Assembly for assisting in the 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 Application) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 298,744, filed on January 12, 2022. The entire content of this U.S. Provisional Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0003] Restraint assemblies for restraining at least a portion of a subject are known. As used herein, "restraint" includes fixing at least a portion of the subject's body for any reason. The reasons include, but are not limited to, protecting the subject from others, protecting others from the subject, and / or preventing potentially harmful movements that may injure a part of the subject's body. Some known restraint assemblies pose problems for medical professionals for various reasons. For example, some known restraint assemblies do not apply to the subject's body structure, do not apply to restraining only a part of the subject and pulling a part of the subject's abdominal wall soft tissue to 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, the head restraint assembly comprises a restraint platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, and a cheekbone strap. The restraint platform is configured to receive the subject's head. 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 first head restraint has a first zygomatic rim, and the first zygomatic rim is configured to selectively engage the zygomatic region of the subject's head at the 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 second head restraint has a second zygomatic rim, and the second zygomatic rim is configured to selectively engage the zygomatic region of the subject's head at the second side of the subject's head. The cheekbone strap extends between the first zygomatic rim and the second zygomatic rim and is configured to selectively tighten the zygomatic rims against the subject's zygomatic region, and the cheekbone strap is 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, the head restraint assembly comprises 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 the subject's head. 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 has 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 is selectively hinge-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. 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 is selectively hinge-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 the second head restraint to the second side of the subject's head.

[0006] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, the abdominal sling has a central sling portion configured to selectively engage the 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 pulled. The abdominal sling is configured such that when the central sling portion is engaged with the subject's abdominal wall skin and at least one sling strap is pulled, 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 restraining a subject comprises a body stabilizer configured to receive a portion of the subject. The body stabilizer has stabilizer holes positioned longitudinally along a first lateral stabilizer side of at least one body stabilizer and stabilizer holes 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 movable longitudinally along the corresponding stabilizer hole. At least one restraint strap is configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer via the strap connector and selectively prevent detachment of the subject from the body stabilizer. Each end of the at least one restraint strap is selectively connected to a corresponding strap connector. The at least one restraint strap is adaptable to the body structure of the subject by selectively moving longitudinally relative to the body stabilizer via the strap connector.

[0008] In one aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a restraint assembly for assisting in restraining a subject comprises 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 feet. The abdominal sling is configured to apply a force to the abdominal wall skin of the subject to bias the abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad.

[0009] The above and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, 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, domestic animals, etc.

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

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

[0015] The term "and / or" as used herein can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0016] Phrases such as "between X and Y" as used herein can be interpreted to include X and Y.

[0017] The phrase "at least one of X and Y" as used herein 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 vary over time. In contrast, the phrase "at least one of X" can be interpreted to include one or more of X.

[0018] When an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" etc. to another element, it should be understood that it may be positioned directly on or directly added or attached to the other element, or an intermediate element may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element, for example, no intermediate element is present. One skilled in the art should understand that a reference to a structure or feature that is configured to be "adjacent" to another feature may or may not overlap with the adjacent feature or have a portion located beneath the adjacent feature.

[0019] For ease of explanation, in this specification, spatial relative terms (such as "below", "above", etc.) can be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms can cover different directions of the device during use or operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the figure is upside down, an element described as "below" another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature.

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

[0021] The present invention includes, consists of, or consists essentially of the following features in any combination.

[0022] Figures 1-3 show a head restraint assembly 100 for selectively restraining and / or fixing a subject's head H during transportation, during a medical procedure, and / or for any other desired purpose. The head restraint assembly 100 includes a restraint platform 102. The restraint platform 102 has a first platform portion 104a separated from a second platform portion 104b by a vertically extending restraint gap 108. The term "vertically" is used herein to indicate a substantially vertical direction in the direction of FIG. 1, and is indicated as "LO" in FIGS. 1-3. The first platform portion 104a includes a first post 110a extending in the transverse direction and a first flange 112a extending from the first post 110a toward the second platform portion 104b. The term "transverse" is used herein to indicate a direction substantially perpendicular to the "vertical" direction, is shown as the vertical direction in the direction of FIG. 2, and is indicated as "TR" in FIGS. 1-3. The term "lateral" is used herein to indicate a direction substantially perpendicular to the "vertical" and "transverse" directions, is shown as the horizontal direction in the direction of FIG. 1, and is indicated as "LA" in FIGS. 1-3. 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, and thus, a portion of the restraint gap 108 extending between the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b can be made smaller in the vertical direction than a portion of the restraint gap 108 extending between the first post 110a and the second post 110b.

[0023] The third platform portion 104c of the restraint 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 each other. At least one of the first platform portion 104a, the second platform portion 104b, and the third platform portion 104c may 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 as a single integral structure with at least one other of the first platform portion 104a, the second platform portion 104b, and the third platform portion 104c.

[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 can draw a substantially arc in the lateral direction to accommodate the subject's head H. However, it is conceivable that the third platform portion 104c may be bent in any desired manner or may extend substantially flat in the lateral direction to accommodate the subject's head H. The third platform portion 104c can be positioned laterally on the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b such that the third platform portion 104c rises at least partially laterally above the first platform portion 104a and the second platform portion 104b. The raised third platform portion 104c can facilitate the positioning by medical professionals. Thus, raising the third platform portion 104c above the remaining platform portions 104a, 104b can assist the medical professional in positioning the subject's head H on the third platform portion 104c.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the third platform portion 104c may have 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 is disposed to provide a surface softer than the substantially rigid third platform surface 104c to the subject's head H. The pedestal cushion 114 may be substantially permanently attached to the third platform portion 104c, or may be configured to be selectively removed from the third platform portion 104c as needed.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the first post 110a includes a first platform surface 116a facing in the vertical direction, and the second post 110b includes a second platform surface 116b facing in the vertical direction and opposing the first platform surface 116a. The restraint platform 102 may include a gripping element 118 for supporting / transporting the restraint platform 102 and / or the head restraint assembly 100 as a whole. As shown in FIG. 1, the gripping element 118 can extend vertically from the second platform surface 116b, but it is contemplated that the gripping element 118 can extend in any direction from any part, surface, or face of the restraint platform 102. In FIG. 1, the gripping element 118 is in the form of an arcuate handle, but the gripping element 118 may have any desired shape / form that a medical professional can grip.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the third platform portion 104c defines a first lateral platform side 120a of the restraint platform 102 and is laterally separated from a second lateral platform side 120b of the restraint platform 102. The first lateral platform side 120a can include at least one of the first head restraint 122a, the first hinge connection assembly 124a, and the first sliding member 126a.

[0028] The first head restraint 122a is configured to selectively engage the 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 circumference 232a of the first base 128a. The first ear hole 230a is configured to be substantially aligned with at least a portion of the 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 ear E of the subject can extend at least partially through the first ear hole 230a. Also, in a particular use environment, it is contemplated that the ear E of the subject 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 can extend at least one flange (shown here as flanges 134a, 136a, 138a) for selectively engaging the subject's head H to the first side FS of the subject's head H. For example, the first base 128a may have a first zygomatic flange 134a extending from an outer circumference 140a of the first base 128a, a first forehead flange 136a, and a first vertex flange 138a. The first zygomatic flange 134a is configured to selectively engage the zygomatic region CR of the subject's head H, the first forehead flange 136a is configured to selectively engage the forehead F of the subject's head H, and the first vertex flange 138a is configured to selectively engage the vertex C of the subject's head H. The "vertex" of the subject's head H as defined herein is a region of the subject's head H that is adjacent to or overlaps at least one of the subject's vertex suture, sagittal suture, parietal bone on the first side FS of the subject's head H, and parietal bone on the second side SS of the subject's head H.

[0030] At least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a may be formed separately from at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a, and then connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a may be formed as a single integral overall structure integrally with at least one other of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a.

[0031] The first head restraint 122a may have a reusable or disposable first head cushion 142a interposed between the first side FS of the subject's head H and at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a. The first head cushion 142a provides and joins a softer surface to the first side FS of the subject's head H than the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and / or the first vertex process edge 138a without a cushion. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first head cushion 142a is a single cushion provided on each of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a. Alternatively, the first head cushion 142a can include a plurality of individual cushions. In such an arrangement, at least one of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a may have a different cushion from the cushion provided on at least one other of the first base 128a, the first zygomatic process edge 134a, the first frontal process edge 136a, and the first vertex process edge 138a. The first head cushion 142a may be basically permanently attached to the first head restraint 122a, or may be configured to be selectively removable 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 can 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 a first base 128a along a first stem axis 148a and connects the first ball portion 144a to a first head restraint 122a. At least one of the first ball portion 144a, the first ball stem 146a, and the first base 128a may be formed separately from at least one other of the first ball portion 144a, the first ball stem 146a, and the first base 128a and then connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first ball portion 144a, the first ball stem 146a, and the first base 128a can be formed integrally as a single unitary structure with at least one other of the first ball portion 144a, the first ball stem 146a, and the first base 128a.

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

[0034] The first ball portion 144a can be selectively received by the first socket portion 150a and selectively hinge-connected to the first socket portion 150a. With this configuration, the first head restraint 122a provides at least three degrees of freedom of movement so as to conform to the first side FS of the subject's head H. For example, the first head restraint 122a can pivot from the direction shown in FIG. 1 about the first center point 154a of the first ball portion 144a at least in the vertical direction, pivot from the direction shown in FIG. 1 about the first center point 154a of the first ball portion 144a in the horizontal direction, and pivot from the direction shown in FIG. 1 about the first rest stem axis 148a in the horizontal or vertical direction.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the first ball socket assembly 124a can include a first ball restraint mechanism 556a for selectively holding the first head restraint 122a in a fixed position. The first ball restraint mechanism 556a can include a first restraint control knob 558a and a first ball stopper 560a. If desired, the first restraint control knob 558a can be actuated to move the first ball stopper 560a vertically toward the first ball portion 144a. The first ball stopper 560a is movable vertically 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 of the first ball socket assembly 124a is substantially inhibited. Since the first head restraint 122a is connected to the first ball portion 144a via the first ball stem 146a, movement of the first ball portion 144a is inhibited and the first head restraint 122a is held in a fixed position. Thus, the first head restraint 122a can be moved to a desired position that conforms to the first side FS of the subject's head H and is then locked in place by the first ball restraint mechanism 556a when the desired position is reached. If movement of the first head restraint 122a is again required, the first ball stopper 560a can be disengaged from the first ball portion 144a and the first ball stopper 560a can be vertically spaced from the first ball portion 144a by actuating the first restraint control knob 558a (e.g., by rotating the first restraint control knob 558a in a second direction opposite the first direction).

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first sliding mechanism 126a includes a first sliding pedestal 162a. The first sliding pedestal 162a includes a first sliding pedestal notch 264a and a second sliding pedestal notch 266a that extend inward in the vertical direction from the outside of the first sliding pedestal 162a. The first sliding pedestal notch 264a is configured to receive the first flange 112a, and the second sliding pedestal 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 the drive shaft 15212. The drive shaft 15212 is rotatably attached to the restraint platform 102, and a stop jig 15214 extending laterally from the third platform portion 104c substantially prevents them from moving in an unwanted lateral and / or vertical direction. The drive shaft 15212 extends through the first threaded opening 15216a of the first sliding pedestal 162a in the lateral direction such that the first threaded portion 15210a is screwed into the first threaded opening 15216a. The first shaft end 15218a of the drive shaft 15212 includes a first sliding control knob 168a. If necessary, the first sliding control knob 168a (for example, by rotation) can be actuated to rotate the drive shaft 15212 relative to the first sliding pedestal 162a. In response to the rotation of the drive shaft 15212, the first sliding pedestal 162a is moved along the lateral direction of the first threaded portion 15210a and slid along the lateral direction of the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b of the restraint platform 102. Therefore, by actuating the first sliding control knob 168a, the first sliding pedestal 162a can be selectively moved to the second lateral platform side 120b side of the restraint platform 102.

[0037] The first sliding pedestal 162a may be fixed to the first ball socket pedestal 152a and operably connected to the first head restraint 122a via the first ball socket assembly 124a. Thus, the first head restraint 122a can 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 the selective lateral movement of the first sliding pedestal 162a, the first head restraint 122a is moved laterally with respect to the restraint platform 102. Thus, the first sliding control knob 558a moves the first head restraint 122a laterally towards the head H of the subject received on the third platform portion 104c, engages the first side FS of the head H of the subject, and selectively actuates to move the first head restraint 122a laterally away from the first side FS of the head H of the subject, and can disengage from the first side FS of the head H of the subject.

[0038] The first hinge connection assembly 124a is illustrated and described as a ball socket assembly, but the first hinge connection assembly 124a has a first portion connected to the first head restraint 122a and a second portion (e.g., via the first sliding mechanism 126a) connected to the restraint platform 102, and may be another mechanism that selectively hinge - connects 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 restraint platform 102 includes at least one of the second head restraint 122b, the second hinge connection assembly 124b, and the second sliding member 126b.

