GB2565866B - An orthopaedic device - Google Patents

Description

AN ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICE

The present invention relates to an orthopaedic device.

Known massage devices utilise human assisted manual movement, passive bindingbased operations or electrical motor assistance to move tissue in random directions tohelp create a stretched environment. Such devices may, with persistence and luck, helpto unlock a strain via random alignment of the tissue with the needed vector of force toelicit a release of the route of strain. Such devices do not however predictably find thedirection of counter-strain.

There are also devices that use elements which are adhered to the skin in order toconduct an electrical impulse there through to trigger a twitch mechanism to thereby movea tissue structure back to its normal length and operational status without discomfort.

There are also tools moulded out of wood, plastic, glass or metal which, in use, attempt tosimulate finger action and are used manually to move the muscle tissue in hope of savingthe operator strain on their hands whilst alleviating strain associated discomfort for therecipient.

The problems with the above devices and approaches to massage include that theytypically involve massaging indiscriminately. Deep tissue massage is also known tocause the recipient pain.

It is a therefore an object of the present invention to provide an orthopaedic device whichgoes at least some way toward overcoming the above problems and/or which will providethe public and/or industry with a useful alternative.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the ensuingdescription which is given by way of example only.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an orthopaedic device asclaimed in claim 1.

The orthopaedic device includes a support, and a plurality of massage elements, each massage element comprising a roundedmassaging surface and projecting a distance outwardly from a side of the support, wherein at least some of the massage elements project outwardly from the support bya first distance, and at least others of the massage elements project outwardly from thesupport by a second distance, whereby the first and second distances are different.

Each massage element is shaped as a hemisphere.

In another embodiment ofthe invention, the massage elements are hemispherical in shape,and a curved surface thereof provides the rounded massaging surface of each massageelement.

In another embodiment of the invention, the distance a massage element projects outwardlyfrom the support is the length of the radius or height of the hemisphere shape.

In another embodiment of the invention, each massage element comprises a substantiallyflat base for engaging with the support and a curved surface operable as the roundedmassaging surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, the distance a massage element projects outwardlyfrom the support is the length from the centre of the flat base to the top most point relative tothe flat base of the curved surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, the massage elements are arranged substantiallyadjacently and packed closely together on the support.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least some of the massage elements projectoutwardly from the support by a third distance, whereby the first, second and third distancesare different.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first distance is greater than second distance,and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first, second and third distances are each in therange of 2mm to 20mm.

In another embodiment of the invention, the massage elements are arranged in rows on thesupport.

In another embodiment of the invention, the massage elements are arranged in a plurality ofrows on the support, and each massage element in a row extends one of: the first, second orthird distance from the support.

In another embodiment of the invention, the massage elements are arranged in rows on thesupport, and a position of a massage element in a row is determined by the distance that themassage element projects from the support.

In one example, the support is substantially planar and operable to provide a flat substantiallyrigid mounting for the massage elements.

In one example, the support comprises first and second support members, and each supportmember comprises a plurality of integrally formed outwardly projecting massage elements.

In another embodiment ofthe invention, the support members are integrally formed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support members are separate members andconnect via connection means to form the support.

In another embodiment of the invention, one of the support members is softer relative to theother of the support members.

In another embodiment of the invention, the massage elements formed on one of the supportmembers are relatively softer than the massage elements formed on the other of the supportmembers.

The support is provided by a pad or a mat. which is releasably connectable to a neck supporting cradle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the neck supporting cradle comprises a substantiallyU-shaped mounting surface for the pad.

The cradle comprises a convex shaped mounting surface for the pad and a pivot member isprovided at a base of the cradle about which the cradle may pivot or rock when in use.

In another embodiment of the invention, the massage elements are made of wood, plastic,glass or like materials. For example, the massage elements may be made of a rubbermaterial, such as a silicone rubber.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support is made of a plastic material, such asneoprene, rubber or silicone rubber.

