BE1029076B1 - Device for spinal column lift technique - Google Patents

Abstract

A spinal manipulation device comprising a first treatment surface adapted to be inclined to a horizontal plane and adapted to hold a patient; wherein the treatment surface is provided with a protrusion to support a treated region of the patient's spine, the treatment surface is movable between an upper position and a lower position via a drop mechanism, the drop mechanism comprising a stop that prevents the treatment surface from falling to get below the bottom position.

Description

Device for spinal column lift technique The invention relates to a device for spinal column manipulation. Physiotherapists and osteopaths use mobilization or manipulation techniques to treat back and neck complaints. Mobilization and manipulation are manual techniques used to influence a joint. Upon mobilization of a joint, the joint is steadily moved within its normal range of motion to treat the joint. In contrast, manipulation of a joint uses short, and sharp or rapid movements to move a joint within its normal range of motion.

Research has shown that manipulation techniques are particularly effective for treating a patient's spinal column. However, manipulating the spine is a physically taxing technique for the treating therapist. Moreover, a situation is very different for each patient and therapist. For example, there is a trend of increasing body weight among patients and an aging population among therapists in the field of physiotherapy. The increased body weight of patients is disadvantageous because manipulation becomes more difficult and physically demanding for the therapist. The aging population, or also called aging, indicates an increasing proportion of older therapists. Older therapists are generally less physically strong compared to younger therapists, making it difficult or impossible for them to perform these lumbar manipulation techniques. Therefore, manipulation of the spinal column is not performed or is performed incorrectly.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device that performs lumbar manipulation in a safe and correct manner, whereby a therapist has to make a minimum of physical effort.

To this end, the invention provides a spinal manipulation device comprising a first treatment surface arranged to be inclined at an oblique angle to a horizontal plane. The first treatment surface is configured to hold a patient. The treatment surface is provided with a protrusion to support a region of the patient's spine to be treated. The treatment surface is movable between an upper position and a lower position via a drop mechanism. The drop mechanism includes a stop which prevents the treatment surface from falling below the lower position.

In the context of the application, the device is applicable for treating the entire spinal column, in the text below the device will be explained for clarification in the context of a treatment of the lumbar region of the patient. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the device is also useful for treating the thoracic spine. In other words, the first treatment surface holds the patient at an oblique angle. The patient is supported by the bulge at the location of his or her region of the spinal column to be treated, for example the lumbar region. The treatment surface is movable together with the patient from the upper position to the lower position with a stop preventing the treatment surface from moving below the lower position. In other words, the treatment surface collides with the stop when moving from the top to the bottom position. The collision stops a movement from the top position to the bottom position at the bottom position. The impact generates a brief and mainly upward impulse that is transmitted through the bulge to the patient's lumbar region. The magnitude of the impulse depends on the weight of the patient and a speed of movement of the treatment surface. The impulse acts through the bulge on the tissue of the region of the spine to be treated and unblocks or, in other words, normalizes so-called static, dynamic or reversible dispositions, also called blockages, in the spine. The influence, and more particularly the force, exerted by the impulse on the region to be treated is decomposable into several smaller force vectors. The oblique angle reduces the actual force applied to the lumbar region, making the treatment safer. The force applied to the lumbar region pushes the joints apart, releasing the dispositions, also known as joint blocks or blockages. The mobility of the joints increases and a normal function of the joints can be performed again. This is also called normalizing joints. Based on the above, it is clear that the physical exertion of the therapist while moving the treatment surface is minimal or virtually non-existent. This allows the therapist to correctly and safely perform the manipulation treatment multiple times using the device without putting any physical strain on himself. Furthermore, the device also allows a therapist of any demographic and independent of his or her physical characteristics to perform the treatment because the physical activity of the therapist during the treatment is minimal or virtually non-existent.

Preferably, the drop mechanism includes a retaining element for retaining the first treatment surface at the top position. The retaining element allows the patient to be placed against the first treatment surface in the upper position. Because the patient is held in the upper position against the first treatment surface, the patient does not have to be lifted up manually. Consequently, the physical burden on the therapist is further reduced.

