Abstract: A neck supporting device comprising a neck support for supporting the back of the neck and the back lower part of the head of a wearer, and two connecting straps for, each from a respective end of the neck support, connecting the neck support to a body harness such that, in use, the connecting straps are directed to the lower torso of the wearer. The neck support includes a semi-rigid member having a curvature adapted to the curvature of the back of the neck and the back lower part of the head when the head is positioned in a non-tilted position with respect to the wearer's torso. The neck supporting device may comprise a waist belt as the body harness or may be adapted for fastening to a car safety belt as the body harness.

Abstract: A multiple-size cervical collar is disclosed which is formed from a stiff flexible plastic material and comprises (a) a neck encircling band comprising a front portion and a back portion and (b) a mandible support formed from such plastic material. The mandible support is vertically shiftable with respect to the neck band and lockable thereto at a discrete number of positions to match standard single-sized collars and thereby accommodate various sizes of wearers to which the collar is applied.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided having a front collar portion fabricated from a substantially incompressible plastic resin and a compressible, flexible foam strip mounted on one side of the front body section. The front collar portion includes a mandible support portion comprising a chin support portion extending transversely in an upper central portion of the front collar portion and a pair of laterally extending jaw support portions which connect at their distal ends to side portions of the front collar portion. Each jaw support portion includes at least one opening formed therein for facilitating bending of the jaw support to conform to a wearer's jaw line.

Abstract: A new detachable padding for a neck brace for providing contoured pads that are shaped to fit the contours of a neck brace. The inventive device includes a plurality of pads mountable to the front and back portions of a neck brace. Each pad includes a liquid permeable top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable bottom layer, and a liquid absorbing inner padding layer interposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The back surface of the bottom layer is designed for adhesively coupling to another surface, such as the inside of a neck brace.

Abstract: A fully adjustable cervical collar can be adjusted not only in overall length but also in height. The height of the collar is adjusted by releasably compressing the core material of the collar.

Abstract: A cervical collar for lifting the skull of a wearer. The collar includes a core, a pair of bladders, and inflating apparatus. The core replaceably encircles the neck of the wearer. The pair of bladders are inflatable and disposed on the core. The inflating apparatus is in fluid communication with the pair of bladders, and when the pair of bladders are inflated to a predetermined pressure by the inflating apparatus, the skull of the wearer is gently pushed off the shoulders of the wearer, which relieves downward pressure on the cervical spine of the wearer by forming intrinsic neck traction, whose early and continued use relieves pain and weakness and prevents major and sometimes non-reversible deterioration of the cervical spine of the wearer.

Abstract: A cervical collar to assist medical personnel in making diagnoses of neck or thoracic injuries while the patient wears the collar includes a major stiff portion of material that has anterolateral aspects of zones I, II and III of a patient's underlying neck that are transparent to visible light, upper and lower edges, sufficient flexibility to lie largely flat when not worn on a patient, an anterior portion including lateral extensions, an anterior window to permit access to the trachea for tracheotomy and a stiff chin support. A posterior portion extends from one of the lateral extensions and has vents to permit air to move from within the collar as worn to exterior thereof and an end with a patch of hook and loop fastener material. The other lateral extension has a posteriorly-extending leaf of hook and loop fastener material, so that the collar can be wrapped around the neck of the patient for installation and secured in position by engagement of the leaf of hook and loop material with the patch.

