WO1999009869A1 - Appareil medical pour soulager la douleur - Google Patents

Appareil medical pour soulager la douleur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999009869A1
WO1999009869A1 PCT/GB1998/002520 GB9802520W WO9909869A1 WO 1999009869 A1 WO1999009869 A1 WO 1999009869A1 GB 9802520 W GB9802520 W GB 9802520W WO 9909869 A1 WO9909869 A1 WO 9909869A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
patient
head
pillow
volume
inflation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1998/002520
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Arthur Michael Newson Gardner
Christopher John Daughtery
Original Assignee
Huntleigh Technology Plc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9717818.0A external-priority patent/GB9717818D0/en
Application filed by Huntleigh Technology Plc filed Critical Huntleigh Technology Plc
Priority to EP98940351A priority Critical patent/EP0932354A1/fr
Priority to AU88693/98A priority patent/AU8869398A/en
Publication of WO1999009869A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999009869A1/fr

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10Pillows
    • A47G9/1027Details of inflatable pillows
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H9/00Pneumatic or hydraulic massage
    • A61H9/005Pneumatic massage
    • A61H9/0078Pneumatic massage with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G2009/003Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows with inflatable members
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0103Constructive details inflatable
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0134Cushion or similar support
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1604Head
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1609Neck
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/02Head
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/04Devices for specific parts of the body neck