Preferably, the retaining element has a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the retaining element retains the first treatment surface at the top position and wherein in the second state the retaining element releases the first treatment surface. The cooperation of the holding element with the first treatment surface makes it possible on the one hand to hold the first treatment surface and on the other hand to release the first treatment surface. Releasing the first treatment surface initiates the treatment in a simple manner.

Preferably, the device comprises a switching element for switching between the first state and the second state. The switching element simplifies the use of the device.

Preferably, the drop mechanism includes a guide for guiding the treatment surface between the upper and lower positions in primarily a translational movement. A translational movement of the treatment surface between the upper and lower positions is a displacement of the treatment surface in which the treatment surface as a whole moves a distance and in a predetermined direction. In other words, the freedom of movement of the treatment surface is thus limited during the movement between the upper and lower position. On the one hand, the patient is not subjected to unwanted impulses between the upper and lower position because there is no change in the direction of movement. On the other hand, an optimum impulse is generated at the location of the stop, whereby the device normalizes the disposition of the region of the spine to be treated in an improved manner.

Preferably, the stop comprises a damper to damp one end of the movement at the bottom position. An advantage of this is based on the insight that too large an impulse can cause injury and pain to the patient. By providing a damper, the magnitude of the force exerted on the region of the patient to be treated is reduced. The handling and use of the device is thus safer.

Preferably, the drop mechanism includes a drop height control means for moving at least one of the retaining member and the stop to control a distance between the upper and lower positions. By adjusting the distance between the upper and lower position, a magnitude of the impulse can be adjusted. After all, the magnitude of the impulse is directly proportional to the weight of the patient and the speed at which the treatment surface collides with the stop. The speed at which the treatment surface collides with the stop depends on the distance travelled.

Preferably, the drop mechanism is provided to adjust the upper position relative to the lower position to a maximum of 15 cm, more preferably a maximum of 12 cm, most preferably a maximum of 10 cm.

Preferably, the device comprises a shaft, the first treatment surface being tiltably mounted via the shaft to the drop mechanism such that the oblique angle is adjustable. This allows to further regulate the influence of the bulge on the lumbar region.

Preferably, the device further comprises a second treatment surface disposed on a rear side of the first treatment surface, the device having a first state in which the first treatment surface is inclined and a second state in which the second treatment surface extends in a horizontal position. The device can therefore not only be used for a spinal column treatment as described above. In addition, the device is also useful for supine or sitting manipulation and mobilization treatments in the second state. Because the device has the first state and the second state, the device can be used in a broader context.

Preferably, the device includes an angle limiting element for each of the first and second states and the first and second treatment surfaces are tiltable relative to the axis to bring the device into the first or second condition. The angle limiting element limits the tilting movement of the first and second treatment surfaces. This makes it possible to put the device in the different positions in a simple manner, in particular by tilting the first and the second treatment surface.

Preferably, the device further comprises a third treatment surface which is arranged at least partly above the drop mechanism and which is provided to extend in the second position in an extension of the second treatment surface. This allows to support a patient in his or her entirety in the second state. Patient comfort and ergonomics on the device in the second state thus increases.

Preferably, the bevel angle is less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, most preferably less than 60° and/or wherein the bevel angle is greater than 0°, more preferably greater than 20°, with the is most preferably greater than 30°.

Preferably, the device comprises a support adapted to support the drop mechanism at a height. More preferably, the height is adjustable. By supporting the drop mechanism at an adjustable height, it is easier to apply a patient to the first treatment surface because the patient can support himself during application. The therapist does not have to lift the patient in order to place the said patient against the first treatment surface. Thus, the physical burden on the therapist is reduced.

Preferably, the support extends from the fall mechanism in a direction away from the patient to provide clearance under the fall mechanism. Because a free space is created under the fall mechanism, the chance that a patient will bump himself while moving the first treatment surface to the lowest position is smaller.

In this way injuries during treatment are avoided and the device is safer to use.

Preferably, the support comprises a height adjustment device for adjusting the height.

This makes it possible to adjust the height of the device in dependence on the patient.

The ergonomics for the patient and the therapist are thereby increased.

