GB2497922A

GB2497922A - Apparatus to measure spinal position

Info

Publication number: GB2497922A
Application number: GB201121679A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Wilson
Original assignee: Helping Hand Co Ledbury Ltd
Current assignee: Helping Hand Co Ledbury Ltd
Priority date: 2011-12-16
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2013-07-03
Also published as: GB201121679D0

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for measuring spinal position of a subject relative to the sides of the body 52 includes a strap 12 for passing around the body 52 and fastening means 14 for holding the strap 12 in position and a measuring tape 16 attached to the strap at an attachment position 18. The measuring tape 16 extends from either side of the attachment position 18. A frame is also provided which includes two plates 26a, 26b, two pillars 30a, 30b and a crossbar 32. Measurements are taken of sternum position (offset) with respect to the sides of the body 52 using the cross bar pointer 44 and measurement scale, height of sternum using the pillar measurement scale, and spinal position (offset) with respect to the sides of the body using measuring tape 16. The measurements are used to calculate chest rotation. This may be used to determine if the condition of a person with body distortion is being improved or exacerbated by remedial care.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING SPINAL POSITION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring chest rotation and particularly but not exclusively the position of a person's spine.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

When caring for people with body distortion, for example, rotation of the spine and rib cage relative to the body, it is helpful to be able to diagnose whether or not any remedial care is improving or exacerbating the deformity. If body support equipment, such as a sleep system, is used correctly, it can prevent decline in body shape, such as chest rotation. At present, there is no convenient and effective way of obtaining such measurements and hence the effectiveness of equipment is mostly determined by a visual assessment of the person.

it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for conveniently measuring the position of a person's spine which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for measuring spinal position relative to the sides of the body comprising a strap for passing around the body and fastening means for holding the strap in position. a measuring tape attached to the strap at an attachment position, the measuring tape extending from either side of the attachment position.

The apparatus is advantageous because it can be placed around a person's chest and fastened in position. with the attachment position aligned with the person's spine.

The ability to wear the device ensures that the device does not move, whilst measurements are being taken. The measuring tape, which extends from either side of the attachment position can be used to easily measure the distance from the centre of the spine, ie from the attachment position, to the side of the body.

Preferably the measuring tape is attached to the strap at its mid-point, the same length of measuring tape being disposed to either side of the attachment position. This also facilitates ease of rolling up the apparatus after use.

The measuring tape may have a first incremental scale increasing along the measuring tape from the attachment position towards a first end of the measuring tape. The measuring tape may have a second incremental scale increasing along the measuring tape from the attachment position towards a second end of the measuring tape. The scale is preferably a metric scale.

The measuring tape may be transparent enabling a marking off point under the measuring tape to be seen, as described further below.

The fastening means may be hook and eye fastener, such as Velcro (RTM), although other suitable fastening means can be utilised, such as a buckle.

First and second abutment means may be provided for placing against the sides of the body, for example, when the person is lying prone on a supporting surface for measurements to be taken.

Each abutment means may include a base member adapted to be placed on a supporting surface. The base member may include indication means for reading off the measuring tape, in use, when the measuring tape lies over the indication means.

The base member maybe a plate, for example, painted grey, and the indication means may be a coloured line, for example, in red, extending across the plate.

Each abutment means may include a pillar extending upwardly from a respective base member. The pillars may be cylindrical A cross-bar member may be adapted to be adjustably attached to and supported by the first and second abutment members. Adjustable connectors may be provided to support the cross-bar from the abutment members.

A pointer may be slidably mounted to the cross-bar member and may point downwardly from the cross-bar. ci

A measuring scale may be provided on the cross-bar for measuring the position of the pointer relative to one of the abutment means.

In use, the pointer may be placed to point towards the centre of a person's stemum.

A measuring scale may be provided on the first and second abutment means for measuring the height of the cross-bar above the supporting surface on which the abutment means are placed.

Measurements may be taken using the device including the distance of the spine and sternum from the sides of the body. The height of the crossbar from the supporting surface can also be measured. The combination of these measurements provides an accurate indication of the rotation of the chest. By taking measurements from the same person over time, it is possible to determine whether the rotation of the chest is improving or deteriorating. For example, if the spine and sternum are moving over time to a more balanced central position on the body, this is an indication that any corrective positioning is working effectively.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of measuring the displacement of the spine using apparatus of the first aspect of the invention comprising passing the strap around the body, securing the strap with the fastening means with the attachment means lying directly over the spine, and measuring the distance to the sides of the body using the measuring tape.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a structure adapted to be erected around the body in a prone position, a pointer supported by the structure and movable laterally and measurement means for determining the position of the pointer relative to the body.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of measuring the displacement of the stemum using a structure of the third aspect of the invention comprising erecting the structure around a person's body, moving the pointer to the position in line with and above the sternum and measuring the distance from the sides of the body to the position of the pointer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view and a plan view from above of the strap and measuring tape arrangement for attaching to a person's body; Figure 2 shows a side view of a structure for arranging around the body for taking measurements, for use with the strap and measuring tape arrangement of Figure 1; 1 5 Figure 3 shows a plan view from above of the structure of Figure 2; and Figure 4 shows a cross section of a person's torso wearing the strap and measuring tape arrangement of Figure 1 and positioned in the structure of Figure 2.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures I and 2, a strap and measuring tape arrangement for attaching to a person's body is indicated generafly at 10. The arrangement 10 includes a strap 12, for example, made from a nylon webbing or other suitable material. Hook and eye fastener 14 is stitched to the strap 1 2 to enable the strap to be fastened around a person's torso, around the chest area. The hook and eye fastener 14 is positioned primarily at the ends of the strap on opposite sides of the strap, but a further area is provided spaced along the strap to enable the strap to be attached to, for example.

children.