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a medical apparatus for the relief of pain and more particularly, though not exclusively, relates to a dynamically inflatable neck support pillow for the relief, treatment and prevention of neck pain.
  • the teachings of the invention could however be applied to the relief of back pain.
  • Neck pain is a common ailment afflicting many people. Neck-related pain may be caused or be exacerbated by poor posture as well as by the overstretching of surrounding ligaments in the neck region.
  • the prior art supports and pillows such as those described in the abovementioned documents have provided some relief from neck pain and are an improvement over conventional pillows. However, none of these prior art supports or pillows is designed to effect any treatment for prevention of neck- related pain. Summary of the Invention: The present invention thus aims to provide a medical apparatus which not only relieves neck pain but also treats and/or prevents neck pain.
  • the present invention resides in the application of a periodic inflation and deflation cycle to an inflatable/deflatable support for the head and neck of a patient to allow nodding and/or side-to-side movement of the patient's head.
  • medical apparatus for the relief of neck pain
  • the apparatus comprising: a fluid inflatable support pillow adapted for inte ⁇ ositioning between a patient's occiput and a head rest; and a source of inflation fluid connected to the pillow, characterised in the source including control means for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow in accordance with a periodic cycle so as to move the patient ' s head cyclically, in a nodding and/or a side-to-side manner.
  • the support pillow in an embodiment of the present invention, is advantageously formed with a plurality of different chambers one or more of which is shaped to provide lateral support to the head of a user and to underlie his neck, and another of which supports the back of the head, and the plural chambers may be variably and selectively inflated and deflated for cyclically raising and lowering the supported head.
  • the abovementioned embodiment of the present invention provide comfort to the user during treatment, as made possible by the lateral support provided to the user's head and the support provided to the nape of his neck, but also the iterative inflation and deflation of the pillow portion supporting the occiput of the user applies a gentle pressure to massage the neck.
  • This massaging action provides relief of neck pain and also provides treatment of muscular, skeletal and various other conditions which may be giving rise to the neck pain.
  • a method of operating a medical apparatus providing support for a patient's head, the method comprising providing a fluid inflatable support pillow adapted for interpositioning between a patient's occiput and a head rest therefor; providing a source of inflation fluid connected to the pillow, and controlling the inflation and deflation of the pillow in accordance with a periodic cycle determined by control means connected with the said source of inflation fluid so that when the control means is operative the patient's head is moved cyclically in a nodding and/or side-to-side manner.
  • medical apparatus for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck pain
  • the apparatus comprising: an envelope for interpositioning between a patient's occiput and a head rest, and a fluid source for periodically supplying fluid to and extracting fluid out of a central concavity in the envelope, the fluid being also supplied to and then retained in one or more peripheral inflatable volumes of the envelope outward of the central concavity.
  • a method of supporting a patient's head comprising: providing a fluid inflatable support pillow such that when the pillow is interposed between a head rest and the patient's occiput, the patient's occiput rests against a central inflatable volume of the pillow supported by peripheral parts of the pillow and the patient's neck rests on another peripheral part of the pillow; and subjecting the patient's occiput, as positioned against the central inflatable volume of the pillow, to repeated cycles of movement resulting from periodic inflation and deflation of said central inflatable volume.
  • Figure la is a schematic view of a medical apparatus embodying the present invention including an inflatable neck support pillow;
  • Figure lb is a perspective view of the inflatable neck support pillow of Figure 1 a strapped to a head rest;
  • Figure 2a is a detailed schematic view of the inflatable neck support pillow of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 2b is a detailed schematic view of another inflatable neck support pillow embodying the present invention.
  • Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of the pillow of Figure 2b in inflated condition, the cross-section being on the line ML shown in Figure 2b:
  • Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the support pillow of Figure 2b in inflated condition, the cross-section being on the line NO shown in Figure 2b;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a support pillow similar to that of Figure 2b in an inflated condition provided within a padded pillow case, and supporting the patient's occipital load;
  • Figure 5 is an illustrative graph of fluid inflation pressure versus time typical for a central, occiput-supportive portion of a pillow according to the present invention, the graph illustrating a first phase of inflation of about two minutes duration, followed by a second more rapid phase of deflation;
  • Figure 6 is a sequence table showing an exemplary inflation and deflation sequence for three in-line compartments within a pillow according to the present invention;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an electric motor driven rotor/stator arrangement for use in controlling the distribution of air from a source of compressed air to different compartments of a support pillow according to the present invention
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a medical apparatus in accordance with the present invention utilising the rotor/stator arrangement of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a separate three segment top volume for location over side and central volumes of an inflatable/deflatable pillow;
  • Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view similar to Figure 9 but in which the segments are separated one from the other and are inflatable from a single source;
  • Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of one outer portion of the pillow of Figure 1 a;
  • Figures 12a- 12c are schematic illustrations of an inflation/deflation portion of an inflatable support pillow according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiments:
  • the apparatus 1 comprises an inflatable neck support pillow 2 of generally rectangular form and a fluid inflation device 3.
  • the inflation device 3 comprises a distributor 4 having a plurality of outputs each coupled by a tubular connection pipe 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e. respectively, with a plurality of input/outputs 25 of the pillow.
  • the distributor comprises a pump the operation of which is controlled by a microprocessor 13 having a periodic cyclic switching program therein.
  • the pillow 2 is formed of overlapping plastics sheets, such as sheets of polyvinylchloride or polyurethane, which are interconnected along welded portions 9 positioned so as to divide the pillow 2 into a plurality of independently inflatable/deflatable rectangular compartments referred to throughout this specification as volumes.
  • the pillow 2 comprises an inflatable central volume 10, two inflatable side volumes 6. 8 and an inflatable base volume 12.
  • the inflatable base and side volumes 6, 8 and 12 together form a U-shape surrounding three outer edges 6a, 8 a and 12a of the central volume 10.
  • the tubular connection lines 5a, 5b, 5c. 5d and 5e couple the fluid inflation device 3 to respective ones of the inflatable central base, and side volumes 6. 8. 10 and 12.
  • the fluid inflation device 3 comprises an adjustable flow compressed air pump 4 and an electrical controller coupled for controlling the ON/OFF operation of the pump 4.
  • Flow restrictors 14, 16, 18. such as electronic solenoid control valves, are located in the tubular connection lines 5a, 5d and 5e intermediate the side and base volumes 6. 8, 12, respectively, and the air pump 4. for controlling the supply and venting of air into and out of the individual central, base and side volumes of the pillow.
  • the restrictors 14, 16, 18 are solenoid valves which are selectively responsive to electrical control signals to allow the flow of a fluid therethrough, to stop the flow and allow venting of the connected volume or to hold an inflated condition. Therefore, once inflated the volumes 6, 8 and 12 can be controlled to remain inflated or can be deflated by switching the respective solenoid valves to a vent position.
  • the pump 4 is accordingly capable of periodically supplying air to and extracting air out of the central volume 10 and at the same time each of the solenoids 14, 16, 18 is operable to enable the state of inflation of the side and base volumes 6, 8, 12 to be determined.
  • the timer 13 is an electronically operated microprocessor programmed to switch the solenoids 14, 16, 18 to allow the individual volumes of the pillow to be inflated/deflated in accordance with a predetermined periodic switching cycle programmed in the microprocessor.
  • the switching program may be arranged t so that the two inflatable side volumes 6, 8 and the inflatable base volume 12 are inflated through valves 14 and 18 and valve 16 respectively and then the valves are instructed from the microprocessor to operate as non-return valves so that compressed air is retained within the respective side and base volumes 6, 8 and 12.
  • the microprocessor instructs the air pump 4 to pump air into the central volume 10 through tubular connection 5c which has the effect in use of causing a patient's head to be raised or pushed forward and, after a predetermined dwell period, then disables the pump so that compressed air vents from central volumes 10 so that the head of the patient is lowered or moves backwards to a non-inflated rest position.
  • the movement of the head achieves a nodding motion with an amplitude that can be controlled as a function of the timing of the pump operations.
  • the solenoids can be operated to control the alternate inflation and deflation of the side volumes 6 and 8, possibly with the base volume 12 constantly inflated, so that the patient's head is subjected to a side-to-side rocking motion.
  • Such controlled inflations and deflations enable the head of a patient to be moved with a side-to-side movement interspersed with nodding movement as the central volume 10 is inflated-deflated after each cycle of side-to-side movement with the head held securely between inflated side volumes 6, 8.
  • the compressed air pump 4 can be replaced by any suitable supply of fluid (gas or liquid) for inflating the pillow 2. Any such alternative fluid supply would, however, require the additional provision of a reservoir for storing the fluid. Advantageously, no such reservoir is required with the compressed air pump 4 used in the present embodiment.
  • the pillow 2 of Figure la is shown to be adjustably securable to a head rest 24, for example a bed mattress, by means of a strap 20.
  • the patient's occiput rests on the central volume 10 of the pillow 2 with the nape of the patient's neck 23 resting on and supported by the base volume 12 of the pillow 2 and with the side volumes 6, 8 on opposite sides of the patient's head.
  • FIG 2a is a more detailed schematic view of one exemplary form of the pillow 2 of Figure la which is operable in a similar manner as described for the pillow of Figure la.
  • the pillow in this embodiment is provided with side and central volumes which each have, in addition to welded portions 9 along two or more of their edges, linear or multiple spot welds 26 located centrally of each side volume to divide the side volume 6, 8 into two internally interconnected compartments which can both be filled with air through a single inlet 25. There is a sufficient gap 35, 36 at opposed ends of each linear weld 26 to allow the passage of air between the two compartments.
  • the welded portions 9 of the pillow 2 provide lateral 28 and longitudinal 30 alignments extending across and along the pillow 2. These alignments 16, 18 are simply provided by linear welding of the opposed faces of the pillow 2.