[0040] The second head restraint 122b is configured to selectively join the second side SS of the subject's head H towards the first side FS of the subject's head H. In particular, the second head restraint 122b has a second base 128b for joining 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 circumference 232b of the second base 128b. The second ear hole 230b is configured to be substantially aligned with at least a portion of the ear E of the subject S when the second head restraint 122b is joined to the second side SS of the subject's head H. The ear E of the subject can extend at least partially through the second ear hole 230b. Also, in a particular use environment, it is conceivable that the ear E of the subject 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 the second side SS of the subject's head H. For example, the second base 128b can have a second zygomatic flange 134b, a second frontal flange 136b, and a second parietal flange 138b extending from an outer circumference 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 frontal flange 136b is configured to selectively join the forehead F of the subject, and the second parietal flange 138b is configured to selectively join the parietal region C of the subject's head.

[0042] At least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b is formed separately from at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b and may then be connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b can be formed as a single integral structure integrally with at least one other of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b.

[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 process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b. The second head cushion 142b provides and joins a surface softer than the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and / or the second parietal process edge 138b without a cushion to the second side SS of the subject's head H. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second head cushion 142b is a single cushion provided on each of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b. Alternatively, the second restraint cushion 142b can include a plurality of separate cushions. In this arrangement, at least one of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b may have a cushion different from the cushion on at least one other of the second base 128b, the second zygomatic process edge 134b, the second frontal process edge 136b, and the second parietal process edge 138b. The second head cushion 142b may be basically permanently attached to the second head restraint 122b or may be configured to be selectively removable 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 can 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 a second base 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 128b may be formed separately from at least one other of the second ball portion 144b, the second ball stem 146b, and the second base 128b and then connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the second ball portion 144b, the second ball stem 146b, and the second base 128b may be formed integrally as a single unitary structure with at least one other of the second ball portion 144b, the second ball stem 146b, and the second base 128b.

[0045] The second ball socket assembly 124b further includes a second socket portion 150b in the second ball socket pedestal 152b, for example, by recessing into the second ball socket pedestal 152b. 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 pedestal 152b, but the first ball socket assembly 124b may be configured such that the second ball portion 144b is attached to the second ball socket pedestal 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 by the second ball portion 150b and selectively hinge-connected to the second ball portion 150b. Such a configuration provides at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint 122b so 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 pivot from the direction shown in FIG. 1 about at least the vertical center of the second center point 154b of the second ball portion 144b, pivot from the direction shown in FIG. 1 about the horizontal center of the second center point 154b of the second ball portion 144b, and pivot from the direction shown in FIG. 1 about the horizontal or vertical center of the second stem axis 148b.

[0047] The second ball socket assembly 124b can include a second ball restraint mechanism 556b for selectively holding the second head restraint 122b in a fixed position. The second ball restraint mechanism 556b may be similar to the first ball restraint mechanism 556a shown in detail in FIG. 5. The second ball restraint mechanism 556b can include a second ball restraint control knob 558b and a second ball stopper 560b. If desired, the second restraint control knob 558b can be actuated to move the second ball stopper 560b vertically toward the second ball portion 144b. The second ball stopper 560b can move vertically 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 substantially inhibited. 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 inhibited 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 the second head restraint 122b conforms to the second side SS of the subject's head H and then, when the desired position is reached, is locked in place by the second ball restraint 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 restraint control knob 558b (e.g., by rotating the second restraint control knob 558b in a second direction opposite to the first direction).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second sliding mechanism 126b includes a second sliding pedestal 162b. The second sliding pedestal 162b includes a first sliding pedestal notch 264b and a second sliding pedestal notch 266b that extend inward in the vertical direction from the outside of the second sliding pedestal 162b. The first sliding pedestal notch 264b is configured to receive the first flange 112a, and the second sliding pedestal 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 the drive shaft 15212. The drive shaft 15212 extends horizontally through the second threaded opening 1526b of the second sliding pedestal 162b such that the second threaded portion 15210b is screwed into the second threaded opening 1526b. The second shaft end 15218b of the drive shaft 15212 includes a second sliding control knob 168b. If necessary, the second sliding control knob 168b (e.g., by rotation) can be actuated to rotate the drive shaft 15212 relative to the second sliding pedestal 162b. In response to the rotation of the drive shaft 15212, the second sliding pedestal 162b is moved along the side surface of the second threaded portion 15210b and slid along the side surfaces of the first flange 112a and the second flange 112b of the restraint platform 102. Therefore, by actuating the second sliding control knob 168b, the second sliding pedestal 162b can be selectively moved horizontally toward or away from the first lateral platform side 120a side of the restraint platform 102.

[0049] Since a single drive shaft 15212 is screwed to the first sliding pedestal 162a and the second sliding pedestal 162b, a selective actuation response of either the first control knob 168a or the second control knob 168b moves both the first sliding pedestal 162a and the second sliding pedestal 162b horizontally relative to each other simultaneously, or in directions away from each other. However, it is conceivable that the first sliding mechanism 126a and the second sliding mechanism 126b can include a single drive shaft 15212 such that only one of the first control knob 168a and the second control knob 168b rotates selectively so that only the relevant one of the first sliding pedestal 162a and the second sliding pedestal 162b moves horizontally.

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

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

[0052] Via the first sliding mechanism 126a and the second sliding mechanism 126b, the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b can also be selectively moved laterally with respect to the restraint platform 102. Further, the first ball socket assembly 124a and the second ball socket assembly 124b hinge-connect the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b to each other. Thus, the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b are adjustable with respect to the restraint platform 102 and the subject's head H, and can be adjusted at least partially independently of each other so as to conform to the corresponding sides FS, SS of the subject's head H.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and FIGS. 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 tighten the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b against the subject's head H, maintain the state where the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b are joined to the first side FS and the second side SS of the subject's head H, and help prevent the subject's head H from undesirably detaching from the head restraint 100. Optionally, tightening the first head restraint 122a and the second head restraint 122b against the subject's head H with at least one strap can also help substantially fix the subject's head H.

[0054] For example, the head restraint assembly 100 can include a zygomatic strap 370 that extends between a first zygomatic rim 134a and a second zygomatic rim 136b. In particular, the first zygomatic rim 134a can have a first zygomatic connection portion 372a that extends from the outer periphery 140a of the first base 128a, and a first zygomatic attachment portion 374a that extends substantially perpendicular to the first zygomatic connection portion 372a. The first zygomatic attachment portion 374a can extend through a zygomatic aperture 376 configured to allow at least a portion of the zygomatic strap 370 to pass therethrough. The second zygomatic rim 136b may have a second zygomatic connection portion 372b that extends from the outer periphery 140b of the second base 128b, and a second zygomatic attachment portion 374b that extends substantially perpendicular to the second zygomatic connection portion 372b. The first end 378a of the zygomatic strap 370 can be fixedly connected to at least the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b. The second end 378b of the zygomatic strap 370 can selectively surround the zygomatic aperture 376 that passes through the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a, and can be pulled toward the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b to selectively tighten the first zygomatic rim 134a and the second zygomatic rim 136b in the subject's zygomatic region CR. When the first zygomatic rim 134a and the second zygomatic rim 136b are fastened as needed, the second end 378b of the zygomatic strap 370 can be selectively attached to other portions of the zygomatic strap 370 to maintain the desired degree of fastening of the first zygomatic rim 134a and the second zygomatic rim 136b. The second end 378b of the zygomatic strap 370 can be attached to other portions of the zygomatic strap 370 via at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook-eye fastener, a button, a buttonhole fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0055] The head restraint assembly 100 is shown and described as having a zygomatic aperture 370 that extends through the first zygomatic attachment portion 374, with the first end 378a of the zygomatic strap 370 fixedly connected to the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b. However, the head restraint assembly 100 may be configured such that the zygomatic aperture 376 extends through the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b and the first end 378a of the zygomatic strap 370 is fixedly connected to the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a. Further, although the first end 378a of the zygomatic strap 370 is described as being fixedly connected to the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b, the first end 378a of the zygomatic strap 370 may be selectively fixedly connected to the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b, removed from the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b, and replaced with a similar alternative zygomatic strap 370 if desired or replaced with at least one zygomatic strap having different physical characteristics (e.g., length, thickness, width, material, flexibility) from the original zygomatic strap 370.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3 - 4 and FIGS. 6 - 7, the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a and the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b are configured such that the zygomatic strap 370 and the subject's head H are spaced apart 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 zygomatic strap 370 and the subject's head H allows 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 a combination thereof, and when the subject's head H is restrained by the head restraint assembly 100, these devices or combinations are close to the subject's nose N and / or mouth M.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a can include a first zygomatic notch 486a that extends from the outside to the inside of the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a. The second zygomatic attachment portion 374b can include a second zygomatic notch 486b that extends from the outside to the inside of the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b. The first zygomatic notch 486a and the second zygomatic notch 486b may be configured to selectively receive and selectively hold at least a part of the cross-sectional circumferences of the medical tubes 488a, 488b, respectively. The first zygomatic attachment portion 374a and the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b are shown as having one zygomatic notch 486a, 486b each, but at least one of the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a and the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b may not have a zygomatic notch, may have one zygomatic notch, or may have a plurality of zygomatic notches. Further, at least one of the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a and the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b can include other features configured to selectively accommodate and selectively hold the medical tubes 488a, 488b in addition to having the zygomatic notches 486a, 486b. For example, at least one of the first zygomatic attachment portion 374a and the second zygomatic attachment portion 374b can include a fixture configured to selectively receive and selectively hold the medical tubes 488a, 488b.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the head restraint assembly 100 can include a forehead strap 490 that extends between a first forehead edge 136a and a second forehead edge 138b. In particular, the first forehead edge 136a can have a forehead connection portion 492 that extends from an outer periphery 140a of the first base 128a, and a forehead attachment portion 494 that extends substantially perpendicularly from the forehead connection portion 492. The forehead attachment portion 494 can 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 can be fixedly connected to at least the second forehead edge 138b. A second end 498b of the forehead strap 490 can selectively surround the forehead hole 496 that passes through the forehead attachment portion 494 and can be pulled toward the second forehead edge 138b to selectively tighten the first forehead edge 136a and the second forehead edge 138b against the subject's forehead F. When the first forehead edge 136a and the second forehead edge 138b are fastened as needed, the second end 498b of the forehead strap 490 can be selectively attached to other portions of the forehead strap 490 to maintain the desired fastening degree of the first forehead edge 136a and the second forehead edge 138b. The second end 498b of the forehead strap 490 can be attached to other portions of the forehead strap 490 via at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook-eye fastener, a button, a cord fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0059] The head restraint assembly 100 is shown and described as having a forehead aperture 496 that extends through a portion of the first forehead rim 136a, with the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 fixedly connected to the second forehead rim 136b. However, the head restraint assembly 100 may be configured such that the forehead aperture 496 extends through a portion of the second forehead rim 136b and the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 is fixedly connected to the first forehead rim 136a. Also, although the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 is described as being fixedly connected to the second forehead rim 136b, the first end 498a of the forehead strap 490 is selectively fixedly connected to the second forehead rim 136b, removed from the second forehead rim 136b, and, if desired, replaced with a similar alternative forehead strap 490 or replaced with at least one forehead strap having physical characteristics (e.g., length, thickness, width, material, flexibility) different from those of the original forehead strap 490, including those that can be used in place of the forehead strap 490.

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

[0061] The head restraint assembly 100 is shown and described as having a vertex hole 4106 that extends through a portion of the first vertex flange 138a, with the first end 4108a of the vertex strap 4100 fixedly connected to the second vertex flange 138b. However, the head restraint assembly 100 may be configured such that the vertex hole 4106 extends through a portion of the second vertex flange 138b, and the first end 4108a of the vertex strap 4100 may be fixedly connected to the first vertex flange 138a. Also, although the first end 4108a of the vertex strap 4100 is described as being fixedly connected to the second vertex flange 138b, the first end 4108a of the vertex strap 4100 may be selectively and fixedly connected to the second vertex flange 138b and removed from the second vertex flange 138b, and, if desired, may use a similar alternative vertex strap 4100 or replace the vertex strap 4100 with at least one vertex strap having physical properties (e.g., length, thickness, width, material, flexibility) different from those of the original vertex 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 the 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 a first head connector surface 9116a and a second head connector surface 9116b that face each other in the lateral direction and are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The head connector 8114 can have a substantially triangular conical shape in cross-section. Thus, the 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, such as rectangular, arcuate, and / or linear, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The first pillar 110a and the second pillar 110b of the first platform portion 104a and the second platform portion 104b can include a first head connector notch 9118a and a second head connector notch 9118b that extend horizontally through their interiors, respectively. The first head connector notch 9118a and the second head connector notch 9118b are configured to match the cross-sectional shape of the head connector 8114 such that the first head connector end 9120a of the head connector 8114 selectively inserts vertically through the first head connector notch 9118a and the second connector notch 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, press-fitting and / or frictional engagement occurs between the head restraint assembly 100 and the head connector 8114. The press-fitting and / or frictional engagement between the head restraint assembly 100 and the head connector 8114 can help prevent the head connector 8114 from undesirably detaching from the head restraint assembly 100.

