IT201800004420A1 - VERTEBRAL RELAXATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

VERTEBRAL RELAXATION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a vertebral relaxation device of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

As is known, a sedentary lifestyle and the execution of incorrect movements have made spinal problems very frequent and therefore back pain that can interfere if not even prevent the assumption of a normal \ correct posture and some movements.

One of the most important problems of the spine is a herniated disc which manifests itself with pain localized in the area of the hernia and, according to the course of the affected nerve root, radiated to the limbs. The pain can be accompanied by burning, tingling, sensitivity alterations and functional limitations and worsens with movement, bending of the spine, coughing.

In most cases, spinal problems and, to be precise, herniated discs are mild and can be solved with postural exercises.

These exercises can be performed with the support of vertebral relaxation gymnastic devices such as the inversion bench

The inversion bench provides a hinge defining a rotation axis and integral with it on one side a support defining a support surface for the back / bust and on the other side a rod defining a coplanar extension of the support surface and provided with an anchor for feet and ankles.

The patient rests the spine on the support, locks the feet to the anchor and, rotating around the axis of rotation, stands with the head down and the feet up so that the force of gravity decompresses the spine and joints at the below the anchor point.

The known art described includes some important drawbacks.

The flexion bench has numerous and important contraindications that make it not usable by everyone.

In fact, by imposing an inverted position, the inversion bench increases the heart rate and output, peripheral resistance, venous return and oxygen consumption by the myocardium, and is thus not recommended in heart patients.

Other contraindications to the use of inversion therapy are for example obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, glaucoma, hypertension, osteoporosis and bone metabolism disorders, recent fractures, bone prostheses, use of anticoagulants.

Another drawback is represented by the fact that the inversion bench (as well as almost all of the known vertebral relaxation gymnastic devices) requires the presence of an expert operator able to help the user during anchoring, use and detachment from the bench.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a vertebral relaxation gymnastic device capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of said technical task, an important object of the invention is to obtain a vertebral relaxation gymnastic device that is easy to use even by elderly people or people with motor difficulties.

The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a vertebral relaxation gymnastic device as claimed in the attached claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiment are described in the dependent claims.

Preferred embodiments are highlighted in the dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a vertebral relaxation gymnastic device according to the invention;

Fig.2 illustrates a second view of the gymnastic device;

Fig. 3 shows a vertebral relaxation gymnastic device in a different configuration;

Fig.4 is a different view of the gymnastic device of Fig.3;

Fig. 5 shows a further vertebral relaxation gymnastic device according to the invention; And

Fig.6 shows a component of the gymnastic device.

In this document, measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as less than measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, unless there is a slight divergence from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% of the value itself.

Furthermore, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "superior", "inferior", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, relationship priority or relative position, but can simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533).

With reference to the Figures, the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.

It is suitable for use for passive muscle stretching, ie exercises in which the user assumes and, for a certain time, maintains a position by relaxing the muscles without contracting and straining the agonist muscles. In particular, the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 can be used to relax the vertebral column allowing the re-assumption of a correct alignment of the vertebrae. The vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 comprises a backrest 2 defining a first support surface 2a for practically the whole of the patient's back; a seat 3 defining a second support surface 3a for at least the patient's thighs; and a support structure 4 able to rest on the ground and to support seat 3 and backrest 2 raised with respect to said ground, ie to the support surface of the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1.

The backrest 2 defines a first longitudinal axis 2b. Said first longitudinal axis 2b is substantially parallel to the first support surface 2a and, in use, preferably substantially parallel to the back (vertebral column) or to the axis of the vertebral column.

The seat 3 defines a second longitudinal axis 3b. Said axis is substantially parallel to the second supporting surface 3a and, in use, preferably substantially parallel to the thighs and, to be precise, to the lower limbs or to the axes of the lower limbs.

The backrest 2 and the seat 3 are suitable for defining an opening angle α (shown in Fig. 2) between the support surfaces 2a and 3a greater than 180 ° and in detail of 190 °.

Said opening angle α is defined between the supporting surfaces 2a and 3a on the opposite side to the supporting structure 4.

The opening angle α can be fixed.

Alternatively, the backrest 2 and the seat 3 are able to rotate reciprocally by varying the opening angle α and defining a closing configuration in which the opening angle α assumes a minimum value and a working configuration in which the aperture α is greater than said minimum value and not greater than a maximum value.

Conveniently, between the working configurations, a maximum opening working configuration can be defined in which the opening angle α assumes said maximum value.

The maximum value of the opening angle α is greater than 180 ° in detail at least equal to 190 °.

In particular, the maximum value of the opening angle α is substantially between 180 ° and 245 ° and in more detail between 190 * and 225 and to be precise between 190 ° and 210 °.

