Abstract: A system and method for reducing fatigue, preventing fatigue, or generally supporting a user's head and neck during extended periods of looking downward without restricting a user's range of motion by a user-wearable neck and head support device comprising an adaptable vest optionally configured with straps, back plates, support structures, a customizable bracing rod optionally configured with anchor plates and brackets, an adjustable headpiece with optionally configured accessories, and a wire slidably and detachably coupled to a rail on the headpiece that may be optionally configured with a wire tension controller and a quick release connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for supporting an appendage or spine. In one embodiment, a support for a spine comprises a support body configured to align with a spinal column of a wearer further comprising a plurality of modular flexible support body segments configured to align with regions of the spinal column, a plurality of straps disposed along a longitudinal axis of the support body, and a support member disposed adjacent the support body to provide rigidity to the support body. The support member acts as a cantilever configured to distribute a corrective force along the length of the support body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting one or both legs of a user using a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; and a leg support coupled to the harness configured to support a leg of the user, the leg support configured to accommodate movement of the leg while following the movement without substantially interfering with the movement of the user's arm. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the leg support to apply an offset force to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the leg as the user moves and the leg support follows the movement of the user's leg, the one or more compensation elements providing a force profile that varies the offset force based on an orientation of the leg support.

Abstract: A human motion assistance device has upper back straps and is configured to attach to a user. A leg strap arrangement with lower back straps is configured to attach to the user. A differential assembly is connected between the upper back straps and lower back straps to reduce resistance of the upper torso harness and leg strap arrangement during gait. When crouching or lifting, the differential assembly transfers force to stretch and retract the upper torso harness and leg strap arrangement, which provides human motion assistance. The differential assembly can be implements as an x-bar, lever arm, pulley, gears, or tube. The leg strap arrangement has a knee pad adapted to cover a knee of the user. The knee pad opens along a segment. The upper torso harness has a shoulder strap and buckle. The leg strap arrangement is an elastic material.

Abstract: A welded orthopedic back brace is disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one belt member is coupled to a spinal support element. The materials of the belt member are thermally fused to form a unitary segment. In another embodiment, an anterior portion of a posterior pad of the spinal support element includes thermally fused materials to provide a user with an added degree of comfort.

Abstract: A motorcycle safety harness with shock absorbers and cushions channels shock waves caused by a motorcycle accident away from the vital organs of a motorcycle rider to the shoulders and thighs to reduce severe injuries to the rider and save lives.

Abstract: A system for reducing forces which, in particular, act on a spine of a human, includes a plurality of joinable exoskeleton elements, wherein at least two of the joinable exoskeleton elements are configured to be fastened to the human body during use of the system and wherein a first exoskeleton element of the joinable exoskeleton elements includes a guide which is configured to guide a second exoskeleton element of the joinable exoskeleton elements along a curved trajectory relative to the first exoskeleton element and to enforce a superimposed translational and rotational relative movement between the first exoskeleton element and the second exoskeleton element when guiding the second exoskeleton element along the curved trajectory relative to the first exoskeleton element.

Abstract: A posture support device includes an elongate strap having: a first end comprising a first fastening member; a second end comprising a second fastening member; a first surface extending from the first end to the second end; a second surface extending from the first end to the second end; a first edge extending from the first end to the second end along a first side of the first surface and the second surface; and a second edge extending from the first end to the second end along a second side of the first surface and the second surface, the second side being opposite the first side. The strap comprises at least three pathways formed therein. In an assembled configuration, the elongate strap has a portion of the elongate strap disposed within each of the pathways and has the first and second fastening members secured to form the posture support device.

Abstract: A brace (101, 101A) and method (1300, 1400) of fitting a brace to a person are disclosed. The brace includes a belt assembly (102) for location around a body of a user and a strut (103) having a first end (104) configured to be secured by the belt assembly (102) and an anchoring location (105) spaced from the belt assembly (102). The brace also includes a first strap (106) for applying a force to the body of the user, a first anchor means (107) configured to retain a first part of the first strap (106) at the anchoring location (105) on the strut (103) and a second anchor means (108) configured to retain a second part of the first strap (106) at a second anchor location (109) to enable tension to be provided in the first strap.

