CA2029655C - Abdominal support - Google Patents

Abstract

ABDOMINAL SUPPORT
ABSTRACT OF TEE DISCLOSURE
This invention pertains to an abdominal support. More particularly, this invention relates to a support for the extended abdomen of a person who is pregnant or has a large abdomen due to obesity, both of which conditions cause the person to tilt rearwardly when walking and thereby place undue strain on the person's lower back and spine. An abdominal support comprising: (a) girdle means for fitting about at least a portion of the abdomen, hips and buttocks of a person, said girdle means being adapted to have elastic members which align with the external oblique, the internal oblique and the transver-sus abdominis muscles of the person's abdomen; and (b) removable strap means secured to the upper region of the girdle means for fitting over the shoulders of the person and assisting in uplifting the weight of the frontal area of the girdle means and transferring it to the shoulders of person.

Description

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ABDOMINP~L SUPPORT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

` 5 This invention pertains to an abdominal support. More particularly, this invention relates to a support for the ; extended abdomen of a person who is pregnant or has a large abdomen due to obesity, both of which conditions cause the person to tilt rearwardly when walking and thereby place undue strain on the person's lower back.

-j BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
,, Low back pain is a relatively frequent complaint amongst pregnant women and has been related to factors such as altered posture, relaxation of ligamentous structures in the spine and pelvis, and direct pressure of the uterus. Obese , persons, particularly those with large abdomens, also can suffer from backstrain mainly as a result of having to adopt a backward leaning posture to compensate for a disproportionate amount of forward weight.
: ', An abdominal support designed by a physical therapist is available by special order from Trennaventions, Seattle, Washington, under the trademark BABYHUGGER (U.S. Patent No.
4,789,372, granted December 6, 1988). This support is merely a ¦ loosely fitting, flannel panty with a supportive upward lifting abdominal strap which extends over the shoulders. The arrange-ment does not appear to provide any relief of the forward load created by the pregnancy, or minimize lower back aggravation and strain.
, `l Several United States patents have been granted disclosing various designs of abdominal supports: U.S. Patent No. 4,836,824, granted June 6, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,822,317, granted April 18, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,746,31~, granted May 24, 1988.
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Two papers are of interest in disclosing data relating to lower back pain experienced by pregnant women and obese persons: Mantle, M.J., Greenwood, R.M., Currey H.L.F., (1977), Backache in Preqnancy, Rheum. and Rehab. 16: 95-101; Glynn, C.J., Lloyd, J.W., (1975), The Diurnal Variation in Perception of Pain, Proc. R. Soc. Med. 69: 369-372.

SUMMARY OF ~HE INVENTION
,' 10 ; This invention relates to an abdominal support which fits under and about the distended abdomen of a pregnant woman ~; or an obese person and in addition to providing a ledge-like support for the abdomen directly, translates at least a portion ~ 15 of the forward weight by means of a harness to the shoulders and i~ upper back area of the person, thereby reducing the concentration of the load forces on the lower spine and lower back muscles.

The invention pertains to an abdominal support comprising: (a) girdle means for fitting about at least a portion of the abdomen, hips and buttocks of a person, said girdle means being adapted tc have elastic members which align with the external oblique, internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscle of the person's abdomen; (b) removable strap means secured to the upper region of the girdle means for fitting over the shoulders of the person and assisting in uplifting a -;
portion of the weight of the frontal area of the girdle means and transferring it to the shoulders of the person.
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The abdominal support can include panty means which are secured to the bottom region of the girdle means for fitting under the crotch of the person, said panty means being adapted to releasably fasten to the frontal and lower regions of the girdle means. In an abdominal support as defined, the girdle meansi can be constructed of a multi-directional elasticized fabric.
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In the abdominal support, optional straps of adjus-table length can be secured to the frontal region of the girdle means, the straps being adapted to enable the girdle means to be tightened or loosened as required by proportionately increasing or reducing the length of the strap means. The frontal region of the girdle means can include one or more extra layers of elasticized fabric to provide extra multi-dimensional support and can be releasably opened or closed to assist fitting the support on the person. The straps can be arranged in an "Xl' or vertical pattern when viewed from the front or rear of the support.

