Abstract
An apparatus for manipulating (in one alternative correcting) the cervical curvature of a user, the apparatus having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, wherein: proximate the top, a thoracic section for receiving the upper back region of a user, preferably for receiving the thoracic region of the user; proximate the top, a cervical section for receiving the cervical curve region of the user; the cervical section is movable with a traction path in at least one of the following planes vertical, horizontal and combinations thereof; in one alternative, the cervical section is movable in an arc-like motion along the vertical plane.
Claims
1. An apparatus for manipulating/correcting the cervical curvature of a user, said apparatus comprising a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, wherein: proximate said top, a thoracic section for receiving at least one region of said user, said at least one region selected from the group consisting of: a upper back region of said user, and a thoracic region of the user; said thoracic section being fixed proximate the first end and movable proximate said second end of said apparatus; proximate said top, a cervical section for receiving a cervical curve region of the user; said cervical section being selected from the group consisting of fixed and movable, wherein when said cervical section is movable, said cervical section is movable in at least one of the following: with a traction path in at least one of the following planes: vertical, horizontal, and combinations thereof; or movable in an arc-like motion along the vertical plane; wherein said cervical section further comprises at least one head; wherein said at least one head is movable in a curve like motion; and wherein said curve like motion is generated by at least two motors, each motor being connected to at least one pulley connected to said at least one head via a link arm, a belt and horizontal and vertical guide rails, wherein each of said at least two motors independently controlling horizontal and vertical curve like motion, whereby each of said at least two independently controlled motors result in a variety of arc path patterns corresponding to varying physiological needs and outcomes.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is movable in relation to the fixed end of the thoracic section to the cervical section between an angle of from 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the bottom of the apparatus and the horizon.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cervical section further comprises at least two heads.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least two heads are spaced apart from each other along a horizontal plane resulting in a horizontal distance between each of said at least two heads.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said horizontal distance between each of said at least two heads is adjustable from a first position to a second position.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least two heads are movable in a curve like motion.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said curve like motion oscillates from one end of said cervical section to the other end of said cervical section and from said other end to said one end.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said curve like motion is generated by a motor connected to at least one gear connected to said at least one head via a link arm and a drive arm.
9. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least two heads each comprise a shape selected from the group consisting of a hemisphere, a spherical cap (spherical dome), a hemiellipsoid, a cone, a roller wheel and combinations thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said at least two heads each have a textured surface.
11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least two heads each further comprise characteristics to further stimulate and or massage the cervical region selected from the group consisting of vibration, temperature adjustment (heat/cold), electro-stimulation, rollers and combinations thereof.
12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least two heads each further comprise a degree of articulation between 0° to about 45°, selected from longitudinal articulation, lateral (or transverse) articulation and combinations thereof.
13. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least two heads each further comprise a piston allowing for a tapping or hammer like action during the arc-like motion thereof.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head is adjustable in height from a first position to a second position.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said curve like motion oscillates from one end of the cervical section to the other end of the cervical section and from said other end to said one end.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said curve like motion is generated by said at least two motors connected to at least one gear connected to said at least one head via a link arm and a drive arm.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 for use with a user in a position between a supine position and a Fowler's position.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of a hemisphere, a spherical cap (spherical dome), a hemiellipsoid, a cone, a roller wheel and combinations thereof.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said at least one head has a textured surface.
20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head is a u-shaped cradle.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head is made of material comprising silicon, rubber, inflatable material, polyurethane, plastic, cell foam, gel, gel foam and combinations thereof.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head further comprises characteristics to further stimulate and or massage the cervical region selected from the group consisting of vibration, temperature adjustment (heat/cold), electro-stimulation, rollers and combinations thereof.
23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head further comprises a degree of articulation between 0° to about 45°, selected from longitudinal articulation, lateral (or transverse) articulation and combinations thereof.
24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one head further comprise a piston allowing for a tapping or hammer like action during the arc-like motion thereof.
25. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one headband connectable to said apparatus proximate said cervical section of said apparatus.
26. An apparatus according to claim 1 to correct posture, relieve cervical tension, impingement, migraines and headaches and restore the cervical arc; the apparatus comprising a back wedge with a rotating massager that aids in compression of cervical spine lordosis, and includes continuous passive range of motion that is targeted at the suboccipital triangle.
27. An apparatus for manipulating/correcting the cervical curvature of a user, said apparatus comprising a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, wherein: proximate said top, a thoracic section for receiving at least one region of said user, said at least one region selected from the group consisting of: a upper back region of said user, and a thoracic region of the user; said thoracic section being fixed proximate the first end and movable proximate said second end of said apparatus; proximate said top, a cervical section for receiving a cervical curve region of the user; said cervical section being selected from the group consisting of fixed and movable, wherein when said cervical section is movable, said cervical section is movable in at least one of the following: with a traction path in at least one of the following planes: vertical, horizontal, and combinations thereof; or movable in an arc-like motion along the vertical plane; wherein said cervical section further comprises at least two heads; wherein said at least two heads are movable in a curve like motion; and wherein said curve like motion is generated by at least two motors, each motor being connected to at least one pulley connected to said at least one head via a link arm, a drive arm and a belt, wherein each of said at least two motors independently controlling horizontal and vertical curve like motion, whereby each of said at least two independently controlled motors result in a variety of arc path patterns corresponding to varying physiological needs and outcomes.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) FIG. 1 is a view of several examples of cervical curvature irregularities.
(2) FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of an apparatus, according to one alternative.
(3) FIG. 3 is an end cutaway view of the apparatus, according to one alternative.
(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gears and heads of the apparatus, according to one alternative.
(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4.
(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of the apparatus depicting a traction path of the heads, in one alternative.
(7) FIG. 7 is a view of a user in a supine position using the apparatus.
(8) FIG. 8 depicts the use of the traction headband by a user in a supine position.
(9) FIG. 9 depicts the user in an upright position using the apparatus.
(10) FIG. 10 depicts the apparatus in a unitary format and in a two piece detachable format.
(11) FIG. 11 depicts the user and the apparatus in various positions from supine to Fowler's position.
(12) FIG. 12 depicts the normal range of cervical curvature.
(13) FIG. 13 depicts the thoracic section in various lateral angular positions.
(14) FIG. 14 depicts the differential height variant of the apparatus.
(15) FIG. 15 depicts variants of the thoracic section.
(16) FIG. 16 depicts variants of the head of the apparatus.
(17) FIG. 17 depicts an end view of variants of the head of the apparatus.
(18) FIG. 18 depicts a side view of variants of the head of the apparatus.
(19) FIG. 19 depicts further variants of the head of the apparatus.
(20) FIG. 20 depicts longitudinal articulation of the head of the apparatus.
(21) FIG. 21 depicts transverse articulation of the head of the apparatus.
(22) FIG. 22 depicts vertical piston action of the head of the apparatus.
(23) FIG. 23 depicts angular piston action of the head of the apparatus.
(24) FIG. 24 depicts a remote control.
(25) FIG. 25 depicts a dual motor alternative.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(26) Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted three instances of loss of curve (LOC) in the cervical region. In one instance, the LOC is 61% between cervical vertebrae C2 and C7. In another instance, the LOC is 88% and in a third instance, the LOC is 131%. LOC may lead to health issues as discussed above.