The therapist does not need to perform physically taxing lifting movements with the patient in order to apply them to the first treatment surface.

The patient also does not have to lift himself on the first treatment surface because the height control device can easily control the height of the device in accordance with said patient.

Preferably, a thickness of the protrusion is a maximum of 10 cm, preferably a maximum of 7 cm, more preferably a maximum of 5 cm.

Preferably, the first treatment surface includes a fastener for retaining the patient against the first treatment surface.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

In the drawing: figure 1 shows schematically a representation of a device for spinal column manipulation according to an embodiment; figure 2 shows schematically a fall mechanism according to an embodiment; Figure 3 shows a side view of a spinal column manipulation device in a first and a second state; figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device according to figure 3 in the second position; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a spinal column manipulation device in the second state according to an embodiment; Figure 6A schematically shows a perspective view of a first treatment surface with a fastener according to an embodiment; figure 6B schematically shows a perspective view of a first treatment surface with a fastening means according to an embodiment: . The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments, however, the teachings herein may be applied in various ways.

In the drawings, the same or analogous element is assigned the same reference numeral.

The present invention will be described with respect to specific embodiments, however, the invention is not limited thereto, but only by the claims.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "the", and "the" include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms "comprising", "comprising" and "comprising" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "comprising" or "comprising", "contains". The terms "comprising", "comprising" and "composed of "when referring to said components, elements or method steps also includes embodiments "consisting of" the components, elements or method steps.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and further are used in the specification and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under suitable circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in a different order than described or illustrated herein.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment", "one embodiment", "some aspects", "one aspect" or "one aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is incorporated in at least one embodiment of the present invention Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in one embodiment", "some aspects", "one aspect" or "one aspect" in various places in this specification do not refer to necessarily all in the same embodiment or aspects Further, the specific features, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in one or more embodiments or aspects.Further, while some are described herein embodiments or aspects include some but no other features incorporated into other embodiments or aspects, combinations of features of different u embodiments or aspects intended to fall within the context of the invention and to constitute various embodiments or aspects, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the appended claims, all features of the claimed embodiments or aspects may be used in any combination.

In the context of the application, the device is applicable for treating the entire spinal column but will be explained in the text below for clarification using a treatment of the lumbar region of the patient. The device is preferably adapted for dorsal and/or lumbar manipulation.

In the context of this application, mobilizing a joint is defined as moving steadily within a normal range of motion of the joint.

In the context of this application, manipulating a joint is defined as moving the joint within a normal range of motion using short, and sharp or rapid movements.

Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a device 10 for spinal column manipulation.

The lumbar manipulation device 10 includes a first treatment surface 100 and a fall mechanism 200. The first treatment surface 100 is arranged to be inclined at an oblique angle to a horizontal plane.

The oblique angle , also called acute angle, is an angle between the first treatment surface 100 and a fictitious horizontal plane (not shown) wherein the first treatment surface 100 forms a first leg of the oblique angle and the horizontal plane forms a second leg.

The oblique angle is thus formed by the first treatment surface 100 and the horizontal plane and is greater than 0°, preferably greater than 10°, more preferably greater than 30°, most preferably greater than 45° and is less than 90 °, preferably less than 80°, more preferably less than 70°, most preferably less than 60°. The first treatment surface 100 is arranged to hold a patient P.

The first treatment surface 100 is arranged as described above to be inclined at an oblique angle.

The first treatment surface 100 in this position faces upwards and can at least partially support the patient.

The patient P is held with his or her back against the first treatment surface 100 .

In particular, the patient is held at the oblique angle .

For improved ergonomic comfort of the patient, part or all of the first treatment surface may be padded with a cushion.

As will be further illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, the patient can be held against the first treatment surface in various ways.

The first treatment surface 100 is provided with a protrusion 110. The protrusion 110 is provided to support a region L of the spinal column of the patient P to be treated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lumbar region L, also referred to as the low back or lumbar spine, is supported.

The lumbar region is the lower part of patient P's back and is located at the patient's lumbar spine.

The lumbar spine L consists of five lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L5, counting from above the patient). The lumbar vertebrae are responsible for most of the patient's body weight.