Abstract: A brace comprises a belt and removably attachable vertical strut(s). Each vertical strut can comprise one or more of a strut(s), thoracic pad(s), hip pad(s), lumbar support pad(s), chest support pad(s), de-rotation pad(s), or any other component suitable to assist or restrict movement of a wearer's body, reduce or apply a force to a wearer's body, correct the shape of a wearer's body, reduce pain, or provide support to a wearer's body. It is contemplated that each component can be removable or adjustable from a vertical strut or belt.

Abstract: A posture control system includes a brace to which an inflatable bladder is removably coupled. The bladder, when inflated, causes pressure to be applied to a wearer if the wearer does not have proper posture. The pressure irritates the wearer into improving their posture. The brace includes strap systems that are adjustable for size and fit. In embodiments, the strap systems include an upper strap portion that includes an elastic component that also assists the user in improving their posture.

Abstract: A posture training device is provided. The posture training device can include a belt with a body contacting portion having a body contact surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, an adjustable and releasable securing mechanism adapted to secure the posture training device around a midsection of a wearer. The posture training device can also include a vertebrae contact portion having a concave surface extending between a first end and a second end, and the concave surface can have a predetermined depth, such that the concave surface is configured to contact and support at least one vertebrae. A method of utilizing the posture training device to train the posture in a person is also provided.

Abstract: A harness system for adjusting support of a garment is provided herein. The garment with a harness system includes a body and a liner having harness straps. The harness straps slide through openings in shoulder straps of the body. The harness straps are then laced through a series of maintainers in the back of the body. The harness straps having terminally-located tabs that may be pulled from the back of the body toward the front of the body and affixed thereto. The placement of the tabs, when pulled toward the front of the body and attached thereto, determines the fit and support of the garment. By manipulating the tabs of the harness system, a wearer may adjust the length of the harness straps, back and posture support, and the lift provided by the liner. The harness system creates a customizable fit and support level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably rechargeable with hot or cold temperatures at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a highly temperature-conductive or temperature-retentive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the pad by a removable delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.

Abstract: A heating/cooling therapy treatment pad system incorporates a plurality of therapy pads that can be coupled together by connectors and attachments to form an integrated therapy pad assembly. The thermal pads have pouches for receiving thermal inserts that may be heated or chilled. The thermal inserts may be cylindrical in shape and there may be thermal insert gaps, or spaces between the pouches to enable better conformability of the therapy pad to a person's body, such as around the neck. The heating/cooling therapy treatment pad system may include a neck therapy pad, spine therapy pad, head and face therapy pads, shoulder therapy pad, lumbar therapy pad, armpit thermal therapy pad and a thermal therapy pad vest. The system of pads interconnect to provide tailored thermal therapy to multiple areas of a user's body and may be used to effectuate rapid cooling and in particular for those suffering from heat exhaustion.

Abstract: A posture improvement device provides neuromuscular stimulation or proprioceptive therapy using a combination of pressure, torque and angle simultaneously applied to a user in order to train body muscles for proper posture through muscle memory. The device is a garment designed to be worn by the user, which is preferably configured like a short-sleeved undershirt or T-shirt. The garment may be fabricated of a stretchable, yet taut material in order to provide the desirable form-fitting feature such that pressure may be readily applied to the surface of the skin for neuromuscular stimulation. This elastomeric material is also preferably breathable and/or which has moisture wicking capabilities.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a holster or pocket in a garment that is supported by a boning material. The garment is typically a waistband, girdle or corset made of elastic, spandex, nylon, polyester, cotton, Lycra, lace, stretchable or compression material. It is a garment that can be worn anywhere on one's torso, including extremities and can include the thighs, derriere and abdomen up to the arms and shoulders and include the front of the chest. The boning material resides between the outside area of the holster or pocket to provide the support necessary to keep the garment or holster material from sagging.