  • the lateral alignments 28 are positioned at equal inward offsets from opposed edges of the pillow 2.
  • the lateral and longitudinal alignments 26, 28 serve to separate the central occipital volume 10 from the side and base volumes 6, 8, 12 as mentioned previously.
  • Figure 2b is a more detailed schematic view of another exemplary form of the pillow 2 of Figure 1 a, which is very similar to the embodiment of Figure
  • the pillow 2 of Figure 2b differs from the pillow 2 of Figure la principally in that the welded portion 30 does not extend to the side edges of the planar rectangular form structure.
  • the side and base volumes 6, 8. 12 are fluidly interconnected and define a continuous generally U- shaped volume 7 outward of the central volume 10.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that only a single inflation inlet 25 is required for the inflation of the side and base volumes 6. 8, 12.
  • this embodiment can effect nodding movement of a patient's head, it cannot effect side-to-side movement.
  • the pillow 2 its construction is arranged such that, under normal inflation conditions, the central volume 10 is inflated to a lesser extent than the side and base adjacent volumes 6. 8 and 12. This situation is shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 3a and 3b where it is shown that the central volume 10 presents a lower support surface than do any of the peripheral volumes 6, 8, 12 outward of the central inflatable volume 10.
  • the patient's occiput 1 1 can be rested upon the portion 10 of the pillow 2 with the sides of the head supported between the side portions 6, 8 and 4 and the nape of the patient's neck 23 can be supported on the base portion 12 as required by each of the embodiments described herein.
  • FIG 4 there is shown a cross-sectional view of a pillow 2 of the present embodiment, the pillow 2 being shown to be inflated with the patient's occipital load 11 resting in the central concavity of inflated volume 10 with sideways support from the inflated side volumes 6, 8.
  • the pillow 2 is further shown to be located within a padded enclosure or pillow case 32 filled with some form of padding 34 of soft material, for example foam or any other suitable natural or synthetic fibre, so as to give the same comfortable feel as a conventional pillow.
  • the central occipital volume 10 may be subjected to a periodic inflation and deflation process as determined by the periodic cyclic operation within the microprocessor, whilst the volumes 6, 8, 12 are maintained at a constant inflation level.
  • Each phase of inflation of the central volume 10 may advantageously be followed by a prompt release of air from the pillow 2 so as to produce a deflation rate more rapid than the preceding inflation rate. That is to say, the central occipital volume 10 of the pillow 2 may undergo a cyclical first phase inflation followed by a second more rapid phase of deflation, with the side and base volumes 6, 8, 12 maintained at a constant inflation level throughout the process.
  • the inflation/deflation cycle of the central occipital volume 10 typically raises and then lowers the patient's occiput 1 1. the range of movement being approximately two to three centimetres.
  • the inflated side and base volumes 6. 8, 12 serve to laterally support and maintain proper support and location of the patient's head and the nape of his neck 23 throughout the inflation/deflation cycle.
  • Figure 5 graphically illustrates how the inflation pressure of the central occipital volume 10 may be varied through one inflation/deflation cycle. As illustrated by the graph, there is a steady increase 36 in inflation pressure from a minimum pressure P MIN to a maximum pressure P MAX over a duration time of approximately two minutes, followed by a more rapid decrease 38 of inflation pressure thereafter. A range of different deflation pressure rates may be used during treatment, and three possible deflation rate paths 38 are illustrated in
  • FIG. 5 by way of example. It is to be noted that repetition of the inflation/deflation cycle may commence approximately four minutes after the time at which the previous inflation started. In this way, the movement of the central occipital volume 10 caused by the inflation/deflation cycle serves to gently massage the neck 23 of a patient whose occiput 11 is resting on the pillow 2.
  • the precise temporal movement of the occiput 11, and hence the particular massage treatment being applied, is determined by controlling the operation of the compressed air pump 4 and the solenoid valves 14. 16 and 18. Therefore, different types of neck pain requiring different types of massage can be treated by simply adjusting the inflation/deflation cycle of the apparatus 1.
  • the rectangular planar form of the pillow 2 is suitable but not critical for working the invention. It would be possible for the invention to be applied to a circular or other shaped pillow so long as the pillow was appropriately sectioned.
  • the pillow 2 may, as previously described, be made from polyvinylchloride or polyurethane. However, various other types of plastics material or even rubber could be used instead.
  • the invention may be used for treatment of patients in a lying or seated position.
  • the pillow 2 of the above described embodiments may be used with a bed mattress or the back of a seat, for example a vehicle seat.
  • the inflation and deflation of the pillow may be designed to move the patient's head only in a nodding fashion, it is readily possible, by appropriate modification of the inflation and deflation arrangement, additionally or alternatively to provide a side-to-side movement of the patient's head.
  • the provision of such a side-to-side rocking movement is beneficial for treating whiplash injuries, for example.
  • the side-to-side rocking movement can be achieved by repeated cyclic operation according to a preset sequence of inflation and deflation steps applied, for example, to the embodiment of Figures la, lb or 2a where the volumes 6, 8 and 10 are inflated deflated intermittently in accordance with a periodic cyclic sequence of steps programmed into microprocessor 13 while holding the base volume 12 in a constantly inflated condition to continuously support the patient's neck.
  • Figure 6 shows one such sequence.
