WO2009031873A1

WO2009031873A1 - Spine guard

Info

Publication number: WO2009031873A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/005303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoon Sun Lee
Original assignee: Yoon Sun Lee
Priority date: 2007-09-08
Filing date: 2008-09-08
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Also published as: KR100904988B1; KR20090026222A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a spine guard. The spine guard includes a first body unit formed in a board shape, a second body unit formed in a shape symmetrical to the first body unit, a fit-in type fixing unit mounted at one side of the first body unit and one side of the second body unit for interconnecting the first body unit and the second body unit in a symmetrical fashion, and a hinge connection unit mounted at each end of the one side of the first body unit and each end of the one side of the second body unit for hingedly interconnecting the first and second body units. The spine guard easily surrounds the spine of a human body while minimizing the motion of the human body. The spine guard is easily separated from the human body, thereby preventing secondary spinal injury of the human body.

Description

Description SPINE GUARD

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a spine guard, and, more particularly, to a spine guard including a pair of separable body units that are capable of easily surrounding the spine of a human body while minimizing the motion of the human body. Background Art

[2] Typically, the spine of a human body includes various articulations and nerves, including a vertebral body, serving as a column of the human body, and discs enabling articulation motion.

[3] The spine serves as an axis to maintain balance while the human body stops or moves. The spine is constituted by several structures to serve a column to support the weight of the upper part of the human body. In addition, the spine serves as articulations that perform various works together with the arms and legs of the human body through bending and straightening motions.

[4] Also, the spine of the human body extends upward to the cervical vertebrae supporting the head of the human body.

[5] The spine and the cervical vertebrae of the human body include pluralities of articulations. Between the respective articulations are interposed discs, as shock-absorbing means, to eliminate impact between the articulations.

[6] Also, pluralities of neural lines, as means to receive a signal from a cranial nerve and transmit the signal to respective muscles and sensory organs are distributed in the spine and the cervical vertebrae of the human body.

[7] Accordingly, the spine of the human body plays an important role in physical activity.

[8] However, when external severe impact of more than a predetermined strength is applied to the spine and the cervical vertebrae of the human body, for example, by a traffic accident, discs interposed between the respective articulations are separated outside, with the result that herniated intervertebral disc may occur to press the neural lines.

[9] Also, with the popularization of computers, time for students or office workers to study or work while sitting on a chair is on the increase. People studying or working on a chair may have a bad habit to sit on the chair, and therefore, the herniated intervertebral disc may easily occur.

[10] As a result, the human body may feel severe pain from the above-mentioned reasons.

In this case, it is required to take an emergency measure while the spine and the cervical vertebrae of the human body are protected by an external guard.

[11] The guard can be maintained in a state in which the distortion of the cervical vertebrae of the human body is prevented for a predetermined time.

[12] An example of a spine guard to protect the spine of the human body is disclosed

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0496624, which provides a spine guard constructed in a structure in which cushion layers 6 and 6', having through-holes 4, are formed on a front board 1 and a rear board 2 which can be coupled to each other by coupling means 3 and 3', an outer board 7 having lodosis members 6 and 6' of a predetermined curvature is coupled to a lodosis contact surface of the rear board 2, wherein a plurality of cushion protrusions 14 and 14' and air vent channels 15 and 15' are formed in the cushion layers 5 and 5' by pressing a multi-layered sponge consisting of a soft material 11, an intermediate material 12, and a hard material 13, and a plurality of air vent holes 16 and 16' are formed at the intersections of the air vent channels 15 and 15' formed in the cushion layers 5 and 5'.

[13] The above-described spine guard includes a rear board having a predetermined area and a pair of front boards connected to opposite sides of the rear board. The front boards are coupled to each other by coupling means.

[14] However, the spine guard has a problem in that when the rear board is to be located at the back of a human body, e.g., a patient, where the spine is located in a state in which the human body is straightly laid down, it is required to repeatedly turn the human body to the left and the right.

[15] Specifically, the human body is turned to the left or the right, and then one of the front boards is pushed toward the flank side of the human body. Subsequently, the pushed front board is pulled from the other side of the human body by a predetermined distance, and then the human body is straightly laid down. As a result, the rear board is located at the back of the human body.

[16] Subsequently, the front boards are coupled to each other such that the spine guard surrounds the spine of the human body.

[17] On the other hand, when the spine guard is to be separated from the human body, the coupling between the front boards is released, and the spine guard is pulled by a predetermined distance such that the spine guard is separated from the human body.