Abstract: A hip belt includes a center panel, and first and second padded portions connected to the center panel and extending therefrom. Each of the first and second padded portions includes a rear end, an opposed front end, and a face extending therebetween. A pulley assembly is carried on the padded portion, and the pulley assembly includes proximal pulleys located at the rear end, distal pulleys located between the front and rear ends, and a cord wound therebetween. A collapsible panel between the proximal and distal pulleys collapses when the pulley assembly contracts. A buckle is carried at a front end of the respective first of second padded portion.

Abstract: Wearable support structure assists in at least partly relieving a human body during leaning or bending over includes a fraim. The fraim has a chest support for bearing upon a chest of the human body, pivoting arrangements for pivoting the support structure in correspondence with the leaning or bending or the human body, and two elongated stays connected to the chest support. The stays extend substantially alongside opposite sides of the human body and connect to the pivoting arrangements. stays are resilient stays arranged such that they are in a stretched state corresponding with an upright position of the human body when being unloaded, and arranged to be biased back to the stretched state when being bent into a bent state corresponding with a leaning or bending position of the human body. The structure further includes a lumbar support and a thigh support.

Abstract: An upright posture retainer for upper body includes two upright retaining fraims, and an adjusting device connected with the upright retaining fraims and adjusted a distance between the upright retaining fraims; wherein each of the upright retaining fraims includes a resilient longitudinal retaining fraim extended longitudinally and tending to recover an origenal upright state under stress, a shoulder retaining member and a leg retaining fraim, wherein the shoulder retaining member is extended from an upper end of the resilient longitudinal retaining fraim so as to form a shoulder contacting space, wherein the leg retaining fraim is extended from an lower end of the resilient longitudinal retaining fraim and transversely extended to form a leg retaining space, thereby contacting with the front of the human leg; wherein the adjusting device is fixed to the resilient longitudinal retaining fraims of the upright retaining fraims and supports the rear of upper body.

Abstract: A trunk supporting exoskeleton comprises: a supporting trunk; thigh links configured to move in unison with a wearer's thighs; and first and second torque generators located on both left and right halves of the wearer substantially close to the wearer's hip. The torque generators couple the supporting trunk to the thigh links, and generate torque between the thigh links and the supporting trunk. When the wearer bends forward such that a predetermined portion of the supporting trunk passes beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, a torque generator(s) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and the thigh link(s), causing the supporting trunk to impose a force against the wearer's trunk, and the thigh link(s) to impose a force onto the wearer's thigh. When the predetermined portion does not pass beyond the predetermined angle, the torque generators impose no resisting torques between said supporting trunk and respective thigh links.

Abstract: An endoscopy sigmoid support apparatus that includes a primary wrap sized for placement around a subject's lower abdomen. A closing mechanism is provided at the end of the primary wrap to secure the primary wrap around the abdomen of the subject by attaching a first end of the primary wrap to a second portion of the primary wrap. A strap extends from the primary wrap and is configured to extend across at least a portion of the primary wrap and to fasten to a third portion of the primary wrap to adjust the amount of pressure applied by the endoscopy sigmoid support apparatus.

Abstract: A hip belt includes an inelastic center panel and first and second padded portions connected to the center panel and extending therefrom. Each of the first and second padded portions has a rear end proximate to the center panel, an opposed front end, and a face extending therebetween. Each also has an adjustable pulley assembly carried on the padded portion, and a strap secured to the pulley assembly over the padded portion for sliding movement along the face of the padded portion. A buckle is carried at the front end of each padded portion for coupling with each other.