[0064] Instead of or in addition to maintaining the connection of the head connector 8114 to the head restraint assembly 100 by press fitting and / or frictional engagement, the head connector 8114 can 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 for connecting the head connector 8114 to the head restraint assembly 100 can be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanent adhesive epoxy resin), an adhesive tape (e.g., a high-performance acrylic double-sided adhesive tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and loop fastener, a fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. The head connector 8114 can also be formed as a single integral structure integrally with at least one of the first platform portion 104a, the second platform portion 104b, and the third platform portion 104c.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the body stabilizer 8112 has a first stabilizer surface 8122a and a second stabilizer surface 8122b that face each other in the lateral direction and are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can extend laterally from the second stabilizer surface 8122b. The first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can each have free end faces 10126a, 10126b that face away from the second stabilizer surface 8122b in the longitudinal direction. The two free end faces 10126a, 10126b may be in the same plane to assist in stabilizing the body stabilizer 8112 during use. At least one of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a, and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b may be formed separately from at least one of the other of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a, and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b and then connected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a, and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can be formed as a single integral structure integrally with at least one of the other of the body stabilizer 8112, the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a, and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b.

[0066] The first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can be separated from each other 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 the first longitudinally stabilizer side 10130a of the body stabilizer 8112. The first stabilizer pedestal 10124a, the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b, and the stabilizer gap 10128 can be configured such that when the head connector 8114 is inserted into the stabilizer gap 10128, press-fitting and / or frictional engagement occurs between the body stabilizer 8112 and the head connector 8114. The press-fitting and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112 and the head connector 8114 can help prevent the head connector 8114 from undesirably detaching from the body stabilizer 8112.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the first head connector surface 9116a can further include at least one head lock protrusion 9132 configured to engage at least one head lock detent 10134 of the second stabilizer surface 8122b when the head connector 8114 is joined to the body stabilizer 8112. The engagement between the head lock protrusion 9132 and the head lock detent 10134 also helps prevent the head connector 8114 from undesirably detaching from the body stabilizer 8112. Also, the head connector 8114 can be considered to be a single integral structure integrally with the body stabilizer 8112.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the body stabilizer 8112 can include at least one stabilizer hole 8136 (shown here as stabilizer holes 8136a, 8136b, 8136c, 8136d, 8136e, 8136f) that extends horizontally 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 that are vertically positioned along a stabilizer side 8138a on 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 that are vertically positioned 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 vertically aligned or vertically offset from 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 grip the body stabilizer 8112 and transport a restrained subject.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the body stabilizer assembly 8111 can include at least one restraint strap 8140 (shown here as restraint straps 8140a, 8140b, and 8140c) that is selectively attached to the body stabilizer 8112 and configured to selectively prevent the subject S from exiting the body stabilizer 8112. The at least one restraint 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 restraint strap 8140a, a second restraint strap 8140b, and a third restraint strap 8140c. The first restraint strap 8140a can extend through between the first stabilizer hole 8136a and the fourth stabilizer hole 8136d, the second restraint strap 8140b can extend through between the second stabilizer hole 8136b and the fifth stabilizer hole 8136e, and the third restraint strap 8140c can extend through between the third stabilizer hole 8136c and the sixth stabilizer hole 8136f.

[0070] Each of the first restraint strap 8140a, the second restraint strap 8140b, and the third restraint strap 8140c can be selectively moved longitudinally along their respective stabilizer holes 8136a, 8136b, 8136c, 8136d, 8136e, 8136f. This longitudinal movement positions each of the first restraint strap 8140a, the second restraint strap 8140b, and the third restraint strap 8140c at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's body B to conform to the subject's body structure. Each of the first restraint strap 8140a, the second restraint strap 8140b, and the third restraint strap 8140c can be selectively held 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-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook-eye fastener, a button, a rope-eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0071] The first stabilizer surface 8122a can have 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 and disposes a surface that is softer than the substantially rigid first stabilization surface 8122a to the subject's body B. The stabilizer cushion 8142 may be substantially permanently attached to the first stabilizer surface 8122a, or may be configured to be selectively removed from the first stabilizer surface 8122a as needed.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, at least one of the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b can include winglet attachment holes 8144a, 8144b that extend laterally therethrough. For example, the body stabilizer 8112 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 includes a first winglet attachment hole 8144a on the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and a second winglet attachment hole 8144b on the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b. Each of the first winglet attachment hole 8144a and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b is configured to selectively receive a winglet attachment protrusion 8146 of the winglet 8148 for attaching 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 a first winglet surface 8150a and a second winglet surface 8150b that face each other in a lateral direction spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146 extends laterally from the first winglet surface 8150a on the 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 to or close to the second stabilizer surface 8122b. As shown in FIG. 10, the second winglet surface 8150b of the attached winglet 8148 can be substantially flush with the free end faces 10126a, 10126b of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b without significantly impairing the stability of the body stabilizer 8112.

[0074] The winglet mounting protrusion 8146 and the first winglet mounting hole 8144a and the second winglet mounting hole 8144b are configured such that the winglet 8148 can be selectively pivoted to a desired angular position of the arm A for receiving a subject with respect to the body stabilizer 8112. Pivoting the winglet 8148 to a desired angular position can include removing the winglet mounting protrusion 8146 from one of the first winglet mounting hole 8144a and the second winglet mounting hole 8144b, pivoting the winglet 8148 to the desired angular position with respect 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 mounting protrusion 8146 and the first winglet mounting hole 8144a and the second winglet mounting hole 8144b can be such that the winglet 8148 pivots in a predetermined angular increment with respect to the body stabilizer 8112 (as shown in the configurations of FIGS. 8, 10, and 11), or the winglet 8148 can be coupled or dislocated so as to pivot freely with respect to the body stabilizer 8112. The coupling or dislocation can include forming at least a portion of the winglet mounting protrusion 8146' and the first winglet mounting hole 8144a' and the second winglet mounting hole 8144b' into a substantially octagonal shape, any other polygonal shape, or any other desired shape.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the winglet 8148 can include at least one winglet hole 8154 extending horizontally therethrough (illustrated herein as winglet holes 8154a, 8154b, 8154c, 8154d, 8154e). In the configuration example and direction example of FIG. 8, the winglet 8148 includes a first winglet hole 8154a and a second winglet hole 8154b positioned horizontally along the 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 horizontally along the second longitudinal winglet side 8156b of the winglet 8148. The first winglet hole 8154a and the second winglet hole 8154b may be horizontally aligned or horizontally offset from the third winglet hole 8154c and the fourth winglet hole 8154d. The fifth winglet hole 8154e can extend horizontally 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 grip the winglet 8148 when transporting a restrained subject S and / or to manipulate the arm A of the subject.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the restraint assembly 8110 can include at least one winglet strap 8158 (shown here as winglet straps 8158a and 8158b) that is selectively attached to the winglet 8148 and configured to selectively prevent the subject's arm A from detaching 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 winglet strap 8158a and the second winglet strap 8158b can be selectively moved laterally along their respective winglet holes 8154a, 8154b, 8154c, 8154d. This lateral movement positions each of the first winglet strap 8158a and the second winglet strap 8158b at a selected lateral position along the subject's arm A so that each conforms to the subject's body structure. Each of the first winglet strap 8158a and the second winglet strap 8158b can be selectively held attached to the winglet 8148 and joined to the subject's arm A by using at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope and eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0078] The first winglet surface 8150a can 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 a surface that is softer than the generally rigid first winglet surface 8150a for placement against the subject's arm A. The winglet cushion 8160 may be attached to the first winglet surface 8150a substantially permanently or may be configured to be selectively removable from the first winglet surface 8150a as needed.

[0079] The body stabilizer assembly 8111 is shown having only one winglet 8148, but the body stabilizer assembly 8111 can have any number of winglets 8148. For example, one winglet 8148 can be joined to the first winglet mounting hole 8144a and a second winglet 8148 can be joined to the second winglet mounting 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 a first foot surface 8166a and a second foot surface 8166b that face each other in a laterally spaced - apart lateral direction. 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 substantially permanently connected to a first foot connector end portion 8168a via one or more fasteners. Each fastener that connects the foot connector 8164 to the foot platform 8162 can be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanent - bonding epoxy resin), a tape (e.g., a high - performance acrylic double - sided adhesive tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon - fiber screw), a hook - and - loop fastener, a fastener, any suitable metal or non - metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. Alternatively, the foot platform 8162 and the foot connector 8164 can be integrally formed as a single unitary structure.

[0081] The foot connector 8164 has a first foot connector surface 8170a and a second foot connector surface 8170b that face each other in a laterally spaced - apart lateral direction. The foot connector 8164 can have a generally triangular conical shape similar to the head connector 8114 in cross - section. Thus, the lateral width of the foot connector 8164 can decrease from the first foot connector surface 8170a to the second foot connector surface 8170b. However, the foot connector 8164 can have any desired cross - sectional shape, such as rectangular, arcuate, and / or linear, but is not limited thereto.

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

[0083] The first foot connector surface 8170a can further include at least one foot lock protrusion 8172 configured to engage at least one foot lock detent 10174 of the second stabilizer surface 8122b when the foot connector 8164 is joined to the body stabilizer 8112. The engagement between the foot lock protrusion 8172 and the foot lock detent 10174 also helps prevent the foot connector 8164 from undesirably detaching from the body stabilizer 8112.

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

[0085] The first foot surface 8166a can also include a foot handle 8182 that projects laterally from the first foot surface 8166a. The foot handle 8182 can include a foot handle hole 8184 that extends horizontally therethrough. When transporting a restrained subject, at least one medical professional can use the foot handle hole 8184 to grip the foot handle 8182 and the foot platform 8162.

[0086] The restraint assembly 8110 can include at least one foot strap 8186 (illustrated herein as foot straps 8186a and 8186b) that is selectively attachable to the foot platform 8162 and configured to selectively prevent the subject's foot FT and / or leg L from disengaging from the foot platform 8162. The at least one foot strap 8186 can 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 can include, for example, a first foot strap 8186a and a second foot strap 8186b. The first foot strap 8186a can restrain one leg L and foot FT of the subject S by passing around and extending between the first foot hole 8176a and the foot handle hole 8184. The second foot strap 8186b can restrain the other leg L and foot FT of the subject S by passing around and extending between the second foot hole 8176b and the foot handle hole 8184.

[0087] Each of the first foot strap 8186a and the second foot strap 8186b can be selectively moved longitudinally along their respective foot holes 8176a, 8176b and the foot handle hole 8184. This longitudinal movement positions each of the first foot strap 8186a and the second foot strap 8186b at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's leg L and / or foot FT to conform to the subject's body structure. Each of the first foot strap 8186a and the second foot strap 8186b can be selectively attached to the foot platform 8162 and held to be selectively joined to the subject's leg L and / or foot FT by using at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook-and-eye fastener, a button, a rope-eye fastener, a serrated fastener, and / or other suitable fasteners or combinations of fasteners.

[0088] The first foot surface 8166a can 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 surface that is softer than the substantially rigid first foot surface 8166a for placement with respect to the subject's foot FT and / or leg L. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 8, the foot cushion 8188 is a single cushion. Optionally, the foot cushion 8188 can include a plurality of separate cushions. In such a configuration, one cushion can be interposed between the first foot surface 8166a and one leg L / foot FT of the subject S, while another second cushion can be interposed between the first foot surface 8166a and the subject's other leg / foot. The foot cushion 8188 can be basically permanently attached to the first foot surface 8166a, or can be configured to be selectively removed 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 includes a central sling portion 12192, and the central sling portion 12192 has a first sling strap surface 12194a and a second sling strap surface 12194b. The first sling strap surface 12194a is configured to selectively bond to the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS, and the second sling strap surface 12194b is configured to face away from the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS when the first sling strap surface 12194a is bonded to the subject S. The first sling strap surface 12194a can include a biocompatible adhesive 14196 disposed to selectively hold the bond between the first sling strap surface and the subject's abdominal wall skin AWS.

[0090] The abdominal sling 12190 further has at least one sling strap 13198 (illustrated here 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 surround a first restraint strap 8140a adjacent to the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a and can be pulled toward the central sling portion 12192 to tightly fasten the first sling strap 13198a. When the first sling strap 13198a is tensioned as needed, 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 the desired tension of the first sling strap 13198a. The second end 13200b of the first sling strap 13198a can be attached to another portion of the first sling strap 13198a via at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook-eye fastener, a button, a rope-eye fastener, a serrated 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, and the first hook portion 13202a is 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 to 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 surround a first restraint strap 8140a adjacent to the second side stabilizer side 8138b and can be pulled toward the central sling portion 12192 to pull the second sling strap 13198b. When the second sling strap 13198b is tensioned as needed, the second end 13206b of the second sling strap 13198b can be selectively attached to other portions of the second sling strap 13198b to maintain the desired tension of the second sling strap 13198b. The second end 1326b of the second sling strap 13198b can be attached to other portions of the second sling strap 13198b via at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope and eye fastener, a serrated 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 to 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 surround the first restraint 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 tightly fasten the third sling strap 13198c. When the third strap 13198c is tensioned as needed, the second end 13208b of the third strap 13198c can be selectively attached to other portions of the third strap 13198c to maintain the desired tension of 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, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope and eye fastener, a serrated 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 the second end 13208b of the third sling strap 13198c to the third ring portion 13204c to attach the second end 13208b of the third sling strap 13198c to the remaining portion of the third sling strap 13198c.