[18] Consequently, when the human body is repeatedly turned to the left and the right, when the front boards are pulled by a predetermined distance such that the rear board is located at the back of the human body, and when the front boards are pulled by a predetermined distance to separate the spine guard from the human body, secondary impact may be applied to the injured spine and cervical vertebrae of the human body.

[19] As a result, the injured spine and cervical vertebrae of the human body may become worse due to the secondary impact. [20] In addition, time necessary to attach or separate the spine guard to or from the human body is long. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[21] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is a first object of the present invention to provide a separable spine guard that is capable of surrounding the spine of a human body while minimizing the motion in which the human body is turned to the left and the right, thereby protecting the spine of the human body.

[22] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a separable spine guard that is capable of surrounding the spine of the human body while removing an external force, of more than a predetermined level, applied to the primarily injured spine of the human body, thereby easily preventing secondary injury of the spine of the human body.

[23] It is a third object of the present invention to provide a separable spine guard including two symmetrical body units which can be detachably attached to each other, thereby reducing time necessary to mount the spine guard to the human body such that the spine of the human body is surrounded by the spine guard and to separate the spine guard from the human body.

[24] It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a separable spine guard including two symmetrical body units which can be detachably attached to each other, thereby easily achieving user's carrying and keeping the spine guard.

Technical Solution

[25] In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a spine guard including a first body unit formed in a board shape, a second body unit formed in a shape symmetrical to the first body unit, a fit-in type fixing unit mounted at one side of the first body unit and one side of the second body unit for interconnecting the first body unit and the second body unit in a symmetrical fashion, and a hinge connection unit mounted at each end of the one side of the first body unit and each end of the one side of the second body unit for hingedly interconnecting the first body unit and the second body unit.

[26] Preferably, the fit- in type fixing unit includes a plurality of first fit- in type fixing parts mounted at the one side of the first body unit at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first body unit and a plurality of second fit-in type fixing parts mounted at the one side of the second body unit at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second body unit.

[27] Preferably, each of the first fit-in type fixing parts comprises an extension body having a predetermined length and a protrusion formed at one end of the extension body, and each of the second fit- in type fixing parts comprises an insertion groove having an opening for allowing the protrusion to be inserted thereinto and a sliding hole extending from the insertion groove by a predetermine length, the sliding hole having a size sufficient for the extension body to slide therealong.

[28] Alternatively, each of the first fit-in type fixing parts protrudes by a predetermined length and has coupling grooves formed at opposite outsides thereof, and each of the second fit- in type fixing parts has a hole into which the corresponding first fit- in type fixing part is inserted and has coupling protrusions formed at opposite insides of the hole such that the coupling protrusions are inserted into the corresponding coupling grooves.

[29] Preferably, the hinge connection unit includes a clip body protruding from the one side of the first body unit and having a fitting hole formed along the one side of the first body unit and a rotary support body provided at the one side of the second body unit and fitted in the fitting hole for rotatably supporting the clip body.

[30] Preferably, the rotary support body includes a support body having a rotary hole formed inside the one side of the second body unit for allowing the clip body to be introduced thereinto and a bolt fitting hole formed along the one side of the second body unit such that the bolt fitting hole communicates with the rotary hole, a fixing bolt fitted in the bolt fitting hole, the fixing bolt having head parts, of a predetermined outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting hole, formed at opposite ends thereof, the head parts including an upper end head formed at one end of the fixing bolt and a lower end head formed at the other end of the fixing bolt, and a fixing clip mounted at the outer circumference of the support body, such that the fixing clip is located around the bolt fitting hole, for fixing the upper end head while surrounding the outer circumference of the upper end head.

[31] Preferably, the fixing clip includes a first clip extending along the outer circumference of the upper end head by a predetermined length, a second clip having one end extending from the upper end of the first clip inwardly of the first clip by a predetermined length, and a third clip inclined upward from the other end of the second clip outwardly of the first clip such that the third clip widens outward.

[32] Alternatively, the rotary support body includes a support body having a rotary hole formed inside the one side of the second body unit for allowing the clip body to be introduced thereinto and a bolt fitting hole formed along the one side of the second body unit such that the bolt fitting hole communicates with the rotary hole, a fixing bolt fitted in the bolt fitting hole, the fixing bolt having head parts, of a predetermined outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting hole, formed at opposite ends thereof, the head parts including an upper end head formed at one end of the fixing bolt and a lower end head formed at the other end of the fixing bolt, and an elastic member mounted in a support groove formed at the outer circumference of the support body such that the elastic member is located around the bolt fitting hole, one end of the elastic member being elastically supported at the bottom of the upper end head and the other end of the elastic member being elastically supported in the support groove, for returning the fixing bolt to its original position.

