includes a second crown flange configured to selectively engage a crown of the subject on the second side of the subject's head; The head restraint assembly further comprises a crown strap; 7. The head restraint assembly of claim 6, wherein the crown strap extends between the first crown flange and the second crown flange and is configured to selectively fasten the crown flange against the crown of the subject's head.

8. the first head restraint includes a first base for joining the first side of the subject's head, each of the first zygomatic flange, the first forehead flange, and the first parietal flange being connected to the first base, the first base having a first ear opening defined by an inner periphery of the first base, the first ear opening configured to be generally aligned with at least a portion of the subject's ear when the first head restraint is joined to the first side of the subject's head; 8. The head restraint assembly of claim 7, wherein the second head restraint includes a second base for engaging the second side of the subject's head, each of the second zygomatic flange, the second forehead flange and the second parietal flange being connected to the second base, the second base having a second ear hole defined by an inner periphery of the second base, the second ear hole configured to be generally aligned with at least a portion of the subject's ear when the second head restraint is joined to the second side of the subject's head.

9. The head restraint assembly further comprises a first cushion and a second cushion; the first cushion is interposed between the first side of the subject's head and at least one of the first base, the first zygomatic edge, the first forehead edge, and the first parietal edge; 9. The head restraint assembly of claim 8, wherein the second cushion is interposed between the second side of the subject's head and at least one of the second base, the second zygomatic flange, the second forehead flange, and the second parietal flange.

10. 2. The head restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first head restraint and the second head restraint is selectively movable laterally relative to the restraint platform and the other of the first head restraint and the second head restraint.

11. 1. A restraint assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject, comprising:

2. A head restraint assembly as claimed in claim 1; A body stabilizer is provided. A restraint assembly, wherein the body stabilizer is configured to receive a portion of the subject's body beneath the subject's head, the body stabilizer being removably attached to the head restraint assembly.

12. 12. The restraint assembly of claim 11, wherein the restraint assembly further comprises at least one winglet configured to receive an arm of the subject, the at least one winglet attached to and pivotable relative to the body stabilizer.

13. 12. The restraint assembly of claim 11, further comprising a foot platform configured to receive at least a foot of the subject and removably attached to the body stabilizer.

14. the restraint assembly further comprises an abdominal sling having a central sling portion configured to selectively apply to an abdominal wall skin of the subject, the abdominal sling having at least one sling strap extending from the central sling portion and configured to selectively attach to the body stabilizer; 12. The restraint assembly of claim 11, wherein the abdominal sling is configured such that when the central sling portion is joined to the subject's abdominal wall skin and the at least one sling strap is attached to the body stabilizer, the central sling portion applies a force against the subject's abdominal wall skin to bias the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad.

15. the restraint assembly further comprising at least one restraining strap selectively attached to the body stabilizer and configured to selectively prevent disengagement of the subject from the body stabilizer; the at least one sling strap includes a first sling strap, a second sling strap, and a third sling strap; the first sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a first side of the body stabilizer; the second sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a second side of the body stabilizer; 15. The restraint assembly of claim 14, wherein the third sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured for selective attachment to the at least one restraining strap.

16. 12. The restraint assembly of claim 11, wherein the body stabilizer includes separate first and second body stabilizer portions selectively connected to one another via a hinge mechanism, and at least one of the first and second body stabilizer portions is pivotable relative to the other of the first and second body stabilizer portions by the hinge mechanism between an deployed state and a folded state.

17. 17. The restraint assembly of claim 16, wherein the body stabilizer includes a swing lock mechanism that selectively locks the first body stabilizer portion and the second body stabilizer portion in the deployed condition.

18. 2. The restraint assembly of claim 1, further comprising a quick release mechanism having a retention position that substantially prevents the first and second head restraints from falling off the restraint platform and a release position in which each of the first and second head restraints may be removed from the restraint platform.