A measuring tape 16 of similar length to the strap 12 is fastened to the strap 12 at an attachment position 18, the measuring tape extending from either side of the attachment position 18. A metric scale is provided on the measuring tape and is printed on the side facing the strap, as indicated by the arrow 20. In this way, when the strap 12 is wrapped around a person's body, fastened at their front, and they are lying on a supporting table or surface, the measuring scale will face upwards enabling it to be read. The measuring tape 16 is made from a transparent material, enabling an indicator placed underneath the tape to be read through the tape for reading off the scale. The scale is an incrementa' scale and starts from the centre of the attachment position 18 and increases in each outward direction towards the ends of the measuring tape. In other words, it is possible to measure to each side of the body from the attachment position 18.

RefelTing now to Figures 2 and 3. a structure for placing around a person's torso is indicated at 22. The structure 22 includes first and second abutment means 24a. 24b for positioning on either side of the body. Each abutment means includes a base member in the form of a flat plate 26a. 26b for example, painted grey, and indication means in the form of a contrasting coloured line 28a, 28b, for example. in red, is painted on and extends across the plate 26a, 26b.

A vertical pillar or support member 30a, 30b extends upwardly from the respective plates 26a, 26b. The pillars 30a, 30b are cyiindrical, but can be of any suitable section. A cross-bar 32 is adjustably attached to and supported by the first and second abutment members 24a, 24b from the pillars 30a, 30b. Adjustable connectors are provided to support the cross-bar 32. A first adjustable connector 34a is mounted to and is arranged to slide up and down the pillar 30a of the first abutment means. A screw in ock 36a can be used to lock the connector in a desired vertical position on the pillar 30a. One end of the cross-bar 32 is fixedly located in a socket 38 integrally formed within and extending laterally from the adjustable connector 34a.

A second adjustable connector 34b is mounted to and is arranged to slide up and down the pillar 3Db of the second abutment means. A screw in lock 36b can be used to lock the connector in a desired vertical position on the pillar 3Db. The other end of the cross-bar 32 is slidably located in a sleeve 4Db integrally formed within and extending laterally from the adjustable connector 34b, and the cross-bar can be locked in a desired position using a screw in lock 42b.

A pointer 44 is slidably mounted to the cross-bar member and includes a sleeve 46, which slides on the cross-bar 32 and a pointer bar 48. The pointer bar 48 is arranged to point vertically downwards in use and the pointer can be locked to the cross bar by means of a screw in lock 50. The screw in locks can be tightened and released by twisting by hand.

Metric measuring scales are provided along the pillars 30a, 3Db and on the cross-bar 32 to enable measurements to be taken relating to the height of the person's torso above the table or other supporting surface and the offset, if any, of the sternum.

RefelTing now to Figure 4, the method of use of the apparatus will be explained. The first step is for a person to be assessed to fasten or have fastened the strap 12 of the arrangement 10 around their torso 52, around their chest. The centre of the attachment position 18 is positioned on their back in central alignment with their spine at that position.

The person then lies or is positioned on a table or other supporting surface for measurements to be taken. The first and second abutment means 24a. 24b are then placed adjacent the person, with the pillars 30a, 3Db positioned against the sides of the torso 52. The cross-bar 32 is then attached to the pillars 30a, 30b using the adjustable connectors and the pointer 44 is positioned in line with the stemum. All of the locks are tightened and measurements are taken.

The free ends of the measuring tape 16 are positioned such that they overlie the p'ates 26a, 26b. The distance of the spine from the sides of the body can then be read off using the lines 28a. 28b of the indication means. The lines are visible through the transparent material of the measuring tape, facilitating ease of taking of the dimensions. In the example shown in Figure 4, the spine is offset to the right hand side, as viewed, and hence the reading to the right will be less than the reading to left.

If the spine is in a balanced position, the readings will be the same.

The distance of the pointer 44 from the pillars 30a, 3Db, as read off from the scale on the cross-bar indicates the offset of the sternum from the sides of the body. In the position shown, the offset is to left hand side, and hence the right hand reading is greater than the left hand reading. The height of the pointer 44 above the table can be read off either one of the pillars.

The combination of the readings gives an indication of any rotation of the chest and in which direction. Corrective positioning of the body, for example, during the day or at night whilst sleeping. can then be used to try and prevent further rotation and even create corrective rotation. By taking readings over time, for example, over the course of a year, the effectiveness of any equipment used can be assessed and improved.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. Apparatus for measuring spinal position relative to the sides of the body comprising a strap for passing around the body and fastening means for holding the strap in position, a measuring tape attached to the strap at an attachment position, the measuring tape extending from either side of the attachment position.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus as claimed in claim I, in which the measuring tape is attached to the strap at its mid-point.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the measuring tape has a first incremental scale increasing a'ong the measuring tape from the attachment position towards a first end of the measuring tape.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the measuring tape has a second incrernentai scale increasing along the measuring tape from the attachment position towards a second end of the measuring tape.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding daim, in which the measuring tape is transparent.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fastening means is hook and eye fastener.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further including first and second abutment means for placing against the sides of the body.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which each abutment means includes a base member adapted to be placed on a supporting surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the base member includes indication means for reading off the measuring tape, in use, when the measuring tape lies over the indication means.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, in which each abutment means includes a pillar extending upwardly from a respective base member.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which a cross-bar member is adapted to be adjustably attached to and supported by the first and second abutment members.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Apparatus as clainicd in claim 11, in which a poirner is slidably mounted to the cross-bar member.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the pointer points downwardly from the cross-bar.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, h which a measuring scale is provided on the cross-bar for measuring the position of the pointer relative to one of the abutment means.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which a measuring scale is provided on the first and second abutment means for measuring the height of the cross-bar above the supporting surface on which the abutment means are placed.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>