WO2001026506A2 - Appareil de prise de conscience posturale - Google Patents

Appareil de prise de conscience posturale Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001026506A2
WO2001026506A2 PCT/US1999/026316 US9926316W WO0126506A2 WO 2001026506 A2 WO2001026506 A2 WO 2001026506A2 US 9926316 W US9926316 W US 9926316W WO 0126506 A2 WO0126506 A2 WO 0126506A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pad
signal
head rest
detection means
affixed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/026316
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001026506A3 (fr
Inventor
Lee Brandon
Original Assignee
Lee Brandon
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
Application filed by Lee Brandon filed Critical Lee Brandon
Priority to AU18152/00A priority Critical patent/AU1815200A/en
Priority to PCT/US1999/026316 priority patent/WO2001026506A2/fr
Publication of WO2001026506A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001026506A2/fr
Publication of WO2001026506A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001026506A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
    • A47C31/12—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons
    • A47C31/123—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons for beds or mattresses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
    • A47C31/12—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons
    • A47C31/126—Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons for chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
    • A61B5/4538—Evaluating a particular part of the muscoloskeletal system or a particular medical condition
    • A61B5/4561—Evaluating static posture, e.g. undesirable back curvature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6892—Mats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/04—Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints
    • A61F5/05—Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints for immobilising
    • A61F5/055—Cervical collars
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
    • A61B5/486—Bio-feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6814—Head
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6822—Neck
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/70—Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means
    • A61B5/704—Tables