[0093] When the central sling portion 12192 is joined to the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject, the tension of 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 abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject so as to bias the abdominal wall soft tissue AST of the subject cephalad. 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 push the abdominal wall soft tissue AST of the subject cephalad as needed. Biasing the abdominal wall soft tissue AST of the subject cephalad is particularly useful when it is suitable for a medical professional to access a portion of the subject S, and otherwise these portions are occluded or covered by the abdominal wall soft tissue AST of the subject.

[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, but at least one of the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c can be directly connected 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 is connected to the body stabilizer 8112 by going around the fourth stabilizer hole 8136d that passes through the second side stabilizer side 8138b as described above, and the third sling strap 13198c can go around the first restraint strap 8140a. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first strap 13198a, the second strap 13198b, and the third strap 13198c is connected not to or in addition to the first strap 8140a, but to at least one of the second strap 8140b and the third strap 8140c.

[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 then 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 can be formed as a single integral structure integrally with at least one other of the central sling portion 12192, the first sling strap 13198a, the second sling strap 13198b, and the third sling strap 13198c.

[0096] Figs. 16 to 27 show a second embodiment of the head restraint assembly 100' that can be included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Since the head restraint assembly 100' in Figs. 16 to 27 is similar to the head restraint assembly 100 in Figs. 1 to 12 and Fig. 15, the structures in Figs. 16 to 27 that are the same as or similar to the structures described with reference to Figs. 1 to 12 and Fig. 15 have the same reference numerals with a prime symbol (') added thereto. The description of the common elements and operations similar to those in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment but should be considered to be incorporated herein by reference as appropriate below. Further, the elements and functions illustrated or described for one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly illustrated or described.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 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' via a vertically extending restraint gap 108'. The first platform portion 104a' includes a first column 110a' extending in the lateral direction and a first guide rail 16220a extending laterally from the first column 110a' toward the second platform portion 104b'. The second platform portion 104b' includes a second column 110b' extending in the vertical direction and a second guide rail 16220b extending laterally from the second column 110b' to the first platform portion 104a'. Since the first guide rail 16220a and the second guide rail 16220b extend toward each other, a part of the restraint gap 108' extending between the first flange 112a' and the second flange 112b' may be vertically smaller than a part of the restraint gap 108' extending between the first column 110a' and the second column 110b'. At least one of the first guide rail 16220a and the second guide rail 16220b may be formed in a single integral structure integrally with each of the first column 110a' and the second column 110b', or may be formed separately and then attached to each of the first column 110a' and the second column 110b'.

[0098] The third platform portion 104c' of the restraint platform 102' extends vertically 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 each other. At least one of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c' can be connected after being formed separately from at least one of the other of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c'. 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 as a single integral structure integrally with at least one of the other of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c'.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 18, the restraint platform 102' further includes a platform attachment member 17222. The platform attachment member 17222 includes a platform attachment body 17224. The platform attachment body 17224 extends vertically between the first platform portion 104a' and the second platform portion 104b' and defines an internal platform attachment cavity 17226. The platform attachment cavity 17226 extends vertically between a first opening 17228a in the first column 110a' and a second opening 17228b in the second column 110b'. Alternatively, in a configuration where the first opening 17228a of the restraint platform 102' is omitted, the platform attachment cavity 17226 can extend vertically from the second column opening 17228b to a blind end adjacent to the first platform portion 104a'.

[0100] The platform mounting body 17224 includes a first mounting body side wall 18230a, a second mounting body side wall 18230b, a first mounting body end wall 18232a, and a second mounting body end wall 18230b. The first mounting body side wall 18230a includes a first drive shaft opening 18234a and a holding opening 18236 that extends laterally therethrough. Similarly, the second mounting body side wall 18230b includes a second drive shaft opening 18234b and a lock opening 17238 that extends therethrough. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 18, the holding opening 18236 and the lock opening 17238 are such that the vertical interval of the lock opening 17238 is closer to the second platform portion 104b' than the holding opening 18236, and the first traction shaft opening 18234a and the second traction shaft opening 18234b are vertically offset from each other so as to be vertically aligned with each other. The first mounting body end wall 18232a includes a laterally extending head platform opening 18240.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the head restraint assembly 100' includes a head platform 16242 that is separated from the restraint platform 102' and is selectively connectable to the restraint platform 102'. The head platform 16242 includes a first platform surface 16244a configured to place the subject's head H thereon. The first platform surface 16244a can draw a substantially circular arc laterally to accommodate the subject's head H. However, the first platform surface 16244a may be bent or extended in any desired manner that extends substantially flat laterally as needed to accommodate the subject's head H. The first platform surface 16244a may have 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 pedestal cushion may be basically permanently attached to the first platform surface 16244a or may be configured to be selectively removed from the first platform surface 16244a as needed.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 17, the head platform 16242 includes a first platform surface 16244a and a second platform surface 16244b that are laterally opposed to each other. The second platform surface 16244b includes a laterally extending head platform protrusion 17246. The head platform protrusion 17246 defines a laterally extending cylindrical drive shaft passage 17248. As shown in FIG. 16, when the head platform 16242 is selectively joined to the restraint platform 102', the head platform protrusion 17246 is received in the head platform opening 18240 such that the drive shaft passage 17248 is longitudinally aligned with the first drive shaft opening 18234a and the second drive shaft opening 18234b. The drive shaft passage 17248 can include a central partition plate that at least partially divides the drive shaft passage 17248 into a first passage portion 17248a and a second passage portion 17248b.

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

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

[0105] The first head restraint 122a' includes the first zygomatic process edge 134a', the first frontal process edge 136a', and the first vertex process edge 138a', but the first head restraint 122a' can have any desired number of edges. Each of the first zygomatic process edge 134a', the first frontal process edge 136a', and the first vertex process edge 138a' is formed separately from the first base 128a' and then connected to the first base 128a', for example, to the outer periphery 140a' of the first base 128a'.

[0106] The first zygomatic process edge 134a', the first frontal process edge 136a', and the first vertex process edge 138a' can each include a first zygomatic process edge attachment member 16252a, a first frontal process edge attachment member 16254a, and a first vertex process edge attachment member 16256a for selectively connecting each of the first zygomatic process edge 134a', the first frontal process edge 136a', and the first vertex process edge 138a' to the first base 128a'. In particular, the first zygomatic process edge attachment member 16252a can be selectively connected to the first zygomatic process edge connector member 16258a of the first base 128a', the first frontal process edge attachment member 16254a can be selectively connected to the first frontal process edge connector member 16260a of the first base 128a', and the first vertex process edge attachment member 16256a can be selectively connected to the first vertex process edge connector member 16262a of the first base 128a'.

[0107] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the first zygomatic rim connector member 16258a, the first frontal rim connector member 16260a, and the first vertex rim connector member 16262a each have the form of a hook, and the first zygomatic rim attachment member 16252a, the first frontal rim attachment member 16254a, and the first vertex rim attachment member 16256a each have the form of a bar to which the hook can be selectively attached. However, each of the rim attachment members 16252a, 16254a, 16256a can be connected to the rim connector members 16258a, 16260a, 16262a in any other desired manner, for example, to at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook ring fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook eye fastener, a button, a rope eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0108] The first zygomatic rim connector member 16258a, the first frontal rim connector member 16260a, and the first vertex rim connector member 16262a can extend from the outer periphery 140a' of the first base 128a' or any other portion of the first base 128a'. Through the hook socket, each of the first zygomatic rim 134a', the first frontal rim 136a', and the first vertex rim 138a' can selectively pivot with respect to the first base 128a' when connected to the first base 128a'. By this pivoting function, at least one of the first zygomatic rim 134a', the first frontal rim 136a', and the first vertex rim 138a' can be selectively positioned to a desired direction with respect to the subject's head H and / or to a body structure that conforms to the subject's head H.

[0109] The first hinge connection assembly 124a' may be basically the same as the first hinge connection assembly 124a in FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the first hinge connection assembly 124a' may be in the form of the first ball socket assembly 124a'. The first ball socket assembly 124a' can 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., connects to the 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 connected after being formed separately from at least one other of the first ball portion 144a', the first ball stem 146a', and the first support strap 16250a. 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 as a single integral structure integrally with at least one other of the first ball portion 144a', the first ball stem 146a', and the first support strap 16250a.

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

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

[0112] If necessary, the first suppression 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 it is joined to the first ball portion 144a'. When the first movable ball stopper 560a' is joined to the first ball portion 144a', the movement of the first ball portion 144a' (and the first ball stem 146a' connected thereto) relative to the first ball socket pedestal 152a' is basically suppressed. Since the first head restraint 122a' is connected to the first ball portion 144a' via the first ball stem 146a', the movement of the first ball portion 144a' is suppressed and the first head restraint 122a' is held in a fixed position. Accordingly, the first head restraint 122a' can move to a desired position that conforms to the first side FS of the subject's head H and is then locked in place by the first ball suppression mechanism 556a' when the desired position is reached. If the movement of the first head restraint 122a' is required again, the first movable ball stopper 560a' can be disengaged from the first ball portion 144a' and moved vertically away from the first ball portion 144a' and the first fixed ball stopper 17266a by actuating the first suppression control knob 558a' (e.g., by rotating the first suppression control knob 558a' in a second direction opposite to the first direction).

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the first sliding mechanism 126a' includes a first sliding pedestal 162a'. The first sliding pedestal 162a' includes a first sliding pedestal notch 264a' and a second sliding pedestal notch 266a' that extend vertically inward from the outside of the first sliding pedestal 162a'. The first sliding pedestal notch 264a' is configured to receive the first guide rail 16220a, and the second sliding pedestal notch 266a' is configured to receive the second guide rail 16220b. As shown in FIG. 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 the opposite end of the first drive shaft 15212a, and a first screw portion 15210a' located laterally between the ends of the first drive shaft 15212a. The first drive shaft 15212a extends horizontally through the first screw opening 15216a' of the first sliding pedestal 162a' such that the first screw portion 15210a' is screwed into the first screw opening 15216a'. The first end support 17272a of the first drive shaft 15212a is inserted into the drive shaft passage 17248 (for example, inserted into the first passage portion 17248a) through the first drive shaft opening 18234a. Thus, when the first screw portion 15210a is screwed into the first screw opening 15216a', the first drive shaft 15212a is supported via the first screw 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] If necessary, the first sliding control knob 168a’ (e.g., by rotation) can be actuated to rotate the first drive shaft 15212a relative to the first sliding pedestal 162a’. In response to the rotation of the first drive shaft 15212a, the first sliding pedestal 162a’ is moved along the lateral direction of the first screw portion 15210a’ and slid along the lateral direction of the first guide rail 16220a and the second guide rail 16220b of the restraint platform 102’. Thus, by the actuation of the first sliding control knob 168a’, the first sliding pedestal 162a’ can move toward or away from the second lateral platform side 120b’ of the restraint platform 102’, that is, can selectively move laterally.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the first sliding pedestal 162a’ and the first ball socket pedestal 152a’ can be two parts of a single first pedestal case 16274a. Thus, the first sliding pedestal 162a’ is fixed to the first ball socket pedestal 152a’ and is operably connected to the first head restraint 122a’ via the first ball socket assembly 124a’. Thus, the first head restraint 122a’ is 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 the selective lateral movement of the first sliding pedestal 162a’, the first head restraint 122a’ (and thus the first pedestal case 16274a as a whole) is moved laterally relative to the restraint platform 102’. Thus, the first sliding control knob 558a’ can be selectively actuated to move the first head restraint 122a’ toward the head H side of the subject received on the first platform surface 16244a to join the first side FS of the subject's head H. Then, the first head restraint 122a’ can be selectively actuated to move away from the head H side of the subject 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 sliding member 126b'.

[0117] The second head restraint 122b' is configured to selectively engage a second side SS of the subject's head H that faces the first side FS side of the subject's head H. The second head restraint 122b' is basically the same as the second head restraint 122b in FIGS. 1-12 and FIG. 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 circumference 232b' of the second base 128b'.

[0118] The second head restraint 122b' includes a second zygomatic rim 134b', a second frontal rim 136b', and a second parietal rim 138b', but the second head restraint 122b' can have any number of rims. Each of the second zygomatic rim 134b', the second frontal rim 136b', and the second parietal rim 138b' is formed separately from the second base 128b' and then connected to the second base 128b', for example, to the outer circumference 140b' of the second base 128b'.

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

[0120] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the second zygomatic rim connector member 16258b, the second frontal rim connector member 16260b, and the second vertex rim connector member 16262b each have the form of a hook, and the second zygomatic rim attachment member 16252b, the second frontal rim attachment member 16254b, and the second vertex rim attachment member 16256b each have the form of a bar to which the hook can be selectively attached. However, each of the rim attachment members 16252b, 16254b, 16256b can be connected to the rim connector members 16258b, 16260b, 16262b in any other desired manner to at least one of, for example, a jig, an adhesive, a hook ring fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook eye fastener, a button, a rope eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0121] The second zygomatic rim connector member 16258b, the second frontal rim connector member 16260b, and the second vertex rim connector member 16262b can extend from the outer periphery 140b' of the second base 128b' or any other portion of the second base 128b'. When joined via a hook socket, each of the second zygomatic rim 134b', the second frontal rim 136b', and the second vertex rim 138b' can selectively pivot with respect to the second base 128b' when connected to the second base 128b'. This pivoting function allows at least one of the second zygomatic rim 134b', the second frontal rim 136b', and the second vertex rim 138b' to be selectively positioned in a desired direction with respect 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 basically the same as the second hinge connection assembly 124b in FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the second hinge connection assembly 124b' may be in the form of the second ball socket assembly 124b'. The second ball socket assembly 124b' can 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., connects 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 connected after being formed separately from at least one of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b', and the second support strap 16250b. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b', and the second support strap 16250b can be formed as a single integral structure integrally with at least one other of the second ball portion 144b', the second ball stem 146b', and the second support strap 16250b.