This can be a cause of health problems that cause complaints in patients, such as pain in the lower back.

Further causes of health problems are, for example, wrong body movements, bad posture, overload, etc.

These common complaints are caused by a blockage or a so-called disposition of the lumbar vertebrae.

A disposition of a vertebra, or more generally, is an incorrect position of that joint.

There are different types of dispositions such as static, dynamic or reversible dispositions.

In static dispositions there is reduced mobility of a joint, in dynamic dispositions the coupled joints do not move correctly relative to each other and in reversible dispositions there are blockages in the joint that can be removed without surgery. Figure 1 particularly illustrates that the lumbar region is supported, however, it will be appreciated that further regions may also be supported. More particularly, the region of the thoracic spine, also called thoracic vertebrae, can also be supported for the treatment thereof.

The patient P is held against the first treatment surface 100 such that the lumbar region L is at least partially supported by the protuberance 110. The protuberance 110 is provided with an underside of the first treatment surface 100 when viewed in a vertical plane. The first treatment surface 100 then extends from the protrusion 110 in an upward direction along the oblique angle to support an upper body of the patient. Substantially the entire upper body of the patient is supported by the first treatment surface 100 and the bulge 110 in this manner. According to his or her experience and the patient being treated, the therapist can position the patient to support only part or all of the lumbar region.

The protrusion 110 preferably extends from the first treatment surface 100 in a direction away from the first treatment surface 100 and preferably fits closely to the back of the patient. A distance, measured from the treatment surface 100, over which the protrusion 110 extends is considered a thickness of the protrusion. The thickness is preferably maximum 10 cm, preferably maximum 7 cm, more preferably maximum 5 cm. The thickness is preferably minimum 2 cm, preferably minimum 3 cm, more preferably minimum 4 cm. The bulge 110 is preferably shaped to follow the periphery of the lumbar lordosis, or in other words, the low back cavity.

The first treatment surface 100 is movable via the drop mechanism 200 between an upper position A and a lower position B. The first treatment surface 100 is illustrated in the upper position A in FIG. 1 by solid lines. The second position B of the first treatment surface 100 is located below the top position A. The first treatment surface 100 is illustrated in the second position B by dotted lines in Figure 1 . The first treatment surface 100 is movable between the top and bottom positions. That is, the first treatment surface 100 can move from the top position A to the bottom position B and vice versa. A movement of the first treatment surface 100 from the upper position A to the lower position B is a downward movement and is defined as a falling movement. The falling movement is preferably performed gravitationally. In other words, gravity affects the movement of the first treatment surface 100 from the top to the bottom position. The falling movement is therefore performed without the influence of additional actuators such as a motor. The fall movement in a purely gravitational manner makes it possible to produce the device simply and cheaply. A movement of the first treatment surface 100 from the lower position B to the upper position A is an upward movement and is defined as a lifting movement. The lifting movement allows the first treatment surface 100 to be returned to the uppermost position in order to re-initialize the treatment or reposition a different patient. The lifting movement can be performed manually, for example when no patient is held on the first treatment surface 100 . Thus, the therapist has to lift only the weight of the first treatment surface 100 . The lifting movement can also be realized by an actuator (not shown). The actuator lifts the first treatment surface 100, with or without a patient, from the lower position B to the upper position A to re-initialize the treatment or to return the first treatment surface to the upper position A. The actuator can be electrically or hydraulically driven to further reduce the physical strain on the therapist.

