WO2024128895A1

WO2024128895A1 - Apparatus for rehabilitation of the neck

Info

Publication number: WO2024128895A1
Application number: PCT/MX2022/050127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesús Raúl BELTRÁN RAMÍREZ; Xochitl Maritza BECERRA GONZÁLEZ
Original assignee: Beltran Ramirez Jesus Raul
Priority date: 2022-12-14
Filing date: 2022-12-14
Publication date: 2024-06-20
Also published as: MX2022016072A

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus for rehabilitation of the neck that has a control module which operates a mechanism made up of telescopic linear actuators. This allows the apparatus for rehabilitation of the neck to be adjusted to different heights by means of axial movement, said apparatus being adjusted to meet each patient's needs. The apparatus also has integrated supports that can be positioned at different angles to rest on the patient's chest close to their collarbone in order to provide greater stability, increasing immobilisation during rehabilitation. Another feature of the present invention is that it has arms that can be adjusted in different positions which make the patient more comfortable when they are lying down. It also has flexible straps for securing the apparatus, said straps being joined together by magnetic elements, thus better fastening the apparatus for rehabilitation and avoiding the risk that it loosens from the neck. The apparatus of the present invention allows physical therapy to be performed due to the continuous movement of the linear actuators.

Description

NECK REHABILITATION APPLIANCE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the technical field of orthopedics, physiotherapy, medicine, medical devices, rehabilitation and more specifically with cervical orthoses, since it provides an apparatus for neck rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cervical immobilization consists of the application of a series of measures and devices to stabilize the spine after trauma and prevent spinal cord injury. Prescribed cervical collars are regularly used to treat pain and the consequences of injuries. trauma to the cervical region.

When people have a traumatic injury to the head or neck, they may have a cervical fracture. This puts them at high risk for spinal cord injuries, which could be aggravated by the person's movement and could lead to paralysis or death. A common scenario for this injury would be a person suspected of having whiplash from a traffic accident. To prevent further injury, these people may be fitted with a neck brace by medical professionals until x-rays can be taken to determine if a cervical spine fracture exists. The cervical collar stabilizes only the upper seven vertebrae, from C1 to C7. The first uses of the cervical collar in history date back to the 1970s, with Kossuth, recognized worldwide as the pioneer in methods of protection and immobilization of the cervical spine during the extraction of a person trapped in a motor vehicle. . Later, in 1974 Hare introduced a rigid cervical collar that innovated cervical immobilization, which is used to this day. Since then, numerous prehospital immobilization techniques have been developed and gradually improved. Currently, the one that has demonstrated the greatest effectiveness is a combination of a rigid collar with lateral support blocks on a board with straps, for polytraumatized patients.

There are many types of cervical orthoses, which are used depending on the type and degree of injury, ranging from the simplest, such as soft collars, to the most complex, such as supports and cervical halos.

Types of cervical orthoses or collars:

Soft collar: it practically does not limit the mobility of the neck, it helps to support the head comfortably, allowing the muscles and joints of the neck to rest. It is used to relieve pain in injuries that do not require strict immobilization of the neck such as cervical sprain.

Semi-rigid collar: limits flexion and extension of the neck a little more compared to the soft one. The top and bottom of the collar are padded as they are the support areas and their use is similar to the soft collar. Rigid collar: it is used to provide more immobilization than the previous ones since it has more supports. These support the jaw and chin area, the front of the sternum and the back of the head. The rigid collar is the typical one used after an accident, after some cervical surgeries and in stable fractures of the neck vertebrae.

A search of the state of the art of devices for neck rehabilitation was carried out, where it was found that different devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in the international publication document number WO2019242316 (Al), dated publication of December 26, 2019, which has the title "TRAINING DEVICE", which comprises: an upper member, a lower member, a traction member arranged between the upper member and the lower member, where the traction member is configured to expand and contract along the axial direction of the upper limb or lower limb to implement relative movement between the upper limb and the lower limb.