[0123] The second ball socket assembly 124b' further includes a second socket 150b', and the second socket portion 150b' is associated with the second ball socket pedestal 152b' by, for example, being recessed into the second ball socket pedestal 152b'. The second ball portion 144b' can be selectively received by the second ball portion 150b' and selectively hinge-connected to the second ball portion 150b'. With this arrangement, at least three degrees of freedom of movement are provided to the second head restraint 122b' so that the second head restraint 122b' conforms to the second side SS of the subject's head H.

[0124] The second ball socket assembly 124b' can 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' can 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 pedestal 152b' includes a second threaded opening 17268b in fluid communication with the second socket 150b'. The second restraining shaft 17264b extends through the second threaded opening 17268b such that the second movable ball stopper 560b' is positioned inside the second socket portion 150b', the second restraining control knob 558a' is positioned outside the second ball socket pedestal 152b', and the second threaded portion 17270b of the second restraining shaft 17264b is threadedly engaged with the second threaded opening 17268b.

[0125] If necessary, the second suppression 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 movable vertically until it is joined to the second ball portion 144b'. When the second movable ball stopper 560b' is joined to the second ball portion 144b', the movement of the second ball portion 144b' (and the second ball stem 146b' connected thereto) relative to the second ball portion 152b' is basically suppressed. Since 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 suppressed and the second head restraint 122b' is held in a fixed position. Thus, the second head restraint 122b' can move to a desired position where the first head restraint 122b' conforms to the second side surface SS of the subject's head H and then, when the desired position is reached, is locked in place by the second ball suppression mechanism 556b'. If the movement of the second head restraint 122b' is required again, the second movable ball stopper 560b' can be disengaged from the second ball portion 144b' and spaced apart from the second ball portion 144b' and the second fixed ball stopper 17266b and moved vertically by actuating the second suppression control knob 558b' (e.g., by rotating the second suppression control knob 558b' in a second direction opposite to the first direction).

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the second sliding mechanism 126b' includes a second sliding pedestal 162b'. The second sliding mechanism 126b' may be similar to the first sliding mechanism 126a' shown in detail in FIG. 17. The second sliding pedestal 162b' includes a first sliding pedestal notch 264b' and a second sliding pedestal notch 266b' that extend longitudinally inward from the outside of the second sliding pedestal 162b'. The first sliding pedestal notch 264b' is configured to receive the first guide rail 16220a, and the second sliding pedestal 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 screw portion 15210b' located laterally between the ends of the second drive shaft 15212b. The second drive shaft 15212b extends laterally through the second screw opening 15216b' of the second sliding pedestal 162b' such that the second screw portion 15210b' is screwed into the second screw opening 1526b'. The second end support 17272b of the second drive shaft 15212b is inserted into the drive shaft passage 17248 (for example, inserted into the second passage portion 17248b) through the second drive shaft opening 18234b. Thus, when the second screw portion 15210b is screwed into the second screw opening 15216b', the second drive shaft 15212b is supported via the second screw 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 drive shaft 15212a and the second drive shaft 15212b that extend into the drive shaft passage 17248 at least partially selectively prevent the unwanted separation of the head platform 16242 and the restraint platform 102'.

[0127] If necessary, the second sliding control knob 168b' can be actuated (e.g., rotated) to rotate the second drive shaft 15212b with respect to the second sliding pedestal 162b'. In response to the rotation of the second drive shaft 15212b, the second sliding pedestal 162b' is moved along the lateral direction of the second screw portion 15210b' and slid along the lateral directions of the first guide rail 16220a and the second guide rail 16220b of the restraint platform 102'. Therefore, by actuating the second sliding control knob 168b', the second sliding pedestal 162b' can move laterally by selecting whether to move toward or away from the first lateral platform side 120a' side of the restraint platform 102'. Since the second drive shaft 15212b is away from the first drive shaft 15212a, the first sliding pedestal 162a' and the second sliding pedestal 162b' can move relative to each other, whereby one of the first sliding pedestal 162a' and the second sliding pedestal 162b' can move laterally and the other can remain stationary.

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

[0129] Via the first sliding mechanism 126a' and the second sliding mechanism 126b', the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122b' can also be selectively moved laterally with respect to the restraint platform 102'. Further, the first ball socket assembly 124a' and the second ball socket assembly 124b' hinge-connect the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122b' to each other. Thus, the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122b' are adjustable with respect to the restraint platform 102' and the subject's head H, and are at least partially independently adjustable with respect to each other to conform to the respective corresponding sides FS, SS of the subject's head H.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the head restraint assembly 100' further includes a quick release mechanism 16276. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to 20, the quick release mechanism 16276 includes a release body 17278 that is selectively and at least partially inserted 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 through the second opening 17228b of the second column 110b'.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 20, the release body 17278 includes an insertion portion 19280 and a gripping portion 19282. The insertion portion 19280 includes a first release side wall 19284a and a second release side wall 19284b that face each other in the lateral direction. The first release side wall 19284a has a retaining fork 19286 formed therein. The retaining fork 19286 can be selectively elastically deflected laterally with respect to the remaining portion of the first release side wall 19284a. The retaining fork 19286 includes a retaining tab 19288 that extends therefrom in the lateral direction. The first release side wall 19284a also defines a first release claw 19290a. The first release claw 19290a has a first claw portion 19292a and a second claw portion 19292b that are adjacent in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 19, the inner lateral height of the first claw portion 19292a is smaller than the inner lateral height of the second claw portion 19292b. The first claw portion 19292a is also spaced closer to the retaining fork 19286 than the second claw portion 19292b.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 20, the second release side wall 19284b has a lock fork 19294 formed therein. The lock fork 19294 can be selectively deflected laterally with respect to the remaining portion of the second release side wall 19284b. The lock fork 19294 includes a lock projection 19296 extending from its side surface. The second release side wall 19284b also defines a second release claw 19290b. The second release claw 19290b has a first claw portion 19298a and a second claw portion 19298b adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 19, the inner lateral height of the first claw portion 19298a is smaller than the inner lateral height of the second claw portion 19298b. Also, the first claw portion 19298a is spaced closer to the lock fork 19294 than the second claw portion 19298b.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 20, the gripping portion 19282 of the release body 17278 includes a gripping hole 19300. FIG. 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, while the gripping portion 19282 is held outside the platform mounting cavity 17266, enabling a medical professional to selectively operate 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 vertical holding direction L1, the holding fork 19286 and the locking fork 19294 can be elastically deflected inward (e.g., toward each other) to the holding position shown in FIG. 16 through the contact between the holding projection 19288, the locking projection 19296, the first mounting body side wall 18230a, and the second mounting body side wall 18230b. When the release body 17278 is in the holding position, the holding projection 19288 can be aligned vertically with the holding opening 18236, and in response, the holding fork 19286 can return at least partially to its pre-deflected state (e.g., the natural elastic characteristics through the holding fork), and the holding projection 19288 can project at least partially into the holding opening 18236. The locking projection 19296 is not vertically aligned with the locking opening 17238 when in the holding position. Therefore, the locking fork 19294 can be held in the elastically deflected state when in the holding position.

[0135] The first claw portions 19292a, 19298a of the first release claw 19290a and the second release claw 19290b are vertically aligned with the first drive shaft opening 18234a and the second drive shaft opening 1823b when in the holding position. Accordingly, a part of the first drive shaft 15212a extends through the first claw portion 19292a of the first release claw 19290a, and a part of the second drive shaft 15212b extends through the first claw portion 19298a of the second release claw 19290b. Such an arrangement can be 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 holding position, the first drive shaft 15212a and the second drive shaft 15212b are selectively prevented from undesirably disengaging from the drive shaft passage 17248 through the first drive shaft opening 18234a and the second drive shaft opening 18234b, and thus, undesired detachment from the restraint platform 102' is selectively prevented. The release body 17278 substantially prevents the detachment of the first drive shaft 15212a and the second drive shaft 15212b, thereby also substantially preventing the first pedestal case 16274a and the second pedestal case 16274a (and the corresponding first hinge connection assembly 124a' and the second hinge connection assembly 124b', and the first sliding member 126a' and the second sliding member 126b'), and the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122a' from undesirably detaching from the restraint platform 102'. Thus, the quick release mechanism 16276 at least partially holds (i.e., retains) the interconnected components of the head restraint assembly 100' and the head restraint assembly 100' in the assembled state of FIG. 16 when in the holding position.

[0136] However, the quick release mechanism 16276 also provides medical professionals with the ability to quickly separate the components of the head restraint assembly 100' from each other as needed. FIGS. 21-22 show the head restraint assembly 100' in the assembled state and a portion of the quick release mechanism 16276 in the holding position. As shown in FIG. 23, when it is necessary to remove the head restraint assembly 100', a medical professional can operate the release body 17278 to move the release body 17278 from the holding state to the released state. For example, a medical professional can grip the gripping portion 19282 of the release body 17278 and press the release body 17278 in the longitudinal release direction L2 opposite to the longitudinal holding direction L1. When the release body 17278 is pushed in the longitudinal release direction, the holding end wall 20302 (FIG. 20) of the holding projection 19288 engages with a part of the first mounting body side wall 18230a that defines the holding opening 18236 and is pushed in the longitudinal direction. The holding end wall 20302 is curved and / or angled such that the holding projection 19288 (and thus the holding fork 19286) is elastically deflected inwardly in the lateral direction so that the holding projection 19288 is removed from the holding opening 18236.

[0137] Until the release body 17278 reaches the release position, the release body 17278 moves in the longitudinal release direction. At the release position, the lock projection 19296 is longitudinally aligned with the lock opening 17238, and in response, the lock fork 19294 returns at least partially to its pre-deflected state (e.g., natural elastic characteristics via the lock tab), and the lock projection 19296 can project at least partially into the lock opening 17238. When in the release position, the holding projection 19296 is not longitudinally aligned with the holding opening 18236. Thus, the holding fork 19286 can be held in the elastically deflected state when in the release position.

[0138] The locking end wall 20304 of the locking tab 19296 (FIG. 20) can be configured to substantially prevent the release body 17278 from further moving in the longitudinal release direction when the release body 17278 reaches the release position. In particular, unlike the retaining end wall 20302, the locking end wall 20304 can extend substantially perpendicular to the second mounting body side wall 18230b when in the release position. Thus, when the release body 17278 further moves in the longitudinal release direction, the locking end wall 20304 is pushed into and engaged with a part of the second mounting body side wall 18230b that defines the locking opening 17238. Due to the vertical arrangement, the engagement between the locking end wall 20304 and the second mounting body side wall 18230b does not cause the locking tab 19296 (and thus the locking fork 19294) to deflect laterally inwards. Conversely, this engagement substantially prevents further movement of the longitudinal release body 17278. This engagement also serves at least partially to prevent the release body 17278 from undesirably disengaging from the restraint platform 102'.

[0139] As shown in FIGS. 23 to 24, when in the release position, the second claw portions 19292b and 19298b of the first release claw 19290a and the second release claw 19290b are vertically aligned with the drive shaft passage 17248, the first drive shaft opening 18234a, and the second drive shaft opening 18234b. Accordingly, a part of the first drive shaft 15212a penetrates through the second claw portion 19292b of the first release claw 19290a, and a part of the second drive shaft 15212b extends and penetrates through the second claw portion 19298b of the second release claw 19290b. The inner lateral height of the first end support 17272a and the second end support 17272b is smaller than the inner lateral height of the second claw portions 19292b and 19298b. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24, when the release body 17278 is in the release position, the first drive shaft 15212a and the second drive shaft 15212b can be selectively removed from the drive shaft passage 17248 via the first drive shaft opening 18234a and the second drive shaft opening 18234b, respectively, and thus can be removed from the restraint platform 102'. FIG. 25 shows the release body 17278 in the release position, with the lock projection 19296 at least partially protruding into the lock opening 17238.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 26, the first pedestal case 16274a and the second pedestal case 16274b (and the corresponding first hinge connection assembly 124a' and second hinge connection assembly 124b' and first sliding member 126a' and second sliding member 126b') as well as the first head restraint 122a' and the second head restraint 122a' can be selectively removed from the restraint platform 102' using the first drive shaft 15212a and the second drive shaft 15212b. A medical professional can remove only the first head restraint 122a', the first hinge assembly 124a', the first sliding member 126a', and the first pedestal case 16274a without removing both, and at the same time, the second head restraint 122b', the second hinge connection assembly 124b', the second sliding member 126b', and the second pedestal case 16274b may remain attached to the restraint platform 102', and vice versa.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 27, when the drive shafts 15212a and 15212b are removed from the drive shaft passage 17248, the head platform 16242 can be selectively removed from the restraint platform 102'. Thus, when in the release position, the quick release mechanism 16276 enables at least partial and rapid separation of the components of the head restraint assembly 100' and allows for the rapid removal of the head restraint assembly 100'. The ability to quickly remove the head restraint assembly 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] Although not shown in FIGS. 16 - 17, similar to the head restraint assembly 100 of FIGS. 1 - 12 and FIG. 15, the head restraint assembly 100' can include a cheek strap 370 extending between a first zygomatic rim 134a' and a second zygomatic rim 136b', a forehead strap 490 extending between a first frontal rim 136a' and a second frontal rim 138b', and a crown strap 4100 extending between a first crown rim 138a' and a second crown rim 138b'. The head restraint assembly 100' can include any desired number of straps 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'.