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices for strengthening the lower back, low abdomen and posture on multiple planes, and for teaching a neutral spine.
  • an apparatus including a pad, signal means and detection means.
  • the signal means is affixed to the pad, and the detection means detects a weight applied to the pad and activates the signal means when the weight so detected exceeds a predetermined weight.
  • the signal means produces a vibratory signal, an auditory signal or a visible signal. More preferably, the signal means produces a vibratory signal and includes at least one vibrator unit.
  • the inventive apparatus includes a head rest affixed to the pad, preferably detachably affixed to the pad and spaced from the signal means. Preferably the head rest includes a plurality of handles.
  • the inventive apparatus includes a a wedge for insertion between the head rest and the pad.
  • the detection means includes a mechanical switch which closes when a weight applied thereto exceeds a predetermined pressure.
  • the detection means includes a pressure sensor and an electronic circuit which generates an output when pressure measured by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure.
  • FIGS. 1 a-b are top plan and exploded side views, respectively, of a first embodiment employing a detachable head rest and a lumbar pad, with vibrator units and pressure sensors disposed within the lumbar unit shown in phantom;
  • FIGS.2a-c are top, side and end views of a detachable head rest employed with the embodiments of FIGS 1 a-b;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the lumbar pad of FIGS 1 a-b showing the location of pressure sensors and vibrator units within the pad;
  • FIGS.4a-c are top, sectional and side views of an alternative embodiment of a head rest with separate pressure sensors, vibrator units and a control switch;
  • FIG. 5 is a side exploded view of an alternative embodiment including a kyphosis wedge
  • FIGS. 6a-b are schematic diagrams showing a mechanical switch useful as a pressure sensor, showing activated and inactivated states;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor with light-generating signal means and an external power supply
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment in which two pressure sensors are employed in sequence, one in the head rest and one in the lumbar pad.
  • neutral spine is meant a biomechanically correct spinal position in which muscular balance is maintained. Neutral spine positions vary with the posture of the user; for example, the neutral spine position of a user with kyphosis will differ from the neutral spine position of a user having a normal posture.
  • a first embodiment of an apparatus 10 of the invention includes a mat 12, preferably comprised of a non-slip material, with a lumbar pad 14 and a head support 16.
  • Lumbar pad 14 preferably is unitary with mat 12, that is, is formed from a section of mat 12.
  • the weight detecting means 1 8 can include means such as one or more mechanical switches, one or more pressure sensors, or other means known to those skilled in the art for detecting a weight applied to a surface.
  • the weight detecting means 1 8 are connected to one or more means 22 for producing a signal.
  • the signal means 22 are activated when the selected weight detecting means 18 detect a weight applied to the surface 20 of mat 12. Once activated, the signal means 22 produce a signal that is perceptible by a person using the inventive apparatus.
  • Exemplary signal means 22 include, without limitation, devices for producing a vibratory signal, such as a mechanical vibrator; devices for producing an auditory signal, such as an electronic tone generator; devices for producing a visible signal, such as a light bulb or a light-emitting diode (LED); and the like, as well as combinations of such devices.
  • the signal means 22 can be affixed to or within the apparatus 10, for example within lumbar pad 14, or can be located externally.
  • the detection means 18 and the signal means 22 are connected together, for example as parts of an electrical circuit, or by means such as low-power radio transmitters. Any means for enabling detection means 18 to activate signal means 22 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
  • lumbar pad 14 can accommodate one or more lordosis inserts 14a disposed above detection means 18 in order to support users having excessive lordotic sway.
  • Lumbar pad 14 can also optionally include a switch
  • Head support 1 6 includes a head/neck base 24 and a cervico-thoracic support 26.
  • a neck support 28 which optionally is adjustable in width, is disposed on head support 1 6 between head/neck base 24 and cervico-thoracic support 26.
  • head support 16 is detachably affixed to mat 12 by attachment means 30, for example hook/loop devices such as Velcro IRl fasteners, snaps, etc., in order to allow selectable positioning of the head support 16, and also to allow head support 16 to be used separately if desired.
  • head support 1 6 can be permanently affixed to mat 12.
  • head support 1 6 is provided with a plurality of handles 32.
  • Handles 32 can be formed by cutting openings in base 24, for example, or can be separately formed and affixed to base 24.
  • mat surface 20 can be provided with graphics 34, such as a stylized representation of a human pelvis and lower backbone, in order to facilitate orientation of a user with respect to the mat surface. Illustrations of the positions of TLC pressure points and the locations of the detection means 1 8 are also beneficial to assist the user in properly orientation with respect to the apparatus 10.
  • signal means 22 include two vibrators 36 disposed within lumbar pad 14 along either side of the longitudinal axis 38 of mat 12. Vibrators 36 are connected to detection means 1 8 and are activated when detection means 18 detect a weight (e.g., the weight of a user's body) applied to the surface 20 of mat 12.
  • a weight e.g., the weight of a user's body
  • FIGS. 6a-b An example of detection means 18, illustrated in FIGS. 6a-b, include a power source 40, which can be a battery disposed, for example, within lumbar support 14 or at another location within, on or external to apparatus 10, or A/C power supplied via a plug; a mechanical switch 42 energized by a spring having a preselected spring constant; and a pair of contacts 44, which with signal means 22, such as a vibrator, form a circuit.
  • a weight for example the weight of a user's body (indicated by a downward arrow), exceeds the spring force and causes the mechanical switch 42 to close, closing the circuit and activating signal means 22.
  • the circuit remains closed and the signal means 22 remains activated.
  • the signal means includes a vibrator unit 46 (shown in FIGS. 6a-b), the user perceives a vibratory signal applied to his back; in the alternative, when the signal means 22 includes a tone generator, light bulb, or LED, the user hears and/or sees the signal generated by the signal means 22. In any event, the user is informed when his back is in contact with the detection means 1 8 and exerts sufficient downward force to cause switch 42 to close.
  • a vibrator unit 46 shown in FIGS. 6a-b
  • detection means 18 includes a pressure sensor and an associated electronic circuit in place of the mechanical switch. Such accompanying circuits are readily produced by those skilled in the art to generate an output signal in response to application of a predetermined pressure to the pressure sensor. This output signal in turn activates signal means 22.
  • Detection means 1 8 can also include means for measuring the weight (or force) exerted by the thoraco-lumbar area of the user.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the inventive apparatus in which a pressure sensor 48 is employed rather than a mechanical switch.
  • the signal means includes a light bulb 50. Power is supplied from an external A/C power supply via plug 52.
  • a kyphosis wedge 54 is inserted between head support 16 and mat 12, to accommodate users with a head-forward position.
  • FIGS. 4a-c illustrate an alternative embodiment of a head support 1 16 which includes detection means 1 18 disposed within head/neck base 124, and signal means 122.
  • the signal means include vibrators disposed within neck support 128.
  • Detection means 1 18 activate the signal means 122 (e.g., vibrators) when the user's head leaves contact with detection means 1 18.
  • detection means 1 18 includes a mechanical switch, the switch is in an open position when the user's head is in contact with it, rather than in a closed position as with detection means 18 described above.
  • detection means 1 18 includes a pressure sensor
  • the accompanying electronic circuit produces a signal when the pressure detected falls below a predetermined level, rather than exceeding a predetermined level.
  • a 3-way switch 130 can be connected to detection means 1 18 and the vibrators.
  • the switch 130 allows the user to selectively enable or disable the detection means 1 1 8 and to separately control activation of the vibrators.
  • the detection means 1 18 are enabled to activate the vibrators as described above with respect to detection means 18 and signal means 22.
  • the detection means 1 18 are disabled, and the vibrators are deactivated.
  • the detection means are disabled, and the vibrators are activated, thus allowing selective user relaxation and massage while using the inventive apparatus.
  • the detector means 1 18 in the foregoing embodiment of the head support 1 16 can be connected in series to the detector means 18 disposed, for example, within lumbar support 14 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the signal means 22 (and optionally vibrators disposed within head support 1 1 6) are activated only when both detector means 1 18 and detector means 18 detect a weight, such as the weight of a user's head and body, respectively.
  • the signal (vibratory, auditory, visual, etc.) provided by the inventive apparatus allows the user to heighten the intensity of muscles being worked by eliminating momentum. When in use, the signal informs the user that his thoraco-lumbar area compresses the detection means 18 sufficiently to ensure the isolation of the correct muscles usage.
  • the inventive apparatus preferably is used on a horizontal surface such as a floor or exercise bench. If desired, mat 12 can be provided with attachment means, such as a hook or clamp, which allows the apparatus to be affixed to a vertical surface such as a door.
  • attachment means such as a hook or clamp, which allows the apparatus to be affixed to a vertical surface such as a door.
  • the apparatus can also be used on surfaces such as chairs.
  • the signal provided by the inventive apparatus constitutes feedback to the user while exercising, which permits the user to minimize momentum and maximize intensity.
  • the belt line of the user is lined up with the lumbar pad 14, and the head/neck support 1 6 is positioned under the user's neck where it is comfortable. If necessary, the position of the head/neck support 16 is adjusted to accommodate the user.
  • the low back is compressed into lumbar pad 14 until a signal is generated by the signal means 22. Constant tension is maintained isometrically by tightening the involved muscles.
  • the head/neck support 1 16 permits the user to avoid neck strain. If the user lifts his head during abdominal training, resulting in neck strain, the head lift is signaled to the user by the signal means 122, such as a vibration to the neck. The user can then lower his head to contact the head/neck support 1 1 6.
  • a progressive exercise routine designed specifically for the inventive apparatus will allow the user to start with the short (e.g., 4 minute) drill series and progress at his own pace. Precision postural positioning for strong "neutral spine" occurs when the user re-educates the neuro-muscular system using the inventive apparatus.
  • the invention has been illustrated herein as a self-contained apparatus. However, the invention can also be incorporated into another object, including without limitation objects such as an exercise apparatus (e.g., an inclined rowing machine), an exercise bench, a chair, a bed, etc.
  • an exercise apparatus e.g., an inclined rowing machine
  • an exercise bench e.g., an exercise bench
  • a chair e.g., a chair
  • a bed e.g., a bed
  • the invention can also be separately produced and subsequently affixed to another object.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Rheumatology (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Braking Arrangements (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un appareil de prise de conscience posturale comportant un coussinet, un élément générateur de signal et un élément conçu pour détecter la présence d'un poids appliqué sur le coussinet et pour activer l'élément générateur de signal lorsque ledit poids ainsi détecté excède un poids préétabli.
PCT/US1999/026316 1999-10-11 1999-11-08 Appareil de prise de conscience posturale WO2001026506A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU18152/00A AU1815200A (en) 1999-10-11 1999-11-08 Postural awareness apparatus
PCT/US1999/026316 WO2001026506A2 (fr) 1999-11-08 1999-11-08 Appareil de prise de conscience posturale