[33] Preferably, the spine guard according to the present invention further includes a location groove formed inside the support body where the rotary hole is formed for allowing the lower end head to be located therein in a fitting fashion.

[34] Alternatively, the rotary support body is provided at the one side of the second body unit, and the rotary support body includes an upper body, a lower body arranged in parallel to the upper body such that the lower body is spaced from the upper body by a predetermined distance, a first bent body connected between one end of the upper body and one corresponding end of the lower body, and a second bent body provided at the other end of the upper body, the second bent body being bent downward and then bent inwardly of the upper body toward the bottom of the upper body for guiding the introduction of the clip body.

[35] Preferably, the first body unit and the second body unit have fixing members, made of aluminum, mounted at the one end of the first body unit and the one end of the second body unit, respectively, in the longitudinal direction of the first body unit and the second body unit.

[36] Also, the first body unit and the second body unit have pluralities of attachment means provided at upper end sides of the first body unit and the second body unit and lower end sides of the first body unit and the second body unit, respectively, and the first body unit and the second body unit have memory foam pads disposed at the upper and lower end sides of the first body unit and the second body unit, respectively, the memory foam pads being attached to the first body unit and the second body unit via the attachment means.

Advantageous Effects

[37] The present invention has the effect of surrounding the spine of a human body while minimizing the motion in which the human body is turned to the left and the right, thereby protecting the spine of the human body.

[38] Also, the present invention has the effect of surrounding the spine of the human body while removing an external force, of more than a predetermined level, applied to the primarily injured spine of the human body, thereby easily preventing secondary injury of the spine of the human body.

[39] Also, the spine guard according to the present invention includes two symmetrical body units which can be detachably attached to each other, and therefore, the present invention has the effect of reducing time necessary to mount the spine guard to the human body such that the spine of the human body is surrounded by the spine guard and to separate the spine guard from the human body.

[40] Furthermore, the spine guard according to the present invention includes two symmetrical body units which can be detachably attached to each other, and therefore, the present invention has the effect of easily achieving user's carrying and keeping the spine guard.

Brief Description of the Drawings [41] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: [42] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a spine guard according to the present invention;

[43] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the spine guard according to the present invention;

[44] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of a fit- in type fixing unit according to the present invention; [45] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a second fit-in type fixing part shown in FIG.

3; [46] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the fit- in type fixing unit according to the present invention; [47] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of a hinge connection unit according to the present invention; [48] FIG. 7 is another sectional view of the first embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention; [49] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a second embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention; [50] FIG. 9 is another sectional view of the second embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention; [51] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention; and [52] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the third embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [53] Hereinafter, a spine guard according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [54] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a spine guard according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the spine guard according to the present invention.

[55] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the spine guard according to the present invention includes a first body unit 110 and a second body unit 120 which are formed in the shape of a board and configured in a symmetrical fashion, a fit- in type fixing unit 200 for interconnecting the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120, and a hinge connection unit 300 for hingedly interconnecting the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 at each end of one side of the first body unit 110 and each end of one side of the second body unit 120.

[56] The first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 according to the present invention are constructed as follows.

[57] The first body unit 110 includes a plurality of longitudinal members arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[58] As shown in FIG. 1, each longitudinal member includes a fixing bar 101 made of aluminum, a memory foam 102 attached to the top and bottom of the fixing bar 101, the memory foam 102 having a predetermined thickness, and a waterproof cloth 103 adhered to the top and bottom of the memory foam 102.

[59] The waterproof cloth 103 may interconnect the longitudinal members.

[60] Also, the first body unit 110 further includes an upper body part 111 for surrounding the head of a human body, a neck body part 112 for supporting the neck part, i.e., the cervical vertebrae, of the human body, and a lower body part 113 for surrounding the trunk, including the spine, of the human body.

[61] In addition, the first body unit 110 further includes fixing bands 510 and 520 which are made of a highly elastic material.

[62] Also, fixing members 400 made of aluminum are mounted to the mutually facing sides of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120, respectively, in the longitudinal direction.

[63] The fixing members 400 serve to support the mutually facing sides of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120.

[64] Meanwhile, the second body unit 120 is constructed in the shape symmetrical to that of the first body unit 110, with the result that the second body unit 120 is substantially identical in construction to the first body unit 110. Consequently, a detailed description of the second body unit 120 will not be given.