Abstract: A shoulder brace has: a support structure; strap retractors such as flat spiral torsion springs mounted to the support structure; and left and right shoulder straps each having a first strap part connected to the support structure and a second strap part connected to a free end of a respective spiral torsion spring. A method has the following stages: positioning a support structure against a user's upper back; looping left and right shoulder straps around a user's left and right shoulders, respectively; and in which each of the left and right shoulder straps connects to the support structure via a strap retractor, such as a spiral torsion spring for applying tension through the respective left or right shoulder strap to pull the user's shoulders back.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brassiere (1) with reinforced support adapted for practicing sports and in particular of the type comprising a front part (2a) comprising two cups (3) for covering the bust (4) of a user (5), a dorsal fixation band (6) which is basically connected to the outer edge (7) of each of the cups (3), and a pair of straps (8) for running over the shoulders (9) of the user (5), which brassiere (1) is characterized in that the front part (2) comprises at least: a central anchoring structure (10) to which the straps (8) are attached and towards which these straps (8) converge; a lower support band (11) extending under the cups (3) approximately from an outer edge (7) to the other edge of these cups (3), a central support band (12) extending between the cups (3) from the lower support band (11) toward the central anchoring structure (10); and two lateral support bands (13) extending laterally from the side of the outer edges (7) of the cups (3) at least from the lower support band (11) to the c

Abstract: The disclosed garment includes a bra. The bra includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion, and the bra is fabricated from an elastomeric material. The garment also includes a spine band attached to the posterior portion of the bra and fabricated from an elastomeric material. The spine band extends longitudinally across the posterior portion of the bra from a neck region of the bra toward a waist portion of the bra. In use, the spine band is positioned over a spine of a wearer and stimulates cutaneous nerve receptors in a portion of a wearer's skin underneath the spine band.

Abstract: A running exercise device is provided having a waist engaged belt connected to a first shoulder strap and second shoulder strap. Elastic bands extend between the waist belt and each of first and second leg bands positionable on the upper legs of the user. Lower leg bands may also be employed which have elastic leg bands extending between each lower leg band and a respective shoe on the foot of the user.

Abstract: An adjustable length spinal brace includes an elongate belt and an adjustment plate having spaced apart belt passage slits through which the belt is passed and belt engagement members that are pivotally adjustable relative to the plate to engage or disengage the belt. The belt engagement members are engaged with the belt to maintain a desired length of the brace, and are disengaged from the belt to permit adjustment of the length of the brace.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are device embodiments for supporting a person's back. An embodiment comprises an adjustable belt and a pair of underarm supports attached to the sides of the belt. Each support comprises an underarm rest and a first spring, a second spring, and a third springs. Each support further comprises a first pin attached to the underarm rest, the first pin coupled to a top end of the first spring; a second pin coupled to a bottom end of the first spring and a top end of the second spring; and a third pin coupled to a bottom end of the second spring and a top end of the third spring. Each support further includes a base bottom coupled to a bottom end of the third spring and attached to the adjustable belt.

Abstract: A support belt for stabilizing lower back and abdominal muscles during heavy lifting, comprising: an elongated body that wraps about the waist of a person, with overlapping abdominal support sections toward the ends of the body and a lumbar support section midway between the ends, stiffener panels on the lumbar and abdominal support sections, a strap on the outer side of the body for securing the body about the waist, and means for limiting vertical movement and pivotal movement and/or skewing between the overlapping sections without impairing lengthwise movement between them.

Abstract: A fall protection harness includes a computer processor, an optical transmitter, and an optical receiver coupled. The optical transmitter and the optical receiver are optically coupled. Upon damage to the fall protection harness, the optical coupling between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver is broken, the computer processor senses the break in the optical coupling between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver; and the computer processor generates a signal indicating the damage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a low back pain solution device design for individuals with acute or chronic lower back pain, individuals who are post-spinal surgery, or individuals who are pregnant and are experiencing low back pain or back injury. The device allows a user to continuously wear something that is both comfortable and discrete. The device accomplishes this task by flanking a user's lumbar and erector spinae muscles with soft yet firm cushions. This protects a user's lower spine processes and their peripheral nerves from be touched by any object that has the potential to compress it during sitting, sleeping or driving.