  • volume 10 is then inflated at (ii) and the patient's head 22 moves forward supported against sideways movement by inflated side volumes 6, 8.
  • Volume 10 is then deflated at (iii) and the patient's head 22 is allowed to tilt backwards while remaining in contact with exterior surface 40 of volume 10. With the head tilted backwards as just outlined, volume 6 is deflated at (iv) causing the head to move to the patient's right hand side.
  • Volume 6 is then inflated at (v) and the head 22 is returned to face centrally with the head tilted backwards and supported by volumes 6. 8 to prevent sideways movement.
  • the central volume 10 is then inflated at (vi) and deflated at (vif) to effect a forward nodding movement of the head and a return to the backwards rest position of the head when volume 10 is deflated.
  • side volume 8 is deflated at (viii) and the head pivots sideways to the patient's left hand side.
  • Side volume 8 is then inflated as at (i) returning the patient's head to a centrally facing position.
  • the control means is preferably a standard electronic timer control circuitry for controlling the switching of the valves 14, 16, 18 in the manner described herein so as to provide a continuous massaging movement of a patient's neck and head.
  • the order of the cyclic steps can be varied although the specific order of the individual steps just described is preferred to give the most efficient massage of the patient's neck.
  • control timer referred to herein is a standard electronic microprocessor timer switching circuit of the kind which is well known to a skilled engineer working in this art and therefore is not described in detail other than to say the switching circuit is capable of operating the switching of the inflation/deflation sources in the periodic cyclic timing sequence described herein with reference to Figure 6 in particular although other timing sequences can be utilised.
  • solenoid restrictors from a programmed microprocessor as described hereinabove.
  • the inflatable volumes may alternatively be controlled by a rotor/stator arrangement which has a plurality of fluid ports therein which are angularly positioned about the rotor and stator of the pump, so that upon rotation of the rotor the ports moving with the rotor align selectively with fluid ports on the stator which are in turn connected with the volumes to either maintain the volume inflated or to variably inflate/deflate a chosen volume.
  • a rotor/stator arrangement which has a plurality of fluid ports therein which are angularly positioned about the rotor and stator of the pump, so that upon rotation of the rotor the ports moving with the rotor align selectively with fluid ports on the stator which are in turn connected with the volumes to either maintain the volume inflated or to variably inflate/deflate a chosen volume.
  • rotor 40 is rotated by a synchronous drive motor 41 and has, for example, a circular disc 42 mounted on the rotor 40 to extend outwardly in a radial plane relative to a rotational axis 43 of the rotor.
  • the circular disc 42 is provided with a plurality of ports 44 therethrough and upon rotation of the rotor 40 the ports 44 align selectively with similar ports 45 in a planar circular surface 46 of a fixed stator 47.
  • the surface 46 lies parallel with the rotatable disc '42 and, in very close proximity thereto, so that when any one of ports 44 aligns with a port 45 in surface 46 fluid is allowed to pass through the aligned ports into the stator 47.
  • the stator 47 is a hollow cylindrical housing 48 having in this embodiment three outlets 50, 51, 52 coupled with individual ones or alternatively a plurality of ones of volumes 6, 8, 10. 12 of the pillow in the embodiment as described with reference to Figure la.
  • Figure 8 illustrates schematically one alternative embodiment in which the rotor/stator control arrangement of Figure 7 is operatable in practice.
  • an additional top volume or a separate pillow 55 is shown and this pillow is inflated at all times and lies over the pillow arrangement described with reference to Figure la for example.
  • This additional top volume 55 is an entirely optional feature although its presence in either event assists in providing a more comfortable pillow arrangement for a patient but does not detract from the operation of the pillow described with reference to
  • top volume 55 is shown as an integral part of the pillow 2, top volume 55 can be a separate pillow 56, as outlined in Figure 9, which completely overlies all the volumes of the previously described pillow 2 but operates in a permanently inflated state whether used with the arrangement utilising a central electronic control microprocessor, or the arrangement to be further described in which the control of the inflation deflation of the pillow volumes is by the above described rotor/stator arrangement.
  • FIG. 8 there is illustrated schematically a variably inflatable/deflatable rotor/stator arrangement for inflating/deflating individual components 6, 8, 10, 12 (hereinafter referred to as volumes) of a pillow 2.
  • volumes individual components 6, 8, 10, 12
  • a top volume 55 which can be attached as shown in Figure 8 along uppermost edge 57 of the volumes 6, 8, 10 by a plastics weld 9 for separate inflation from the rotor/stator arrangement described above with reference to Figure 7.
  • the pillow 2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 comprises top and base volumes 55, 12, respectively, between which are sandwiched in side-by- side manner control volumes 6, 10 and 8, volume 10 constituting a central volume upon which a patient's head is arranged to rest in use.
  • the rotor/stator arrangement When being operated to provide a therapeutic aid to relieve or prevent neck pain the rotor/stator arrangement operates by initiating electrical connection to switch on a synchronous motor 41. The rotor 40 and disc 42 then begin to rotate and simultaneously an air compressor 60 feeds air under pressure to the stator 47. The radial disc 42 of the rotor 40 rotates with the rotor and when one of the ports 45 in the disc aligns with a port 49 on the stator 47 compressed air from a compressor 60 is fed into the stator and on to a respective pillow volume, say volume 6, through tubular pipe connections 5a, 5b. 5c, 5d and 5e as appropriate.
  • side volume 6 of pillow 2 is coupled with the pipe 5a for example to feed compressed air through pipe 5a to inflate side volume 6.