(27) Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, there is depicted an apparatus 10 with a thoracic section, in this instance a wedge-shaped base 20, which may be angled, relative to the horizon, ranging from 0° to about 30°. The wedge-shaped base 20 is covered by a soft foam pad 30, which may be constructed of various materials, including but not limited to open cell foam and gel foam, to provide comfort and support to the user's thoracic area. An electric motor 40, is connected to a gear case 42, which turns a main drive gear 50. The main drive gear 50 engages with and turns two equally sized large gears 60, which are driven in synchronicity to provide balance and uniform power distribution from the motor 40. In one alternative, the system of gears may be replaced with a belt drive system. In yet another alternative, the system of gears may be replaced with a chain drive system. In yet another alternative, the motor 40 may be replaced by a combination of motors, which control vertical and horizontal motion independently to provide variable combinations of arc path patterns. A set of adjustable drive pins 70 are connected from the large gears 60 through a T-shaped link arm 80, and into a set of cam-shaped control arms 90. The control arms 90 rotate on lubricated bushings providing balance and even weight distribution when the apparatus 10 is operating with a user thereon. The T-shaped link arm 80 is driven by the large gears 60 via the adjustable drive pins 70. Sitting atop the T-shaped link arm 80 is an adjustable spreader bar 100, which holds two adjustable massage heads 110. As best seen in FIGS. 4-5, the moving parts of the apparatus 10 are powered by an electrical motor 40 with a driveshaft 50 that turns two large gears 60, which in turn cause the massage heads 110 to move in an arched plane along the patient's neck. Variability in the range of motion of the two adjustable massage heads 110 in a longitudinal and vertical direction may be achieved through adjustment of drive pins 70 in the various pre-established locations on control arms 90 and large gears 60. In one alternative, these adjustment pins 70 may be replaced with a different adjustment system. The T-shaped link arm 80 also contains a height adjustment element 82, which enables additional vertical height adjustment of the massage heads 110 in relation to the base 20. Each of the two massage heads 110 may be adjusted inward (toward each other) or outward (away from each other) along the spreader bar 100 to suit the characteristics and preferences of the patient. The spreader bar 100 may be fitted with a predetermined set of widths for the massage heads 110, or it may offer a variable width (between minimum and maximum settings) between each of the massage heads 110 as chosen by the user. The massage heads can be provided in varying shapes and sizes, materials, hardness, and with additional features such as heat and vibration. The patient or the practitioner controls the operation of the device with a handheld remote, either wired or wireless. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the device 10 is shown with one alternative arc path of the massage head 110 being driven by large gears 60. The arc path may be adjusted by adjusting adjustable drive pins 120. Alternative arc paths are shown in FIG. 6. As best seen in FIG. 2, an optional textile or fabric cover 140 may be used to cover the massage heads 110.
(28) The device applies pressure on the suboccipital region with a pair of articular massage heads that sit paraspinally to alleviate headaches, migraines and neck pain, while correcting the underlying discs, cervical curvature and suboccipital musculature. The device lifts and extends the neck and head to take pressure off of discs and nerves correcting the underlying cause of neck and headache pain. In this way, the present invention provides a device that massages and applies pressure to the neck and head in a manner that emulates the hand techniques of a chiropractor or other professional. The device also has a form of headband to traction the head downwards creating force to alter the cervical curvature of the spine, thereby treating “tech neck or ‘text neck” and restoring the cervical curve as shown in FIG. 8. This allows proper nerve flow from the brain to the body and body to the brain resulting in many possible physiological benefits including but not limited to blood pressure, immune system, headaches, migraines, blood flow, CSF flow, tinnitus, vertigo, numbness and tingling, neck and shoulder pain.
(29) The apparatus provides at least one of the following:
(30) continuous passive arced range of motion (CPAM);
(31) automated home corrective device for the cervical curve;
(32) interchangeable massage arm and curve corrective arm;
(33) interchangeable massage and curve correction balls;
(34) cushioned angular wedge for position to correct the cervical spine;
(35) timed breathing rate with motion of the corrective device controls; and
(36) adjustable head strap to traction the cervical curve.