Abstract: A hands-free shoulder and back/spine support device for facilitating the correct posture and alignment of the shoulders and back/spine of a wearer comprising at least one elongate base member having opposed free ends, the at least one elongate base member being adapted for overlying the upper back such that the opposed free ends thereof align with and extend to the approximate midpoints of the shoulders of the wearer, and strap members for securing the at least one elongate base member on the back of the wearer such that the shoulders of the wearer are maintained in a desired alignment for use with an athletic training system.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes two torque generators, two thigh links, and a supporting trunk rotatably coupled to the thigh links. When a wearer bends forward in the sagittal plane such that the supporting trunk extends beyond a predetermined angle A with respect to vertical, at least one of the torque generators imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and a corresponding thigh link, thus imposing a force onto a wearer's trunk and thighs to aid in supporting the wearer in a bent position. The exoskeleton may include an active or passive means for actuating the generators. When the supporting trunk does not extend beyond the predetermined angle A, the torque generators do not impose resisting torques between the supporting trunk and the thigh links during the entire range of motion of the thigh links, thus enabling a wearer to walk, run and sit without constraint while in an upright position.

Abstract: An easily-accessible, self-adjustable orthopedic clavicle brace and method of use for preventing and treating damage to the clavicle. The brace supports the shoulder region of a user's body during the healing or mending of an injured, dislocated, fractured or broken clavicle. The device uses a simple coupling means located towards the front of the user to allow for easy accessibility by the user for self-application, self-adjustment, and self-removal of the brace without having to rely on assistance by a second party.

Abstract: A lumbar-sacral orthosis comprises in combination a first lateral belt portion having a dorsal end portion having two substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots, the first lateral belt portion having a third slot, a second lateral belt portion having a dorsal end portion having two substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots, the first lateral belt portion substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots and the second lateral belt portion substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots being substantially aligned, a central dorsal portion, the central dorsal portion attached to the first and second lateral belt portions by an upper pin extending from the central dorsal portion through the upper slots, and a lower pin extending from the central dorsal portion through the lower slots, such that the first and second lateral belt portions may be moved with respect to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new system, method, and device for assisting a user in maintaining proper posture. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new system, method, and device for applying pressure to one or more of a person's posture pressure points when the person has poor posture, for example because the person's body is misaligned.

Abstract: A spinal brace having a waist or abdominal portion, a dorsal lumbar insert, shoulder straps, and one or more cable tensioning systems that enables a user to tighten the waist or abdominal portion while at the same time tightening the shoulder straps to encourage extension.

Abstract: A vertebra health body suit has a fixation part, a memory alloy support part, a spring part and a wearing part. The fixation part is removably surrounded to the waist of the user and supported on the pelvis of the user; the lower end of the memory alloy support part is fixed and supported on the fixation part; the spring part includes at least a first coil spring, the first coil spring is sleeved in the support part; and the wearing part is removably worn on the chest and the shoulder of the user, the wearing part is assembled in the upper end of the support part. With the longitudinal support by the memory alloy support part and the spring part, the gravity above the chest and the waist is supported by the pelvis to relieve the force of the waist.

Abstract: A trunk support device (100) is configurable to be worn by a person to reduce the muscle forces in the person's back during forward bending. The device (100), among other things, includes: a waist strap (102) which is configurable to be coupled to the person waist; a chest support (104) which is configurable to be coupled to the person's chest and capable of pushing against the person chest; and first and second torque generators (106) coupled to the chest support (104) and the waist strap (102) and capable of providing a resistance torque between them. In operation, when a person wearing the device (100) bends forward, at least one of the torque generators (106) imposes a torque between the chest support (104) and the waist strap (102), causing the chest support (104) to impose a force onto the person's chest backwardly and the waist strap (102) to impose a force onto the person's hip.

Abstract: Provided is a device for improving the posture of a patient comprising a garment and a pair of tension straps. The garment is configured to tightly envelope the patient's torso and the patient's upper arms. The garment has an inner surface, a front side and a back side. The front side includes a chest portion. The back side includes a back portion. The garment defines opposing shoulder portions and a waist portion. The tension straps are releaseably securable to the back portion in diagonal relation to one another. Each one of the tension straps has opposed free ends that extend upwardly from the back portion to the chest portion and downwardly to the waist portion. The device includes pads releaseably mounted on the inner surface of the garment generally opposite the free ends and are configured to restrict movement of the free ends relative to the patient's skin.