[65] The first and second body units 110 and 120 are easily folded by the longitudinal members.

[66] Also, the memory foam 102 easily absorbs external impact applied to the specific body part of the human body surrounded by the memory foam 102.

[67] Also, the waterproof cloth 103 prevents the spine guard from getting wet in the rain or sweat generated from the human body. Furthermore, the waterproof cloth 103 allows the outside of the spine guard to be easily cleaned after the use of the spine guard.

[68] In addition, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are provided at the upper end sides thereof with a plurality of attachment means. Another plurality of attachment means are provided at the lower end sides of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120.

[69] The attachment means 190 have a predetermined length. The attachment means 190 are mounted to the first and second body units 110 and 120 in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal members constituting the first and second body units 110 and 120.

[70] The attachment means 190 may be Velcro.

[71] Memory foam pads 700 are disposed at the upper and lower end sides of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120.

[72] The memory foam pads 700 are sheathed with a cover made of cloth that can be attached to the attachment means 190, such as Velcro.

[73] Consequently, the memory foam pads 700 may be attached to the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 via the attachment means 190.

[74] The memory foam pad 700, attached to the upper end sides of the first and second body units 110 and 120, supports a space defined between the cervical vertebrae side of the human body and the spine guard, and the memory foam pad 700 attached to the lower end sides of the first and second body units 110 and 120 supports a space defined between the spin side of the human body and the spine guard.

[75] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of the fit-in type fixing unit according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a second fit-in type fixing part shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the fit-in type fixing unit according to the present invention.

[76] The fit-in type fixing unit 200 according to the present invention is constructed as follows.

[77] First, the first embodiment of the fit-in type fixing unit 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[78] The fit-in type fixing unit 200 includes a plurality of first fit-in type fixing parts 210 mounted at the inner side of the first body unit 110 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first body unit 110 and a plurality of second fit- in type fixing parts 220 mounted at the inner side of the second body unit 120 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second body unit 120.

[79] Each of the first fit-in type fixing parts 210 includes an extension body 211 having a predetermined length and a protrusion 212 formed at one end of the extension body 211.

[80] Each of the second fit- in type fixing parts 220 includes an insertion groove 221 having an opening for allowing the protrusion 212 to be inserted thereinto and a sliding hole 222 extending from the insertion groove 221 by a predetermine length. The sliding hole 222 has a size sufficient for the extension body 211 to slide therealong.

[81] The protrusion 212 is inserted into the insertion groove 221.

[82] After that, the extension body 211 is slid along the sliding hole 222 until the extension body 211 is located at one side end of the sliding hole 222.

[83] Consequently, the protrusion 212 is caught by the inside peripheral region of the sliding hole 222, with the result that each of the first fit- in type fixing parts 210 is fixedly fitted in the corresponding one of the second fit- in type fixing parts 220.

[84] Of course, the separation between the first and second fit-in type fixing parts 210 and

220 is achieved by the execution of the above-described process in reverse order.

[85] That is, the extension body 211 is slid along the sliding hole 222 until the extension body 211 reaches the insertion hole 221. After that, the protrusion 212, located inside the insertion groove 221, is separated outside through the insertion groove 221.

[86] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the fit-in type fixing unit 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[87] A first fit-in type fixing part 210' protrudes by a predetermined length. Coupling grooves 211' may be formed at opposite outsides of the first fit-in type fixing part 210'.

[88] Also, a second fit-in type fixing part 220' has a hole 221' into which the first fit-in type fixing part 210' is inserted. Coupling protrusions 222' may be formed at opposite insides of the hole 221' such that the coupling protrusions 222' are inserted into the corresponding coupling grooves 211'.

[89] Of course, although not shown in the drawing, the coupling grooves 211' may be formed at the opposite insides of the hole 221' of the second fit-in type fixing part 220', and the coupling protrusions 222' may be formed at the opposite outsides of the first fit-in type fixing part 210'.

[90] Consequently, the first fit- in type fixing part 210' is inserted into the hole 221' of the second fit-in type fixing part 220'.

[91] At this time, the coupling protrusions 222' of the second fit- in type fixing part 220' may be inserted into the corresponding coupling grooves 211' formed at the opposite sides of the first fit- in type fixing part 210' into which the second fit- in type fixing part 220' is inserted.

[92] Consequently, the coupling between the first fit-in type fixing part 210' and the second fit-in type fixing part 220' is achieved.