In another aspect, the invention pertains to the diagonal load carrying elasticized means secured between the upper region of the girdle means and the respective straps of the abdominal support. A removable flexible stiffening support can be formed in or secured to the rear side of the girdle means to fit specifically the lumbar region of the designated wearer of the abdominal support.

DRAWINGS
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In drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention but which should not be construed as restricting the spirit or scope of the invention in any way:
`l 25 Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an expandable full abdomen support with high cut dPtachable panties and vertical suspendars.

- 30 Figure 2 illustrates a front view of an expandable full abdomen support with high cut panties and vertical suspenders.
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Figure 3 illustrates a three-quarter side perspective view of the expandable full abdomen support with short panty girdle detachable panty insert and vertical suspenders.

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Figure 4 illustrates a three-quarter rear perspective view of the expandable full abdomen support with open bottomed girdle and vertical suspenders.
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5Figure 5 illustrates a three-quarter rear perspective view o~ the expandable full abdomen support with a long panty ~ girdle detachable panty insert and crossing rear suspenders.

;~ Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the 10expandable full abdomen support with long panty girdle and vertical back suspenders with crossed front suspenders.

Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the expandable full abdomen support with short panty girdle detach-15able panty insert and crossed front suspenders.
' Figure 8 illustrates a three-quarter side perspective view of a hammock full abdomen support with high cut detachable ,~ panties and crossed rear and front suspenders.
Figure 9 illustrates a three-quarter rear perspective - view of the hammock full abdomen suppor~ with high cut detachable panties and crossed rear and front suspenders.

25Figure lO illustrates a three-guarter rear perspective - view of the hammock full abdomen support with high cut detachablepanties, crossed rear suspenders and vertical front suspenders.

Figure lla illustrates a side view of a full tenm 30pregnant woman with exaggerated spinal curve due to ventral gestation loading.
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Figure llb illustrates a side view of a four month pregnant woman wearing an expandable full abdomen support with 35short panty girdle.
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Figure llc illustrates a side view of a five month pregnant woman wearing an expandable full abdomen support with long panty girdle.

Figure lld illustrates a side view of a seven month ; pregnant woman wearing an expandable full abdomen support with open bottomed or short panty girdle.
':~, Figure lle illustrates a side view of a nine month pregnant woman wearing an expandable full abdomen support with long panty girdle.

Figure 12 illustrates a three quarter side cut-away view of the abdominal muscle layers of a woman, exposing the rectus abdominis muscles, the external obli~ue muscle, the internal oblique muscle, the transversus abdominis muscle and the midline frontal fascial division.
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Figure 13 illustrates a schematic view of an elas-ticized fabric with elasticized fibres arranged at angles to correspond with the direction of the rectus abdominis muscles, the external oblique muscles, the internal oblique muscles and the transversus abdomini~ muscles of a person.
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EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Posture can be defined as a composite of the positions of all the joints of the body at any given moment. The human spine, supported below on the sacrum of the pelvis and balancing the cranium at its summit, consists of a multitude of individual blocks of bone (vertebrae) maintained in an upright posture by muscles, ligaments, and joints. Four moderate curvatures with a ventral (forward) or dorsal (backward) inclination exist in the normal spine, the lowermost ventral curve being called the lumbar lordosis.

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Variations in the degree of curvature of the lumbar ; lordosis are based on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors include the shape of the vertebrae, ligaments, and intervening cartilaginous discs while extrinsic factors include the centre of gravity, distribution of body weight, and the quality of muscle strength. Normal tissues can become painful in everyday life by the application of prolonged stresses commonly appearing during static and postural loading conditions, such as prolonged sitting, standing or bending. There is evidence to support the view that most back problems are mechanical in nature.