(37) Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown the apparatus 10 with a user incorporating a traction headband 130. One purpose of the traction headband is to traction the user's head downwards towards the base 20 of the apparatus 10 creating force to alter the cervical curvature of the spine, thereby treating “tech neck” or “text neck” and restoring the cervical curve. Another purpose of the traction headband 130 is to keep the user's neck in a stable position during operation of the apparatus 10. The traction headband 130 comprises a centrally located forehead portion 132 saddled on each side thereof by a connecting strap 134 for connecting the headband 130 to the base 20 of the apparatus 10. In one alternative, each connecting strap 134 includes a metal loop 136 for connection to a metal loop receiver 138 on the base 20. In another alternative, the headband 130 may be stretchable with adjustable length, tension and width. The headband 130 may also have features such as heat and cold temperature settings. Although a single headband is depicted, one may use more than one headband as required.
(38) The apparatus 10 may be used both vertically and horizontally. Horizontally, the apparatus 10 may be used by individuals laying down using the standalone unit, alternatively the apparatus 10 may be built into a support structure such as a table, or used in conjunction with a massage table or other table. Referring now to FIG. 9, the apparatus 10 is shown being used in a vertical orientation. Vertically, the apparatus 10 may be attached to a wall and used by individuals standing (depicted in FIG. 9) or sitting in a chair, or wheelchair. This position may be accomplished because the user's head is set in place using the traction headband 130.
(39) Referring now to FIG. 10, the apparatus 10 may be constructed as a single unitary unit (Option A) or as a multi-piece detachable unit (Option B). In one alternative, the multi-piece detachable unit comprises the motorized section (cervical section) detachable from the wedge-shaped section (thoracic section).
(40) Referring now to FIG. 11, there is depicted the apparatus 10 and a user in various positions from a supine position to a Fowler's (or sitting) position. The angle of the apparatus relative to the horizon ranges from about 0° to about 90° with angles approaching 90° having the apparatus wall mounted.
(41) Referring now to FIG. 12, there is depicted the normal healthy curvature of the cervical section ranging from about 42° to about 45° between C1 and C7 of the vertebrae.
(42) Referring now to FIG. 13, the base or the thoracic section may be laterally adjusted to accommodate users requiring a lateral tilt. FIG. 13 provides, in one instance, the thoracic section being substantially parallel to the base. In another instance, the thoracic section is tilted or laterally adjusted to the right or to the left in relation to the massage heads, from 0° to about 45°. In another alternative, the padded area may be adjustable in length and width (not shown).
(43) Referring now to FIG. 14, there is depicted a relationship between the thoracic section and the cervical section of the apparatus. The thoracic section is pivotal at one end thereof, the end opposite the cervical section. Pivoting the thoracic section will adjust the height between the thoracic section end proximate the cervical section and the top of the massage head of the cervical section. This distance relationship is termed a differential height variant. The differential height variant may be adjusted through the angle of the thoracic section and/or the height adjustment features of the cervical section including the height adjustment settings on the height adjustment element 82 and/or the adjustable drive pins 120. This allows manipulation of the cervical curvature for various chiropractic adjustments and for wide variety of body types and cervical curvatures.
(44) Referring now to FIG. 15, there is depicted variants of the pliability of the thoracic section of the apparatus. The thoracic section may be a foam pad that may be constructed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, open and closed cell foam, polyurethane foam of varying density including low, medium and high density (from 3 to 10 lbs. per cubic foot), compressed polyester, polyester fiberfill, expandable and integral skin, self-skinning polyurethane foam, gel foam, memory foam and combinations thereof. In one alternative, the foam may also comprise antimicrobial properties. The thoracic section may also comprise a covering material to cover the pliable area, including, but not limited to, cloth, leather, artificial leather, vinyl, microfiber, natural materials, man-made materials and combinations thereof. In one alternative, the covering material may also comprise antimicrobial properties. In FIG. 15, the thoracic section is shown to include add-ons such as massage rollers (a) that move in conjunction with the arc movement of the massage heads, a heated option (b), a vibratory option (c) and a cooling option (d).