[93] Of course, the separation between the first and second fit-in type fixing parts 210' and 220' is achieved by the execution of the above-described process in reverse order. [94] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is another sectional view of the first embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a second embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is another sectional view of the second embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the third embodiment of the hinge connection unit according to the present invention.

[95] First, the first embodiment of the hinge connection unit 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[96] The hinge connection unit 300 includes a clip body 310 protruding from the inner side of the first body unit 110 and having a fitting hole 311 extending along the inner side of the first body unit 110 and a rotary support body 320 provided at the inner side of the second body unit 120 and fitted in the fitting hole 311 for rotatably supporting the clip body 310.

[97] The rotary support body 320 includes a support body 321 formed inside each end of the inner side of the second body unit 120, a fixing bolt 322, and a fixing clip 323.

[98] The support body 321 includes a rotary hole 321a formed inside the inner side of the second body unit 120 for allowing the clip body 310 to be introduced thereinto and a bolt fitting hole 321b formed along the inner side of the second body unit 120 such that the bolt fitting hole 321b communicates with the rotary hole 321a.

[99] The fixing bolt 322 is fitted in the bolt fitting hole 321b. The fixing bolt 322 has head parts formed at opposite ends thereof. The head parts of the fixing bolt 322 have a predetermined outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting hole 321b.

[100] The head parts include an upper end head 322a and a lower end head 322b.

[101] The fixing clip 323 is mounted at the outer circumference of the support body 321, such that the fixing clip 323 is located around the bolt fitting hole 321b, for fixing the upper end head 322a while surrounding the outer circumference of the upper end head 322a.

[102] As shown in FIG. 6, the fixing clip 323 includes a first clip 323a extending along the outer circumference of the upper end head 322a by a predetermined length, a second clip 323b having one end extending from the upper end of the first clip 323a inwardly of the first clip 323a by a predetermined length, and a third clip 323c inclined upward from the other end of the second clip 323b outwardly of the first clip 323a such that the third clip 323c widens outward.

[103] Consequently, it is possible for the fixing bolt 322 to move through the bolt fitting hole 321b. [104] FIG. 6 illustrates that the clip body 310 is separated from the rotary support body 320, and FIG. 7 illustrates that the clip body 310 is coupled with the rotary support body 320.

[105] Referring to FIG. 6, the clip body 310 is located in the rotary hole 321a of the support body 321. At this time, the upper end head 322a of the fixing bolt 322 is separated from the fixing clip 323.

[106] Subsequently, when the fixing bolt 322 is pushed into the rotary hole 321a through the bolt fitting hole 321b, the fixing bolt 322 is fitted into the fitting hole 311 of the clip body 310.

[107] And the upper end head 322a of the fixing bolt 322 is fixed by the fixing clip 323.

[108] At this time, since the third clip 323c is inclined upward such that the third clip 323c widens outward, the third clip 323c guides the outer circumference of the upper end head 322a such that the upper end head 322a easily moves downward.

[109] The top of the upper end head 322a may be supported by the second clip 323b, and the outer circumference of the upper end head 322a may be supported by the first clip 323a.

[110] Consequently, the upper end head 322a of the fixing bolt 322 is easily fixed by the fixing clip 323.

[I l l] Also, the lower end head 322b of the fixing bolt 322 is fitted in a location groove

32 Id with the result that the lower end head 322b of the fixing bolt 322 is fixed in the location groove 32 Id.

[112] Consequently, it is possible for the rotary support body 320 to rotatably support the clip body 310.

[113] In the above, the description was given of the coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at one end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at one end of the inner side of the second body unit 120. In fact, however, the hinge connection unit 300 is provided at each end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at each end of the inner side of the second body unit 120. The coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at the other end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at the other end of the inner side of the second body unit 120 is substantially identical to the previously described coupling of the hinge connection unit 300. Consequently, the coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at the other end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at the other end of the inner side of the second body unit 120 will not be described.

[114] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the hinge connection unit 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[115] The hinge connection unit 300 includes a clip body 310 protruding from the inner side of the first body unit 110 and having a fitting hole 311 extending along the inner side of the first body unit 110 and a rotary support body 320' provided at the inner side of the second body unit 120 and fitted in the fitting hole 311 for rotatably supporting the clip body 310. [116] The rotary support body 320' includes a support body 321', a fixing bolt 322', and an elastic member 324. [117] The support body 321' includes a rotary hole 321'a formed inside the inner side of the second body unit 120 for allowing the clip body 310 to be introduced thereinto and a bolt fitting hole 321'b formed along the inner side of the second body unit 120 such that the bolt fitting hole 321'b communicates with the rotary hole 321 'a. [118] The fixing bolt 322' is fitted in the bolt fitting hole 32 l'b. The fixing bolt 322' has head parts formed at opposite ends thereof. The head parts of the fixing bolt 322' have a predetermined outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting hole

321'b.