The present invention provides an orthopaedic device comprising a massage surfaceconsisting of massage elements provided by hemispheres having a rounded upwardfacing massage surface, that interface with the fascia of the skin when offered up,triggering a powerful unwind and relaxation response from the strained area of contactand peripheral to it.

The massage surface is mounted on a support, which is a pad or mat which connects witha curved neck cradle for the neck.

The sacral mould and the neck-cradle versions provide close support to the skin surfaceunique to the body offering close support and relief. The advantages of the presentinvention include that the surface works uniquely in so far as it calibrates to the skinsenses in a way that unwinds strain patterns without pain.

The massage elements gently push the surface of the skin in many directions, closelyreplicating the phenomenon of close packing, offering the ligaments and tendons manydirections to unwind without pain.

The advantages of the invention are that, it does not require prolonged usage or lengthymassage techniques to achieve its effect. The present invention is a passive stationarydevice that is used pro-actively to assure good movement and balance prior to activity.

The present invention may be used to re balance the structure to help unwind strain andreduce dis comfort.

The present invention is lightweight and portable and requires no assistance to use,allowing privacy and instant availability when desired. The present invention may helpmentally relax the user due to its association with the vestibular system and anxietypotentials in the user.

The present invention thus provides a passive massage device for unwinding stressedligaments and tendons at the joints in humans. The device is made up of hemisphereshaped massage elements that are attached to, and closely packed on, a support. Thesupport may be a semi-elastic flexible backing material that is moulded to the strained stiffjoint with the help of a pre moulded shell or wrapped in place with an elastic bandagewhere necessary to hold the massage device in place compressed against the skin.

The present invention is an orthopaedic device operates like a ‘skin’ that when wrappedaround or closely compressed to a stiff or strained joint, or strained ligament or tendon,creates a proprioceptive feedback phenomenon that releases strain unilaterally to thearea due to the deformation of the strain pattern by the skin reacting on a central nervoussystem level to being compressed by multiples of hemispheres stretching their points ofcontact unilaterally.

The present invention can be fitted into a mould of a joint or body landmark, and themassage surface comprising tightly packed hemisphere shaped massage elements iscompressed against the joint to be treated. The massage device, in use, dynamicallypassively stretches the area in all directions at a subcutaneous level stimulating theproprioceptors.

The present invention due to its proprioceptive stimulating nature is a pro- active, passive,massage surface that is applicable to various joint and ligament sites throughout the bodyincluding Apo neurosis and ligamentum nuchae where present in humans and animals.

The present invention is an orthopaedic device that utilises the central nervous systemand vestibular system and acts as a triggering device to the proprioceptors of skin tendons muscles and capsular ligaments respond to via vestibular stimulation and re-integration.

The present invention is a massage device that is used passively by the user by eitherlying down on it using their own body weight when required, or wearing it as part of acompression garment backed with an elasticated fabric to apply the invented surfacepressure towards the skin.

This present invention is operable to work on the proprioceptor network of ligaments andtendons throughout the whole body, neck and the sacrum of the human spine. Theunwind it stimulates allows the full spinal mechanism unwind to such an extent, it resetsthe orthopaedic mechanisms

In particular the present invention relates to an adaptable massage device, comprising of,hemi-spherically shaped closely packed massage elements, on a pliable, rigid, or flexibleelastic base, which in use, unwinds strain out of body tissue.

The present invention uses its surface as a subtle stimulation to the Somesthesiafeedback network in the fascia of the user’s muscular physiology.

The present invention utilises the Somesthesia effect on the area of the body it is appliedto, it has a broad release effect on the user.

The present invention when used creates a stretch effect via compression against the skindue to the multi spherical shape of the surface. Via the many hemispheres in its matrix, itmultiplies its omnidirectional stretch phenomenon enhancing the release on a muchdeeper parasympathetic and proprioceptive system response.

The present invention addresses the unnecessary need to massage indiscriminatelywithout a plan. Using the device prior to massage allows the operator to enhance thetreatment as the orthopaedic model of balance is already reset. By usage theproprioceptor system has already been re-calibrated allowing greater freedom ofmovement and vestibular stimulation.

