WO2013088182A1

WO2013088182A1 - Apparatus for spine recovery

Info

Publication number: WO2013088182A1
Application number: PCT/HU2012/000133
Authority: WO
Inventors: György CSAPÓ
Original assignee: Csapo Gyoergy
Priority date: 2011-12-13
Filing date: 2012-12-11
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Also published as: HU229977B1; HUP1100681A2

Abstract

Apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface (2). Under the lying surface (2) a moving element (8) coupled to an actuating means (7) is arranged. A first end (10) of a flexible coupling means (9) is connected to the moving element (8), a second end of it is connected through turning-pulleys (3) to ankle clamps (12). In another embodiment turning-pulleys (3) and vertical bearing rods (4) are arranged at one end of lying surface (2). At the upper ends of bearing rods (4) second turning-pulleys (6) are provided through which arm bands (17) are connected to coupling means (9) by means of connecting means (30). In both cases eccenters (18) are arranged at the ends of moving element (8). The coupling means (9) are guided from the eccenters (18) to the ankle clamps (12) or arm bands (17) through tightening means (20) provided with guiding means (19).˙

Description

APPARATUS FOR SPINE RECOVERY

The invention relates to an apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface on which a patient can rest in a prone position, ankle clamps for fixing the ankles of the patient and flexible coupling means guided over turning- pulleys, the first end of the flexible coupling means is connected to a moving element while the second end of it is connected to the ankle clamps, and the moving element is connected to an actuating means. Further the invention relates to an apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface on which a patient can rest in a prone position, at one end of the lying surface turning-pulleys and vertical bearing rods are positioned, between the bearing rods a sitting surface is arranged on which a patient can sit, at the upper ends of the bearing rods second turning-pulleys are arranged, a moving element connected to an actuating means is arranged under the lying surface, the first end of a flexible coupling means is connected to the moving element and the second end of the flexible coupling means is connected through the turn-pulleys to the ankle clamps provided on the lying surface or through the second turn-pulleys - advantageously by means of connecting means - to arm bands placed under the arms of the patient.

Nowadays many people have spinal complaints because the cartilaginous joints often go flat as our spine is exposed to considerable vertical load due to gravitational force. This may affect the knees, joints, all the vertebrae, causing pain in them. Various treatments exist for curing spinal complaints. A common feature of them is that the patients are not required to move physically during the treatment, their condition is unchanged after the treatment. For example if the ankle of a person hurts (e.g. got sprained and is dislocated slightly which cannot be observed with X-ray) the patient will get magnetotherapy for 10-15 minutes e.g. 15 times. This will cause congestion in the treated area (it gets more oxygen), so the patient feels better during treatment. Pain recurs after a while since physically nothing has changed, his ankle is still dislocated. Currently, electrical, physiotherapeutic, magnetotherapeutic etc. methods are used which would cause only slight congestion. There are solutions in which the patient is hanged upside down (inversion therapy) in order to elongate the spine. This therapy can be risky for elderly people or for those who suffer from hypertension, glaucoma or other eye diseases. Manual therapy neither can be used in certain cases for example if the patient has osteoporosis, arthrosis or other articular diseases.

Hungarian patent application No. 161859 describes an electric traction bed applicable for intermittent traction exercise of spine and limbs. According to this document the spine and the limbs are stretched with linearly increasing and decreasing intensity in a known Frohlich-type bed.

During use of the apparatus for spine recovery according to the invention the person to be treated lies in a prone position. During treatment the vertebral disks pressing the nerves will slide downwards due to gravity thereby the pressure is decreased or ceased. In case of the known apparatus the patient lies on his back which can be harmful in many cases. In the apparatus according to the invention the lower part of body (from the waist down) of the person to be treated is tilted downwards by means of hydraulics. The advantage of it is that the pulling structure is held tight automatically. A further, more significant advantage is that the sacrum is not pulled horizontally as it is inclined forwards in ten-twenty degrees. For the apparatus according to the invention there is no need for automatic overstretch protector, in case of 5-8 mm movement there is no need for any protective device. The apparatus according to the invention also can be used as a treatment bed. Treatment is much more effective if the patient also receives chiropractic treatment or is exercised in the given position.

The known Frbhlich-type bed is extremely complicated, can be dangerous in certain cases, as the patient lies on his back and pulled horizontally which is disadvantageous.

Utility model CN 2054676 describes a multifunctional therapeutic bed composed of a massage part, a rotatable bed surface and a lifting bed surface. It can replace the physical strength of a medical worker doing traction, massage, etc. and it can treat commonly encountered diseases in the bone traumatology such as limb fracture, dislocation, etc. Generally, it is not suitable for treating spinal complaints. Utility model CN 87208175 discloses a portable folding neck stretcher suitable for various cervical spondylophaty, malposition, dislocation, prolapse of intervertebral disk and neck, etc. This solution applies the suspension technique. This is a static mode of treatment. It is not suitable for treating complaints of the spine or vertebral disks. Utility model CN 201186006 Y describes a bed structure composed of several parts which is suitable for therapeutic treatment. During the treatment traction of the spine is accomplished. This solution is applicable for static stretching in which intensive assistance of the operator is required.

Patent application WO 2010/120165 A1 describes a method and apparatus for therapeutic treatment of back and neck ailments. A first portion of the patient's body is secured to a fixed portion of the device and the second portion of the patient's body is secured to a moveable portion of the device. A pulling force is applied to the moveable portion to cause decompression of specific parts of the patient's spine.

With the same concept, Patent application FR 2726184 A1 describes an apparatus for treating the spinal column.

Patent application CN 201104933 Y discloses a massager for health care and height increasing. Here the patient's ankle and body are fixed to the bed body of the massager during treatment.

Patent application CN 2105262 U discloses a multifunctional massage and recovery therapeutic bed which is composed of a pulling and swinging massage part and a dragging massage part. The therapeutic bed is applicable for treatment of various joint diseases.

Generally, it can be stated that static treatments are not suitable for curing various spinal complaints. Required blood circulation which is essential for effective treatment cannot be ensured.

The solutions of the aforementioned inventions are different from the solution according to the present invention. The aim of the present invention is to ensure dynamic treatment of the spinal column. To this an apparatus is used in which ankle bands and arm bands fixed to the structure are moved alternately. With the apparatus according to the invention the patient can be either in lying or sitting position during treatment. In the known solutions the part of body to be treated is only pulled statically or vibrational massage is applied on during treatment.

With the present invention the aforementioned shortcomings can be eliminated. It has been realized that if the spinal column is pulled by the legs and the shoulders alternately (e.g. right leg, left leg, right shoulder, left shoulder) at predetermined time intervals, then a few-minute use of the apparatus will cause congestion in all part of the body from the ankle-joint to the cervical vertebra thereby the oxygen level of these areas is increased. Vertebrae, joints will be eased, the oxygen level in the body will also be increased and pain originating from joint deformation can be relieved.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface on which a patient can rest in a prone position, ankle clamps for fixing the ankles of the patient and flexible coupling means guided over a turning-pulley, the first end of the flexible coupling means is connected to a moving element while the second end of it is connected to the ankle clamps. The moving element is connected to an actuating means. At the ends of the moving element eccenters are provided. The coupling means are guided from the eccenters to the ankle clamps through tightening means provided with guiding means.

Also, the present invention provides an apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface on which a patient can rest in a prone position. At one end of the lying surface turning-pulleys and vertical bearing rods are positioned. Between the bearing rods a sitting surface is arranged on which a patient can sit. At the upper ends of the bearing rods second turning-pulleys are arranged. A moving element connected to an actuating means is arranged under the lying surface. First ends of flexible coupling means are connected to the moving element and second ends of the flexible coupling means are connected through the turning-pulleys to the ankle clamps provided on the lying surface, or through the second turning-pulleys - advantageously by means of connecting means - to arm bands placed under the arms of the patient. At the ends of the moving element eccenters are provided. The coupling means are guided from the eccenters to the ankle clamps or arm bands through tightening means provided with guiding means.

The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is the side view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention for treating the spine of a patient in a lying position;

Figure 2 is the side view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention for treating the spine of a patient in a lying position wherein the lying surface is slightly lowered; Figure 3 is the side view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention applicable for treating a patient either in a lying or a sitting position;

Figure 4 is the front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 for treating the spine of a patient;

Figure 5 is the partial sectional front view of the ankle clamp;

Figure 6 is the top view of the driving chain, where the tightening means and the two vertical supporters are cut at the line VI-VI of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is the front view of the apparatus of Figure 3.

Construction of the apparatus 1 for spine recovery according to the invention will not be given in details as it is well within the knowledge of a locksmith skilled in the art.

In an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus ί for spine recovery a patient can be treated in a lying position (Figures 1 and 2). In this case the patient to be treated lies on the lying surface 2 in a prone position. At the head portion of the lying surface 2 a hole is formed in a known manner in which the face of the patient can be accommodated. Preferably, lying surface 2 is divided transversally into two parts, namely a first part 21 and a second part 23 which are connected together by means of an axle 22. A moving mechanism 24 is positioned under the second part 23 by means of which the second part 23 can be raised and lowered. This moving mechanism may be for example a hydraulic cylinder connected to an auxiliary support 35. Lowering of the second part 23 is limited by means of limiter 36. Lying surface 2 of the first part 21 is supported by means of vertical supporters 45 while these vertical supporters 45 are fastened together by means of a horizontal supporter 46. In lying surface 2, parallel with the longitudinal axis of lying surface 2 slits 37 are formed. Under the slits 37 tracks 16 are provided in which the carriages 14 of ankle clamp 12 are guided by means of bearings 13. In the upper portion of the carriages 14 advantageously seats 5 covered with some soft material are formed for holding the ankles of the patient. The ankles are secured by means of Velcro 38 (Figure 5). The second ends 11 of flexible coupling means 9 are connected to the ankle clamps 12. Advantageously, flexible coupling means 9 is a rope preferably a belt made of steel or perlon. The first ends 10 of flexible coupling means 9 are connected to moving element 8 through guiding means 19 of stretching means 20 and turning pulleys 3. Stretching means 20 comprises of sleeves 42, spring 29 placed on the middle guiding rod 40 and guiding means 19 placed at the ends of moving axle 41. Sleeves 42 are fixed, preferably welded to the moving axle 41 travelling on the three guiding rod 40 (Figure 4). Guiding means 19 and turning pulleys 3 are simple pulleys with bearings. The stretching force of the stretching means 20 is determined by its own weight (gravitational force) and by the spring force of spring 29. At the end of moving axle 41 an opening 34 is formed on casing 32 in which opening a pointer 31 is placed and led out so that the stretching force can be monitored on a scale 33 arranged on casing 32. Apparatus 1 does not necessarily have a casing. In this case scale 33 may be arranged on an optional but fixed component part of apparatus 1 in the vicinity of pointer 31.

Actuating means 7 advantageously an electric motor is used for operating moving element 8 by means of a V-belt 39 running over V-belt pulleys 25 provided on axle 27 of moving element 8 and the axle of actuating means 7 (Figure 6). Actuating means 7 may be for example a three-phase 500 W motor in which the revolution regulator circuit has a frequency changer, an external switch and a speed regulator. Through V-belt 39 actuating means 7 rotates axle 27 of moving element 8 on step bearing 44. At the two ends of axle 27 eccenters 18 and studs 26 for holding first ends 10 of coupling means 9 are arranged. The number of revolution of moving element 8 can be set between zero and a maximum value (approximately 1400/minute) by means of revolution regulator circuit 28 as required for the treatment.

At the ends of axle 27 of moving element 8 disk-shaped eccenters 18 are provided on the outer sides of which studs 26 are positioned eccentrically. Axis lines of studs 26 are parallel with each other and with axle 27 of moving element 8, and symmetrical to axle 27 of moving element 8. In this manner it is ensured that the legs of the patient can be moved alternately during treatment.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the invention vertical bearing rods 4 are mounted behind the first part 21. When removable bearing rods 4 are needed they can be formed from a bar having for example a 35x35 mm square cross-section. The so formed bearing rods 4 can be fitted into 40x40 mm tubes which are fixed to the framework of lying surface 2. For example, vertical supporters 45 in the vicinity of stretching means 20 may serve as 40x40 mm tubes. (It is not shown in the Figures). Between the bearing rods 4 a sitting surface 5 is arranged. At the upper ends of bearing rods 4 second turning-pulleys 6 are provided (Figures 3 and 7).

In one case connecting means 30 are connected directly to second ends 11 of coupling means 9 coupled to ankle clamps 12 or near to these second ends 1 (shown in dotted lines in Figure 3). In another case connecting means 30 are decoupled from ankle clamps 12 and are connected directly to second ends 11 (shown in continuous lines in Figure 3). Connecting means 30 are coupled to arm bands 7 through second turning-pulleys 6. Arm bands 17 are placed under the arm of the person to be treated while the patient is sitting on the sitting surface 5 of chair 43. The height of the sitting surface 5 of chair 43 can be adjusted in a known manner for example using air spring or gas spring.

When the apparatus 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is used, the patient lies on lying surface 2 in a prone position. His ankles are encircled by ankle clamps 12. After starting actuating means 7 coupling means 9 pulls the legs of the patient alternately by means of eccenters 18 placed on the moving element 8 as coupling means 9 connected to studs 26 move in the opposite direction. Due to the continued movement the joints will get more and more relaxed. As the patient is in a prone position, restoration of the displaced bones and cartilages will begin because of gravity, and the patient will feel less pain especially after several treatments. The intensity of treatment is determined by the steady mass of stretching means 20. It presents the basic value of the stretching force. The degree of the stretching force may be varied by increasing or decreasing the force of spring 29. To this the position of the patient on the lying surface 2 is changed (forward or backward). The stretching force also can be adjusted by lowering the second part 23 in a required extent by means of moving mechanism 24. This can be more advantageous in case of certain treatments.

In another embodiment of the invention supplementary component parts suitable for treating the patient in a sitting position (as described earlier) is provided at the end of the first part 21 of apparatus 1 (Figure 3). In this case the patient sits on the sitting surface 5 of chair 43. The arm bands 17 covered with some soft material and arranged at the ends of connecting means 30 coupled to moving element 8 are placed under the arm of the patient. This mode of treatment is particularly effective in case of complaints of the upper part of the spinal column and shoulders. Operation or movements of arm bands 17 are similar to that of the ankle clamps 12. If connecting means .30 are coupled to coupling means 9 in a manner shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, then carriages 14 of ankle clamps 12 may be pushed against the end of tracks 16 at sitting surface 5. In the present embodiment of apparatus 1 rubber arresters are used at the ends of tracks 16 facing sitting surface 5. However, these arresters may be fixed to the ends of carriages 14 facing sitting surface 5. (In state of rest carriages 14 are near the sitting surface, at the ends of tracks 16. Arresters are not shown in the Figures.) Treatment with the vibrating and at the same time stretching mechanism is painless and significantly enhances recovery. After starting actuating means 7 arm bands 17 alternately lift left shoulder and right shoulder. This treatment may be applied in case of the patient's standing position. When the patient is in a sitting position the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted by changing the height of the chair 43. In many cases the stiffness of the cervical vertebra can be eased if the arm bands 17 are put loosely, tenderly to the two sides of neck.

When treatment takes place on lying surface 2, the patient is in a prone position and ankle clamps 12 provided with Velcro are fastened to the patient's ankles. In certain cases for ergonomic reasons a cushion may be placed under his belly. In order to set the proper stretching force the patient is pulled forward by his arms in a required extent and/or the second part 23 of lying surface 2 is slanted downwards by means of moving mechanism 24. Actuating means 7 is operated by the revolution regulator circuit 28 in order to move the legs of the patient alternately thereby easing the stiffness of the joints. As the patient lies on the slanted lying surface 2 coupling means 9 is in a stretched state due to the force of gravity thereby the joints of the patient are also stretched. If the patient feels uncomfortable because of the slanted second part 23 (there is little likelihood of it) the second part 23 is set in its horizontal position.

If e.g. there are vertebral blocks between the scapulae, the connecting means 30 are coupled to coupling means 9 through second turning pulleys 6 as it was set forth earlier and arm bands 17 are placed under the arm of the patient. Then treatment is started. The patient may be in standing position (with his knees bent) or he can sit on the chair 43 the height of which is properly set by means of air spring or gas spring. In case of both treatments by means of pointer 31 arranged at the end of moving axle 41 and led out through opening 34 formed on casing 32 the stretching force can be read from scale 33 presented on casing 32.

The advantage of the present invention is that a few-minute use of the apparatus will cause congestion and increased oxygen level in all area from the ankle joint to the cervical vertebrae. Because of the increased oxygen the pain is eased. The apparatus according to the present invention physically moves and relaxes the joints and muscles.

Use of the apparatuses known earlier involved risk in case of elderly people because of their weaker bones and insufficient blood circulation. The apparatus according to the present invention can be well used for treating elderly patients too as in their cases manual therapy cannot be applied e.g. because of osteoporosis. The apparatus according to the invention can be used for treating arthrosis.

Claims

1. Apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface (2) on which a patient can rest in a prone position, ankle clamps (12) for fixing the ankles of the patient, and flexible coupling means (9) guided over turning-pulleys (3); a first end (10) of said flexible coupling means (9) is connected to a moving element (8) while a second end (11 ) of it is connected to said ankle clamps (12); said moving element (8) is connected to an actuating means (7) characterized in that at the ends of said moving element (8) eccenters ( 8) are arranged and said coupling means (9) are guided from said eccenters (18) to said ankle clamps (12) through tightening means (20) provided with guiding means (19).

2. Apparatus for spine recovery comprising a transversally divided lying surface (2) on which a patient can rest in a prone position, at one end of said lying surface (2) turning-pulleys (3) and vertical bearing rods (4) are positioned, between said bearing rods (4) a sitting surface (5) is arranged on which a patient can sit, at the upper ends of said bearing rods (4) second turning-pulleys (6) are arranged, a moving element (8) connected to an actuating means (7) is arranged under said lying surface (2), first ends (10) of a flexible coupling means (9) are connected to said moving element (8) and second ends (11 ) of said flexible coupling means (9) are connected through said turning-pulleys (3) to ankle clamps (12) arranged on said lying surface (2), or through said second turning-pulleys (6) - advantageously by means of connecting means (30) - to arm bands (17) which can be placed under the arms of the patient characterized in that at the ends of said moving element (8) eccenters (18) are arranged and said coupling means (9) are guided from said eccenters (18) to said ankle clamps (12) or arm bands (17) through tightening means (20) provided with guiding means (19).

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that said transversally divided lying surface (2) has a first part (21) and a second part (23), said first part (21 ) and said second part (23) of said lying surface are connected by means of an axle (22), and under said second part (23) a moving mechanism (24) preferably a hydraulic cylinder is arranged in order to make raising and lowering of said second part (23) possible.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-3 characterized in that said ankle clamp (12) is a seat (15) adapted for holding the ankles, said seat is arranged on a carriage (14) movable by means of bearings (13) wherein said bearings (13) of said carriage (14) fit into tracks (16) fixed to said lying surface (2) and said tracks (16) are parallel to the longitudinal axis of said lying surface (2):

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 -4 characterized in that said flexible coupling means (9) is a rope, preferably a steel or perlon belt.

6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-5 characterized in that said actuating means (7) is an electric motor on the axle of which a V-belt pulley (25) is arranged, and the V-belt pulleys (25) of said actuating means (7) and said moving element (8) are connected through a V-belt (39).

7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-6 characterized in that said eccenters (18) are formed at the ends of the axle (27) of moving element (8) by means of eccentrically arranged studs (26).

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-7 characterized in that the axis lines of said studs (26) arranged at the ends of said axle (27) of said moving element (8) are parallel with each other and with said axle (27) of said moving element (8), and are symmetrically arranged to said axle (27) of said moving element (8).

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 -8 characterized in that said actuating means (7) is connected to a revolution regulator circuit (28).

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 -9 characterized in that said apparatus 1 is at least partially provided with a casing (32), the stretching force of said stretching means (20) is determined by the force of gravity and/or the force of said spring (29), and is displayed by means of a pointer (31 ) and a scale (33) wherein said pointer is arranged at one end of a moving axle (41 ) and led out through opening (34) formed on casing (32) and said scale (33) is presented on casing (32).