[119] The head parts include an upper end head 322'a and a lower end head 322'b. [120] The elastic member 324 is mounted in a support groove 321c formed at the outer circumference of the support body 321' such that the elastic member 324 is located around the bolt fitting hole 321'b. [121] One end of the elastic member 324 is elastically supported at the bottom of the upper end head 322'a, and the other end of the elastic member 324 is elastically supported in the support groove 321c. [122] Consequently, it is possible for the elastic member 324, such as a spring, to return the fixing bolt 322' to its original position. [123] FIG. 8 illustrates that the elastic member 324 is tensed to a predetermined length, and therefore, the elastic member 324 has an elastic restoring force, and FIG. 9 illustrates that the elastic member 324 returns to its original state. [124] That is, FIG. 8 illustrates that the clip body 310 is separated from the rotary support body 320', and FIG. 9 illustrates that the clip body 310 is coupled with the rotary support body 320'. [125] Referring to FIG. 8, the clip body 310 is located in the rotary hole 321'a of the support body 321'. At this time, the upper end head 322'a of the fixing bolt 322' is separated from the upper end of the support body 321' by a predetermined distance. [126] At this time, the elastic member 324 is tensed to a predetermined length, and therefore, the elastic member 324 has an elastic restoring force. [127] Subsequently, when the fixing force which is being applied to the upper end head

322'a of the fixing bolt 322', the fixing bolt 322' is pushed into the rotary hole 321'a through the bolt fitting hole 321'b by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member

324. [128] Also, the lower end head 322'b of the fixing bolt 322' is fitted in a location groove

32 Id with the result that the lower end head 322'b of the fixing bolt 322' is fixed in the location groove 32 Id.

[129] Consequently, it is possible for the rotary support body 320' to rotatably support the clip body 310.

[130] In the above, the description was given of the coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at one end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at one end of the inner side of the second body unit 120. In fact, however, the hinge connection unit 300 is provided at each end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at each end of the inner side of the second body unit 120. The coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at the other end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at the other end of the inner side of the second body unit 120 is substantially identical to the previously described coupling of the hinge connection unit 300. Consequently, the coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at the other end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at the other end of the inner side of the second body unit 120 will not be described.

[131] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the hinge connection unit 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[132] The hinge connection unit 300 includes a clip body 310' protruding from the inner side of the first body unit 110 and having a fitting hole 311' extending along the inner side of the first body unit 110 and a rotary support body 320" provided at the inner side of the second body unit 120 and fitted in the fitting hole 311' for rotatably supporting the clip body 310'.

[133] The rotary support body 320" is provided at the inner side of the second body unit 120. The rotary support body 320" includes an upper body 321", a lower body 322" arranged in parallel to the upper body 321" such that the lower body 322" is spaced from the upper body 321" by a predetermined distance, a first bent body 323" connected between one end of the upper body 321" and one corresponding end of the lower body 322", and a second bent body 324" provided at the other end of the upper body 321", the second bent body 324" being bent downward and then bent inwardly of the upper body 321" toward the bottom of the upper body 321" for guiding the introduction of the clip body 310'.

[134] The rotary support body 320" may be made of a thin metal sheet or a plastic material.

[135] When one end of the clip body 310' shown in FIG. 10 is pushed toward the second bent body 324", the one end of the clip body 310' comes into contact with the outer surface of the second bent body 324", and the distance between the upper body 321", including the second bent body 324", and the lower body 322" is increased by the pushing force.

[136] At this time, the first bent body 323" serves to appropriately restrain the increase of distance between the upper body 321" and the lower body 322".

[137] Consequently, the clip body 310' is introduced inward between the upper body 321" and the lower body 322", the upper body 321" and the lower body 322", the distance between which is increased, return to their original positions, and the second bent body 324" is located in the fitting hole 311' of the clip body 310'.

[138] Consequently, it is possible for the rotary support body 320" to rotatably support the clip body 310'.

[139] In the above, the description was given of the coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at one end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at one end of the inner side of the second body unit 120. In fact, however, the hinge connection unit 300 is provided at each end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at each end of the inner side of the second body unit 120. The coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at the other end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at the other end of the inner side of the second body unit 120 is substantially identical to the previously described coupling of the hinge connection unit 300. Consequently, the coupling of the hinge connection unit 300 at the other end of the inner side of the first body unit 110 and at the other end of the inner side of the second body unit 120 will not be described.