Abstract: A collar harness device 10 to protect a user's neck and upper torso from frictional engagement with elongated flexible tubular items 100 such as pneumatic hoses and electrical cords wherein the device 10 includes a cape member 20 having an upper collar portion 21 dimensioned to receive a portion of a flexible tubular item 100 and a lower shroud portion 23 having wing elements 24, 25 which project outwardly from the collar portion 21 and a lower end that covers the upper portion of the user's spine wherein the cape member 20 is operatively connected to a portion of the user's clothing by a harness unit 12.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar comprised of an elongated neck encircling band, a chin support brace, a sternum and shoulder brace and an adjustment system secured to the sternum and shoulder brace and the elongated neck encircling band for adjusting the height of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band. The adjustment system is designed to lock the sternum and shoulder brace in position preventing further extension of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band as well as preventing retrograde movement of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the neck encircling band. The collar also comprises a positive alignment tracking system for maintaining the sternum and shoulder brace in parallel alignment with the elongated neck encircling band as the height of the sternum and shoulder brace is adjusted.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis to be wound onto the neck of user around the cervical vertebrae part and retained to support and fix the cervical vertebrae wherein almost the whole of at least the surface adjoining to the neck is provided with a number of ups and downs and the main body is made of silicone rubber, and a method of mounting a plane fastener onto the surface of a plate-like body made of silicone rubber used in the cervical orthoses or the like.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar comprised of an elongated neck encircling band, a chin support brace, a sternum and shoulder brace and an adjustment system secured to the sternum and shoulder brace and the elongated neck encircling band for adjusting the height of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band. The adjustment system is designed to lock the sternum and shoulder brace in position preventing further extension of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band as well as preventing retrograde movement of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the neck encircling band. The collar also comprises a positive alignment tracking system for maintaining the sternum and shoulder brace in parallel alignment with the elongated neck encircling band as the height of the sternum and shoulder brace is adjusted.

Abstract: An emergency extrication collar comprising a flexible band for encircling the wearer's neck, a chin support member which may be readily adjusted in elevation with respect to the band so as to permit adjustment to fit patients having varying neck sizes. The chin support member is connected to the band by a post which is slidably connected to a vertical strap on the band, and such that the elevation of the chin support member above the post, and thus the neck size of the collar, may be adjusted by simply sliding the post and chin support upwardly to any selected size between the size extremes. A pawl and ratchet interconnection between the post and strap precludes movement in the opposite direction. The collar is secured in its adjusted size by a locking arm which is pivotally mounted on the post, and movement of the locking arm to its release position also releases the pawl and ratchet interconnection.

Abstract: A collapsible cervical collar is disclosed with an elongated neck encircling band and a chin support brace. The chin support brace has first and second ends and a concave edge separating the first and second ends. A hinge connects the elongated neck encircling band to the chin support brace. The hinge enables the chin support brace to rotate more than 180 degrees relative to the elongated neck encircling band from an inoperable or flat condition to an operable three-dimensional condition.

Abstract: A multiple-size cervical collar is disclosed which is formed from a stiff flexible plastic material and comprises (a) a neck encircling band comprising a front portion and a back portion and (b) a mandible support formed from such plastic material. The mandible support is vertically shiftable with respect to the neck band and lockable thereto at a discrete number of positions to match standard single-sized collars and thereby accommodate various sizes of wearers to which the collar is applied.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar is fabricated from a one-half inch thick unitary neoprene member six inches wide by thirty-two inches long. The member includes a laterally extending center portion. It is scored on its inside surface to a depth of about three-eighths inch along the edges of the center portion to provide first and second portions that are foldable towards the outside surface of the center portion. The first foldable portion is wide enough to extend vertically above a patient's occiput and long enough to extend laterally to the patient's mastoid processes. The center portion is wide enough to support the patient's chin and to avoid excessive pressure against the patient's carotid arteries. Hook and loop fasteners attached to the inside and outside surfaces at opposite ends of the member permit the collar to be releasably fastened around the patient's neck. Folding one or the other or both of the foldable portions towards the outside surface permits the collar to adapt to four different neck sizes.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar comprised of an elongated neck encircling band, a chin support brace, a sternum and shoulder brace and an adjustment system secured to the sternum and shoulder brace and the elongated neck encircling band for adjusting the height of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band. The adjustment system is designed to lock the sternum and shoulder brace in position preventing further extension of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band as well as preventing retrograde movement of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the neck encircling band. The collar also comprises a positive alignment tracking system for maintaining the sternum and shoulder brace in parallel alignment with the elongated neck encircling band as the height of the sternum and shoulder brace is adjusted.

Abstract: The halo ring comprises a generally elliptical ring interrupted at one end and having a circular cross-section. Split ring clamps are provided along the ring, each clamp having a set screw for temporarily adjusting the ring in a selected longitudinal along and angular position about the halo ring. Attachment clamps in the form of split rings are also provided the halo ring body for securing the halo ring to a support structure. By threading pins through the pin clamps into the individual's skull and employing lock nuts, the pin clamps can be finally secured to the halo ring body.