Another document that was found is Taiwan patent application number TW200950762 (A), published on December 16, 2019, with the title "CERVICAL TREATMENT DI SPOS WITH INTELLIGENT MICROCOMPUTER", which describes a microcomputer controller to control the actions of the heating device, the inflation/deflation device, the vibration device and the remote control. The thermal apparatus comprises a heater and an overheat protection apparatus. The thermal apparatus, to heat the cervical treatment device, has a promoting effect on the neck. The inflation/deflation apparatus of the main body of the inflation device Cervical treatment has a traction effect on the neck. The vibration device for providing electric waves, which is operated by fingers, exerts pressure rubbing and regulates the intensity of vibration in the cervical treatment device, and has a massage effect towards the neck. The remote controller provides remote actions for each function of the cervical treatment device.

Also found was Chinese patent application number CN109846590 (A), published on June 7, 2019, which has the title "PORTABLE TRACHEA PUSHING INSTRUMENT FOR TRAINING", which describes a portable collar and the push unit. of the trachea to be installed on the side of the collar, the trachea push unit includes a motor and a horizontal extension trachea passage arm, the trachea passage arm is driven by a motor, the motor It is mounted on the collar, the free end through which it pushes the trachea arm is equipped with a trachea contact component, and the trachea contact component is equipped with a pressure inducer; The portable trachea passage instrument for training further includes the operation panel and the controller, the pressure inducer and motor are electrically connected with the controller, and the operation panel includes the time setting key, the frequency setting and pressure setting key. The training of the portable trachea push instrument for training starts at the back of the patient without manually intervening, you can carry out daily routines arbitrarily. Under the premise of reaching the trachea passage training standard, it does not take the time to have a rest of the patient, improves patient compliance; and the training can be personalized by configuring different dynamic parameters, time, frequency, etc. , which largely satisfy the needs of different patients.

The documents cited above refer to rehabilitation devices for the neck, but do not show evidence of having a telescopic mechanism for the axial movement of the neck by means of actuators, nor do they describe having support supports in the thorax, nor supports to be used when the patient is lying down. The previous documents also do not show flexible adjustment bands that are joined by means of magnetic elements.

Finally, the Chinese utility model document was found, number CN211187706 (U), with publication date of August 7, 2020, which has the title "NECK COVER FOR BENDING FORWARD TO SHAPE THE NECK OF FIS IOTHERAPY", which comprises a laterally open C-shaped neck sheath, in which a shoulder sheath with a lower opening is respectively fixed on the peripheral lateral surface of the C-shaped neck sheath. C and is placed on both sides of the opening; the upper surfaces of the two shoulder protection sleeves are symmetrically provided with oscillating side protection components in an articulated manner; the side surface of the C-shaped neck sheath, which is facing away from the opening, is provided with a rectangular groove; a chin support assembly is hinged to the surface of the rectangular slot; chin support assembly it comprises a first rectangular plate and a first electric telescopic rod; the lower end part of the first rectangular plate is articulated with the side wall of the rectangular groove through a hinge; The upper end of the first electric telescopic rod is articulated with the lower lateral surface of the first rectangular plate. The utility model reveals that a soft surface slowly adjusts to the muscle of two sub-sets of side protection swing design and the movable neck of the chin support component, places the normal position of the neck skeleton firmly.

The previous document describes a device for neck rehabilitation, but there is no evidence of having support supports in the thorax, nor does it mention having supports to be used when the patient is lying down. The previous documents also do not show flexible adjustment bands that are joined by means of magnetism.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for neck rehabilitation, which has a telescopic mechanism for the axial movement of the neck by means of actuators.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for neck rehabilitation, which has integrated support supports in the thorax to improve the immobilization of the patient. An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for neck rehabilitation, with additional supports that allow the patient to be supported when he is lying down.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for neck rehabilitation, which has flexible bands to adjust the rehabilitation device to the patient, which are joined by means of a magnetic element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The characteristic details of this novel device for neck rehabilitation are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration thereof, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown by way of example and should not be considered as limiting the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the assembly of the lower, middle and upper supports of the neck rehabilitation device, without the arms, supports and fastening means.