[140] Meanwhile, the spine guard according to the present invention further includes memory foam pads 700 for supporting a space defined between the spine side of the human body and the spine guard and a space defined between the cervical vertebrae side of the human body and the spine guard, respectively, at the first and second body units 110 and 120.

[141] Specifically, the memory foam pads 700 are fitted in the space between the spine side of the human body and the spine guard and the space between the cervical vertebrae side of the human body and the spine guard, in which the spine side and the cervical vertebrae side of the human body are not in direct contact with the outsides of the first and second body units 110 and 120, support the spine side and the cervical vertebrae side of the human body.

[142] At this time, the memory foam pad 700 for supporting the space between the spine side of the human body and the spine guard is attached to the first and second body units 110 and 120 by the attachment means 190 mounted at the lower end sides of the first and second body units 110 and 120, and the memory foam pad 700 for supporting the space between the cervical vertebrae side of the human body and the spine guard is attached to the first and second body units 110 and 120 by the attachment means 190 mounted at the upper end sides of the first and second body units 110 and 120.

[143] Hereinafter, a process for putting the spine guard according to the present invention on a human body will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[144] A human body (not shown), e.g., a patient whose spine and cervical vertebrae are primarily injured, is laid down on the spine guard. At this time, the abdominal part of the human body is directed upward, and the back part of the human body comes into contact with the spine guard.

[145] Subsequently, the human body is turned to the left. [146] As a result, the back part of the human body is partially spaced apart from the spine guard.

[147] The first body unit 110 according to the present invention is located at a predetermined position through the space defined between the back part of the human body and the spine guard. [148] At this time, it is required that one side of the first body unit 110 be located at the middle of the back part of the human body. [149] Subsequently, the human body is returned to its original position, and then the human body is turned to the right. [150] As a result, the back part of the human body is partially spaced apart from the spine guard.

[151] The second body unit 120 according to the present invention is located at a predetermined position through the space defined between the back part of the human body and the spine guard. [152] At this time, it is required that one side of the second body unit 120 be located at the middle of the back part of the human body. [153] Here, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 may be disposed such that the one side of the first body unit 110 faces the one side of the second body unit 120. [154] Subsequently, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are connected to each other by the fit-in type fixing unit 200. [155] Specifically, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are coupled to each other at a plurality of positions on the mutually facing sides of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120. [156] In addition, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are hingedly connected to each other by the hinge connection unit 300 according to the present invention. [157] Specifically, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are hingedly connected to each other at opposite ends of the mutually facing sides of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120.

[158] Subsequently, the human body is returned to its original position. [159] As a result, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are located at the back part of the human body. [160] Subsequently, the other ends of the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are connected to each other, and, in addition, the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are fixed to the human body, by the fixing bands 510 and 520, made of a highly elastic material, provided at the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120, respectively.

[161] At this time, it is possible to easily fix the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 to human bodies of various sizes because the fixing bands 510 and 520 according to the present invention are made of a material that can be tensed to a predetermined length.

[162] Here, the structure in which the first body unit 110 and the second body unit 120 are connected to each other by the fit- in type fixing unit 200 and the hinge connection unit 300 according to the present invention and the method for such connection were previously described in detail, and therefore, a further description thereof will not be given. Industrial Applicability

[163] Apparent from the above description, the spine guard according to the present invention is constructed in a left and right separation type structure, thereby solving problems, such as spinal injury, which may be caused by the conventional single body type spine guard.

[164] Also, the spine guard according to the present invention minimizes the spinal motion of a patient, thereby effectively preventing secondary spinal injury of the patient at a pre hospital phase. In addition, it is possible to remove the spine guard without injury to the spine of the patient while the patient is laid on a bed during the transportation of the patient to the hospital.

[165] Furthermore, the spine guard according to the present invention remedies the defects of the straight type structure of the conventional single body type spine guard, and, in addition, the memory foam pads, having a predetermined thickness, are attached to the depressed part of the lower lumbar vertebrae along the S-type waist curve, thereby achieving stable spinal fixation and minimizing a load applied to the spine.

[166] Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

[1] A spine guard comprising: a first body unit formed in a board shape; a second body unit formed in a shape symmetrical to the first body unit; a fit- in type fixing unit mounted at one side of the first body unit and one side of the second body unit for interconnecting the first body unit and the second body unit in a symmetrical fashion; and a hinge connection unit mounted at each end of the one side of the first body unit and each end of the one side of the second body unit for hingedly interconnecting the first body unit and the second body unit.