  • Pipe 5b is arranged to feed central volume 10.
  • pipe 5e feeds side volume 8.
  • Base and top volumes 12 and 55 are inflated together continuously from pipes 5a. 5e and 5d via non-return valves 61. 62 which allow the top and base volumes 55, 12 to be inflated permanently.
  • a pressure relieve valve 63 is provided.
  • the volumes 12 and 55 are provided, as with any of the volumes of the pillow 2, with small apertures 64 in the surface 65 thereof to vent the volumes and allow them to deflate when the source of air is removed.
  • non-return valves 61, 62 hold the volumes 12, 55 permanently inflated.
  • the rotor disc 42 is effective to cause inflation of volumes 12 and 55 while intermediate volumes 6, 8 and 10 are 'also inflated at least temporarily together or independently in accordance with the particular positioning of ports on both the rotor and stator, to align or misalign as appropriate to inflate or vent to atmosphere the volumes 6, 8, 10 and 12 to obtain thereby a sequence of operation as is described herein with reference to Figure 6. No further discussion of the operation of Figure 8 is necessary since it corresponds with the description of Figure 6.
  • top volume 55 does not necessarily have to be permanently attached to volumes 6, 8, 10 but may itself take the form of an independent pillow 69 ( Figure 9) with say three or more elongate compartments stitched to provide a ribbed effect lengthwise of the pillow, which may overlie the volumes 6, 8, 10 to provide the patient with much more comfort than with the pillow having just volumes 6, 8, 10 and 12.
  • Figure 10 illustrates an arrangement in which the overlying support of Figure 9 is divided into three separate elements 70, 71, 72 which otherwise operate in the same manner as the pillow of Figure 9.
  • Another possibility is to divide the top volume 55 into a number of adjacent sections which could be controlledly inflated and deflated, for example in synchronisation with the side volumes 6 and 8.
  • venting of the volumes through small apertures in the pillow can be such that when the various volumes are inflated/deflated they do so only partially and/or at different rates in dependence upon the size of the venting aperture located in the respective volumes. Therefore, for example, whereas side volume 6 in the Figure 6 arrangement is disclosed as being a unitary volume which is inflated/deflated at the appropriate time, side volume 6 may be subdivided into different sub-volumes having different inflation/deflation characteristics. For example, two parallel elongate rows of stitching could sub- divide the volume into three portions Al, A2, A3 as shown in Figures 11 and 12 and small vent holes could be provided in the surface of each portion, preferably, but not necessarily along a row of stitching.
  • vent holes 80 are schematically represented along stitch lines 81 , 82 and non return valves between the individual portions are represented at 83 and enable the portions to be inflated through a single inlet as shown.
  • the apertures 80 are chosen to be of different aperture sizes so that when volume 6 is inflated each portion is inflated at a different rate and similarly, when air is no longer supplied, the different portions deflate at different rates.
  • the different size venting apertures 80 enable, for example, portion Al to deflate at a lesser rate than say portions A2 and A3 which in turn deflate at different but greater rates so that portion A2 deflates fastest leaving opposite side portion A3 deflated relatively by about 50% of portion Al. while portion A2, the central portion deflates at the greater rate but still remains partially inflated ensuring a patient ' s head remains supported at all times. Such operation provides greater control of the movement of a patient ' s head.
  • portion Al When compressed air from the compressor is used to inflate volume 6 portion Al will inflate first followed by portion A2 and then portion A3 providing the maximum amount of support for the patient ' s head moves quickly from the external portion Al through to an inflated portion A2 and then inflated portion A3.
  • Figure 12b illustrates an intermediate inflation position leading to the position shown in Figure 12c where portion A3 fully supports the patient's head while volume 10 is inflated deflated, with portions Al and A2 begiiining to deflate first through the vents 80.
  • the cycle of operation could be such that the central volume 10 was periodically inflated and deflated, that the upper part volumes of the side volumes 6 and 8 remained permanently inflated by virtue of their flow restrictor connections to the central volume 10 and that the lower part volumes of the side volumes 6 and 8 were alternately inflated and deflated during successive deflations of the central volume 10.
  • This modification would have the effect of maintaining sideways support to the head of a patient during side-to-side rocking and back-and-forward nodding movement.
  • the base volume 12 throughout the description herein has in all embodiments been permanently inflated and this is because it is important to support firmly the nape of the neck. Accordingly, this permanently inflated portion could be replaced by a foam roll for example.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil médical (1) destiné à soulager, traiter et/ou prévenir les douleurs du cou ou du dos comprend un oreiller (2) de support gonflable par un fluide et un dispositif (3) de gonflage relié à l'oreiller (2). L'oreiller (2) de support est prévu pour se placer entre l'occiput (22) du patient et un soutien (24) pour la tête et supporte le cou (23) et les côtés de la tête du patient. Le dispositif (3) de gonflage comprend une pompe (4) et un dispositif de commande, tel qu'une minuterie qui permet de commander le gonflage et le dégonflage de l'oreiller (2) sur un cycle répétitif. Un tel mouvement de l'occiput (22) du patient a pour effet de masser doucement le cou (23) du patient pour soulager ou prévenir la douleur.
PCT/GB1998/002520 1997-08-21 1998-08-21 Appareil medical pour soulager la douleur WO1999009869A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98940351A EP0932354A1 (fr) 1997-08-21 1998-08-21 Appareil medical pour soulager la douleur
AU88693/98A AU8869398A (en) 1997-08-21 1998-08-21 Medical apparatus for relief of pain