The present invention is shaped for the neck and works gently and passively withoutfurther massage requirements by the operator. By proper placement of the device under or around the affected area provides for excellent transmission of the effect provided bythe device due to the motion of the body at rest and the compressive surface at work.

The present invention eliminates the unwanted pain of deep tissue massage. Generalhealth massage requires specific pressures and motion based on the unique physiology ofthe user, and not brute force from a strong massage practitioner or machine, the inventionwhen used is unlocking the route of strain passively.

The present invention overcomes problems with prior art devices and provides a solutionto general injury strain management due to the manner in which it enables a user to usetheir own central nervous system’s innate sensitivity, and its innate proprioceptivefeedback mechanisms that are throughout the body.

The close compression provided by the massage elements at the surface of the inventionis applied to the strained area of the body and is deployed, together with, the compressiveforce that unwinds the strain at the point of contact.

The present invention is usable on the exterior skin surface of the human body. It mayalso be used on animals when provided as a wrap.

The present invention provides a unidirectional, untwisting, spreading effect, of the user’sskin on a minute scale when pressed on the matrix of the surface provided by themassage elements which causes a swirling unwind of the strained tissue. The release ofthe strain when using the present invention in a specific shape, at a sacral level allowsdeep fascia release which in turn allows basic gait theory to take over from strain allowingthe user ease of walking and greater flexibility.

The device can be moulded of lightweight plastic or dense rubber including flexiblematerials with specific density. The use of the device as the interface in specific mouldshas excellent results on neck strain.

The support of the present invention may be made of neoprene, or other material, as abacking with hemispheres attached to one side of the backing material. The massageelements may be made of wood or plastic with a glass like hardness. The massage elements may be made of a rubber material, such as a silicone rubber. The massageelements are bunched together in ‘close packing’ formation.

The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to and asshown in the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only. In thedrawings: -

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an orthopaedic device;

Fig. 2 are top views of the massage device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing support members ofthe massage device;

Fig. 4 are sectional views showing interconnected support members of themassage device;

Fig. 5 is a schematic showing an arrangement of massage elements in anorthopaedic device.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the orthopaedic device of Figs. 1 to 5 in use;

Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a massage mat for use in connection withan embodiment of an orthopaedic device in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a cradle operable with the massage matshown in Figs. 7 and 8;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an orthopaedic device in accordance with afurther embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a side sectional view ofthe massage device shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a side view ofthe massage device shown in Fig. 11 in use; and

Fig. 14 is a schematic showing an arrangement of massage elements in anorthopaedic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs 1 to 6, there is shown an orthopaedic device,indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, comprising a support 2 and a plurality ofmassage elements 3. Each massage element 3 projects a distance, indicated by the arrowΆ’ (see Fig. 12) outwardly from the support 2, and has a rounded massaging surface 4. Themassage elements are made of wood, plastic, glass or like relatively hard materials.

In the instance shown, each massage element 3 is shaped as a hemisphere, and the curvedouter surface 4 of the hemisphere shape provides the rounded massaging surface of eachmassage element 3. In such an embodiment it will be understood that the distance ‘A’ that amassage element 3 projects outwardly from the support 2 is the length of the radius or theheight of the hemisphere shape. Each massage element 3 therefore comprises asubstantially flat base 5 for engaging with an upper surface of the support 2 and a curvedsurface operable as the rounded massaging surface 4. The distance a massage element 4projects outwardly from the support is also computed as the length from the centre of the flatbase 5 to the highest point 6 relative to the flat base of the curved surface 4. Eachhemisphere is 2mm to 20mm in diameter, and preferably, 15 mm in diameter.

It will be understood that the massage elements 3 may be integrally formed with the support2, or may be separately formed and connected to the support 2 using a connection means,such as a glue, Velcro™, clips or other connectors. The massage elements 3 are arrangedsubstantially adjacently and are packed closely together on the support 2.