[2] The spine guard according to claim 1, wherein the fit- in type fixing unit comprises: a plurality of first fit- in type fixing parts mounted at the one side of the first body unit at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first body unit; and a plurality of second fit- in type fixing parts mounted at the one side of the second body unit at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second body unit.

[3] The spine guard according to claim 2, wherein each of the first fit- in type fixing parts comprises an extension body having a predetermined length and a protrusion formed at one end of the extension body, and each of the second fit-in type fixing parts comprises an insertion groove having an opening for allowing the protrusion to be inserted thereinto and a sliding hole extending from the insertion groove by a predetermine length, the sliding hole having a size sufficient for the extension body to slide therealong.

[4] The spine guard according to claim 2, wherein each of the first fit- in type fixing parts protrudes by a predetermined length and has coupling grooves formed at opposite outsides thereof, and each of the second fit-in type fixing parts has a hole into which the corresponding first fit-in type fixing part is inserted and has coupling protrusions formed at opposite insides of the hole such that the coupling protrusions are inserted into the corresponding coupling grooves.

[5] The spine guard according to claim 1, wherein the hinge connection unit comprises: a clip body protruding from the one side of the first body unit and having a fitting hole formed along the one side of the first body unit; and a rotary support body provided at the one side of the second body unit and fitted in the fitting hole for rotatably supporting the clip body.

[6] The spine guard according to claim 5, wherein the rotary support body comprises: a support body having a rotary hole formed inside the one side of the second body unit for allowing the clip body to be introduced thereinto and a bolt fitting hole formed along the one side of the second body unit such that the bolt fitting hole communicates with the rotary hole; a fixing bolt fitted in the bolt fitting hole, the fixing bolt having head parts, of a predetermined outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting hole, formed at opposite ends thereof, the head parts including an upper end head formed at one end of the fixing bolt and a lower end head formed at the other end of the fixing bolt; and a fixing clip mounted at the outer circumference of the support body, such that the fixing clip is located around the bolt fitting hole, for fixing the upper end head while surrounding the outer circumference of the upper end head.

[7] The spine guard according to claim 6, wherein the fixing clip comprises: a first clip extending along the outer circumference of the upper end head by a predetermined length; a second clip having one end extending from the upper end of the first clip inwardly of the first clip by a predetermined length; and a third clip inclined upward from the other end of the second clip outwardly of the first clip such that the third clip widens outward.

[8] The spine guard according to claim 5, wherein the rotary support body comprises: a support body having a rotary hole formed inside the one side of the second body unit for allowing the clip body to be introduced thereinto and a bolt fitting hole formed along the one side of the second body unit such that the bolt fitting hole communicates with the rotary hole; a fixing bolt fitted in the bolt fitting hole, the fixing bolt having head parts, of a predetermined outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting hole, formed at opposite ends thereof, the head parts including an upper end head formed at one end of the fixing bolt and a lower end head formed at the other end of the fixing bolt; and an elastic member mounted in a support groove formed at the outer circumference of the support body such that the elastic member is located around the bolt fitting hole, one end of the elastic member being elastically supported at the bottom of the upper end head and the other end of the elastic member being elastically supported in the support groove, for returning the fixing bolt to its original position.

[9] The spine guard according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: a location groove formed inside the support body where the rotary hole is formed for allowing the lower end head to be located therein in a fitting fashion.

[10] The spine guard according to claim 5, wherein the rotary support body is provided at the one side of the second body unit, and the rotary support body comprises: an upper body; a lower body arranged in parallel to the upper body such that the lower body is spaced from the upper body by a predetermined distance; a first bent body connected between one end of the upper body and one corresponding end of the lower body; and a second bent body provided at the other end of the upper body, the second bent body being bent downward and then bent inwardly of the upper body toward the bottom of the upper body for guiding the introduction of the clip body.

[11] The spine guard according to claim 1, wherein the first body unit and the second body unit have fixing members, made of aluminum, mounted at the one end of the first body unit and the one end of the second body unit, respectively, in the longitudinal direction of the first body unit and the second body unit, the first body unit and the second body unit have pluralities of attachment means provided at upper end sides of the first body unit and the second body unit and lower end sides of the first body unit and the second body unit, respectively, and the first body unit and the second body unit have memory foam pads disposed at the upper and lower end sides of the first body unit and the second body unit, respectively, the memory foam pads being attached to the first body unit and the second body unit via the attachment means.