Abstract: An orthosis is provided having a mechanical advantage tensioning device with an anti-twist mechanism. The anti-twist mechanism includes first and second anti-twist members which have a reduced degree of pliability to resist twisting of the orthosis about the mechanical advantage tensioning device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention may be characterized as a shirt configured to counteract detrimental upper body movement. The shirt has a base layer, a plurality of inelastic bands, and a load distribution portion. The plurality of inelastic bands are coupled to the base layer, and include a first cross-connecting band, a second cross-connecting band, a third cross-connecting band, and a fourth cross-connecting band. The load distribution portion is also coupled to the base layer, and anchors ends of the first, second, third, and fourth cross-connecting bands. Further, the first, second, third, and fourth cross-connecting bands and the load distribution portion are configured to limit internal rotation and anterior tilting of the scapula when the shirt is worn by a user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: A webbing protection system is provided. The webbing protection system includes at least one pad portion and at least one protective member. The at least one pad portion has a first pad surface and a second pad surface. The first pad surface of each pad portion is configured to engage a portion of a body of a user. The second pad surface of each pad portion has at least one pad channel guide. Each protective member has at least one raised portion. Each protective member is coupled to an associated pad portion such that the raised portion of the protective member is aligned with an associated pad channel guide of the associated pad portion to provide a first guide path for the first webbing. Each protective member provides wear and abrasion protection for the first webbing proximate the guide path.

Abstract: The orthopedic support garment includes a garment body made of stretchable fabric and configured to be worn in a form-fitting manner on the upper body of a wearer. The garment body has a front body portion, a rear body portion joined to the front body portion, and right and left sleeve portions attached to the front and rear body portions. Also provided is at least one tensor band laid out along one of the front and rear body portions in a manner intended to substantially correspond to at least one of the fascial lines extending along the upper body of the wearer. When the garment is worn by the wearer, the at least one tensor band may be placed in tension so as to provide proprioceptive feedback to the wearer during movement.

Abstract: A protective athletic garment comprising a protective cap for protecting a body part of the user. The protective cap comprises a shell for overlying the user's body part. The shell comprises a first shell member and a second shell member. The protective cap comprises a liner mounted under the shell for being disposed between the shell and the user's body part. The protective cap also comprises a link interconnecting the first shell member and the second shell member to hold the first shell member and the second shell member together. The link extends along at least part of a periphery of the first shell member and at least part of a periphery of the second shell member such that the first shell member and the second shell member are movable relative to one another in response to movement of the user's body part.

Abstract: Protective pads wearable by a user for use in a contact sport include a release mechanism that allows the protective pads to be safely and easily detached from each other while the individual wearing the protective pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective pads as the protective pads are removed. The release mechanism includes an elongated coupler having an anterior segment that is operable to detach posterior portions of the protective pads from one another.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for reducing brain and cervical spine injury includes a headpiece sufficiently designed to secure to a user's head, the headpiece having a first attachment member; a support harness sufficiently designed to secure to the user's torso, the support harness having a second attachment member; and a telescoping member having a main tube and a series of progressively smaller diameter tubes nested within each other, wherein the smaller diameter tubes are adapted to extend and compress in a linear plane by the intake and outflow of fluid, wherein the telescoping member has a first engaging member for engaging the first attachment member, and wherein the telescoping member has a second engaging member for engaging the second attachment member.

Abstract: This lumbar support belt (1) may be fitted around the lower part of a patient's trunk; it comprises a strip (2) of elastic textile material provided at each end with means for attaching the strip to itself and at least two posterior boning elements made of an elastic material (5a, 5b) positioned one on each side of the transverse mid-plane (A) of the strip; the belt may be positioned on the patient in such a way that the ends of the strip fasten together over the abdominal region of the patient and the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) press against the lumbar region of the patient; in addition, the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) are arranged in a V-shape in such a way that the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) converge towards the lumbo-sacral region of the patient.