During childbearing years, the Ll-Sl angle of lumbar lordosis (ie. the angle at which all five lumbar vertebrae sit in a curved manner on the first sacral vertebra) is greater in females than in men, possibly due to the small amounts of circulating Relaxin hormone. During pregnancy~ however, hormones are secreted in relatively large amounts and have an effect of "loosening" the pelvic and lumbar ligaments and joints.
The response of the lumbar spine to changes in pelvic posture would appear to relate firstly to the location of the centre of gravity. The centre of gravity of the body is normally ventral to the promontory at the upper end (base) of the sacrum but becomes tipped forward with an associated increase in forward tilt of the pelvis, resulting in an exaggerated lumbar lordosis.
In addition, a more lordotic posture accompanies the normal diurnal decline in height. In pregnancy, as in obese persons with pendulous abdomens, the centre of gravity is gradually displaced ventrally due to the shift in distribution of weight and uneven .:
loading of the spine. In order to balance the additional weight, the upper body leans backward and the spine incurs an additional ;~ increase in lumbar lordosis. Mantle et al. found that 48 percent of 180 pregnant females (mean age 26; 56 percent with no children) suffered from '~troublesome to severe" backache beginning at the fifth month and increasing in incidence after the first pregnancy). Furthermore, in agreement with Glynn and :~,,, ,' -~

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Lloyd, they found that pain increased as the day passed but was ~-also common at night.
' .-' Of the muscles controlling the spine, there is a natural imbalance of strengths in that the dorsal erector spinae (back straighteners/extensors) are stronger than the abdominals (back benders/flexors) which can be comparatively weak. The abdominals are mostly transverse and obliquely oriented muscles, all capable of exerting considerable torque. These abdominals form a triple, circular layer of muscle around the torso and connect the vertebral column with the fascial coverings of the ventral Rectus Abdominis. Working together, the abdominals not only flex the trunk forward and sideways, but cinch it in and cause an increase in the pressure within the abdomen (Intra-abdominal Pressure: IAP). An abnormally exaggerated lumbarlordosis is a common characteristic of a weakened anterior abdominal wall.

Intra-abdominal pressure is a potent influence for reducing the loads applied to the spine and involves simultaneous contraction of th abdominal muscles, the diaphragm, and the muscles of the pelvic floor. It has been shown that IAP is most important in relieving the spine and part of the axial compres-sion and shear loads by converting the trunk into a more solid cylinder and transmitting part of the load over the wider area.
In obese or pregnant persons~ a protruding and stretched abdominal wall may be incapable of producing the necessary mechanical efficiency and protective effect required of the abdominal muscles on the loaded lumbar spine.
The described abdominal support is intended to be an adjunct to proper back instruction, not a substitute. It is ~anticipated that the garment will support the function of the ;~abdominal muscles and provide relief from backstrain, tissue stretch, and low back pain in situations of pregnancy and obesity. As economic stringencies increasingly limit what can ~.' ~ - 7 -~.., :' .; .
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be provided in health care, there i5 a need to offer alternate preventative treatment.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrat~
respectively side and front perspective views of the expandable full abdomen support, the abdomen support 2 is constructed basically as a girdle 4, which has removable vertical suspenders 6 which extend over the shoulders of the person wearing the support 2. The suspenders 6 are attached to the top portion of the girdle 4 by snaps 7, or other suitable fastening means, which permit the suspenders to be detached. The suspenders are equipped with buckles or adjusters to enable the length of the ;suspenders to be adjusted to conform to the size and shape of th~
wearer. The adjustability also enables impingement of the straps 6 on important narves and blood vessels of the axilla of the wearer 3 to be avoided.
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- As seen in Figure 1, the girdle 4 has detachably attached to the lower region thereof detachable panties 8. The panties are detachably secured to the bottom region of the girdle 4 by a series of snaps 9. Other suitable releasable fastening means can also be used. The girdle 2 is equipped with a zig zag laced expander 10. The expander is constructed of a series of holes 11 through which a lace 13 can be strung in zig zag manner.
Laces are advantageous because they are quickly and easily adjusted. A cloth wedge is sewn in behind the expander 10 so i that the laces 13 do not cut into the wearer.
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The girdle 4 is constructed in the form of a shell comprising multi-directional elasticized woven fabric (for example, the multi-directional elasticized woven fabric available in the marketplace under the trade~mark ~YCRA) and is reinforced in regions of high stress (for example the lower abdomen).