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9717818.0 1997-08-21
GBGB9717818.0A GB9717818D0 (en) 1996-12-24 1997-08-21 Medical apparatus for relief of neck pain

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999009869A1 true WO1999009869A1 (fr) 1999-03-04

Family

ID=10817879

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/002520 WO1999009869A1 (fr) 1997-08-21 1998-08-21 Appareil medical pour soulager la douleur

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0932354A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU8869398A (fr)
GB (1) GB2328866B (fr)
WO (1) WO1999009869A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6327725B1 (en) 1999-12-14 2001-12-11 S.V.M. Orthopedic Solutions Inc. Pillow with adjustable neck support
FR2825602A1 (fr) * 2001-06-08 2002-12-13 Paul Hubert Robert Blanchard Oreiller a plusieurs portances, qui facilite le sommeil couche, sur les cotes ou sur le dos
CN112842031A (zh) * 2021-03-01 2021-05-28 张家港市顾乐仕生活家居科技有限公司 一种可缓解颈部疼痛的多功能枕头及其使用方法

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0023614D0 (en) * 2000-09-27 2000-11-08 Huntleigh Technology Plc Flexible head management system
BE1015068A5 (nl) * 2001-08-10 2004-09-07 Mommeyer Karel Hoofdkussen.
GB0126732D0 (en) * 2001-11-07 2002-01-02 Glaxo Group Ltd Pharmaceutical compositions
US7203984B2 (en) 2001-11-07 2007-04-17 Andrew Gardner Medical apparatus for relief of pain
FR2834875A1 (fr) * 2002-01-18 2003-07-25 Daniel Michel Louis Rougier Oreiller rythmique d'endormissement et de relaxation
WO2006043861A1 (fr) * 2004-10-21 2006-04-27 Kjell Svedman Dispositif de support de la tete et du cou
DE102010052079A1 (de) * 2010-11-18 2012-05-24 Herbert Koerner Medizinisches Reise- und Ruhekissen
WO2013013777A2 (fr) 2011-07-25 2013-01-31 Herbert Koerner Coussin de voyage et de repos à usage médical en variante textile et gonflable, utilisable de manière variable pour le rachis cervical et pour la zone du rachis lombaire
US10406397B1 (en) 2018-06-18 2019-09-10 Richard A. Graham Joint separator for body alignment
CN109394488B (zh) * 2018-11-21 2024-01-26 深圳市倍轻松科技股份有限公司 一种健康管理设备
CN112168527A (zh) * 2020-10-28 2021-01-05 温州巢语化妆品有限公司 具有废弃物收纳功能的医疗美容用护理床