The support is optionally made of a plastics material, such as neoprene, or other suitableplastics or a fabric with similar elasticity. The massage elements 3 may be positioned on thesupport 2 in either a side by side adjacent arrangement, or at 45 degree angles to eachother, retaining a consistent close packing formation.

The support 2 of the present invention may be shaped and dimensioned as required or asdesired depending on the location of the body that the massage device 1 is to be used on.

The support 2 may be substantially triangular in plan view, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, andprovide a mounting for the massage elements 3. In such an embodiment, the support is substantially planar and operable to provide a flat substantially rigid mounting for themassage elements 3. The triangular support 2 includes an arrow 10 pointing up engravedinto the support 2 to indicate the correct orientation of the massage device in use. Thebottom corner may have an arrow pointing down. Fig. 2 shows different options regardingthe style and type of arrow 10 pointing up engraved into the support 2. The word “top” mayalso be engraved.

The support 2 comprises a first and second support members 22, 23, and each supportmember 22, 23 comprises a plurality of integrally formed outwardly projecting massageelements 3. The support members 22, 23 are separate members and interconnect viaconnection means to form the support. One of the support members 22, 23 comprises anoverlap or locking member 24 formed at an edge or along the perimeter thereof which foldsover an edge 26 of the other support member 22, 23 so that the two support members 22, 23are connected to form the massage device 1.

In the arrangement shown, the support member 22 comprises the locking member 24 whichis operable to fold over an edge 26 of the support member 23 to thereby lock the two supportmembers 22, 23 together. In such an embodiment, the support member 22 is made ofmaterial that is softer relative to the material of the other support member 23 to enable it tofold over the perimeter edge of the support member 23. The integrally formed massageelements 3 of the support member 22 are also softer relative to the massage elements 23 onthe other support member 23.

Reference will now be made to Fig. 5. As shown, the massage elements 3 are arranged in aplurality of rows on the support 2, and each massage element 3 in a row extends one of: thefirst, second or third distance from the support 2. The specific arrangement shown isexemplary only, and should in no way be seen as limiting.

As shown in Fig. 5, the massage elements 3 are arranged in a plurality of rows on thesupport 2, and each massage element 3 in a row extends one of: the first, second or thirddistance from the support 2. The arrangement of massage elements is shown on thetriangular mounting, which in the specific arrangement shown, there are also twelve rows ofhemispheres shown on the triangular support 2 , these are shown by the reference letters A’to ‘L’. Each row comprises a number of massage elements 3, and in the example shown,there are five in row A’, four in row ‘B’, three in row ‘C’, four in row O’, three in row Έ,’, two in row ‘F’, three in row ‘G’, two in row TT, one in row T, two in row ‘J’, one in in row ‘K, and onein row ‘L’.

In the example, the height or distance that a massage element 3 projects from the triangularsupport surface 2 is shown by the references A, B or C, in which A indicates a massageelement height of 12 mm, B a height of 11 mm and C a height of 10 mm. From left to right,as shown in Fig. 5, Column A is sequenced CAAC; Column B is sequenced BAAAB; ColumnC is sequenced BCB; Column D is sequenced CBBC; Column E is sequenced BAB; ColumnF is sequenced BB; Column G is sequenced CCC; Column H is sequenced BB; Column I issequenced C; Column J is sequenced BB; Column K is sequenced B, and Column L issequenced C.

In the arrangement shown the massage elements 3 that are centrally located on the support2 are higher than those massage elements near the perimeter of matrix of massageelements.

Fig. 6 shows the device in Figs. 1 to 5 for use on the sacrum of a human body, which is thebony structure above the coccyx in the middle of the posterior pelvis between the left andright gluteus maximus muscles below the end of the back. In use, a user may place themassage device 1 under the sacrum and lie on the device 1. The device 1 may be orientedsuch that the massage elements 3 of either the support member 22 or the support member23 are upward facing and so engage against the sacrum depending on the whether theywant a soft surface or a firm surface for a better penetrating release depending on howstrained the sacrum is.