19. 1. A head restraint assembly comprising: a restraint platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, a first hinge connection assembly, and a second hinge connection assembly; the restraint platform is configured to receive a head of a subject; the first head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and is configured to selectively engage a first side of the subject's head; the second head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and is configured to selectively engage a second side of the subject's head; the first hinge connection assembly having a first portion attached to the first head restraint and a second portion connected to the restraint platform, the first portion of the first hinge connection assembly being selectively hingedly connectable to the second portion of the first hinge connection assembly thereby providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the first head restraint to conform the first head restraint to the first side of the subject's head; a second hinge connection assembly having a first portion attached to the second head restraint and a second portion connected to the restraint platform, the first portion of the second hinge connection assembly being selectively hingedly connectable to the second portion of the second hinge connection assembly thereby providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint to conform to the second side of the subject's head.

20. the first hinge connection assembly includes a first ball and socket assembly including a first ball portion and a first socket portion, the first ball portion attached to one of the first head restraint and a first ball and socket seat and the first socket portion located in the other of the first head restraint and the first ball and socket seat, the first ball portion being selectively received in the first socket portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the first head restraint to conform the first head restraint to the first side of the subject's head, and the first ball and socket seat connected to the restraint platform; 20. The head restraint assembly of claim 19, wherein the second hinge connection assembly includes a second ball and socket assembly including a second ball portion and a second socket portion, the second ball portion attached to one of the second head restraint and the second ball socket seat and the second socket portion located in the other of the second head restraint and the second ball socket seat, the second ball portion selectively received in the second socket portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint to conform to the second side of the subject's head, and the second ball socket seat connected to the restraint platform.

21. the first ball socket assembly includes a first ball restraining mechanism selectively engaging the first ball portion such that movement of the first ball portion relative to the first ball socket seat is inhibited; The movement of the first ball portion is restricted by the first ball restricting mechanism, thereby holding the first head restraint in a fixed position, and the second ball socket assembly includes a second ball restraining mechanism selectively engaging the second ball portion such that movement of the second ball portion relative to the second ball socket seat is inhibited; 21. The head restraint assembly of claim 20, wherein movement of the second ball portion is restrained by the second ball restraining mechanism, thereby holding the second head restraint in a fixed position.

22. The head restraint assembly further comprises a first slide member and a second slide member. the first slide member is configured to selectively slide laterally along the restraining platform, the first slide member being secured to the first ball socket seat; in response to selective lateral movement of the first slide member, the first head restraint moves laterally relative to the restraining platform; the second slide member is configured to selectively slide laterally along the restraining platform, the second slide member being secured to the second ball socket seat; 20. The head restraint assembly of claim 19, wherein in response to selective lateral movement of the second slide member, the second head restraint moves laterally relative to the restraining platform.

23. the first head restraint includes a first zygomatic flange configured to selectively join a zygomatic region of the subject's head on the first side of the subject's head; and the second head restraint includes a second zygomatic flange configured to selectively join a zygomatic region of the subject's head on the second side of the subject's head; 20. The head restraint assembly of claim 19, further comprising a cheekbone strap extending between the first cheekbone edge and the second cheekbone edge and configured to selectively fasten the cheekbone edge to a cheekbone region of the subject, the cheekbone strap configured to move away from the subject's head when the subject's head is restrained by the head restraint assembly.

24. 24. The head restraint assembly of claim 23, wherein at least one of the first zygomatic flange and the second zygomatic flange includes a notch, the notch configured to selectively receive and selectively retain a medical tubing.

25. the first head restraint includes a first forehead flange configured to selectively engage a forehead of the subject's head on the first side of the subject's head; and the second head restraint includes a second forehead flange configured to selectively engage the subject's forehead on the second side of the subject's head; 24. The head restraint assembly of claim 23, further comprising a forehead strap extending between the first forehead flange and the second forehead flange and configured to selectively fasten the forehead flange to the subject's forehead.