Abstract: A surgical method for performing laparoscopic urethropexy on a patient is provided. This surgical method comprises the steps of dissecting at least a portion of the space of Retzius in the patient, laparoscopically creating a bore in the pubic bone adjacent the space of Retzius, providing at least one anchor having at least one suture extending therefrom, laparoscopically inserting the anchor in the bore such that the anchor is thereby secured in the bore, and securing the suture to the periurethral tissue adjacent to the urethra to thereby elevate the urethra to the desired angle. The suture is secured to the periurethral tissue by pulling the suture through the periurethral fascia and vaginal mucosa into the vagina, and tying the suture within the vagina. A drill tamper tool for laparoscopically creating the bore in the pubic bone is also provided, along with an anchor-insertion tool, a loaded anchor-insertion tool, and a surgical kit comprising the drill tamper tool and the anchor-insertion tool.

Abstract: A cervical collar is disclosed. The collar has a chin support which can be adjusted up or down to accommodate necks of different lengths.

Abstract: An anchor securable within a bore created in bone is provided. The anchor comprises: a body having a longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal ends; at least three wing members extending outwardly from, and secured to the body, each of the wing members capable of being elastically flexed from a normal deployed position to a compressed position, each of the wing members further having an external end positioned away from the body, at least a portion of the external ends of the wing members substantially aligned along a first imaginary plane extending through the body at an angle to a transverse cross-section through the body, this transverse cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body; and an aperture positioned adjacent the proximal end of the body. An anchor-insertion tool, a loaded anchor-insertion tool, and a surgical kit are also provided.

Abstract: A suture retrieval tool for use in a laparoscopic urethropexy procedure is provided. The suture retrieval tool comprises a retrieving end and a handle. The retrieving end has a rigid, rod-like shaft and a sharp tip capable of penetrating periurethral tissue, whereby the retrieving end may be inserted into a vagina, through the vaginal mucosa and periurethral tissue adjacent a urethra, and into the space of Retzius, such that the retrieving end may be employed to snare a suture positioned in the space of Retzius for retrieving the suture into the vagina. The suture retrieval tool also preferably comprises a midshaft positioned between the retrieving end and the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical collar preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, which includes flexibility enhancing openings which allow the collar to conform properly to the shape of a patient's neck. Most preferably, the collar is formed from linear low density polypropylene, which is an injection moldable material. The collar may be injection molded and include rivets injection molded directly as part of the collar.

Abstract: A lightweight plastic cervical collar includes a one-piece injected molded body, of a flexibility and length sufficient to enable the body to be wrapped around the neck of a wearer. One or more absorbent compressible foam strips are attached to an inner side of the body. A front section of the body defining part of a front collar half includes a generally T-shape integrally molded chin support. Upper edge portions of the body are made flexible by the provision of elongated openings and integral hinges formed by molded grooves extending generally longitudinally in the body. A first fabric-strip fastener is adhered to the front body section near one free end while a second, matably configured flexible fabric-strip is extended from the free end of the rear body section to join the adjoining collar ends together. Where the molded body extends around a tracheal opening, transverse reinforcement ridges are molded in the body to prevent collapse.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar having an elongated neck encircling band secured to a two-piece chin support brace wherein each end of each of the two pieces of the chin support brace are permanently secured to the elongated encircling band body.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar comprised of an elongated neck encircling band, a chin support brace, a sternum and shoulder brace and an adjustment system secured to the sternum and shoulder brace and the elongated neck encircling band for adjusting the height of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band. The adjustment system is designed to lock the sternum and shoulder brace in position preventing further extension of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band as well as preventing retrograde movement of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the neck encircling band. The collar also comprises a positive alignment tracking system for maintaining the sternum and shoulder brace in parallel alignment with the elongated neck encircling band as the height of the sternum and shoulder brace is adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to apply traction to the cervical spine to help repair, non-invasively, a herniated cervical disc. A doughnut shaped member, appropriately cushioned, is constructed using elastic springy materials. Cushioned portions are placed against the underside of the chin and against the chest, and the member is bent to a saddle shape by securing opposing sides of the member behind the neck using flexible string or strap-like connecting members. The resulting structure applies pressure to the underside of the chin, in a comfortable manner, thereby providing traction to the herniated disc.