Accordingly, depending on the intended use, the massage device 1 may be oriented suchthat the softer massage elements 3 of the support member 22 engage against the humanbody, in which arrangement, the massage elements 3 of the support member 23 aredownward or ground facing. Conversely, the massage device 1 may be oriented such thatthe relatively firmer or harder massage elements 3 of the support member 23 instead engageagainst the human body, in which arrangement, the relatively softer massage elements 3 ofthe support member 22 are downward or ground facing.

Turning now to Figs. 7 to 14, an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way ofexample and in which the support 2 is provided as a pad or a mat 6, in which the pad or mat 6 is releasably connectable to a neck supporting cradle 7 using connector means 9. Asshown, the neck supporting cradle 7 comprises a substantially U-shaped mounting surface 8to which the pad or mat 6 may be connected. The neck cradle 7 includes a recessed region11 to assist in fitting the mat or pad 2 to the cradle 7. The word “top” may be engraved intothe neck cradle 7 above the recessed pattern 11 so as to assist with the fitting of the mat 2for the users. The provision of a neck cradle comprising a U-shaped neck receiving region 8enables the massage device 1 to be applied to the back of the neck whilst the patient liesdown on it. A rocker element or pivot in the form of padding or cushioning 13 is provided atthe back of the cradle 7. The cradle 7 has a natural curve of the cervical spine and back andsides of the neck that is used with the invention surface.

The cradle 7 may be a one piece plastic moulded integrally formed structure. The uppersides of the neck cradle 7 fit snugly to the sides of the user’s base bones of the head and theligament area at the back of the neck along with the tendons that invest into the back of thehead. The cradle 7 curves transversely superiorly and anteriorly in a three dimensional shelllike curved structure. The neck cradle 7 is tapered from the top to the bottom to provide a fitfor the base of the skull which is greater that the width of the base which nestles into theback of the neck.

In another arrangement, the support 2 is provided by a flexible strap or wrap to which themassage elements 3 are mounted. Such a flexible strap or wrap comprises a closure meansto enable the support 2 to be releasably secured to a wearer. For example, the support 2comprising the massage elements 3 may be applied to the inside of a gauntlet or glove,which may be closed around a hand so that the massage device 1 may be fitted to thehuman wearer. Straps or Velcro may assist in fitting the glove or gauntlet. The inventionsurface constantly unwinds the tension as the user is wearing the glove or gauntlet. Themassage device 1 may also be applied to or provided as a wrap for application to a knee orankle or other part of the body. When positioned against the knee, the invention surfaceengages the knee muscles and stimulates the relaxation required to release the strainpattern of the knee effecting the hamstrings, Sartorius muscle, anterior Tibialis and theQuadriceps tendon, the Popliteus muscle posteriorly and the lateral ilio tibial band.

The massage elements 3 are set at a plurality of different heights so that the roundedmassage surface 4 of some of the massage elements 3 mounted to the support 2 projecthigher or lower from the support 2 than others. Accordingly, at least some of the massage elements 3 project outwardly from the support 2 by a first distance, at least others of themassage elements 3 project outwardly from the support by a second distance, and some ofthe massage elements 3 project outwardly from the support by a third distance whereby thefirst, second and third distances are different. The first distance may be greater than seconddistance, and the second distance may be greater than the third distance so that themassage elements 3 are set at three different heights form the support 2. The heights atwhich the massage elements 3 are set may in the range of 2mm to 20mm from the supportsurface 2.

Although reference will be made to the present invention having massage elements 3 set ator extending outwardly at two or three different heights from the support, this should in noway be seen a limiting. Accordingly, it will be understood that the present invention foreseesimplementations in which the massage elements 3 may be set at one, two, three, four, five ormore different heights or distances from the support. Different settings for height or distancethat the massage elements 3 extend from the support surface 2 are also envisaged andreference to a range of 2mm to 20mm should in no way be seen a limiting.