~1 35The frontal region 15 of the girdle 4 is constructed ` of a plurality of overlying webs of elasticized fibres 12. These elasticized fibres 12, which can be formed in one fabric, or , .
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constructed in overlapping layers, extend diagonally in three main directions to simulate respectively the angles of direction of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles of an abdomen of a person. Thus, the construction of the webs o~ elasticized fibres 12 in three directions enable the frontal area 15 of the girdle 4 tD imitate the direction of contraction of the muscles forming the abdomen of the person, and thereby absorb some of the load normally taken up fully by the abdominal muscles.
As seen in Figure 1, the rear portion of the girdle 4 is equipped with a pair of elongated vertical sleeves 14. These sleeves 14 are adapted to receive and hold in place semi-rigid stays (not shown) to reinforce the rear area of the girdle 4.
The stays can be formed of spring-like metal or resilient semi-rigid plastic.
:, The multi web-like layer of elasticized fibres 12, extending in various oblique directions, together with the stays in the vertical sleeves 14, serve to fully support the extended abdomen of the wearer, and provide support to the lower back region of the wearer.

The vertically extending shoulder straps 6 further dissipate the weight of the anterior load created by the extended abdomen to the shoulders and the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, rather than be localized in the area of the low back.
. i The detachable panty 8 can be formed of any one of a number oP suitable materials, for example, cotton flannel or - fluffed polyester. The detachable panty 8 is held in place by snaps 9 at the front and back. The panty ~ is interchangeable with fresh clean panties and enables the wearer to go to the toilet readily, without having to remove the girdle 4.
, 35 While not illustrated in Figure 1, and some of the : other drawings, each of the embodiments illustrated can include `"'~i~;
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~ $ ~ ;5 , detachable garter snaps or fasteners that enable nylon stock-ings, and the like, to be secured to the girdle 2, at the bottom ; area.
., Pregnant women and persons with extended abdomens are normally active and therefore require a support 2 that will provide relief from discomfort while at the same time being ! sufficiently flexible and light to permit reasonable activity.
The subject invention offers this extra strength without being bulky or restrictive. This is accomplished by using a novel support binder. It uses a high strength nylon, woven fabric that is flexible and ventilated. The construction is similar to a Force 2 back support that is available from Contour Form Products of Greenville Pennsylvania.
The girdle 4, because of its multi-directional ;~ elasticized nature, is highly supporti~e, and develops a ring of compression around the spine of the wearer 3. At the same time, the material is soft against the skin, is flexible, conforms to the lower trunk area of the wearer 3, and is cool to the wearer 3. Pregnant women generally feel warmer than usual so it is important that the girdle 4 is cool to wear.
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The subject invention is particularly useful in ' 25 providing patients with relief when backstrain is acute. Since ; the girdle 4 moulds to conform to the lower trunk area of the wearer 3, it acts somewhat like a second skin and ~onforms with -, the wearer 3 as he or she moves. This permits the support to provide comfortable protection, while at the same time transferr-ing load forces evenly and minimizing lower back pain. This action enables the wearer 3 to participate and perform daily duties.

Figure 3 illustrates a three-quarter perspective side view of the expandable full abdomen support with short panty girdle and vertical suspenders. In Figure 3, the girdle 4 is constructed so that it has the shape of a short panty girdle.

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This design may be preferred by some wearers 3. ~he embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 can include detachable garter snaps for nylon stockings, a detachable panty to enable toilet needs to be attended to without removal of the entire girdle 4, and a multi-layer elasticized frontal area 12 which mimics the fibre directions of the various layers of abdominal muscles.