Abstract: The cervical traction device comprises: a body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows which extends substantially across the width and height of the body between and connected to the head portion and to the shoulder portion and acting against and between substantially the full inner end surface of the head portion and the full inner end surface of the shoulder portion. The bellows, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a patient's neck. A hand operated air pump is connected to the bellows for pumping air into the bellows and for relieving or pumping air out of the bellows.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided which has front and rear semi-rigid portions, attached by hook and loop fasteners. The front portion-comprises a semi-rigid preformed jaw support contoured to follow the jaw line of a patient, and a preformed sternum brace contoured to contact the sternum and upper trapezius of the patient and to support said jaw support. The rear portion of the cervical collar is contoured to follow the curve of the back of the head or occiput and to support the head and neck. The sternum brace has right, left, and central sections, wherein the height of the central section is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's sternum and jaw at the chin and the height of the right and left sections is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's upper trapezius muscle and jaw. The height of the right and left sections is independent of the height of the central section. Further, the jaw support may include a cushioning pad and a covering of anti-decubitus material.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis having a thoracosternal semi-component for a thoracosternal position and a dorsal semi-component for a dorsal position, each of he semi-components including a lower and an upper part, a pair of upper and lower connectors for connection of the upper parts and the lower parts of the semi-components, a connector as one of the upper and the lower parts for connection of the semi-components, and spacers for spacing of the lower and upper parts of each of the semi-components frown each other to provided for the adjustment to fit each individual wearer.

Abstract: A cervical brace for painful cervical disorders and injuries includes an elongated, posterior stabilizer molded to the shape of the wearer's posterior occipital, cervical and thoracic surfaces when in the medically desirable position characterized by the shoulders being in a square "military" position and the head retracted with the ear lobes over the superior point of the shoulders. The inferior portion of the stabilizer is fixed against the wearer's upper and mid-thoracic region by a pair of adjustable arm loops and optional trunk strap which also bring and maintain the shoulders to the square "military" position. A chin strap is attached to the superior portion of the stabilizer and is operable to apply a force posteriorly at the chin to draw the head posteriorly toward the superior portion of the stabilizer.

Abstract: The restraining inflatable neck guard is adapted to be located around a person's neck when deflated. A source of compressed gas is coupled to the neck guard for inflating the guard. A normally closed electrically actuated valve is provided for releasing the compressed gas from the source for flow to the inflatable neck guard when actuated. A sensor is provided for sensing acceleration/deceleration forces in three mutually perpendicular directions and for producing electrical outputs having levels which are proportional to the forces sensed. A threshold device compares the electrical outputs with a threshold to actuate the valve when either of the electrical outputs reaches the threshold. The sensor may be employed to sense acceleration/deceleration forces in one direction only. Aircraft or vehicle systems may be used to initiate the inflation sequence. The restraining inflatable neck guard is designed to maintain distance between the neck and collar throughout the inflation process.

Abstract: A cervical collar includes a generally annular support brace which, in use, is receivable about and circumferentially surrounds a wearer's neck and is generally supportable on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso. The support brace includes a pair of vertically-spaced-apart, interconnected and generally horizontally-disposed, arcuate, upper and lower support members, each having a front central portion and rear opposite terminal end portions which, in use, are disposed generally adjacent to the front and rear of the wearer's neck, respectively. The support brace also has adjustable and releasable rear straps for joining the terminal end portions of the support members together. A chin support is also provided for engaging and supporting the chin of the wearer, which is mounted on the support brace.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer by means of a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided.

