AU2007100572A4 - Head alignment system - Google Patents

Description

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT ORTHOPAEDIC GARMENT FOR DYNAMICALLY ENHANCING PROPER NECK

POSTURE

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: ORTHOPAEDIC GARMENT FOR DYNAMICALLY ENHANCING PROPER NECK POSTURE This invention relates to a neck posture training and correcting device, particularly to a device which dynamically enhances proper neck posture.

Various painful and performance limiting conditions can be attributed to poor posture as it relates to the Cervical Spine. This poor posture of the Cervical Spine may be in the form of Cervical Lordosis, or a head forward position. If the head weighs 5 kg and is aligned directly above the shoulder, the effective load on the spinal tissues is 5 kg. However, if the head has moved forward ,the load is increased by a factor often with each additional inch of forward posture. So if a head moves forward only 2 to 3 inches, the head is loading 10 to 20 kg of pressure through the neck and shoulders.

The correct postural position of the head and neck balances the head over the neck, opens the posterior neck articulations, and elongates the tight posterior neck muscles and ligaments. A common charachteristic of many different types of sporting and daily living activities is the necessity of good posture in order to perform them efficiently and successfully and without risk of injury and pain.

Postural problems in the Cervical Spine can include headaches, muscle strains, neck stiffness and painful spinal facet joints.

Previously, various devices have been utilised in order to address faulty Cervical Posture.

Rigid supports such as soft foam collars and hard collars made of plastic, totally immobilise the neck, and cause muscle weakness if worn too long. They cannot be used efficiently in many activities of daily living such as driving a car, or various sports such as swimming or running.

There are static Cervical supports such as a rod strapped to the back of the head and spine, which allow some restricted movement of the Cervical Spine and are specific for a chosen activity, such as golf. They have significant disadvantages when being used in multiple activities of daily life or sports.

Other attempts have been proposed to improve posture, such as warning devices which emit sound when the wearer of the device goes toward a poor posture. The difficulty with the signally devices is that false signals often occur eg. when the wearer breathes or changes direction.

PAGE 1 S Previously, it has been very difficult to achieve truly dynamic Cervical support and not interfere with full range of movement of the Cervical Spine in all directions such as rotation, lateral flexion, extension and flexion.

What is needed is a dynamic posture support means which will allow the body to S perform complex functional movements such as running, swimming or cycling, and also keep enhancing correct posture. The present invention offers a solution by providing an apparatus which administers the mechanical assistance needed during N complex functional movements of the body.

It is an object of this invention to provide a posture training and correcting device S which creates for the wearer a correct postural alignment.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a posture training and correcting device which does not adversely affect the normal movements and functions of the wearer.The inventive device is designed to provide tactile and proprioceptive N stimulation to help improve the motor learning responses of the user when engaged in certain activities.

A halter strap system in accordance with this invention comprises firm material that is non-stretch or has very little stretch, elastic material that stretches, hook and loop tape for making adjustments in length, and optional cloth metal or plastic buckles and D rings for making adjustments. The collar works by using the counterbalancing pressure of the firm material at the front of the head against the elastic material at the back of the head. This counterbalancing pressure causes the head to be gently pulled back into a correct posture position when the head relaxes. This counterbalancing pressure also provides tactile and proprioceptive stimulation to help improve the motor learning responses of the user.

The bands of firm material are positioned across the front and sides of the forehead, similar to a headband, and also across the chin. They are connected diagonally or vertically, and top to bottom, at the rear of the head, by elastic bandage. The connecting firm chin straps are pulled to tighten the elastic, and then held in position by some means of closure, eg. hook and loop tape.

PAGE 2 The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure I is a side view of a wearer utilizing the device.

Figure 2 is a rear view of a wearer utilizing the device.

Figure 3 is a front view of a wearer utilizing the device.

The preferred embodiment of the invention shown has a headband I with means of adjustment 2 such as hook and loop tape. Stretchable bands 3 are attached to the headband 4. The stretch bands come down and around the head to the front of the chin where they have a means of attachment and size adjustment 5 such as hook and loop tape. When the head moves forward, tension is created in the stretch bands which will oppose the forward head movement.

Previously, is a description of the most preferred embodiment, however alternative embodiments can be described.

Different materials can be used to construct the good posture collar. Softer padded material may be used for the chin and forehead straps for added comfort when the said device is used for reading, studying or computer use.

Waterproof materials eg. Latex, may be used for sport applications such as swimming or running. The forehead strap may be joined to a cap for extra sporting applications. Extra D rings and buckles may be used to create more adjustment points on the collar for the user, and a removable chin piece may be used.

Different sizes and width of stretch material can be used.

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