[0143] Furthermore, similar to the head restraint assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-12 and FIG. 15, the head restraint assembly 100' of FIGS. 16-27 may be connected to the head connector 8114. The head connector 8114 can 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 for connecting the head connector 8114 to the head restraint assembly 100 can be an adhesive (e.g., a permanent adhesive epoxy resin), a pressure-sensitive tape (e.g., a high-performance acrylic pressure-sensitive 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-loop fastener, a fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or at least one of any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. The head connector 8114 can also be formed as a single integral structure integrally with at least one of the first platform portion 104a', the second platform portion 104b', and the third platform portion 104c'. The head restraint assembly 100' can also be configured to press-fit and / or frictionally engage with the head connector 8114 in the same manner as the head restraint assembly 100, alternatively or additionally.

[0144] FIGS. 28-36 show a second embodiment of the body stabilizer assembly 8111', which is included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Since the body stabilizer assembly 8111' of FIGS. 28-36 is similar to the body stabilizer assembly 8111 of FIGS. 8 and 10-12, the structures that are the same or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10-12 in FIGS. 28-36 have the same reference numerals with a superscript symbol " ' " added. The description of the common elements and operations similar to those in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment, but should be considered to be incorporated herein by reference as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements and functions illustrated or described for one embodiment can be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly illustrated or shown.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 28-29, the body stabilizer 8112' has a first stabilizer surface 8122a and a second stabilizer surface 8122b that face each other in the lateral direction and are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The second stabilizer surface 8122b' can include any other number of stabilizer pedestals (e.g., the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b) that extend in the lateral direction, or any other stabilizing features extending therefrom, to assist in stabilizing the body stabilizer during use.

[0146] It is possible to select to connect either the head restraint assembly 100, 100' to the body stabilizer 8112' via the head connector 8114. However, in addition to the stabilizer gap 10128 including the body stabilizer 8112 of FIGS. 8 and 10-11, the body stabilizer 8112' can include a stabilizer pocket 29306 configured to selectively receive the second head connector end 9120b of the head connector 8114 and 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 can be configured such that when the head connector 8114 is inserted into the stabilizer pocket 29306, a press fit and / or frictional engagement occurs between the body stabilizer 8112' and the head connector 8114. The press fit and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112' and the head connector 8114 can help prevent the head connector 8114 from undesirably detaching from the body stabilizer 8112'.

[0147] Instead of or in addition to maintaining the connection of the head connector 8114 to the body stabilizer 8112' by press fit and / or frictional engagement, the head connector 8114 can be connected basically permanently or selectively to the body stabilizer 8112' after being inserted into the stabilizer pocket 29306 via one or more fasteners. Each fastener for connecting the head connector 8114 to the body stabilizer 8112' can be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanent adhesive epoxy resin), a tape (e.g., a high-performance acrylic double-sided adhesive tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and loop fastener, a clamping fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. Also, the head connector 8114 can be considered to have a single integral structure integrally 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') that extends horizontally therethrough. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 28, the body stabilizer 8112' includes a first stabilizer hole 8136a' to a fourth stabilizer hole 8136d' that are vertically positioned along a stabilizer side 8138a' along a first side of the body stabilizer 8112'. The body stabilizer 8112' further includes a fifth stabilizer hole 8136e' to an eighth stabilizer hole 8136h' that are vertically positioned along a second lateral stabilizer side 8138b' of the body stabilizer 8112'. The first stabilizer holes 8136a' to 8136d' may be vertically aligned or vertically offset from the fifth stabilizer holes 8136e' to 8136h'. The ninth stabilizer hole 8136i' is located near a second vertical stabilizer side 10130b' of the body stabilizer 8112' and may be horizontally positioned 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 grip the body stabilizer 8112' for transporting a restrained subject S.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 28, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' can include at least one restraint strap 8140' (shown here as restraint straps 8140a' - e') that is selectively attached to the body stabilizer 8112' and configured to selectively prevent a subject S from disengaging from the body stabilizer 8112'. The at least one restraint 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 restraint strap 8140a' to a fifth restraint strap 8140e'.

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

[0151] Each restraint strap attachment member 28320 may further include an attachment portion 31324. The associated end of the restraint strap 8140' associated with the restraint 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 restraint strap attachment member 28320 is in the form of a hook, the connector attachment portion 31318 is in the form of a bar, and the hook can be selectively attached to the bar. However, the restraint tape attachment member 28320 can be connected to the first strap connector portion 31310 in any other desired manner, for example, by using a jig, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope and eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0152] The second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314 can include a thread 31326 that extends laterally 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 a first face 31330a and a second face 31330b that face each other in the lateral direction. The first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328 includes a receptacle 31332 that extends laterally therein. The receptacle 31332 is depicted as a cylindrical receptacle 31332, but can have any desired shape. The receptacle 31332 includes an internal thread 31334 for selectively screwing together with an external thread 31334 to couple the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312. The first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are described and depicted as being connected to each other by screwing, but the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 can be configured to be selectively directly or indirectly connected in any other desired manner.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 32, when the strap connector 28308 is connected to the body stabilizer 8112’, the second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314 is joined and / or adjacent to the first stabilizer surface 8122a’, the first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328 is joined and / or adjacent to the second stabilizer surface 8122b’, and the receptor 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 receptor 31332 define a recess 32336 (e.g., an annular recess) configured to receive a portion of the associated stabilizer hole 8136’ in the vicinity of the body stabilizer 8112’. When the strap connector 28308 is attached to the body stabilizer 8112’ as described above, each end of each restraint strap 8140’ can be selectively connected to the body stabilizer 8112’ by connecting the restraint strap attachment member 28320 to the strap connector 28308 as described above.

[0154] Each of the strap connectors 28308 can be selectively moved vertically along the respective stabilizer holes 8136a’ - 8136i’ with respect to the body stabilizer 8112’. By this vertical movement, each of the first restraint strap 8140a’ to the fifth restraint strap 8140e’ can be arranged at a selected vertical position along the subject's body B so as to conform to the subject's body structure. The strap connectors 28308 can move freely along the respective stabilizer holes 8136a’ - 8136i’ (i.e., can move when a small or negligible force is applied), or can move only when a large amount of a predetermined force is applied. The strap connectors 28308 may be configured to apply a compressive force to the body stabilizer 8112’ so as to substantially prevent the strap connectors 28308 from undesirably moving along the respective stabilizer holes 8136a’ - 8136i’ when the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are fully connected, or alternatively. In such a configuration, when movement of a selected strap connector 28308 is required, the healthcare provider 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 vertical position, and then fully recombine the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 312.

[0155] The first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are described as being connected to each other via a screw connection, but other connections such as magnetic connection, hook and loop connection, screw and screw hole connection, locking connection, adhesive connection, screw and nut connection, split pin connection, button connection, press fit connection, or any other suitable connection, or any combination thereof, can be provided, but are not limited thereto. Further, the strap connector 28308 is described as having two separate sub-parts (i.e., the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312), but each strap connector 28308 can be formed to have a single integral structure or 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 a softer surface to the subject than the first stabilizer surface 8122a' which is basically rigid for placement. The stabilizer cushion 8142' may be basically permanently attached to the first stabilizer surface 8122a' or may be configured to be selectively removable 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., the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) for medical professionals to refer to 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, leg L, and / or foot FT.

[0157] As shown in FIGS. 28 to 29 and FIG. 33, at least one of the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' and the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b' can include winglet attachment holes 8144a', 8144b' extending in the lateral direction. For example, the body stabilizer 8112' shown in FIGS. 28 to 29 and FIG. 33 includes a first winglet attachment hole 8144a' on the first lateral stabilizer side 8138a' and a second winglet attachment hole 8144b' on the second lateral stabilizer side 8138b'. Each of the first winglet attachment hole 8144a' and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b' is configured to selectively receive a winglet attachment protrusion 8146' of the winglet 8148' for attaching the winglet 8148' to the body stabilizer 8112'.

[0158] The winglet 8148' is configured to selectively receive the arm A of the subject S. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146' extends laterally from the first winglet surface 8150a' on the 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 close 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 such that the winglet 8148’ can be selectively pivoted to a desired angular position of the arm A for receiving a subject with respect to the body stabilizer 8112’. Pivoting the winglet 8148’ to the desired angular position includes removing the winglet attachment protrusion 8146’ from one of the first winglet attachment hole 8144a’ and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b’, pivoting the winglet 8148’ to the desired angular position with respect to the body stabilizer 8112’, and then reattaching the winglet 8148’ to the body stabilizer, and the winglet 8148’ is in the desired angular position. The winglet attachment protrusion 8146’, the first winglet attachment hole 8144a’ and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b’ are such that the winglet 8148’ can be pivoted in a predetermined angular increment with respect to the body stabilizer 8112’ (as shown in the configurations of FIGS. 28 and 33), or the winglet 8148’ can be freely pivotally coupled or dislocated with respect to the body stabilizer 8112’. The coupling or dislocation can include forming at least a portion of the winglet attachment protrusion 8146’, the first winglet attachment hole 8144a’ and the second winglet attachment hole 8144b’ into a substantially octagonal shape, any other polygonal shape or any other desired shape.

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

[0161] As shown in FIG. 28, the body stabilizer assembly 8111’ can include at least one winglet strap 8158’ (shown here as winglet straps 8158a’ - 8158c’) that is selectively attachable to the winglet 8148’ and configured to selectively prevent the arm A of the subject 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 arm A of the subject to the winglet 8148’. The restraint assembly 8110 can include, for example, a first winglet strap 8158a’ - a third winglet strap 8158c’.

[0162] Each winglet strap 8158' can be selectively attached to the winglet 8148' via at least one strap connector 28308 (the tenth strap connector 28308k to the sixteenth strap connector 28308p shown in FIGS. 28 and 30). The strap connector 28308 for the winglet strap 8158' may be basically the same or smaller than the strap connector 28308 for the winglet strap 8158' and the strap connectors 28308 for the restraint straps 8140a' - 8140e'. Therefore, the above-described configuration description of the strap connector 28308 for the restraint straps 8140a' - 8140e' is considered applicable to the strap connector 28308 for the winglet strap 8158'.

[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 connection portion 34344. The associated end of the associated winglet strap 8158' forms a ring via the buckle connection portion 34344 and is connected to the winglet strap attachment member 28342. The end of the winglet strap 8158' is described as being joined to the winglet strap attachment member 28342 via a buckle connection, but 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. The 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, 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, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope and eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 34, when the strap connector 28308 is connected to the winglet 8148', the second surface 31316b of the first connector flange 31314 is joined and / or adjacent to the first winglet surface 8150a', the first surface 31330a of the second connector flange 31328 is joined and / or 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., an annular groove) configured to receive a portion of the associated winglet hole 8154' in the vicinity of the winglet 8148'. When 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 respective winglet holes 8154a’ - 8154d’. Due to this longitudinal movement, each of the first winglet strap 8158a’ to the third winglet strap 8158c’ is arranged at a selected longitudinal position along the subject's arm A so as to conform to the subject's body structure. The strap connectors 28308 can move freely along the respective winglet holes 8154a’ - 8154d’ (i.e., can move when a small or minute force is applied), or can move only when a large predetermined force is applied. The strap connectors 28308 may be configured to apply a compressive force to the winglets 8148’ that substantially prevents the strap connectors 28308 from undesirably moving along the respective winglet holes 8154a’ - 8154d’ when the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 are fully connected. In this configuration, when the movement of the selected strap connector 28308 is necessary, a medical professional can at least partially disengage the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312 to reduce at least a portion of the compressive force, move the strap connector 28308 to the desired longitudinal position, and then fully recombine the first connector portion 31310 and the second connector portion 31312.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 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 a softer surface to the subject's arm A than the first winglet surface 8150a’ which is basically rigid for placement. The winglet cushion 8160’ may be basically permanently attached to the first winglet surface 8150a’, or may be configured to be selectively removed from the first winglet surface 8150a’ as needed.

[0168] The body stabilizer assembly 8111’ is shown as having only one winglet 8148’, but the body stabilizer assembly 8111’ can have any number of winglets 8148’. For example, one winglet 8148’ can be joined to the first winglet mounting hole 8144a’, and the second winglet 8148’ can be joined to the second winglet mounting hole 8144b’.

[0169] The body stabilizer assembly 8111’ can optionally include individual foot platforms 8162, but unlike the body stabilizer assemblies 8111 in FIGS. 8 and 10 - 11, the body stabilizer assemblies 8111’ in FIGS. 28 - 34 can be configured not to have individual foot platforms 8162. When the individual foot platforms 8162 are 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 restraint strap 8140d’ and the fifth restraint strap 8140e’ can be configured to selectively prevent the subject's foot FT and / or leg L from detaching from the body stabilizer 8112’. The fourth restraint strap 8140d’ and the fifth restraint strap 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 restraint strap 8140c’ can also be configured to selectively prevent the subject's leg L from detaching from the body stabilizer 8112’ and to secure at least a portion of the subject's leg L to the body stabilizer 8112’.

