GB2389792A - Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues of the neck - Google Patents
Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues of the neck Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2389792A GB2389792A GB0211079A GB0211079A GB2389792A GB 2389792 A GB2389792 A GB 2389792A GB 0211079 A GB0211079 A GB 0211079A GB 0211079 A GB0211079 A GB 0211079A GB 2389792 A GB2389792 A GB 2389792A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- base
- user
- neck support
- occipital
- tissues
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 210000003625 skull Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 210000002808 connective tissue Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006397 acrylic thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000001467 acupuncture Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940124326 anaesthetic agent Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000003444 anaesthetic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000017531 blood circulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036760 body temperature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002653 magnetic therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001595 mastoid Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004237 neck muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000011514 reflex Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)OC(=O)C=C ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/008—Apparatus for applying pressure or blows almost perpendicular to the body or limb axis, e.g. chiropractic devices for repositioning vertebrae, correcting deformation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
- A61H2205/04—Devices for specific parts of the body neck
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for relieving the tension in the sub-occipital tissues of a user comprises a base 1 from which upstands a neck support 2. The upper surface of the neck support is such that in use, pressure is applied to the sub-occipital, upper cervical spinal and or other connective tissues at the cervical segmental level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and the spine of the user. The width of the neck support is less than the space typically to be found at said junction between the base of the skull and the spine of the user. The neck support may be curved length wise to include a section whose shape replicates the contour of the base of the occiput of the user or whose shape replicates the finger positions of a therapist when applying pressure to the connective tissues. The apparatus may be made from a rigid material such as plastics or acrylic material covered by a layer of compressible material such as latex, rubber, PVC, leather, imitation leather or fabric and be formed from a plurality of parts as well as being portable. The apparatus may also include magnets 5 for therapy purposes.
Description
APPARATUS FOR RELIEVING TENSION IN SUB-OCCIPITAL TISSUES
This invention relates to apparatus for relieving tension in the suboccipital tissues of a user.
It is well accepted that an osteopath, or other manual therapist, can reduce tension in sub-occipital and upper cervical spinal and other connective tissues, by applying digital pressure to these tissues at the cervical segmental level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and the spine of the patient. This region is often described as the sub-
occipital triangle. This applied pressure causes the muscle tissue to relax thereby reducing tension in these tissues. In addition, this applied pressure will influence neurolymphatic reflexes, shiatsu therapy and acupuncture points in the region.
Passive devices which seek to apply pressure to the neck muscles to relieve tension and stress are known. Examples of such devices are disclosed inter alla in GB-PS-
2219734, US-PS-4320543, US-PS-5163194, US-PS-5018231 and US-PS-4285081.
Of these, GB-PS-2219734 discloses a head cradle including a head rest which extends transversely between side supports. The head rest is shaped to include a recess to accommodate and support the occipital region of a human neck. The head rest is defined by a narrow ledge which extends linearly between the side supports.
US-PS-4320543 and US-PS-5163194 disclose cervical pillows produced from a multi-component polyurethane foam and include a convoluted surface formed with upwardly extending protrusions laminated to a contoured intermediate portion. The function of these cervical pillows is to ensure that the head of a patient is retained in a set position during, for example, administering anaesthetics.
US-PS-5018231 discloses a contoured pillow having a curved ridge along one side tor supporting the neck of a human and a central elliptical depression in which the back of
a person's head can be supported. The pillow provides overall support for a person's head.
US-PS-4285081 discloses a generally concave portable support shaped to exert gentle pressure in the vicinity of the mastoid processes of the head. The support is said to be particularly useful when travelling.
One object of the present invention is to provide an improved head support which provides enhanced tension relief in the sub-occipital tissues of a user.
In one aspect, the invention provides apparatus for relieving tension in the sub-
occipital tissues of a user' the apparatus comprising a base from which upstands a neck support whose upper surface is such that, in use, pressure is applied to sub-occipital, upper cervical spinal and/or other connective tissues at the cervical segmental level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and the spine of a user of the apparatus, and whose width is less than the space typically to be found at the said junction between the base of the skull and the spine of a user of the apparatus.
In a preferred embodiment, the height of the neck support varies along its length to define an intermediate depression to accommodate the shape and size of the occipital protrudence of a typical user.
The upper surface of the support typically follows a curve which extends between the side edges of the support.
The base of the apparatus may also include two side-by-side curvilinear pads spaced from the neck support onto which the occiput of a user can rest, the height of the pads being is less than that of the neck support.
The apparatus is typically portable and the base may comprise a single piece or a plurality of such pieces. In the latter configuration, one base piece carries the neck support and the other base piece carries the skull supporting pads. Means may be provided for relative movement of the two base pieces selectively to vary the spacing between the neck support and the skull supporting pads.
i The apparatus is preferably produced from a relatively rigid material (e.g. plastics or acrylics) and may be covered with a layer of compressible material such as latex, rubber, PVC, leather, imitation leather or a fabric, all of which may variously be textured with dimples, ridges and stippling. The external covering may also incorporate bactericidal ingredients. Other types of covering material may be employed. A relatively thin layer of resilient material may be positioned between the rigid base and the outer covering.