Figure 4, which illustrates a three-quarter rear perspective view of the expandable full abdomen support with open ; 10 bottomed girdle 4 and detachable vertical suspenders 6, utilizes a girdle shape which is in the form of a cylinder which is open at the top and bottom. If deemed desirable, the lower region of the open girdle 4 can be equipped with removable fasteners to suspend nylons, or the like. Figure 4 illustrates the stay receiving rear sleeves 14 clearly. Such sleevss 14 can contain removable semi-rigid stays to provide support to the lower back of the wearer 3. Stays of varying degrees of rigidity can be used to suit the needs of the wearer.
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Figure 5 illustrates a three-quarter rear perspective view of the expandable full abdomen support 2. This is a further alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the girdle 4 is equipped with a long panty girdle 18. Furthermore, the detach-~` able suspenders 16 are crossed at the rear back region of the wearer 3. Crossed rear suspenders 16 can provide superior support for certain wearers 3, as may be prescribed by a physician or selected by the wearer. While not shown, the girdle :~ 18 can include detachable panties around the crotch area, and -~ removable garters for upholding nylon stockings and the like.
: 30 Figures 6 and` 7 show respectively side and front perspective views of the expandable full abdomen support. Figure 6 shows a full length panty girdle 18 with removable vertical `~ rear suspenders 6 and crossed front suspenders 20. A removable panty 19 is also shown. The girdle 18 can also include detach-able garters for nylons. The overlapping elasticized fibre area 15 can be constructsd of overlapping layers of elastic containing ~.
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fabrics with the direction of elastic fibres running in different directions as shown to mimic the layers of abdominal muscles.

Figures 8 through 10 inclusive illustrate an alterna-tive form of abdomen support. This alternative embodiment is termed a hammock full abdomen support 24. Figure a illustrates a three-quarter side perspective view of the hammock full abdomen support with high cut detachable panties ~, crossed front suspenders 20, which are detachable by means of snaps 7, constructed with a network of elasticized fibres 12. This design of hammock full abdomen support does not include a laced expander on either side of the girdle. Instead, because of the hammock-like construction, the position of the girdle is adjusted by means o~ adjusting the length of the crossed front suspenders 20.
Figure 9 illustrates a three-quarter rear perspective view of the hammock full abdomen support 24. The construction of the detachable crossed rear suspenders 16 is illustrated. Also, the lower back region of the support 24 includes a pair of vertically extending sleeves 14, which are adapted to contain semi-rigid stays which provide support for the lower back region of the wearer 3. This embodiment contains a detachable panty 8, and can also include detachable garters for suspending nylon stockings.

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Figure 10 illustrates an alternative version of the hammock ~ull abdomen support 24, wherein detachable vertical front suspenders 6 are utilized, rather than crossed front suspenders.
."~, Figure lla illustrates a side view of a full term , j 30 pregnant woman with exaggerated spinal curve due to ventral 1 frontal gestation loading. As can be seen in Figure lla, the ; posture of the pregnant person 3 is very poor. The spine, due to the weight of the distended abdomen, takes on a "S-shape".
~ As a result~ the pelvis tips forward, thereby acutely bending the ;`~ 35 lower spinal region, while the spine in the shoulder blade area compensates and curves abnormally to the rear. Because of this i.:

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exaggerated posture, the pregnant woman is vulnerable to back pain.