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/026316 WO2001026506A2 (fr) 1999-11-08 1999-11-08 Appareil de prise de conscience posturale

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001026506A2 true WO2001026506A2 (fr) 2001-04-19
WO2001026506A3 WO2001026506A3 (fr) 2001-05-25

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ID=22274004

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/026316 WO2001026506A2 (fr) 1999-10-11 1999-11-08 Appareil de prise de conscience posturale

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU1815200A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001026506A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005074754A1 (fr) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-18 Eleksen Limited Capteur de posture
US7833142B2 (en) 2005-07-19 2010-11-16 Karp Shaun A Methods and apparatus for testing abdominal strength and exercising abdominal muscles

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3325799A (en) * 1964-07-13 1967-06-13 Edwia Greines Cohen Mattress alarm
US5279310A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-01-18 Ching Chi Hsien Spinal column correction device
US5343876A (en) * 1989-03-16 1994-09-06 Rogers John E Modular pad
US5515865A (en) * 1994-04-22 1996-05-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) monitor and stimulator
US6019738A (en) * 1998-02-13 2000-02-01 Brandon; Lee Postural awareness device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3325799A (en) * 1964-07-13 1967-06-13 Edwia Greines Cohen Mattress alarm
US5343876A (en) * 1989-03-16 1994-09-06 Rogers John E Modular pad
US5279310A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-01-18 Ching Chi Hsien Spinal column correction device
US5515865A (en) * 1994-04-22 1996-05-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) monitor and stimulator
US6019738A (en) * 1998-02-13 2000-02-01 Brandon; Lee Postural awareness device

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005074754A1 (fr) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-18 Eleksen Limited Capteur de posture
US7833142B2 (en) 2005-07-19 2010-11-16 Karp Shaun A Methods and apparatus for testing abdominal strength and exercising abdominal muscles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001026506A3 (fr) 2001-05-25
AU1815200A (en) 2001-04-23

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