Reference will now be made to Fig. 14 in which a specific implementation of the presentinvention are described. As shown, the massage elements 3 are arranged in a plurality ofrows on the support 2, and each massage element 3 in a row extends one of: the first,second or third distance from the support 2. The specific arrangement shown is exemplaryonly, and should in no way be seen as limiting.

In the specific arrangement shown, there are twelve columns of hemispheres shown on thesupport mat 2, these are shown by the reference letters A’ to ‘L’. Each row comprises anumber of massage elements 3, and in the example shown, there are eight massageelements 3 in row A’, eleven in row ‘B’, twelve in row ‘C’, thirteen in row O’, twelve in rowΈ,’, thirteen in row ‘F’, twelve in row ‘G’, thirteen in row ’IT, twelve in row T, eleven in row ‘J’,eight in in row ‘K, and five in row ‘L’.

In the example, the height or distance that a massage element 3 projects from the supportsurface 2 is shown by the reference A, B or C, in which A indicates a massage elementheight of 12 mm, B a height of 11 mm and C a height of 10 mm.

From left to right, as shown in Fig, 15, Column A is sequenced CBACBABC; Column B is sequenced CBACBACBABC; Column C is sequenced CBABABABABBC; Column D issequenced CBACBACBAABBC; Column E is sequenced ABCABCCBAABC; Column F issequenced CBACBACBAABBC; Column G is sequenced CBABABABABBC; Column H issequenced CBACBACBAABBC; Column I is sequenced ABCABCCBAABC; Column J issequenced CBABABABABC; Column K is sequenced ABABABAB, and Column L issequenced AAAAA.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described hereinwhich are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations arepossible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

This application is a division of GB 1503764.1, the content of which is herein incorporated byreference.

Claims (13)

1. An orthopaedic device comprising: a support comprising a pad or mat and a neck supporting cradle the cradle having aconcave surface that is releasably connectable to the pad or mat, and the pad or mat including a plurality of hemispherically shaped massage elements, eachmassage element comprising a rounded massaging surface and projecting a distanceoutwardly from the neck supporting cradle and positioned to support a user’s neck with themassage elements when the cradle is in use, wherein at least some of the massage elements project outwardly from the pad or matby a first distance, and at least others of the massage elements project outwardly from thepad or mat by a second distance, whereby the first and second distances aredifferent,wherein the neck supporting cradle, when in use, is arranged to guide a user’s neckand spine along a central axis, the neck supporting cradle curving away from the user’s neckand spine along the central axis and curving about the user’s neck perpendicular to thecentral axis, the support being mounted on a base, the base being semi-cylindrical wherebythe orthopaedic device can rock along the central axis when in use and the base is laid on asurface.

2. An orthopaedic device as claimed in claim 1, in which each massage elementcomprises a substantially flat base for engaging with the support and a curved surfaceoperable as the rounded massaging surface.

3. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which themassage elements are arranged substantially adjacently and packed closely together on thesupport.

4. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which atleast some of the massage elements project outwardly from the support by a third distance,whereby the first, second and third distances are different.

5. An orthopaedic device as claimed in Claim 4, in which the first distance is greaterthan second distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

6. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which thefirst, second and third distances are each in the range of 2mm to 20mm.

7. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which themassage elements are arranged in rows on the support.

8. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the massageelements are arranged in a plurality of rows on the support, and each massage element in arow extends one of: the first, second or third distance from the support.

9. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which themassage elements are arranged in rows on the support, and a position of a massageelement in a row is determined by the distance that the massage element projects from thesupport.

10. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the necksupporting cradle comprises a substantially U-shaped mounting surface for the pad and apivot element.

11. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which themassage elements are made of a plastic or rubber material.

12. An orthopaedic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which thesupport is made of a plastic or rubber material.

13. An orthopaedic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein curvature of the necksupporting cradle decreases towards the outer edges of the supporting cradle.