The drop mechanism 200 includes a stop 210. The stop 210 prevents the first treatment surface from falling below the lower position B. In other words, the stop 210 stops the first treatment surface 100 at the lower position B. Striking of the first treatment surface can also be regarded as a collision between the stop and the first treatment surface. The impact generates a brief and mainly upward force that is transmitted through the bulge 110 to the lumbar region L of the patient. In other words, upon impact of the first treatment surface 100 on the stop 210, the stop 210 applies a pulse to the first treatment surface 100. The magnitude of the pulse is directly dependent on the weight of the patient and a speed of movement. of the treatment surface. The impulse acts through the bulge 100 on the tissue of the lumbar region L and unblocks or, in other words, normalizes the static, dynamic or reversible dispositions in the lumbar spine. The influence, and more particularly the force, exerted by the impulse on the lumbar region L is decomposable into different force vectors. The magnitude of the force vectors depends on the oblique angle a. The force vectors are smaller in comparison to the force generated by the collision due to the oblique angle a. The oblique angle a therefore reduces the actual force applied to the lumbar region, making the treatment is safer. The force applied to the lumbar region L pushes the joints apart causing disposition, also known as joint blocks, to be released. The mobility of the joints increases and a normal function of the joints can be performed again. Based on the above, it is apparent that the physical exertion of the therapist while moving the first treatment surface 110 is minimal or virtually non-existent. This allows the therapist to correctly and safely perform the manipulation treatment using the device 10 several times without physically straining himself. Furthermore, the device 10 also allows a therapist of any demographic and independent of his or her physical characteristics to perform the treatment because the physical activity of the therapist during the treatment is minimal or virtually non-existent.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the spinal column manipulation device 10 illustrated in Figure 1 with a fall mechanism 200 according to a further preferred embodiment.

The drop mechanism 200 in the illustrated preferred embodiment comprises a retaining element 220 at the top position A. The retaining element 220 is adapted to retain the first treatment surface 100 at the top position A. The patient can be placed safely and under its own power on the first treatment surface 100 which is held at the top position A. Thus, the therapist does not have to lift the patient, making the treatment less physically taxing on the therapist.

The holding member 220 preferably has a first state where the first treatment surface 100 is held and a second state where the first treatment surface 100 is released. In this way, a single element is used to hold the treatment surface on the one hand and to release it on the other. The holding member 220, in a preferred embodiment, includes an electromagnet 221 that magnetically holds the first treatment surface. The electromagnet 221 may be attached to the drop mechanism 200 at the top position. A magnetically engageable element such as an armature plate 222 is preferably attached to the first attachment surface such that the armature plate 222 when the first attachment surface 100 is in the top position A. placed against or in close proximity to the electromagnet. Energizing the electromagnet 221 prevents movement of the armature plate 222 and the associated first treatment surface 100 by electromagnetic interlocking of the electromagnet 221 and the armature plate 222. An energized electromagnet is an example of a holding member 220 in the first state. By interrupting the energization of the magnet, the electromagnetic lock is interrupted and the armature plate 221 and the first treatment surface 100 connected thereto is released. An advantage of using an electromagnet as the retaining element 220 is that the locking is based on electromagnetic forces. The electromagnet 221 is not or substantially not exposed to friction, so that wear due to friction is avoided and the life of such an electromagnetic holding element is long. It will be appreciated that on the one hand the electromagnet 221 can also be attached to the first mounting surface 100 and on the other hand the corresponding anchor plate 222 to the drop mechanism 200. According to a preferred embodiment, the electromagnet holds the first treatment surface 100 at rest. By this is meant that the electromagnet locks the first treatment surface in the upper position A without an external signal. The electromagnet 220 releases the first treatment surface 100 upon application of a release signal. Such a preferred embodiment is so-called passively safe. That is, without external instructions, the device 10 always holds the first treatment surface in the top position A.

The skilled person will appreciate that various possible retaining elements are possible, for example the fall mechanism can be provided with, for example, a sliding bolt (not shown). The slide lock comprises a slide which, in the first state, extends into a closing loop arranged on the first treatment surface. In the second state, the slider is retracted such that it is no longer in the closure loop and thus exposes the first attachment surface.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the device 10 comprises a switching element 240 for switching between the first and second states of the retaining element 220. The switching element 240 may, for example, be an electrical switching element which, upon switching, sends a release signal to the electromagnet 221 to induce an energization. to end. The switching element 240 may also be a lever for manually sliding said slide, for example.