Figure 4 shows a transparency of the rear perspective view of the lower support of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 5 shows a transparency of the rear view of the neck rehabilitation device. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the charging port of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 7 shows a transparency of the exploded front perspective view of the lower support, the middle support and the upper support of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 8 shows a transparency of the exploded rear perspective view of the lower support, the middle support and the upper support of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 9 shows a transparency of the exploded front view of the lower support, the middle support and the upper support of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 10 shows a rear view of the transparency of the assembly of the lower support, the middle support and the upper support of the neck rehabilitation device.

Figure 11 shows a side perspective view of the arms of the neck rehabilitation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the neck rehabilitation device are listed below:

1 . Bottom Bracket

2 . Medium support

3 . Top support

4 . Slot 5. Actuators

6. Drilling

7. Augers

8. Charging port

9. Trim

10. Hinges

11. Support

12. Fastening means

13. Fixing means

14. Slit

15. Arms

16. Extension

17. Cover

18. Bases

19. Second slot

With reference to the figures, the neck rehabilitation device is made up of a lower support (1), with a slot (4) in its upper part placed longitudinally; a middle support (2) of smaller dimension than the lower support (1) is placed inside the slot (4) of said upper support (1); The middle support (4) has a second slot (19) in its upper part placed longitudinally; An upper support (3) of smaller dimension than the middle support (2) is placed inside the second slot (19) of the middle support (2).

The slot (4) of the lower support (1) is larger than the middle support (2), and the second slot (19) of the middle support (2) is larger than the upper support (3), this configuration allows the middle support (2) to be assembled in the slot (4) of the lower support (1), and the upper support (3) is assembled in the second slot (19) of the middle support (2). The lower support (1), middle support (2) and upper support (3) are semicircular in shape, which allows them to adapt to the shape of a person's neck.

At least two linear actuators (5), which are preferably telescopic with two pistons, are installed equidistantly on the sides of the interior of the slot (4) of the lower support (1). The pistons (not illustrated) of the linear actuators (5) are configured to perform an axial displacement to give movement to the middle support (2) and upper support (3).

At least two perforations (6) are found in the base of the middle support (2) aligned with the actuators (5); the perforations (6) are preferably conical in shape; the upper part of the perforations (6) are the same external diameter of the second piston (not illustrated) of the linear actuators (5), this configuration allows the passage of said second piston (not illustrated); The lower diameter of the perforations (6) is smaller than the outer diameter of the first piston (not shown) of the linear actuators (5), this configuration allows the contact of the first piston (not shown) with the middle support (2) and In this way, said middle support (2) can be moved in an axial movement; at least two holes (7) are located at the base of the upper support (3) aligned with the perforations (6) and the actuators (5); The holes (7) are preferably smaller in diameter than the second piston (not shown) of the linear actuators (5). This configuration allows the upper support (3) to be moved axially, when the second piston (not shown) of the actuators (5) makes contact with the holes (7); The first plunger (not shown) and the second plunger (not shown) of the actuators (5) are configured to perform axial movement in a manner independent, raising only the first or the second, and if necessary, raising both plungers (not illustrated) at the same time, this allows adjusting the height of the neck depending on the therapy required by the person using the device for rehabilitation of neck, lifting the middle support (2) and the upper support (3) at the same time, or independently.

A control module (not shown) is installed inside the lower support (1); a battery (not shown), which is preferably rechargeable, is installed inside the lower support (1), and is connected to the control module (not shown); a charging port (8) is located on the outside of the lower support (1), which is connected to the control module (not illustrated); The charging port (8) is configured to connect to a cable (not illustrated) and at the same time to an electrical outlet, and thus recharge the battery of the neck rehabilitation device; The control module (not shown) is configured to activate the actuators (5).

A cutout (9), which is preferably concave, is placed in the middle part of the upper face of the lower support (1), the middle support (2) and the upper support (3); The cutout (9) is configured to provide ergonomics when supporting a person's chin, since it has rounded edges, especially the one located at the top of the upper support (3), the above is to give comfort to the user. user of the device for neck rehabilitation, reason for the present invention.