Preferably the maximum value of the opening angle α is substantially equal to 195 °.

The minimum value of the opening angle α is substantially less than 45 ° in detail at 30 ° and for the accuracy substantially equal to 0 ° (support surfaces 2a and 3a parallel to each other).

This variation of the opening angle α can be obtained by rotating the backrest 2 and seat 3 in a dependent manner and, to be precise, proportional and with the opposite direction or preferably independently of each other as described below.

The backrest 2 comprises a first rigid support 21 adapted to support the weight of the back; and a first padding 22 defining the first resting surface 2a.

The first padding 22 and, therefore, the first surface 2a are adapted to support at least the back (body portion comprised between the neck and buttocks, including shoulders) and in particular the back and head. Therefore, they have a width and a length respectively between 30 and 70 cm and between 60 and 140 cm and, more precisely, between 40 cm and 50 and between 70 and 110 cm.

The backrest 2 can comprise at least a first coupling 23 able to constrain the first external elements to the backrest 2 and to be precise to the first rigid support 21 in a suitably resolvable way.

The first coupling 23 may comprise a hollow cylinder, integral with the first rigid support 21 and able to engage, for example through a mutual insertion / joint, to an engagement body, such as a second cylinder, of said first external elements.

An example of said first external elements can be identified in at least a first extension able to be connected to the first coupling 23 defining an extension, in length and / or in width, of the first padding 22, that is, of the first supporting surface 2a.

Each first extension comprises an additional first rigid support adapted to be constrained to the first rigid support 21 by the first hook 23; and an additional first padding defining an additional first support surface coplanar with the first support surface 2a.

Another example of said first external elements can be identified in one or more first handles, each of which is able to be constrained, preferably in a resolvable way, to the first coupling 23, defining a gripping point for the patient.

It can be seen that one or more first hooks 23 are placed in proximity to the attachment point of the backrest 2 to the support structure 4, allowing the handles to be placed in correspondence with the lower part of the patient's torso on the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1.

The seat 3 has a second rigid support 31 adapted to support the weight of the back; and a second padding 32 defining the second resting surface 3a.

The second surface 3a is able to support at least the thighs and, in particular, almost all of the lower limbs. It has a width and a length respectively between 30 and 70 cm and between 60 and 160 cm and, more precisely, between 40 cm and 50 and between 90 and 130 cm.

The seat 3 can comprise at least a second coupling 33 suitable for binding second external elements to the seat 3 and, more precisely, to the second rigid support 31, in a suitably resolvable manner.

The second coupling 33 may comprise a hollow cylinder, integral with the first rigid support 31 and able to engage, for example by means of a mutual insertion / joint, to an engagement body, such as a second cylinder, precisely of said second external elements.

An example of said second external elements can be identified in a second extension able to be fastened to the second coupling 33 defining an extension, in length and / or in width, of the second padding 32, that is, of the second supporting surface 3a.

Each second extension comprises an additional first rigid support adapted to be constrained to the second rigid support 31 by the second hook 33; and an additional second padding defining an additional second supporting surface coplanar with the second surface 3a.

The support structure 4 is able to keep the backrest 2 and the seat 3 elevated with respect to the ground by defining a seat height of the device 1 at least equal to 25 cm, in more detail, substantially between 35 cm and 60 cm and, more specifically, still detail, substantially equal to 45 cm. Said seat height is identified in the distance from the ground of the surfaces 2a and 3a when horizontal or parallel to the ground.

The supporting structure 4 comprises a base 41 to which the back 2 and seat 3 are constrained; at least one support 42 (in detail two) adapted to define said seat height.

Each support 42 comprises a foot 421 adapted to rest on the ground and a leg 422 binding the foot 421 to the base 41.

The foot 421 is identifiable in a first section able to rest on the ground.

The leg 422 can be identified in a second cross section (in detail perpendicular) to the first section, that is to the foot 421.

The supports 42 can be movable to the base 41 so that in the closing configuration (Figs. 3-4) the supports 42 are placed next to each other and conveniently enclose the backrest 2 and the seat 3 and in the at least one working configuration (Figs. 1- 2) are spread apart so as to rest on the ground defining said seat height. In particular, in the closed configuration the supports 42 are practically parallel to each other and to the support surfaces 2a and 3a.

To this end, the support structure 4 includes at least one movement block 43 (suitably two) associating a support 42 to the base 41 and able to allow a rotation and / or translation of the support 42 with respect to the base 41; and suitably a stop 44 able to block the support 42 with respect to the base 41 at least in the working configuration.

The vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 can comprise at least one hinge 5 designed to allow reciprocal rotation between the backrest 2 and the seat 3 by varying the opening angle α.

The hinge 5 is adapted to hinge the backrest 2 and / or the seat 3 to the support structure 4 and in particular to the base 41, defining a suitably substantially horizontal axis of rotation 5a.