The drop mechanism 200 preferably includes a guide 230 to guide the treatment surface 100 between the upper and lower positions in primarily a translational movement. The guide 230 limits the freedom of movement of the first treatment surface 100 such that the entire treatment surface moves the same distance and in a downward direction. On the one hand, the patient is not subjected to unwanted impulses between the upper and lower position because there is no change in the direction of movement. On the other hand, an optimum impulse is generated at the abutment whereby the device 10 normalizes the disposition of the lumbar region in an improved manner. The conductor 230 may be of twofold design. For example, the conductor may comprise a first portion and a second portion. For example, the first part, such as a guide wheel, is coupled to the first treatment surface. The second part, for example a guide slot, forms part of the drop mechanism 200. According to the example, the guide wheel is mounted on the first treatment surface 100 on the one hand and arranged in the guide slot on the other. The first treatment surface 100 is movable via the guide. The guide limits the degrees of freedom of the first treatment surface 100 .

Preferably, the stop 210 includes a damper 250. The damper 250 damps one end of the movement at the lower position B. By providing a damper 250, the magnitude of the force exerted on the patient's lumbar region is reduced. The handling and use of the device is thus safer. The damper 250 may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example rubber. The damper 250 may also include a braking element. The braking element is arranged to control the speed at which the first treatment surface is stopped. This makes it possible to further optimize the impulse given to the patient, depending on the patient's health situation. The braking element may, for example, be a preloaded spring. More preferably, the preload of the spring is adjustable.

The fall mechanism 200 preferably further comprises a fall height control means 260. The fall height control means is arranged to move the retaining member 220 to control a distance between the upper position A and the lower position B. The drop height control means 260 may alternatively be arranged to move the stop. The distance A-B between the top and bottom position is also controlled here. By adjusting the distance between the upper and lower position, a magnitude of the impulse can be adjusted. After all, the magnitude of the impulse is directly proportional to the weight of the patient and the speed at which the treatment surface 100 collides with the stop 250. The drop mechanism is preferably provided to set the upper position A relative to the lower position B to a maximum of 15 cm, more preferably a maximum of 12 cm, most preferably a maximum of 10 cm.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the spinal column manipulation device 10.

In the illustrated figure, the first treatment surface 100 is tiltably mounted to the drop mechanism via a shaft 120. This allows to control the oblique angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The oblique angle is preferably less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, most preferably less than 60°. Optionally or additionally, the oblique angle is greater than 0°, more preferably greater than 20°, most preferably greater than 30°.

The first treatment surface 100 is preferably mounted to the shaft 120 at the protrusion 110 via a peripheral edge of the first treatment surface 100. The first treatment surface 100 thus extends from and away from the shaft 120 . This allows the first treatment surface 100 to be fully tilted about the axis.

The illustrated preferred embodiment shows that the device 10 may have a first state C and a second state D. In the first state C, the first treatment surface 100 is at the oblique angle .

The device 10 is usable in the first state C for spinal column manipulation as described in detail above.

In the figure, the device 10 is further provided with a second treatment surface 300 which is arranged on a rear side of the first treatment surface 100 .

In the second state D, the second treatment surface 300 extends horizontally.

In the second state D, the device 10 can be used for supine treatments.

Such a preferred embodiment in which the device 10 has a first state and a second state, the device can be used in a broader context.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 can be brought into one of the first or second states by tilting the first and second treatment surfaces relative to the axis 120 .

For simplified use of the device, an angle limiting element for each of the first state C and the second state D may be provided.

This can also be one and the same angle-limiting element which prevents a tilting movement of the first and second treatment surface beyond the first state and the second state.

The tilting of the first and the second treatment surface is limited by the angle-limiting element in the correct position in which the first or second state is reached.

For example, the angle-limiting element limits the tilting movement of the first treatment surface so that the oblique angle a with respect to the horizontal plane is 45°.

For example, a further angle-limiting element is provided to limit the tilting movement of the second treatment surface so that the second treatment surface 300 forms a straight angle with the horizontal plane.

The second treatment surface 300 thus extends horizontally.

The angle-limiting element makes it possible to bring the device into the first or second position in a simple and quick manner.

The illustrated preferred embodiment of the device 10 in Figure 3 further includes a support 20. The support 20 is arranged to support the drop mechanism 200 at a height.

The support 20 may comprise a pedestal 21 adapted to be placed on the ground.

Alternatively, the bracket 20 may be mounted on a wall (not shown). The support 20 preferably extends from the drop mechanism 200 in a direction away from the patient.