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US3795021A (en) * 1971-11-18 1974-03-05 V Moniot Head positioning pillow
DE2446935A1 (de) * 1974-10-01 1976-04-08 Claude Marechal Kissen, insbesondere kopfkissen
US4175297A (en) * 1978-02-03 1979-11-27 Richardson Robert H Inflatable pillow support
US4285081A (en) 1979-10-22 1981-08-25 Price George W E Device for recumbency of the head and neck
US4501034A (en) 1983-10-27 1985-02-26 Greenawalt Monte H Inflatable pillow
US4528705A (en) 1983-09-23 1985-07-16 Greenawalt Monte H Composite pillow
GB2198341A (en) 1986-12-11 1988-06-15 El Asir Rabei Khaled Inflatable neck pillow
US4805603A (en) * 1988-07-13 1989-02-21 Keith Cumberland Inflatable cervical traction pillow
US4829614A (en) 1988-08-08 1989-05-16 Harper James A Adjustable pillow with neck support
US5271114A (en) 1989-11-03 1993-12-21 Kjersem Jens A Supporting pillow
CA2099545A1 (fr) 1993-07-02 1995-01-03 Charles Martin Oreiller ajustable pour le cou
GB2290706A (en) * 1994-07-01 1996-01-10 Arthur Michael Newsam Gardner Inflatable pillow or mattress

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IT941605B (it) * 1971-10-14 1973-03-10 Porro A Materassino pneumatico anti piaghe da decubito automatico
US5197461A (en) * 1991-08-12 1993-03-30 University Of Utah Research Foundation Power adjustable orthopedic pillow
GB2307402B (en) * 1995-11-23 1999-07-28 Kci Medical Ltd Alternating pressure pads
GB2319721A (en) * 1996-11-28 1998-06-03 Huntleigh Technology Plc Inflatable pad for bedridden patients
GB2320892B (en) * 1996-12-04 1999-07-28 Huntleigh Technology Plc Alternating pad

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3795021A (en) * 1971-11-18 1974-03-05 V Moniot Head positioning pillow
DE2446935A1 (de) * 1974-10-01 1976-04-08 Claude Marechal Kissen, insbesondere kopfkissen
US4175297A (en) * 1978-02-03 1979-11-27 Richardson Robert H Inflatable pillow support
US4285081A (en) 1979-10-22 1981-08-25 Price George W E Device for recumbency of the head and neck
US4528705A (en) 1983-09-23 1985-07-16 Greenawalt Monte H Composite pillow
US4501034A (en) 1983-10-27 1985-02-26 Greenawalt Monte H Inflatable pillow
GB2198341A (en) 1986-12-11 1988-06-15 El Asir Rabei Khaled Inflatable neck pillow
US4805603A (en) * 1988-07-13 1989-02-21 Keith Cumberland Inflatable cervical traction pillow
US4829614A (en) 1988-08-08 1989-05-16 Harper James A Adjustable pillow with neck support
US5271114A (en) 1989-11-03 1993-12-21 Kjersem Jens A Supporting pillow
CA2099545A1 (fr) 1993-07-02 1995-01-03 Charles Martin Oreiller ajustable pour le cou
GB2290706A (en) * 1994-07-01 1996-01-10 Arthur Michael Newsam Gardner Inflatable pillow or mattress

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6327725B1 (en) 1999-12-14 2001-12-11 S.V.M. Orthopedic Solutions Inc. Pillow with adjustable neck support
FR2825602A1 (fr) * 2001-06-08 2002-12-13 Paul Hubert Robert Blanchard Oreiller a plusieurs portances, qui facilite le sommeil couche, sur les cotes ou sur le dos
CN112842031A (zh) * 2021-03-01 2021-05-28 张家港市顾乐仕生活家居科技有限公司 一种可缓解颈部疼痛的多功能枕头及其使用方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9818318D0 (en) 1998-10-14
AU8869398A (en) 1999-03-16
GB2328866B (en) 2002-03-27
GB2328866A (en) 1999-03-10
EP0932354A1 (fr) 1999-08-04

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