Preferably, the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 comprises at least two hinges 5 of which at least one hinges the backrest 2 to the support structure 4 and at least one hinges the seat 3 to the structure 4 and defining the reciprocal rotation axis 5a parallel to that between the backrest 2 and support structure 4 and to the same from the ground.

The hinge 5 can allow the detachment of the backrest 2 and / or of the seat 3 from the support structure 4. It can thus comprise a pin 51 integral with the backrest 2 or the seat 3 and defining the reciprocal rotation axis 5a; a groove 52 integral with the support structure 4 (to be precise at the base 41) and having an open end so as to allow the engagement / disengagement of the pin 51 from the groove 52 through translation perpendicular to the axis 5a; and suitably locking means suitable for locking the pin 51 in said groove allowing the pin 51 to rotate exclusively around the reciprocal rotation axis 5a.

Preferably the hinge 5 is motorized so as to control a reciprocal rotation between the backrest 2 and the seat 3. In detail, the hinge 5 is motorized so as to control a rotation of at least one between the seat 3 and the backrest 2, preferably a rotation, suitably independent, of the seat 3 and backrest 2.

This rotation can be controlled by the push-button panel and / or remotely using, for example, a remote control.

The vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 can comprise at least one rotation locking member 6 adapted to block the reciprocal rotation between the backrest 2 and the seat 3 defining at least one working configuration of a stable type. Preferably, the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 comprises two locking members 6, one adapted to block the rotation of the backrest 2 with respect to the support structure 4 and one the rotation of the seat 3 with respect to the support structure 4.

The locking member 6 is able to define at least one stable type working configuration in which the opening angle α is greater than 180 ° and in detail of 190 ° and suitably equal to said maximum value. Preferably, the locking member 6 is able to define several working configurations of a stable type in which the opening angle α assumes a value greater than 180 ° and, to be precise, two basic working configurations in the opening angle α assumes value greater than 180 ° (a first working configuration of the stable type in which it is equal to 188 ° and a second working configuration of a stable type in which it assumes said maximum value).

A locking member 6 can comprise at least one engagement body 61 integral with a leg 422 and provided with seats 61a each defining a locking position; and a stop 62 hinged to the backrest 2 or to the seat 3 and adapted to engage with a seat 61a locking the backrest 2 or the seat 3 in a working configuration.

The seats 61a can have an increasing pitch so as to have successive locking positions of the supporting surfaces 2a and 3a angularly equally spaced from each other.

The engagement body 61 can provide a sliding guide 61b for the stop 62 which the seats 61a suitably closed face, preferably unless an open end able to allow the engagement / disengagement of the stop 62 from the guide 61b and therefore from the engagement body 61.

It should be noted that the engagement body can comprise at least two components, a first component defining the sliding guide 61b and a second closing component of the open end. In particular, the first component can provide two sub-components, one integral with the leg 422 and a sub-component engageable thereto, defining a sliding guide 61b preferably closed except for said open end.

The vertebral relaxation exerciser 1 can comprise a traction member 7.

The traction member 7 is able to put the patient in traction placed on the device 1 by exerting a traction force along a traction axis 7a substantially parallel to one of the longitudinal axes 2b and / or 3b. Preferably the traction axis 7a is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis 3b.

The traction member 7 is able to exert the traction force on at least one limb and along the axis of prevalent development of the limb itself. Preferably it is adapted to exert the traction force on at least the thighs (in detail on at least one lower limb) resting on the seat 3 and along its axis of prevalent development. More preferably, the traction member 7 is able to exert the traction force simultaneously on both lower limbs resting on the seat 3, said force being applied along the axis of prevailing development of said lower limbs.

The traction member 7 includes a guide 71 defining the traction axis 7a; a carriage 72 movable along the guide 71; and means 73 for hooking the trolley 72 to the patient in particular to at least one limb.

The guide 71 can be motorized. In particular, it can be controlled in order to regulate its power and therefore the intensity of the traction hole.

The guide 71 and the carriage 72 are placed on the opposite side to the coupling means 73 with respect to the second supporting surface 3a which therefore remains substantially free. The trolley 72 can therefore be attached to the trolley through a slot 7b extending along the traction axis 7a.

The coupling means 73 can be engaged with at least one lower limb and preferably with both lower limbs. In detail, the coupling means 71 can be engaged to a lower limb at the patient's ankle and / or foot.

The coupling means can comprise a band engageable to one or more limbs. Alternatively, they include a contrast element able to go to the stop and therefore to put the patient in traction when moved along the traction axis 7a.

The guide 71 and therefore the entire traction member 7 can be integral with the backrest 2 or preferably with the seat 3 (Fig. 5). Alternatively, the traction member 7 can comprise a plate 74 for anchoring to the device and for example to the seat 3 as shown in Fig 6.