This makes it possible to realize a free space under the fall mechanism 200 .

During movement between the top and bottom position, the patient therefore does not strike the device 10 or only with difficulty. Undesired impacts can in fact cause injuries or compression of the vertebrae, as will be further elucidated below.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support 20 includes a height control device 22 to control the height h.

By controlling the height h, the device in the first state C is usable for patients of all sizes.

The height h can thus be adjusted such that a patient who is, for example, 1.95 m tall, can be attached to the first treatment surface 100 in a simple manner and without appreciable physical effort. If the patient is smaller, for instance 1.56 m tall, the height can be adjusted in such a way that such a small patient can also be easily applied to the first treatment surface. The height h is, for instance, adjustable such that the bulge 110 is already positioned at the level of the lumbar lordosis without the patient having to climb onto the device. The patient can then simply position himself on the first treatment surface 100 to be subsequently held against the first treatment surface. The patient can also, if he or she is already held against the first treatment surface, be positioned higher or lower with the aid of the height adjustment device 22. This is because during a fall movement the lower limbs can strike the floor, compressing the intervertebral discs and causing injuries. . With the aid of the height control device, the patient can be lifted higher so that during the falling movement of the first treatment surface 100, the chance that the patient will collide with his or her lower limbs on the floor 15 is minimal or non-existent.

The device 10 is also used more ergonomically for the therapist by the height control device 22. The height h can also be controlled in the second state D of the device

10. In this way the height can be adjusted depending on the size of the therapist. Because the height h can be adjusted in accordance with the therapist, the therapist can always perform treatments in a correct body position. The therapist is therefore less physically stressed compared to, for example, treatment tables whose height h is not adjustable.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device 10 according to figure 3 in the first position. In particular, Figure 4 illustrates how the patient is held at a distance from the ground against the first treatment surface.

The height control device 22 in Fig. 4 comprises a linear drive 22, 23 such as a slide nut or ball screw. The height can be accurately controlled by means of a spindle course of the spindle with a sliding nut or ball screw. In addition, the spindle course prevents the fall mechanism from falling down suddenly. This makes the device safer during use.

Further, Figure 4 also illustrates that a space below the drop mechanism 200 is clear. Thus, the patient P cannot bump against parts of the device between the fall mechanism and the ground or against the ground itself. In the illustrated embodiment, the space is created by mounting the height control device 22 to a first end of the pedestal 21 . The height control device 22 then extends from the pedestal 21 in an upward direction above the pedestal 21. The device 10 also achieves a static equilibrium in this way.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device according to figure 3 or 4 in the second position.

In particular, Figure 5 shows that a third treatment surface 301, 302, 303 may be provided. The third treatment surface 301, 302, 303 is arranged at least partially above the drop mechanism and, in the second position, extends in an extension of the second treatment surface 200 . The third and the second treatment surface together form a larger treatment surface that allows to support the patient as a whole. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the third treatment surface comprises a plurality of treatment surface segments 301, 302, 303. The plurality of treatment surface segments are preferably adjustable relative to each other. This makes it possible to further personalize the device 10 in the second state to the patient to be treated. For example, a facial aperture may be provided in the treatment surface segment 302. The facial aperture is configured to receive a face from a patient so that the patient can be treated on his or her abdomen without causing rotation of the neck or vertebrae.

Figures 6A and 6B show schematic perspective views of a patient being held against the first treatment surface. To this end, a fastener 40 is provided for holding the patient against the first treatment surface.

In Fig. 6A, the fastener 40 is provided at an upper end 101 of the first treatment surface 100 . The patient holds the fastener 40 at his or her shoulders so that the patient is held against the first treatment surface 100 from above. At least the patient's vertebrae are held against the first treatment surface in this manner virtually unloaded.

In Figure GB, the fastener 40 is attachable at a peripheral side edge 102 of the first treatment surface. By placing the fastener 40 at the peripheral side edge 102, the height of the fastener is adjustable and the patient is always held against the first treatment surface 100 from above. For example, the fastener 40 may be attached to the peripheral side edge 102 near the top end 101 for physically tall patients.