Abstract: A cervical collar for circumferential placement around the neck of a wearer in order to form a relatively rigid structure around the neck that is capable of bending circumferentially around the neck for a close fit thereon. A soft base is in confronting relationship to the neck. A splint assembly is fixed to the outer surface of the base and includes a plurality of parallel spaced apart upright splints that are uniformly distributed around the neck when the collar is installed thereon. The splints are separated by an expanse of material which forms a hinge. The hinge permits bending of the collar around the neck while holding the splints in place. Ventilation openings can be located in the spacing between adjacent splints in order to provide ventilation to the neck, facilitate bending of the collar about the neck, and to lessen the weight thereof.

Abstract: A hand held contoured cervical alignment and abdominal exercise device that an individual cradles against the cervical spine when performing abdominal exercises. In use, it forces the individual to use the abdominal musculature correctly and prevents hyperflexion/hyperextension of the cervical spine and subsequent symptoms. The result is an increased efficiency in performing abdominal exercises while maintaining the bio-mechanical intergrity of the cervical spine.

Abstract: A cervical collar is disclosed which is formed from a stiff flexible plastic material and comprises (a) a neck encircling band comprising a back portion and a front portion and (b) a chin support formed from such plastic material. The collar provides two features which confer greater comfort when the collar is worn for extended periods of time. The chin support is supported to reduce the force of contact between the chin support and the top edge of the front portion of said collar. In a preferred embodiment, the support is provided by a plurality of load-bearing tabs extending from the top edge of the front portion of the collar. The collar also has a shelf-forming member which is attached to the back portion of the collar.

Abstract: A cervical collar arranged to be stored flat comprises an anterior member, a generally C-shaped chin support member, a connecting pin attaching each end of the chin support member to the anterior member, a posterior member formed to provide a back engaging edge portion and an occipital support portion, and fastening means for releasably retaining the ends of the anterior and posterior means in juxtaposition. Another cervical collar is similarly constructed, but has the chin support preformed and attached to the anterior member or formed as an integral part of the anterior member.

Abstract: A soft neck support collar is disclosed comprising two detached, superposed tubular ring elements which are connected at their respective ends, and are insertably and retractably secured within a flexible and removable outer sleeve. The tubular ring elements contain a soft fill material, and the combined effect of the fill material together with their tubular configuration, enables the collar to appropriately adjust for lateral, forward and backward neck movements. In addition to restricting neck mobility, the collar will self adjust for neutral positioning of the chin and neck.Use of the sleeve enables the use of a greater range of tubular sizes, and provides for adjustable configurations. When necessary or desired, the addition of one or more smaller tubular elements on either side of the tubular ring elements can impart greater stiffness to the ring elements for a given neck position.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided which has front and rear semi-rigid portions, attached by hook and loop fasteners. The front portion comprises a semi-rigid preformed jaw support contoured to follow the jaw line of a patient, and a preformed sternum brace contoured to contact the sternum and upper trapezius of the patient and to support said jaw support. The rear portion of the cervical collar is contoured to follow the curve of the back of the head or occiput and to support the head and neck. The sternum brace has right, left, and central sections, wherein the height of the central section is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's sternum and jaw at the chin and the height of the right and left sections is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's upper trapezius muscle and jaw. The height of the right and left sections is independent of the height of the central section. Further, the jaw support may include a cushioning pad and a covering of anti-decubitus material.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining the head of a patient in predetermined spatial relationship to the body of the patient. The device comprises an elliptical truncated member (halo) adapted to fit around the patient's head from front to back. The elliptical member, or open-backed halo includes a stiffening brim integrally associated with it at the front portion of the halo. The halo also includes a plurality of mounting holes and vibrational isolators for receiving skull pins to contact and grip the patient's head. The halo further includes, midway between the front and rear of the elliptical member two depressed segments which allow for positioning of skull tongs on the patient's head while the halo remains on the patient. The device also includes adjustable means for attaching the open-backed halo to a vest worn by the patient.

Abstract: This invention provides a cervical brace (10) for substantial immobilization of a user's head (14). The cervical brace (10) of the subject invention includes a head immobilization mechanism (24) for interface with the chin of the user (12). Additionally, a rear immobilization mechanism (26) is provided for contacting the occipital portion of the user's head (14). The immobilization mechanisms (24 and 26) are provided with rigid plate members (28 and 26) in combination with flexible sheets (32 and 42) to form pockets within which flexible pad members (36 and 38) may be removably inserted. In this manner, the user's head (14) is maintained in a substantially immobile positioning location while dispersing the loads over a wider area to minimize any user discomfort.