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

[0171] As shown in FIGS. 35-36, the body stabilizer assembly 8111' can include a mountable tray assembly 35348. The tray assembly 35348 includes a tray table 35350 having a first tray table surface 35352a and a second tray table surface 35352b that face each other in the lateral direction. In use, the first tray table surface 352a may be remote from the body stabilizer 8112' and may be configured to hold medical devices, medical supplies, any other desired objects, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, 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 is 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 to the fourth 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 FIGS. 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 tray connectors 35358a - 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 the first tray connectors 35358a - 35358d.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 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. The first surface 3666a of the first tray connector flange 36364 includes a first receptor 36368 that extends laterally for selectively receiving the end of the associated tray leg 35354. The first receptor 36368 and the associated tray leg 35354 can be configured such that when the associated tray leg 35354 is inserted into the first receptor 36368, a press fit and / or frictional engagement occurs between the first receptor 36368 and the associated tray leg 35354.

[0175] Although the first receptor 36368 and the tray leg 35354 are described as being connected to each other via a press fit and / or frictional engagement, other engagements can be provided, such as magnetic engagement, hook and loop engagement, screw and screw hole engagement, locking engagement, adhesive engagement, screw and nut engagement, split pin engagement, button engagement, screw engagement, any other suitable engagement, or any combination thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0176] The second surface 36366b of the first tray connector flange 36364 can include a thread 36370 that extends laterally 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 a first surface 36374a and a second surface 36374b that face each other laterally. The first surface 36374a of the second tray connector flange 36372 includes a second receptor 36376 that extends laterally. The second receptor 36376 is depicted in the figure as a columnar receptor 36376, but may have any desired shape. The second receptor 36376 includes an internal thread 36378 that can be selectively screwed into an external thread 36378 to connect the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362. The first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 are described and depicted as being connected by a threaded joint, but 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] As shown in FIG. 35, when each tray connector 35358 is connected to the body stabilizer 8112', the second surface 36366b of the first tray connector flange 36364 is joined to and / or proximate to the first stabilizer surface 8122a', the first surface 36374a of the second tray connector flange 36372 is joined to and / or proximate to the second stabilizer surface 8122b', and the second receptor 36376 is positioned in the associated stabilizer hole 8136'. Accordingly, 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 receptor 36376 define a recess 35380 (e.g., an annular recess) configured as a portion of the receiving body stabilizer 8112' adjacent to the associated stabilizer hole 8136'. When the tray connector 35358 is attached to the body stabilizer 8112' as described above, the tray leg 35354 can be selectively connected to the body stabilizer 8112' by joining the tray leg 35354 to the tray connector 35358 as described above.

[0178] The first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 are described as being connected to each other by screw joining, but other joinings such as magnetic joining, hook and loop joining, screw and screw hole joining, buckle joining, adhesive joining, screw and nut joining, split pin joining, button joining, press fit joining, any other suitable joining, or any combination thereof can be provided, but are not limited thereto. Further, the tray connector 35358 is described as having two separate sub-parts (i.e., the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362), but each tray connector 35358 can be formed as a single integral structure or any desired number of sub-parts.

[0179] Each of the tray connectors 35358 can be selectively moved vertically along corresponding stabilizer holes 8136' with respect 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 move freely along the corresponding stabilizer holes 8136' (i.e., can move when a small or minute force is applied), or can move only when a large predetermined force is applied. Also, the tray connectors 35358 may 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 connector 35358 from undesirably moving along their respective stabilizer holes 8136'. In such a configuration, when movement of a selected tray connector 35358 is required, the healthcare provider can at least partially disengage the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362 from each other 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 recombine the first tray connector portion 36360 and the second tray connector portion 36362. Further, since the tray assembly 35348 includes a plurality of removable components (i.e., the tray table 35350, the tray legs 35354, the tray connectors 35358), the tray assembly 35348 can be easily attached to and detached from the body stabilizer 8112' as needed.

[0180] Figures 37-38 show a second embodiment of an abdominal sling 12190' that can be included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Since the abdominal sling 12190' in Figures 37-38 is similar to the abdominal sling 12190 in Figures 12-14, structures that are the same or similar to those described with reference to Figures 12-14 in Figures 37-38 have the same reference numerals, with a prime symbol (') added to the upper right corner. The description of common elements and operations similar to those in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment, but should be considered as incorporated herein by reference as appropriate. Further, elements and functions illustrated or described for one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly shown.

[0181] As shown in FIGS. 37-38, the abdominal sling 12190' includes a central sling portion 12192', and the central sling portion 12192' has a first sling strap surface 12194a' and a second sling strap surface 12194b'. The first sling strap surface 12194a' is configured to selectively bond to the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject, and the second sling strap surface 12194b' is configured to face away from the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject when the first sling strap surface 12194a' bonds to the subject S. The first sling strap surface 12194a' can include a biocompatible adhesive 14196' disposed thereon to selectively hold the bond between the first sling strap surface and the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject. Alternatively or additionally, the first sling strap surface 12194a' can include a biocompatible gel cushion or other friction increasing member disposed thereon to selectively hold the bond between the first sling strap surface and the abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject.

[0182] The abdominal sling 12190' further has at least one sling strap 13198' (shown here 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' can each include a sling strap attachment member 37382 connected thereto. The strap attachment member 37382 is basically the same as the restraint strap attachment member 28234. Thus, each strap attachment member 37382 includes a buckle portion 37384, and the related second ends 13200b', 13206b' of the related straps 13198a', 13198b' form a loop via the buckle portion 37384 and are connected to the strap attachment member 37382. 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, but the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b' are not limited thereto and may be joined to the sling strap attachment member 37382 in any other desired manner (including, but not limited to, snap connection, loop connection, stitching or attachment and / or toggle connection).

[0183] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 37, the body stabilizer 8112' can include strap connectors 28308 for the first strap 13198a' and the second strap 13198b' (shown here as the seventeenth strap connector 28308q and the eighteenth strap connector 28308r). The strap connectors 28308 for the straps 13198a', 13198b' are basically 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. Therefore, the above-described structural description of the strap connectors 28308 for restraining the straps 8140a'-e' is considered applicable to the strap connectors 28308 of the sling straps 13198a', 13198b'. Each strap connector 28308 for the sling straps 13198a', 13198b' extends through the associated stabilizer holes 8136' (shown here as the tenth stabilizer hole 8136j' and the eleventh stabilizer hole 8136k').

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

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 37 to 38, the third sling strap 13198c' is positioned horizontally between the first sling strap 13198a' and the second sling strap 13198b'. Accordingly, the second end 1328b' of the third sling strap 13198c' can selectively surround a selected restraint 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 tightly fasten the third sling strap 13198c'. When the third sling strap 13198c' is tensioned as needed, the second end 13208b' of the third sling strap 13198c' can be selectively attached to other portions of the third sling strap 13198c' to maintain the desired tension of the third sling strap 13198c'. The second end 13208b' of the third strap 13198c' can be attached to other portions of the third strap 13198c' via at least one of a jig, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a locking fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a button, a rope and eye fastener, a serrated fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, 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 the second end 13208b' of the third sling strap 13198c' to the ring portion 13204c' of the third sling strap 13198c' for attaching 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 abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject, 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. By 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’. The pulling of 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 the buckle portion 37384 of the sling strap attachment member 37382. The third strap 13198c’ may be selectively tensioned as described above and connected to the selected restraint strap 8140’.

[0187] The pulling of 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 abdominal wall skin AWS of the subject to urge the abdominal wall soft tissue AST of the subject cephalad. Accordingly, the first sling strap 13198a’, the second sling strap 13198b’ and the third sling strap 13198c’ can be tensioned as needed to push out the abdominal wall soft tissue AST of the subject cephalad as needed.

[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’ is formed separately from 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’, and may then be connected. Alternatively or in addition thereto, 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’ can be formed as a single integral structure integrally 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] Figures 39 to 46 show a third embodiment of the body stabilizer assembly 8111 that can be included as part of the restraint assembly 8110. Since the body stabilizer assembly 8111 in Figures 39 to 46 is similar to the body stabilizer assemblies 8111, 8111’ in Figures 8 and 10 to 12 and Figures 28 to 36, the structures that are the same as or similar to the structures described with reference to Figures 8 and 10 to 12 and Figures 28 to 36 in Figures 39 to 46 have the same reference numerals, with a superscript “’” added. The description of the common elements and operations similar to those in the first embodiment described above should not be repeated for the second embodiment, but should be considered to be incorporated herein by reference as appropriate below. Further, the elements and functions illustrated or described for one embodiment may be shared by any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly illustrated.

[0190] As shown in FIGS. 39-42, the body stabilizer 8112 has a first stabilizer surface 8122a and a second stabilizer surface 8122b that face each other in a lateral direction and are substantially laterally spaced apart from each other. The second stabilizer surface 8122b can include any other number of stabilizer pedestals 10124 that extend in the lateral direction, or any other stabilizing features that extend therefrom, to assist in stabilizing the body stabilizer during 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 that extends longitudinally between a first pedestal opening 41390a and a second pedestal opening 41390b. The second opening 41390b of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can extend substantially longitudinally a portion of the first body stabilizer portion 8112a, and the second opening 41390b of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d can extend substantially longitudinally a portion of the second body stabilizer portion 8112b.

[0191] The first openings 41390a of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a to the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d are configured to selectively receive head connectors 8114 (shown here as head connectors 8114a - 8114b) for attaching the configuration of any head restraint assembly 100, 100' 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 a tube and / or bar having a square 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 pedestal cavity 41388 of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a, and the second head connector 8114b is inserted into the inner pedestal cavity 41388 of the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b. As shown in FIG. 42, when the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and / or the configured second stabilizer pedestal 10124b are selected to receive the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b, each of the first openings 41390a of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d can be selectively closed via a pedestal cap 42392. Alternatively, if desired, the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 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 pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b can be selectively closed via a pedestal cap 42392.

[0192] The first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b are shown with a square cross-section, but the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b can be considered to have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, arc, curved shape, and / or straight shape, but are not limited thereto.

[0193] The inner pedestal cavity 41388 can have a shape complementary to the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b. Also, the inner pedestal cavity 41388 can be configured such that when the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b are inserted into the selected inner pedestal cavity 41388, press-fitting and / or frictional engagement occurs between the body stabilizer 8112 and the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b. The press-fitting and / or frictional engagement between the body stabilizer 8112 and the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b can help prevent the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b (and thus the head restraint prevention assembly 100') from undesirably disengaging from the body stabilizer 8112.

[0194] Instead of holding the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b in press-fitting and / or frictional engagement with the body stabilizer 8112, the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b can be inserted into the inner pedestal cavity 41388 via one or more fasteners and then connected to the body stabilizer 8112 either basically permanently or selectively. Each fastener for connecting the first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b to the body stabilizer 8112 can be at least one of an adhesive (e.g., a permanent adhesive epoxy resin), an adhesive tape (e.g., a high-performance acrylic double-sided adhesive tape), a screw (e.g., a plastic or carbon fiber screw), a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, any suitable metal or non-metal fastener, and / or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners. The first head connector 8114a and the second head connector 8114b can also be considered to be formed integrally with the body stabilizer 8112 as a single unitary structure.

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

[0196] As shown in FIGS. 39 to 40, the first body stabilizer portion 8112a extends longitudinally from the first longitudinal 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 longitudinal 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) each other such that the hinge openings 40398 of the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b are all axially aligned with each other. When all of the hinge openings 40398 are 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, 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 each other.

[0197] Therefore, the first hinge portion 39396a, the second hinge portion 39396b, and the hinge lever 40400 define a hinge mechanism 39402. By means of the hinge mechanism 39402, the first body stabilizer portion 8112a and the second body stabilizer portion 8112b can be selectively coupled, and selectively pivot between a deployed state (Figs. 39, 41 - 44) and a folded state (Fig. 45) about the hinge lever 40400. In the deployed 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 deployed state than in the folded state. The body stabilizer 8112 is smaller (and thus occupies less longitudinal space) in the folded state, so that the body stabilizer 8112 can be operated to the folded state for storage. As shown in Fig. 45, when the body stabilizer 8112 is folded, the second stabilizer surface 8122b in the first body stabilizer portion 8112a faces the second stabilizer surface 8122b in the second body stabilizer portion 8112b in a substantially 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 can include a pivot lock mechanism 40404. As shown in FIG. 40, the pivot lock mechanism 40404 includes at least one lock bar 40406 extending in a generally longitudinal direction (shown here as a first lock bar 40406a and a second lock bar 40406b). The first lock bar 40406a is configured to be at least partially received within an inner pedestal cavity 41388 of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c, and the second lock bar 40406b is configured to be at least partially received within an inner pedestal cavity 41388 of the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d. As shown in FIGS. 40 and 42, the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b each have a laterally extending lock projection 40408 that is selectively slidable along the lock projection 40408 with respect to their respective inner pedestal cavities 41388. Each lock projection 408 extends laterally through a corresponding guide opening 42410 in each of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d.