In another aspect, the invention provides apparatus for relieving tension in sub-
occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a neck support upstanding from a base, the neck support being curved lengthwise to include a section whose shape replicates the contour of the base of the occiput of a typical user of the apparatus.
In a further aspect, the invention provides apparatus for relieving tension in sub-
occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a neck support upstanding from a base, the neck support being curved lengthwise to include a section whose shape replicates the finger positions of a therapist when applying pressure to connective tissues at the cervical segmented level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and spine of a user of the apparatus.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure I is a perspective view of tension relieving apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a rear view of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.
The apparatus illustrated in the drawings is produced from a relatively rigid material' e.g. plastics, and comprises a base I from which is upstanding a neck support 2,
and two skull supporting pads 3. The height of the support 2 is greater than that of the pads 3 and the spacing 4 between the support 2 and the pads 3 is sufficient to enable a user to lie with his or her upper neck supported by the upper surface of the support with his or her skull tilted backwards and supported by the pads 3. Widthwise the upper surface of the support 2 is generally curvilinear for ease of comfort and the support width is sufficiently large comfortably to support the neck of a user but less than the space to be typically found between the top of the spine and the base of the skull of a human. It will also be seen that the upper surface of the support 2 is curved along its length to follow the contour of the base of a typical occiput of a user. These latter criteria are important to ensure that, in use, the upper surface of the support can press directly onto the sub-occipital tissues and muscles between the top of the spine and the base of the skull of a user. Typically, the width of the neck support will be equal to the width of human fingers and the overall shape of the neck support replicates cupped fingers of a human, e.g. an osteopath.
The upper surface of the neck support has a central generally curvilinear depression 5 to accorornodate the general shape of the occiput and also to allow for variations in anatomical size and shape of a user. The ensures that the support upper surface presses comfortably against the tissues and muscles to be found below the user's skull and above the user's upper neck, the suboccipital region.
As shown, the upper contour of the neck support 2 is undulating. This undulation mimics human fingertips and helps to prevent any reduction in blood flow which might be occasioned through the use of an upper support surface which follows a straight as opposed to a curved line. In essence, the undulation replicates the tips of human fingers.
Discrete magnets 5 may be set in the surface of the neck supporting wall for magnetic therapy purposes.
The pads 3 are generally of equal size and shape, and are positioned to support the skull of the user. On most occasions the neck and skull portions of a user between the neck support and the pads lies above the surface of the recess 2 of the head support.
The surface of the apparatus may be covered with a material such as latex, rubber,
( PVC, leather, imitation leather or fabric for enhanced comfort. The covering material may variously be textured with dimples, ridges and stippling. A thin layer of padding may be positioned between the opposed surfaces of the apparatus and the covering material.
As shown, the base 1 is formed in one piece. In an alternative embodiment, the part of the base I which supports the pads 3 may be movable relative to the base part from which the neck support 2 is upstanding whereby the distance between the neck support 2 and the skull supporting pads 3 can be varied.
Furthermore, the base 1 may be slightly curved in a longitudinal sense rather than flat as shown in the drawings. This curvature will enable the base to rock in use for enhanced tension and stress relief.
The base may be internally heated to, for example, body temperature or above. In an unillustrated embodiment, a movement inducing mechanism may be provided within the housing to impart a small degree of up and down movement to the neck support or discrete parts thereof.
The contour of the apparatus generally replicates the fingers and palms of an osteopath when relieving tension in the sub-occipital tissues and muscles of a patient.
In use of the apparatus, a user lies down on their back (supine) on a relatively firm, flat surface with his/her upper neck supported by the neck support 2 and his/her head resting against the pads 3. In this position, the head is tilted very slightly backwards, (extension), with the upper surface of the neck support 2 pressing against the user's sub-
occipital tissues and muscle. The therapeutic effect of the apparatus is provided simply by the weight of the patient's head and is therefore selflimiting.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of head supports in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.
Claims (17)
1. Apparatus for relieving tension in the sub-occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a base from which upstands a neck support whose upper surface is such that, in use, pressure is applied to sub-occipital, upper cervical spinal and/or other connective tissues at the cervical segmental level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and the spine of a user of the apparatus, and whose width is less than the space typically to be found at the said junction between the base of the skull and the spine of a user of the apparatus.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the height of the neck support varies along its length to define an intermediate depression to accommodate the shape and size of the occipital protrudence of a typical user.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the upper surface of the support follows a curve which extends between the side edges of the support.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 3 wherein the base of the apparatus also includes two side-by-side curvilinear pads spaced from the neck support onto which the occiput of a user can rest, the height of the pads being is less than that of the neck support.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is portable.]