26. the first head restraint includes a first crown flange configured to selectively engage a crown of the subject's head at the first side of the subject's head; and the second head restraint includes a second crown flange configured to selectively engage a crown of the subject on the second side of the subject's head; 26. The head restraint assembly of claim 25, further comprising a crown strap extending between the first crown flange and the second crown flange and configured to selectively fasten the crown flange to a crown of the subject's head.

27. the first head restraint includes a first base for joining the first side of the subject's head, each of the first zygomatic flange, the first forehead flange, and the first parietal flange being connected to the first base, the first base having a first ear opening defined by an inner periphery of the first base, the first ear opening configured to be generally aligned with at least a portion of the subject's ear when the first head restraint is joined to the first side of the subject's head; 27. The head restraint assembly of claim 26, wherein the second head restraint includes a second base for joining the second side of the subject's head, each of the second zygomatic flange, the second forehead flange and the second parietal flange being connected to the second base, the second base having a second ear opening defined by an inner periphery of the second base, the second ear opening configured to be generally aligned with at least a portion of the subject's ear when the second head restraint is joined to the second side of the subject's head.

28. The head restraint assembly further comprises a first cushion and a second cushion; the first cushion is interposed between the first side of the subject's head and at least one of the first base, the first zygomatic edge, the first forehead edge, and the first parietal edge; 28. The head restraint assembly of claim 27, wherein the second cushion is interposed between the second side of the subject's head and at least one of the second base, the second zygomatic flange, the second forehead flange, and the second parietal flange.

29. 1. A restraint assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject, comprising:

20. A head restraint assembly as claimed in claim 19; A body stabilizer is provided. A restraint assembly, wherein the body stabilizer is configured to receive a portion of the subject's body beneath the subject's head, the body stabilizer being removably attached to the head restraint assembly.

30. 30. The restraint assembly of claim 29, further comprising at least one winglet configured to receive an arm of the subject, the at least one winglet attached to and pivotable relative to the body stabilizer.

31. 30. The restraint assembly of claim 29, further comprising a foot platform configured to receive at least a foot of the subject and removably attached to the body stabilizer.

32. The restraint assembly further comprises an abdominal sling having a central sling portion configured to selectively apply to an abdominal wall skin of the subject, the abdominal sling having at least one sling strap extending from the central sling portion; 30. The restraint assembly of claim 29, wherein the abdominal sling is configured such that when the central sling portion is joined to the subject's abdominal wall skin and the at least one sling strap is tensioned, the central sling portion applies a force against the subject's abdominal wall skin to bias the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad.

33. the restraint assembly further comprising at least one restraining strap selectively attached to the body stabilizer and configured to selectively prevent disengagement of the subject from the body stabilizer; the at least one sling strap includes a first sling strap, a second sling strap, and a third sling strap; the first sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a first side of the body stabilizer; the second sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a second side of the body stabilizer; 33. The restraint assembly of claim 32, wherein the third sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured for selective attachment to the at least one restraining strap.

34. 30. The restraint assembly of claim 29, wherein the body stabilizer includes separate first and second body stabilizer portions selectively connected to one another via a hinge mechanism, at least one of the first and second body stabilizer portions being pivotable relative to the other of the first and second body stabilizer portions by the hinge mechanism between an deployed state and a folded state.

35. 35. The restraint assembly of claim 34, wherein the body stabilizer includes a swing lock mechanism selectively locking the first body stabilizer portion and the second body stabilizer portion in the deployed condition.

36. 20. The restraint assembly of claim 19, further comprising a quick release mechanism having a holding position that substantially prevents the first head restraint, the second head restraint, the first hinge connection assembly, and the second hinge connection assembly from falling off the restraint platform, and a release position where the first head restraint, the second head restraint, the first hinge connection assembly, and the second hinge connection assembly may be removed from the restraint platform.