To position the patient relative to the first treatment surface 100, the mounting means 40 may include a mounting control means 41 (see Figure 5). The fastening control means 41 illustrated in Figure 5 is provided on a rear side of the first treatment surface 100 but may also be provided on the peripheral side edge 102 . The fastener control means 41 in the illustrated preferred embodiment is elongated and extends in a longitudinal direction from the first treatment surface 100. The fastener control means 41 extends along the peripheral side edge 102 and includes a plurality of engagement members 42 (see Figure 5) extending over a longitudinal length of the confirmation control means 41 are divided.

The plurality of engagement members 42 are provided to engage an opening in the fastener 40 compatible with the engagement members.

Due to the position and orientation of the engaging parts 42, the fastening means 40 is thus adjustable and the position of the patient relative to the first treatment surface 100 is adjustable.

A patient cannot be injured by the engaging members when the mounting control means 41 is attached to the rear of the first treatment surface 100 .

Moreover, the engaging parts remain relatively easily accessible for adjusting the position of the patient relative to the first treatment surface.

Based on the description above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced in different ways and on the basis of different principles.

In addition, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

The embodiments described above, as well as the figures are merely illustrative and serve only to enhance the understanding of the invention.

The invention will therefore not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims (18)

Conclusions A spinal column manipulation device (10) comprising a first treatment surface (100) arranged to be inclined at an oblique angle to a horizontal plane and arranged to hold a patient (P); wherein the treatment surface (100) is provided with a protrusion (110) to support a treatment region (L) of the patient's spinal column (P), the treatment surface (100) being movable between an upper position (A) and a lower position (B) via a drop mechanism (200), the drop mechanism comprising a stop (210) which prevents the treatment surface (100) from falling below the lower position. The device (10) of the preceding claim, wherein the drop mechanism (200) comprises a retaining member (220) for retaining the first treatment surface (100) at the top position (A). The apparatus (10) of the preceding claim, wherein the retaining member (220) has a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the retaining member (220) retains the first treatment surface at the top position and wherein in the second state releases the holding element from the first treatment surface. The device (10) of the preceding claim, comprising a switching element (240) for switching between the first state and the second state. The device (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the drop mechanism (200) includes a guide (230) to guide the treatment surface (100) between the upper and lower positions in primarily a translational movement. The device (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the stop (210) comprises a damper (250) to dampen one end of the movement at the bottom position. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drop mechanism comprises a drop height control means for moving at least one of the retaining member and the stop to control a distance between the top and bottom positions. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drop mechanism is provided to adjust the upper position relative to the lower position at a maximum of 15 cm, more preferably a maximum of 12 cm, most preferably a maximum of 10 cm. The apparatus (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising a shaft (120), wherein the first treatment surface (100) is tiltably mounted via a shaft (120) to the drop mechanism (200) such that the oblique angle (a ) is adjustable. The device (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising a second treatment surface (300) disposed on a rear side of the first treatment surface (100), the device having a first state (C) wherein the first treatment surface is in the oblique angle is and has a second state (D) wherein the second treatment surface extends in a horizontal position. The apparatus (10) of claims 9 and 10, wherein the apparatus comprises an angle limiting element for each of the first and second states and wherein the first and second treatment surfaces are tiltable relative to the axis to permit the apparatus to be positioned in the first or second position. to bring about the situation. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, further comprising a third treatment surface (301, 302, 303) disposed at least partially above the drop mechanism and arranged to extend in the second condition in an extension of the second treatment surface. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel angle is less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, most preferably less than 60° and/or wherein the bevel angle is greater than 0° , more preferably is greater than 20°, most preferably is greater than 30°. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support (20) adapted to support the drop mechanism (200) at a height (h). The device (10) of claim 14, wherein the support (20) extends from the drop mechanism in a direction away from the patient to provide clearance under the drop mechanism. The device (10) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the support comprises a height control device (22) to control the height (h). The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of the protrusion (110) is maximum 10 cm, preferably maximum 7 cm, more preferably maximum 5 cm. The device (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first treatment surface (100) comprises a fastener (40) for retaining the patient against the first treatment surface (100).