Bases (18) are installed in the middle part of the surface of the front face of the lower support (1), aligned to each of the sides of the cutout (9); The bases (18) are prismatic in shape, preferably triangular; hinges (10), which are preferably magnetic, are placed on the bases (18); a support (11) is installed on each of the hinges (10); This configuration allows the hinges (10) to adjust the desired angle of the support (11) so that it rests on the upper part of the chest next to the collarbones, this allows the weight of the device to rest on the body of the person using it. the device for neck rehabilitation and provide greater immobilization of the neck when used; The supports (11) are ergonomic and have rounded edges, this allows comfort and convenience to the user of the device for neck rehabilitation, which is the reason for the present invention.

At least one flexible fastening means (12) is placed at each end of the lower support (1), as illustrated in the figures; The fastening means (12) are aligned with each other; a fixing means (13) is installed on each of the free ends of the fastening means (12); The fixing means (13) are configured to join and adjust said fixing means (12) to the back of the neck of the person using the neck rehabilitation device.

The fixing means (13) can be magnetic, snaps, insurance, sailboat, buckles and/or a combination of the above.

A slot (14), which is prismatic in shape, preferably pentagonal, is located on the surface of each of the sides of the lower support (1), a magnetic section (not illustrated) is placed inside the slot (14); two arms (15) of prismatic shape, are assembled in the slot (14) by means of an extension (16) that is Located on the lateral part of one of its ends, said extension (16) preferably: it is magnetic and of the same shape as the slit (14), which allows easy assembly with the slit (14) in different positions. The arms (15) are configured to provide support to the person using the neck rehabilitation device when lying down.

A cover (17), which is non-slip, is installed at each of the ends of the arms (15), opposite to where the extensions (16) are located.

A switch (not shown) is placed on the outside of the bottom bracket (1), which is configured to turn the neck rehabilitation device on or off.

An indicator (not illustrated) which is preferably by means of an LED light (light emitting diode) is installed on the outside of the lower support (1). This configuration allows the status of the battery to be displayed (not illustrated) of the neck rehabilitation device.

A wireless communication unit (not shown) is installed inside the lower support (1) and is connected to the control module (not shown). This configuration allows remote and real-time control of the neck rehabilitation device by means of from a smartphone, tablet, etc.; The wireless communication unit (not shown) can be via Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or UWB (Ultra Wide Band). PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Examples

The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the present invention, so they should not be considered as limiting it.

Example 1. Placement of the neck rehabilitation device.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, the neck rehabilitation device is placed in the front part of the person's neck, placing the cutout (9) in the direction of the chin, subsequently the fastening means (12) are adjusted on the side. back of the neck and secured with the fixing means (13), once the neck rehabilitation device is placed, the supports (11) are placed on the user's chest to provide stability and prevent movement of the neck due to the weights of the neck. said device. The switch is activated (not illustrated) and by means of a smartphone the actuators (5) are activated to adjust the height of the middle support (2) and the upper support (3), moving the first plunger (not illustrated) and/or or the second plunger (not shown) until reaching the height needed by the patient. The telescopic movement of the middle support (2) and the upper support (3) can be continuous, which allows rehabilitation through movement, as well as immobilization of the neck in case of rest.

When the patient requires rest lying down, the arms (15) are placed by introducing the extensions (16) into the slots (14), placing them in the patient's desired position. When the battery (not shown) of the neck rehabilitation device is discharged, the cable not shown is connected to the charging port (8) and to an electrical outlet to recharge said battery and be able to use said device again.