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the base comprises a plurality of separable i pieces.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein a first base piece carries the neck support and a second base piece carries the skull supporting pads.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein means are provided for imparting relative movement between the two base pieces selectively to vary the spacing between the
/ neck support and the skull supporting pads.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims produced from a relatively rigid material covered with a layer of compressible material.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the material comprises a plastics or acrylic material.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the compressible material comprises one of latex, rubber, PVC, leather, imitation leather or a fabric.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the compressible material is textured with dimples, ridges and stippling.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the compressible material incorporates bactericidal ingredients.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein a relatively thin layer of resilient material is positioned between the rigid base and the compressible material.
15. Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a neck support upstanding from a base, the neck support being curved lengthwise to include a section whose shape replicates the contour of the base of the occiput of a typical user of the apparatus.
16. Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occiptal tissues of a user substantially as
( c 11' herein described and as described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
16. Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a neck support upstanding from a base, the neck support being curved 2 lengthwise to include a section whose shape replicates the finger positions of a therapist when applying pressure to connective tissues at the cervical segmented level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and spine of a user i of the apparatus. '
(
17. Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occiptal tissues of a user substantially as herein described and as described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
::: ( ::: t: Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Apparatus for relieving tension in the sub-occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a base from which upstands a neck support whose upper surface is such that, in use, pressure is applied to sub-occipital, upper cervical spinal and/or other connective tissues at the cervical segmental level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and the spine of a user of the apparatus, and whose width is less than the space typically to be found at the said junction between the base of the skull and the spine of a user of the apparatus, the base of the apparatus including two side-by-side curvilinear pads spaced from the neck support onto which the occiput of the user can rest.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim I wherein the height of the neck support varies along its length to define an intermediate depression to accommodate the shape and size of the occipital protuberance of a typical user.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the upper surface of the support follows a curve which extends between the side edges of the support.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is portable.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the base comprises a plurality of separable pieces. 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein a first base piece carries the neck support and a second base piece carries the skull supporting pads.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein means are provided for imparting relative movement between the two base pieces selectively to vary the spacing between the neck support and the skull supporting pads.
t: !... 8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims produced from a relatively rigid material covered with a layer of compressible material.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the material comprises a plastics or acrylic material.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the compressible material comprises one of latex, rubber, PVC, leather, imitation leather or a fabric.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the compressible material is textured with dimples, ridges and stippling.
12. Apparatus as clahned in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the compressible material incorporates bactericidal ingredients.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein a relatively thin layer of resilient material is positioned between the rigid base and the compressible material. 14. Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a neck support upstanding from a base, the neck support being curved lengthwise to include a section whose shape replicates the contour of the base of the occiput of a typical user of the apparatus.
15. Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues of a user, the apparatus comprising a neck support upstanding from a base, the neck support being curved lengthwise to include a section whose shape replicates the finger positions of a therapist when applying pressure to connective tissues at the cervical segmented level represented by the junction between the base of the skull and spine of a user of the apparatus.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0211079A GB2389792B (en) | 2002-05-15 | 2002-05-15 | Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0211079A GB2389792B (en) | 2002-05-15 | 2002-05-15 | Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0211079D0 GB0211079D0 (en) | 2002-06-26 |
| GB2389792A true GB2389792A (en) | 2003-12-24 |
| GB2389792B GB2389792B (en) | 2005-03-23 |
Family
ID=9936680
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0211079A Expired - Fee Related GB2389792B (en) | 2002-05-15 | 2002-05-15 | Apparatus for relieving tension in sub-occipital tissues |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2389792B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009050183B4 (en) | 2009-10-21 | 2012-02-02 | Robert Bordás | Treatment and / or therapy documentation |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2030449A (en) * | 1978-10-03 | 1980-04-10 | Condor | Orthopaedic pillow |
| DE19524488A1 (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-01-11 | Arno Spitz | Therapeutic pillow for head and neck support |
| US5575295A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1996-11-19 | Chiro-Yog, Inc. | Method and apparatus for restoring spinal cervical curvature |
| US5873846A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1999-02-23 | Meilus; Algis A. | Apparatus for lengthening neck muscles and method of use |
-
2002
- 2002-05-15 GB GB0211079A patent/GB2389792B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2030449A (en) * | 1978-10-03 | 1980-04-10 | Condor | Orthopaedic pillow |
| US5575295A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1996-11-19 | Chiro-Yog, Inc. | Method and apparatus for restoring spinal cervical curvature |
| DE19524488A1 (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-01-11 | Arno Spitz | Therapeutic pillow for head and neck support |
| US5873846A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1999-02-23 | Meilus; Algis A. | Apparatus for lengthening neck muscles and method of use |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2389792B (en) | 2005-03-23 |
| GB0211079D0 (en) | 2002-06-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20140515 |