Figure llb illustrates a side view of a four month pregnant woman wearing an expandable full abdomen support with long panty girdle. The expandable full abdomen support 2, as can be seen in Figure llb, serves to maintain the posture of the person reasonably erect, thereby avoiding undue curvature of the spine, and particularly undue curvature of the lower spine.
Figures llc, lld and lle illustrate in succession the posture of the pregnant woman at five months, seven months and nine months respectively. As can be seen, with progressive fetal development, and abdominal distension, the construction of the ~xpandable full abdomen support 2 maintains reasonably erPct posture for the abdomen support wearer, and thus minimizes undue curvature of the spine, and notably the lower back region of the spine. As seen in Figures lld and 11P ~ the pelvis is maintained in a reasonably vertical position, and is not permitted to tilt forward. ~lthouyh the expandable full abdomen support is shown, the hammock full abdomen support would perform the same function.
:, ` Figure 12 illustrates a three-quarter side cut-away view of the abdominal muscle layers of a woman, exposing the ` 25 rectus abdominis muscles, the external oblique muscles, the internal oblique muscles, the transversus abdominis muscles and the midline frontal line of union. Figure 12 illustrates in particular the respective angular orientations of the rectus abdominis 31, which serves as a column and extends vertically, ;~ 30 the superficial external oblique musclPs 32, which extend downwardly at an angle from the back to the front of the person, - the underlying deeper group of internal oblique muscles 33, which extend upwardly from the rear to the front of the person, and the deepest or most internal virtually horizontal tranversus abdominis muscles 34. These muscles all connect with the rectus abdominis muscles 31 located at the front abdominal region of the person by way of fibrous material (fascia). Figure 12 also ~:;
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illustrates the vertical midline of the front abdomen, the line ~ of union joining the left and right sides of the person.
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Figure 13 illustrates a schematic view of an elas-ticized fabric with elasticized fibres arranged at angles to correspond with the direction of pull of ~he rectus abdominis muscles, the external oblique muscles, the internal oblique muscles and the transversus abdominis muscles of a person. The construction of the fibres, and the directions thereof, cor-respond with the respective directions of the rectus abdominii 31, the external obliques 32, the internal obliques 33, and the ~ transversus abdominii 34, as seen previously in Figure 12. Also, ; the midline 35 of the front abdomen is illustrated.
; ~, By arranging the direction of orientation of the respective elasticized fibres/ the specific directions of the various muscles forming the abdominal area of the person are specifically supported. Thus, when those abdominal muscles become distended and weakened, the elasticized fibres stretch, and take up the reduced strength of the abdominal muscles, proportional to the degree of stretch.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modi~ica-~ 25 tions are possible in the practice of this invention without ; departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the ~ollowing claims.

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Claims (17)

1. An abdominal support comprising:
(a) girdle means for fitting about at least a portion of the abdomen, hips and buttocks of a person, said girdle means being adapted to have elastic members which align with the external oblique, the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscles of the person's abdomen; and (b) detachable strap means secured to the upper region of the girdle means for fitting over the shoulders of the person and assisting in uplifting the weight of the frontal area of the girdle means and transferring it to the shoulders of person.

2. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 1 which includes panty means which are secured to the bottom region of the girdle means for fitting under the crotch of the person, said panty means being adapted to releasably fasten to the frontal and lower regions of the girdle means.

3. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 2 wherein the girdle means is constructed of a multi-directional elasticized fabric.

4. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 3 wherein the frontal region of the girdle means includes one or more extra layers of fabric.

5. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 3 wherein the frontal region of the girdle means can be releasably opened or closed to assist fitting the support on the person.

6. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 3 wherein the straps are arranged in a crossed or "X" arrangement when viewed from the front or rear of the support.

7. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 3 wherein the straps are arranged in a vertical or "H" pattern when viewed from the front or rear of the support.

8. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 3 wherein flexible stiffening supports can be formed in or secured to the rear side of the girdle means.

9. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 3 wherein the stiffening support is formed to fit specifically the lumbar region of the designated wearer of the abdominal support.

10. An abdominal support according to claim 1 wherein the strap means are crossed at the rear before fitting over the shoulders of the person.

11. An abdominal support according to claim 1 wherein the strap means are crossed at the front before fitting over the shoulders of the person.

12. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 1 wherein the girdle is equipped with adjustable expansion means on either side of the girdle.

13. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 12 wherein the expander is constructed of at least one lace and a plurality of lace openings in the girdle means.

14. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rear side of the girdle means has formed therein at least one sleeve which is adapted to receive a semi-rigid stay, which provides support to the back of the person.

15. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 14 wherein a pair of sleeves are formed in the rear area of the girdle.

16 16. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 1 wherein the girdle and the strap means cooperate to form a structure wherein the abdomen of the wearer is supported by the girdle and strap means which cross at the back of the wearer, extend over the shoulders of the wearer, and cross at the frontal region of the wearer, to thereby provide an "8" configuration.

17. An abdominal support as claimed in claim 1 wherein the girdle and the strap means cooperate to form a structure wherein the abdomen of the wearer is supported by the girdle and strap means which cross at the back of the wearer, extend over the shoulders of the wearer, and attach uncrossed in a vertical manner to the frontal region of the girdle means.