[0199] The first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b are selectively slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position via respective lock protrusions 40408. FIGS. 41-43 show the body stabilizer 8112 in a deployed state where the second openings 40398b (and corresponding inner pedestal cavities 41388) of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c are axially aligned with each other, and the second openings 40398b (and corresponding inner pedestal cavities 41388) of the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d are axially aligned with each other. FIGS. 42-43 also show the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b in the locked position. When in the locked position, the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b extend from the inner pedestal cavities 41388 of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d to the inner pedestal cavities 41388 of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b. The first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b extend across the inner pedestal cavities 41388 of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 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] If a medical professional desires to switch the body stabilizer 8112 from the deployed state to the folded state, the medical professional can slide the protrusions 40408 vertically along their respective guide openings 40410 in response to sliding the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b from the locked position (FIG. 43) to the unlocked position (FIG. 44). When the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b move to the unlocked state, the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b completely slide out from the inner pedestal cavities 41388 of the first stabilizer pedestal 10124a and the second stabilizer pedestal 10124b. As shown in FIG. 44, when in the unlocked position, the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b are thus located, substantially (if not completely), within the inner pedestal cavities 41388 of the third stabilizer pedestal 10124c and the fourth stabilizer pedestal 10124d. When the first lock bar 40406a and the second lock bar 40406b are in the unlocked position, the 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 FIG. 44 to the folded position shown in FIG. 45.

[0201] Optionally, the medical professional can pivot the first body stabilizer portion 8112a and the second body stabilizer portion 8112b from the folded position to the deployed position. As shown in FIGS. 43-45, the first hinge portion 39396a and the second hinge portion 39396b can include complementary stop surfaces 43412 configured to engage with each other and substantially prevent over-pivoting beyond the deployed state when the first body stabilizer portion 8112a and the second body stabilizer portion 8112b return to the deployed state. However, it is contemplated that the first hinge portions 39396a and the second hinge portions 39396b can have any other movement-stopping feature (e.g., protrusions) in addition to, or instead of, the stop surfaces 43412.

[0202] As shown in FIGS. 39 and 46 to 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 that extend laterally and penetrate therethrough. For example, the body stabilizer 8112 shown in FIGS. 39 and 46 to 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. Each of the winglet mounting holes 8144a, 8144b is shown on the first stabilizer body portion 8114a, but the body stabilizer 8112 can be configured such that the winglet mounting holes are also or alternatively provided on the second stabilizer body portion 8114b.

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

[0204] Each of the first winglet mounting groove 39414a and the second winglet mounting groove 39414b is configured to selectively receive the winglet 8148 and allow the winglet 8148 to selectively pivot to a desired angular position relative to the body stabilizer 8112 to receive the subject's arm A. The body stabilizer assembly 8111 can include a winglet lock 39416 for selectively holding the winglet 8148 in a desired angular position. As shown in FIG. 46, the winglet lock 39416 includes a lock body 46418 (the cross-section thereof may be circular) and a lock pin 46420 (the cross-section thereof may be hexagonal). 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 lock body 46418 and a second recess 46422b configured to receive the lock pin 46420. Accordingly, the cross-section of the first recess 46422a is circular, and the cross-section of the second recess 46422b is hexagonal.

[0205] In use, a medical professional can insert the winglet 8148 into, for example, 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. Next, the winglet lock 39416 can be inserted through the first winglet mounting hole 8144a laterally until a first laterally engaging surface 46424a of the lock body 46418 contacts a second laterally engaging surface 46424b of the first recess 46422a. When the first laterally engaging surface 46424a contacts the second laterally engaging surface 46424b, the lock body 46418 is at least partially positioned in the first recess 46422a and the lock pin 46420 is at least partially positioned in the second recess 46422b. Once inserted, the winglet lock 39416 substantially prevents the winglet 8148 from undesirably disengaging from the first winglet mounting groove 39414a and pivoting from an undesired 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 mounting hole 8144a.

[0206] Since both the lock pin 46420 and the second recess 46422b are hexagonal, the lock pin 46420 and the second recess 46422b can be coupled or displaced so that the winglet 8148 can rotate relative to the body stabilizer 8112 in a predetermined angular increment (e.g., 45-degree increment) as shown in the configurations of FIGS. 46-47. However, the lock pin 46420 and / or the second recess 46422b can be coupled or displaced in other ways to allow for incremental rotation. For example, the lock pin 46420 and / or the second recess 46422b can be substantially formed not in a hexagonal shape but in any other polygon or any other desired shape. Further, the cross-section of the lock body 46418 can have any desired cross-sectional shape such as, but not limited to, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, an arc shape, a curved shape, and / or a linear shape instead of a circular shape.

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

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

[0209] Each component of the restraint assembly can be formed at least in part from fabric, nylon, foam, rubber, silicone resin, polyethylene (e.g., rotational 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 part of the restraint assembly, and / or the restraint assembly as a whole can be configured to be free of metal or other non-MRI scanner compatible materials for restraining the subject S during an MRI scan.

[0210] While 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 understand that various additional aspects are possible. For example, the above specific methods for using the device are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art can readily determine any number of tools, sequences of steps, or other devices / options for arranging the above-described apparatus or its components in positions substantially similar to those shown herein. To maintain clarity of the drawings, some of the illustrated repetitive components are not specifically numbered, but those skilled in the art will recognize the part numbers to be associated with the unnumbered components based on the numbered components, and the differences between similar components are not intended to be implied by the presence or absence of element numbers in the drawings, or are simply not intended. Any of the described structures and constituent elements can be formed as a single integral or integrally formed unit, or can be composed of individual sub-constituent elements, and any of these formations is related to any suitable raw materials or custom constituent elements and / or any suitable materials or combinations of materials. Any of the described structures and constituent elements can be disposable or reusable depending on the requirements of a particular usage environment. For any assembly, a user-perceivable mark can be set to indicate materials, configuration, at least one size, etc. related to the assembly, and the user-perceivable mark potentially assists a medical professional in selecting an assembly for a particular usage environment from an array of similar assemblies. The "intended" state can be determined at any time until the operated structure actually reaches that state, and the "intended" is created shortly before the structure reaches the intended state. In this specification, the term "substantially" is used to indicate that a particular "substantially" quality approval may include relatively minor non-quality items, but not necessarily all qualities. Some of the constituent elements described herein are shown as having a particular geometric shape, but all structures of the present disclosure can have any suitable shape, dimension, configuration, relative relationship, cross-sectional area, or any other physical property desirable for a particular application.Any structure or feature that references the description of one aspect or configuration cannot realistically be described in each aspect and configuration described herein as having all options relevant to the discussion of all other aspects and configurations, and can thus be provided in any other aspect or configuration, either alone or in combination with other structures or features. Apparatuses or methods that include any of these features should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based on the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

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

Claims

1. A head restraint assembly comprising: a restraint platform, a first head restraint, a second head restraint, and a cheekbone strap; the restraint platform being configured to receive a subject's head; the first head restraint being attached to the restraint platform and configured to selectively engage a first side of the subject's head, the first head restraint having a first zygomatic rim configured to selectively engage the zygomatic region of the subject's head at the first side of the subject's head; the second head restraint being attached to the restraint platform and configured to selectively engage a second side of the subject's head, the second head restraint having a second zygomatic rim configured to selectively engage the zygomatic region of the subject's head at the second side of the subject's head; the cheekbone strap extending between the first zygomatic rim and the second zygomatic rim and configured to selectively tighten the zygomatic rims against the subject's zygomatic region, 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.

2. The head restraint assembly further comprising a first ball socket assembly and a second ball socket assembly; the first ball socket assembly including a first ball portion and a first socket portion, the first ball portion being attached to one of the first head restraint and a first ball socket pedestal, the first socket portion being located at the other of the first head restraint and the first ball socket pedestal, the first ball portion being selectively received by 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. The second ball socket assembly includes a second ball portion and a second socket portion. The second ball portion is attached to one of the second head restraint and the second ball socket pedestal. The second socket portion is located at the other of the second head restraint and the second ball socket pedestal. The second ball portion is selectively received by the second socket portion to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement to the second head restraint to fit the second head restraint to the second side of the subject's head. The head restraint assembly according to claim 1.

3. The first ball socket assembly includes a first ball restraint mechanism. The first ball restraint mechanism selectively engages the first ball portion so that the movement of the first ball portion relative to the first ball socket pedestal is restrained. Since the movement of the first ball portion is restrained by the first ball restraint mechanism, the first head restraint is held in a fixed position, and The second ball socket assembly includes a second ball restraint mechanism. The second ball restraint mechanism selectively engages the second ball portion so that the movement of the second ball portion relative to the second ball socket pedestal is restrained. The head restraint assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second head restraint is held in a fixed position by the movement of the second ball portion being restrained by the second ball restraint mechanism.

4. The head restraint assembly further includes a first sliding member and a second sliding member. The first sliding member is configured to selectively slide laterally along the restraint platform. The first sliding member is fixed to the first ball socket pedestal. In response to the selective lateral movement of the first sliding member, the first head restraint moves laterally relative to the restraint platform. The second sliding member is configured to selectively slide laterally along the restraint platform. The second sliding member is fixed to the second ball socket pedestal. The head restraint assembly according to claim 2, wherein in response to the selective lateral movement of the second sliding member, the second head restraint moves laterally relative to the restraint platform.

5. At least one of the first zygomatic protruding edge and the second zygomatic protruding edge includes a notch, and the notch is configured to selectively receive and selectively hold a medical tube. The head restraint assembly according to claim 1.

6. The first head restraint includes a first frontal protruding edge, and the first frontal protruding edge is configured to selectively join the forehead of the subject on the first side of the head of the subject, and The second head restraint includes a second frontal protruding edge, and the second frontal protruding edge is configured to selectively join the forehead of the subject on the second side of the head of the subject. The first head restraint includes a first vertex protruding edge, and the first vertex protruding edge is configured to selectively join the vertex of the head of the subject on the first side of the head of the subject. The second head restraint includes a second vertex protruding edge, and the second vertex protruding edge is configured to selectively join the vertex of the head of the subject on the second side of the head of the subject. The head restraint assembly further includes a forehead strap and a vertex strap. The forehead strap extends between the first frontal protruding edge and the second frontal protruding edge and is configured to selectively tighten the frontal protruding edge to the forehead of the subject. The vertex strap extends between the first vertex protruding edge and the second vertex protruding edge and is configured to selectively tighten the vertex protruding edge to the vertex of the head of the subject. The head restraint assembly according to claim 1.

7. The first head restraint includes a first base for joining the first side of the head of the subject, and each of the first zygomatic protruding edge, the first frontal protruding edge, and the first vertex protruding edge is connected to the first base. The first base has a first ear hole defined by the inner circumference of the first base, and the first ear hole is configured to be substantially aligned with at least a part of the ear of the subject when the first head restraint is joined to the first side of the head of the subject, and The second head restraint includes a second base for joining the second side of the subject's head, each of the second zygomatic eminence, the second frontal eminence, and the second vertex eminence being connected to the second base, the second base having a second ear hole defined by an inner circumference of the second base, the second ear hole being configured to be substantially aligned with at least a part of the subject's ear when the second head restraint is joined to the second side of the subject's head. The head restraint assembly according to claim 6.

8. A restraint assembly for assisting in restraining a subject, the head restraint assembly according to claim 1, and a body stabilizer, the body stabilizer being configured to receive a part of the subject's body below the subject's head, the body stabilizer being removably attached to the head restraint assembly. The restraint assembly.

9. The restraint assembly further includes at least one winglet, the at least one winglet being configured to receive the subject's arm, the at least one winglet being attached to the body stabilizer and being pivotable relative to the body stabilizer. The restraint assembly according to claim 8.

10. The restraint assembly further includes an abdominal sling, the abdominal sling having a central sling portion configured to selectively join the abdominal wall skin of the subject, the abdominal sling having at least one sling strap extending from the central sling portion and configured to be selectively attached to the body stabilizer, the abdominal sling being configured such that when the central sling portion is joined to the abdominal wall skin of the subject and the at least one sling strap is attached to the body stabilizer, the central sling portion applies a force to the abdominal wall skin of the subject to urge the abdominal wall soft tissue cephalad. The restraint assembly according to claim 8.

11. The restraint assembly further comprises at least one restraint strap, and the at least one restraint strap is selectively attached to the body stabilizer and configured to selectively prevent the subject from disengaging 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 at 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 at a second side of the body stabilizer. The third sling strap extends from the central sling portion and is configured to be selectively attached to the at least one restraint strap. The restraint assembly according to claim 10.

12. The body stabilizer includes a separate first body stabilizer portion and a second body stabilizer portion selectively connected to each other via a hinge mechanism, and at least one of the first body stabilizer portion and the second body stabilizer portion is rotatable relative to the other of the first body stabilizer portion and the second body stabilizer portion between a deployed state and a folded state by the hinge mechanism. The restraint assembly according to claim 8.

13. The restraint assembly further comprises a quick release mechanism having a holding position that substantially prevents the first head restraint and the second head restraint from falling off the restraint platform, and a release position in which each of the first head restraint and the second head restraint can be removed from the restraint platform. The restraint assembly according to claim 1.

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