37. 1. An abdominal sling comprising: a central sling portion and at least one sling strap; the central sling portion is configured to selectively approximate an abdominal wall skin of a subject; the at least one sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively tensioned; The abdominal sling is configured such that when a central sling portion is joined to the subject's abdominal wall skin and the at least one sling strap is pulled, the central sling portion exerts a force on the subject's abdominal wall skin to bias the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad.

38. 38. The abdominal sling of claim 37, wherein the at least one sling strap comprises a plurality of sling straps, each of the plurality of sling straps extending from the central sling portion and configured to be selectively tensioned.

39. 1. A restraint assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject, comprising: a body stabilizer configured to receive a portion of the subject's body; and an abdominal sling as claimed in claim 37.

40. 40. The restraint assembly of claim 39, further comprising at least one winglet configured to receive an arm of the subject, the at least one winglet attached to and pivotable relative to the body stabilizer.

41. 40. The restraint assembly of claim 39, further comprising a foot platform configured to receive at least a foot of the subject and removably attached to the body stabilizer.

42. 40. The restraint assembly of claim 39, further comprising a head restraint assembly configured to receive at least the subject's head and removably attached to the body stabilizer.

43. the restraint assembly further comprising at least one restraining strap selectively attached to the body stabilizer and configured to selectively prevent disengagement of the subject from the body stabilizer; the at least one sling strap comprises a first sling strap, a second sling strap, and a third sling strap; the first sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a first side of the body stabilizer; the second sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a second side of the body stabilizer; 40. The restraint assembly of claim 39, wherein the third sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured for selective attachment to the at least one restraining strap.

44. 40. The restraint assembly of claim 39, wherein the body stabilizer includes separate first and second body stabilizer portions selectively connected to one another via a hinge mechanism, and at least one of the first and second body stabilizer portions is pivotable relative to the other of the first and second body stabilizer portions by the hinge mechanism between an deployed state and a folded state.

45. 45. The restraint assembly of claim 44, wherein the body stabilizer includes a swing lock mechanism selectively locking the first body stabilizer portion and the second body stabilizer portion in the deployed condition.

46. 1. A body stabilizer assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject, comprising: a body stabilizer, a plurality of strap connectors, and at least one restraining strap; the body stabilizer is configured to receive a portion of the subject, the body stabilizer including at least one stabilizer hole positioned longitudinally along a first side of the body stabilizer and at least one stabilizer hole positioned longitudinally along an opposing second side of the body stabilizer, each stabilizer hole extending laterally through the body stabilizer; At least a portion of each strap connector is positioned in and selectively longitudinally movable along a corresponding stabilizer hole; the at least one restraining strap is selectively attached to the body stabilizer via the strap connectors and is configured to selectively prevent disengagement of the subject from the body stabilizer, each end of the at least one restraining strap being selectively connected to a corresponding strap connector; The at least one restraining strap is routed through the strap connector and is selectively movable longitudinally relative to the body stabilizer to conform to the subject's anatomy.

47. 47. The body stabilizer assembly of claim 46, wherein each strap connector includes a bar, each end of the at least one restraining strap having a hook connected thereto, each strap connector including a bar to which a corresponding hook is selectively attached.

48. 47. The body stabilizer assembly of claim 46, wherein the at least one restraining strap is a plurality of restraining straps, and the body stabilizer includes a plurality of stabilizer holes positioned longitudinally toward the stabilizer along the first side of the body stabilizer and a plurality of stabilizer holes positioned longitudinally toward the stabilizer along the second side of the body stabilizer, each stabilizer hole having at least one of the strap connectors positioned at least partially therein.

49. 49. The body stabilizer assembly of claim 48, wherein the body stabilizer includes a stabilizer hole, the stabilizer hole being positioned laterally between a plurality of stabilizer holes on a first lateral stabilizer side and a plurality of stabilizer holes on a second lateral stabilizer side.