Abstract: A cervical collar is disclosed which is formed from a stiff flexible plastic material and comprises (a) a neck encircling band comprising a back portion and a front portion and (b) a chin support formed from such plastic material. The collar provides two features which confer greater comfort when the collar is worn for extended periods of time. The chin support is supported to reduce the force of contact between the chin support and the top edge of the front portion of said collar. In a preferred embodiment, the support is provided by a plurality of load-bearing tabs extending from the top edge of the front portion of the collar. The collar also has a shelf-forming member which is attached to the back portion of the collar.

Abstract: The invention provides a cervical brace with a torso engaging member, a chin support member and a head support member. The chin support member and head support member are adjustably mounted on the torso engaging member. The chin support member releases from the framework and pivots so as to allow simple mounting and removal without affecting the adjustments. The chin support member and head support member cooperatively restrict movement of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A cervical collar arranged to be stored flat comprises an anterior member, a generally C-shaped chin support member, a connecting pin attaching each end of the chin support member to the anterior member, a posterior member formed to provide a back engaging edge portion and an occipital support portion, and fastening means for releasably retaining the ends of the anterior and posterior means in juxtaposition. Another cervical collar is similarly constructed, but has the chin support preformed and attached to the anterior member or formed as an integral part of the anterior member.

Abstract: An inflatable neck and head support for use by a wearer which is a generally rectangular body of flexible gas impervious material with two side panels that is sealed around its entire periphery to form a closed chamber. A valve is mounted in such body to inflate and deflate the chamber. Fastening means are mounted on spaced portions of the body to permit securing the rectangular shape into an annular shape to encompass the neck and support the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A disposable cervical collar having an elongated unitary body formed from plastic core board or similar cellular material, the collar having a frontal section provided with a chin receiving opening, including a chin supporting flap and optionally a chin strap, with a throat opening underlying the chin opening, and a rear section which is slotted at spaced intervals for bending to conform to the wearer's neck, the rear section having a plastic strap adapted to be adhesively secured to the frontal section to secure the collar in place.

Abstract: A cervical collar composed essentially of an anterior section and a posterior section interconnected by an elongated strap, with the rear surfaces of the sections covered by cushioning material, the parts preferably being formed from high density polyethylene sheeting with polyethylene foam cushioning material, the parts being interconnected by plastic fasteners. Preferably the sections will be adjustable relative to each other, with one of the sections slidably mounted relative to the other. The configuration of the sections is designed to provided optimum support to achieve immobilization of the cervical spine.

Abstract: A back of the neck support collar including an elongated, flexible member having a stiffened central portion to apply to the nape, and extending end portions for tying or temporary attachment to the user or to a body harness, to maintain the stiffened portion in firm position to hold the neck immobile or nearly so. The flexible member is provided with stretch areas, and can be used in pairs for greater flexibility as to the areas to be treated.

Abstract: A cervical collar including front and back halves adapted to fit around the neck, and an adjustable strap for releasably securing the halves in position on the neck. The halves of the collar are made from a laminate having outer layers of a foamed polymeric material and an inner layer of a solid, non-foamed thermoplastic material. The foam layes provide padding and comfort, and the solid layers provide rigidity and support to immobilize the head and neck. In one embodiment there is provided a large hole in the front most portion of the collar to accommodate the Adam's apple. In another embodiment, the strap is attached to the back half by looping it through parallel slots formed in the rearmost portion of the collar which are narrower than the width of the strap adjacent the slots, and attached to the front half by stitching at the ends thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a liner and a surgical collar wherein the liner is formed of a blank of soft, pliable absorbent material shaped to conform to the interior surface of the surgical collar and having opposed reversible folded pockets formed along the opposed ends of the blank for receiving the edges of the surgical collar and a reversible foldable edge flange for overlying the upper peripheral portion of the surgical collar so as to render the collar more comfortable to the wearer. The liner may be formed as a unitary member, or in several parts, depending upon the specific construction of the surgical collar.