The plate 74 is adapted to support the guide 71, the carriage 72 and the coupling means 73. Said plate 74 can be engaged with the couplings 23 and 33 and in particular with the second coupling 33 suitably in a resolvable manner.

The guide 71 and the carriage 72 are placed on the opposite side to the coupling means 73 with respect to the plate 74 which therefore comprises said slot 7b suitable for connecting the carriage 72 to the coupling means 73.

The operation of the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows.

The patient rotates the backrest 2 and the seat 3 reciprocally by arranging the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1, for example in the working configuration with maximum opening.

Favored by the fact that the seat 2 and the backrest 3 are raised above the ground, the patient comfortably rests almost the entire back on the backrest 2 and on the seat 3 at least the thighs and in particular almost all of the lower limbs so that the entire the patient's weight is placed on the vertebral relaxation exerciser 1.

In this position, thanks to the particular opening angle α greater than 180 °, the patient arches his back decompressing the intervertebral discs and re-centralizing the nucleus pulposus within the intervertebral disc. As a result, the patient has complete vertebral relaxation.

This action is complemented by other benefits favoring vertebral relaxation such as lengthening of the anterior muscle chains and unblocking the diaphragm.

These actions can be increased by using the first handles. In fact, by applying force on them, the operator can increase the actions described above, further favoring vertebral relaxation.

Furthermore, once the patient is on the gymnastic device 1, an operator can, for example, anchor the plate 74 to the seat 3 using the second hooks 33, then constrain the lower limbs, for example, to the hooking means. At this point the operator can command the drive of the traction device which exerts a traction force on the limbs acting on a traction axis 7a parallel to the limbs themselves. This traction force is so loaded on the spinal column that, being relaxed, maximizes the decompression action of the traction force, being devoid of active muscles and therefore opposing traction.

The vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, the particular reciprocal inclination between the supporting surfaces 2a and 3a allows the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device 1 to exert beneficial actions such as to ensure an important vertebral relaxation of the patient.

In addition, the presence of the extensions allows the support surfaces 2a and 3a to be adapted to the physical characteristics (such as height) of the patient, ensuring a high level of comfort of use.

This aspect allows the patient to place himself on the vertebral relaxation gymnastic device in any position (for example lying sideways) without penalizing his own comfort.

Important advantages are obtained by adopting the traction member 7 on this particular vertebral relaxation device 1. In fact, the operation of the traction member 7 is assisted by the relaxing action of the seat 3 and of the backrest 2 which allows to maximize its action as described above.

This aspect is accentuated by the possibility of working at various inclination angles between seat 3 and backrest 2 up to even angles greater than 180 °.

Another advantage is given by the possibility of automatically adjusting the opening angle α making this operation extremely simple and comfortable. For example, this operation can be easily performed by a disabled person with a remote control.

A not secondary advantage is given by the possibility of working and then reactivating the abdominal wall of a disabled person, for example by using elastic bands and varying the opening angle α.

The invention is susceptible of variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS 1. Vertebral relaxation exerciser (1) comprising: - a backrest (2) defining a first support surface (2a) for practically the whole of the back; - a seat (3) defining a second support surface (3a) for at least the thighs; and characterized by the fact of understanding - a support structure (4) able to rest on the ground and to support said seat (2) and said backrest (3) raised with respect to said ground; and by the fact that - said backrest (3) and said seat (2) are able to define an opening angle (α) between said support surfaces (2a, 3a) greater than 180 ° so as to allow a patient to rest almost the entire back on the first support surface (2a) and at least the thighs on the second support surface (3a) so as to entrust the back by relaxing the vertebral column. Vertebral relaxation exerciser (1) according to claim 1, wherein said opening angle (α) is greater than 190 °. 3. Vertebral relaxation gymnastic device (1) according to at least one previous claim, comprising at least one hinge (5) able to allow reciprocal rotation between said backrest (2) and said seat (3) by varying said opening angle (α). 4. Vertebral relaxation gymnastic device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one locking member (6) able to lock said reciprocal between said backrest (2) and said seat (3) defining at least one working configuration of a stable type in which said opening angle (α) is greater than 180 °. 5. Vertebral relaxation exerciser (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one locking member (6) defines a first working configuration of a stable type in which said opening angle (α) is equal to 188 ° and a second working configuration of a stable type in which said opening angle (α) is 195 °. 6. Vertebral relaxation gymnastic device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said backrest (2) at least one first coupling (23) and at least one first extension adapted to be constrained to said first coupling (23) defining an extension of said first support surface (2a). 7. Vertebral relaxation gymnastic device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said seat (2) at least one second coupling (33) and at least one second extension adapted to be constrained to said second coupling (33) defining an extension of said second supporting surface (3a).