50. 47. The body stabilizer assembly of claim 46, further comprising at least one winglet configured to receive an arm of the subject, the at least one winglet attached to the body stabilizer and selectively pivotable relative to the body stabilizer.

51. 47. The body stabilizer assembly of claim 46, wherein the body stabilizer is configured to receive a portion of the subject's body from below the subject's head to above the subject's feet.

52. 1. A restraint assembly for assisting in restraint of a subject, comprising:

47. A body stabilizer assembly according to claim 46; a head restraint assembly; A restraint assembly, the head restraint assembly configured to receive a portion of the subject's head, the head restraint assembly removably attached to the body stabilizer.

53. the restraint assembly further comprises an abdominal sling having a central sling portion configured to selectively apply to an abdominal wall skin of the subject, the abdominal sling having at least one sling strap extending from the central sling portion and configured to selectively attach to the body stabilizer; 53. The restraint assembly of claim 52, wherein the abdominal sling is configured such that when the central sling portion is joined to the subject's abdominal wall skin and the at least one sling strap is attached to the body stabilizer, the central sling portion applies a force against the subject's abdominal wall skin to bias the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad.

54. the at least one sling strap includes a first sling strap, a second sling strap, and a third sling strap; the first sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a first side of the body stabilizer; the second sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer on a second side of the body stabilizer; 54. The restraint assembly of claim 53, wherein the third sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured for selective attachment to the at least one restraining strap.

55. the head restraint assembly includes a restraint platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, a first hinge connection assembly, and a second hinge connection assembly; the restraint platform is configured to receive a head of a subject; the first head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and is configured to selectively engage a first side of the subject's head; the second head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and is configured to selectively engage a second side of the subject's head; the first hinge connection assembly having a first portion attached to the first head restraint and a second portion connected to the restraint platform, the first portion of the first hinge connection assembly being selectively hingedly connectable to the second portion of the first hinge connection assembly thereby providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the first head restraint to conform the first head restraint to the first side of the subject's head; 53. The restraint assembly of claim 52, wherein the second hinge connection assembly has a first portion attached to the second head restraint and a second portion connected to the restraint platform, the first portion of the second hinge connection assembly being selectively hingeable to the second portion of the second hinge connection assembly thereby providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint to conform to the second side of the subject's head.

56. the head restraint assembly includes a restraint platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, and a cheekbone strap; the restraint platform is configured to receive a head of a subject; the first head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and configured to selectively articulate a first side of the subject's head, the first head restraint having a first zygomatic flange, the first zygomatic flange configured to selectively articulate a zygomatic region of the subject's head on the first side of the subject's head; the second head restraint is attached to the restraint platform and configured to selectively articulate a second side of the subject's head, the second head restraint having a second zygomatic flange, the second zygomatic flange configured to selectively articulate a zygomatic region of the subject's head on the second side of the subject's head; 53. The restraint assembly of claim 52, wherein the cheekbone strap extends between the first and second cheekbone edges and is configured to selectively fasten the first and second cheekbone edges against a cheekbone region of the subject, the cheekbone strap being configured to move away from the subject's head when the subject's head is restrained by the head restraint assembly.

57. the restraint assembly further comprises a tray assembly, the tray assembly selectively attached to the body stabilizer; The tray assembly includes: at least one tray connector selectively connected to the body stabilizer; at least one tray leg selectively connected to the tray connector; a tray table selectively connected to the at least one tray leg.

58. 47. The restraint assembly of claim 46, wherein the body stabilizer includes separate first and second body stabilizer portions selectively connected to one another via a hinge mechanism, at least one of the first and second body stabilizer portions being pivotable relative to the other of the first and second body stabilizer portions by the hinge mechanism between an deployed state and a folded state.

59. 60. The restraint assembly of claim 58, wherein the body stabilizer includes a swing lock mechanism selectively locking the first body stabilizer portion and the second body stabilizer portion in the deployed condition.

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