(45) Referring now to FIG. 16, there is depicted variants of the massage head 110. The material of the massage head may include, but not limited to, silicon, rubber, inflatable material, polyurethane, plastic, cell foam, gel, gel foam and combinations thereof.
(46) The massage head may be sized and shaped according to the desired result of the user, including a width and height from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. In terms of shape, the head may be a hemisphere, a spherical cap (spherical dome), a hemiellipsoid, a cone, a roller wheel and combinations thereof. Some examples include, but are not limited to, radial (a), spherical (b), elliptical (c), conical (d), roller wheel (e) and textured versions thereof (depicted below each example). In one alternative, the head has a textured surface. In one alternative, the head may have a Shore Hardness from about 10 to about 100. The number of massage heads may range from one to a plurality. As best seen in FIG. 17, there is depicted various configurations of massage heads 110 including varying the number of massage heads to combining heads of different shapes and heads arranged in a cradle like fashion to a u-shaped cradle massage head and a horizontal cradle shaped massage head. The u-shaped cradle massage head and a horizontal cradle shaped massage head each having a width in the range of from 50 to 300 mm, a depth in the range of from 50 to 100 mm and a thickness in the range of from 10 to 100 mm. The u-shaped cradle may be made of metal, plastic or other durable material to support a padded section that may be made of material and hardness for the massage head as described herein.
(47) As best seen in FIG. 18, there is depicted the cervical section with various configurations of the massage head from a side view. In one alternative, one can see a single row massage head (a), a double row massage head (b) and a triple row massage head (c).
(48) As best seen in FIG. 19, there is depicted massage head 100 add-ons such as a massage head with vibration characteristics (a), heating (b) and cooling (c) characteristics, including infrared characteristics, electrostimulation (not shown) and rolling characteristics (not shown).
(49) As best seen in FIG. 20 the adjustable spread bar supports and holds the massage heads (or neck contact points) in place. The massage heads are articulated in that each may be adjusted angularly in the longitude as per FIG. 20 such as zero longitudinal articulation (a), positive (b) and negative (c) longitudinal articulation, and laterally as per FIG. 21 with zero transverse articulation (a), left (b) and right (c) transverse articulation. The massage heads being laterally adjustable.
(50) As best seen in FIG. 22, the vertical link arm which links the adjustable spreader bar and massage head to the large gears, may have a piston like feature for reciprocating motion of the massage head, and in one alternative, rapid, short, hammer and/or tapping motions of the massage head while the device is in operation. This action mimics the action and resulting effect(s) of a chiropractor hammer or Arthrostim™.
(51) As best seen in FIG. 23, an alternative drive mechanism may be used to produce a similar rotational arc path, wherein a complete cycle is depicted from an initial position (step 1) to a final position (step 4) and back to initial position (step 1). In one alternative, there can be a single vertical link arm or multiple vertical link arms that may be adjustable in length. In another alternative, the vertical link arm may be hinged or bent to accommodate various angular positions of the massage head. In another alternative, the vertical link arm has a cover to minimize contact between the user and the massage heads.
(52) As best seen in FIG. 24, a remote control is depicted to control various aspects of the apparatus, such as motor control 24-1, speed 24-2, time of operation 24-3, angular adjustments 24-4, heat, cold, vibratory 24-5 and the like.
(53) As best seen in FIG. 25, a two motor alternative is depicted wherein a horizontal motion control motor 25-1 and a vertical motion control motor 25-6 are incorporated to provide independent control of vertical and horizontal arc path of the massage head. Horizontal motor 25-1 provides horizontal movement along the horizontal guide rail 25-3 for the horizontal movement component of the massage head and vertical motor 25-6 provides vertical movement along the vertical guide rail 25-2 for the vertical movement component of the massage head resulting in varying arc paths of the massage head as best seen in FIG. 6
(54) As many changes can be made to the above without departing from the scope thereof; it is intended that all matter contained herein be considered illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