This description should not be limited by the example and embodiments described. In view of what is stated in this descriptive chapter, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the modalities particularly described, so it will be understood that variations may be made in various ways. Such variations should not be considered as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to a person skilled in the art and should be included in the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS. An apparatus for neck rehabilitation, characterized in that it comprises: a lower support (1) with a slot (4) in its upper part placed longitudinally; A middle support (2) of smaller dimension than the lower support (1) is placed inside the slot (4) of said lower support (1), the middle support (2) has a second slot (19) in its upper part placed longitudinally; an upper support (3) of smaller dimension than the middle support (2) is placed inside the second slot (19) of the middle support (2); at least two linear actuators (5) are installed inside the slot (4) of the lower support (1); at least two perforations (6) are found in the base of the middle support (2) aligned with the actuators (5); at least two holes (7) are located at the base of the upper support (3) aligned with the perforations (6) and the actuators (5); a control module is installed inside the lower support (1) and is connected to the actuators (5); a battery is installed inside the lower support (1) connected to the control module; a charging port (8) is located on the outside of the bottom bracket (1) connected to the control module; bases (18) are installed in the middle part of the surface of the front face of the lower support (1); hinges (10) are placed on the bases (18); a support (11) is installed on each of the hinges (10); at least one fastening means (12) is placed at each end of the lower support (1); a fixing means (13) is installed on each of the free ends of the fastening means (12); a slot (14) is located on the surface of each of the sides of the lower support (1); two arms (15) are assembled in the slot (14) by means of an extension (16) which is located on the lateral part of one of its ends; a control module is installed inside the lower support (1); a battery is installed inside the lower support (1) and is connected to the control module; a charging port (8) is located on the outside of the lower support (1), which is connected to the control module; and, a switch is placed on the outside of the bottom bracket (1) •

2. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the lower support (1), the middle support (2) and the upper support (3) are semicircular in shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the slot (4) of the lower support (1) is larger than the middle support (2), and the second slot (19) of the middle support (2) is larger. dimension than the upper support (3).

4. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the actuators (5) are installed equidistant to the sides of the interior of the slot (4) of the lower support (1).

5. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the actuators (5) are telescopic.

6. The apparatus of claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the telescopic actuators (5) have two pistons.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the perforations (6) are conical in shape.

8. The apparatus of claims 1 and 7 characterized in that the upper part of the perforations (6) are the same external diameter of the second piston of the actuators.

(5) linear; and, the lower diameter of the perforations

(6) are smaller than the outer diameter of the first piston of the linear actuators (5).

9. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the holes (7) are smaller in diameter than the second piston of the linear actuators (5).

10. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the battery is rechargeable.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that a cutout (9) is placed in the middle part of the upper face of the lower support (1), the middle support (2) and the upper support (3).

12. The apparatus of claims 1 and 11 characterized in that the cutout (9) is concave and has rounded edges.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the bases (18) are aligned on each of the sides of the cutout (9).

14. The apparatus of claims 1 and 13 characterized in that the bases (18) are prismatic in shape.

15. The apparatus of claims 1, 13 and 14 characterized in that the bases (18) are triangular in shape.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the hinges (10) are magnetic.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the supports (11) are ergonomic and have rounded edges.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the fastening means (12) are flexible.

19. The apparatus of claims 1 and 18 characterized in that the fastening means (12) are aligned with each other.

20. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the fixing means (13) are magnetic, clasps, locks, sailboats, buckles and/or a combination of the above.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that a magnetic section is placed inside the slot (14).

22. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the slit (14) is prismatic in shape.

23. The apparatus of claims 1 and 22 characterized in that the prismatic shape is pentagonal.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the extensions (16) are magnetic.

25. The apparatus of claims 1, 22, 23 and 24 characterized in that the extensions (16) are of the same shape as the slit (14).

26. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that the arms (15) are prismatic in shape.

27. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that a cover (17) is installed at each of the ends of the arms (15), opposite to where the extensions (16) are located.

28. The apparatus of the previous claim characterized in that the cover (17) is non-slip.

29. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that an indicator is installed on the outside of the lower support (1).

30. The device of claims 1 and 29 characterized in that the indicator is an LED light.

31. The neck rehabilitation device of claim 1 characterized in that a wireless communication unit (not illustrated) is installed inside the lower support (1) and is connected to the control module.

32. The neck rehabilitation device of claims 1 and 32 characterized in that the wireless communication unit is Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB.