CANTING MECHANISM FOR AMBULATORY SUPPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

An apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points includes a support, a first pressure element, and a second pressure element. The first pressure element is carried by the support. The second pressure element is carried by the support. The first pressure element is moveable with respect to the support, and the second pressure element is moveable with respect to the support. The first pressure element and the second pressure element are also moveable with respect to each other. The support has a length so that the support can be attached around a lower portion of the trunk of a human body. The first pressure element and the second pressure element are shaped to apply an external force to at least two portions of the human body proximate to where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect.

Claims

1. An apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points comprising: a support; a first pressure element carried by the support; a second pressure element carried by the support, the first pressure element moveable with respect to the support, and the second pressure element moveable with respect to the support, and the first pressure element and the second pressure element moveable with respect to each other, the support having a length so that the support can be attached around the trunk of a human body.

2. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 wherein the first pressure element and the second pressure element are shaped to apply a force to at an external point on a human body proximate to where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect.

3. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 wherein the first pressure element is a first pressure ball and the second pressure element second is a second pressure ball are made of substantially uncompressible material.

4. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 3 wherein the first pressure ball and the second pressure ball are made of a plastic material.

5. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 3 wherein the first pressure ball and the second pressure ball are made of a cork material.

6. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 wherein the first pressure ball and the second pressure ball are made of a cord formed as a knot.

7. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 wherein the first pressure element includes a mechanism for vibration and the second pressure element second includes a mechanism for vibration.

8. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 wherein the support is a corded material.

9. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 wherein the support is an elastomeric material.

10. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 1 further comprising a back paddle carried by the support, the support carrying the back paddle.

11. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 11 wherein the back paddle includes a third pressure element and a fourth pressure element.

12. A method placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points comprising: providing a support having a first pressure element carried by the support, and a second pressure element carried by the support; attaching the support around a lower portion of a trunk of a human; positioning the first pressure element moveable with respect to the support to a position over a first trigger point on a portion of the trunk; positioning the second pressure element moveable with respect to the support to a position over a second trigger point on another portion of the trunk; and adjusting the support to adjust the force on the first pressure element and the force on the second pressure element.

13. The method for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 12 wherein positioning the first pressure element over the first trigger point includes positioning the first element on a lower front external portion of the trunk of the human body proximate one of at least two areas where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect; and wherein positioning the second pressure element over the second trigger point on a lower front external portion of the trunk includes moving the second pressure element to to another of at least two areas where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect.

14. The method for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 12 wherein providing a support includes providing an elastomeric support.

15. The method for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 12 wherein adjusting the support to adjust the force on the first pressure element and the force on the second pressure element includes tightening the support.

16. The method for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 12 further comprising: providing a back paddle carried by the support, the back paddle including a third pressure element and a fourth pressure element; positioning the back paddle with respect to the support; and positioning the third pressure element on one side of a spine; and positioning the fourth pressure element on the other side of the spine.

17. The method for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 16 wherein a line between the third pressure element and the fourth pressure element traverses the spine.

18. The method for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 16 wherein the third pressure element is positioned on a third pressure point and the fourth pressure element is positioned on a fourth pressure point.

19. An apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points comprising: a support; a first pressure element carried by the support; a second pressure element carried by the support, the first pressure element moveable with respect to the support, and the second pressure element moveable with respect to the support, and the first pressure element and the second pressure element moveable with respect to each other, the support having a length so that the support can be attached around a lower portion of the trunk of a human body, wherein the first pressure element and the second pressure element are shaped to apply an external force to at least two portions of the human body proximate to where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect.

20. The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points of claim 19 further comprising: a back paddle movably engaged with the support; a third pressure element attached to the back paddle; and a fourth pressure element attached to the back paddle, the third pressure element spaced from the fourth pressure element so that the third pressure element is placable on one side of a human spine and the fourth pressure element is placable on the other side of the human spine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures and:

[0019] FIG. 1A is a view of human body exterior and includes a set of trigger points on the body.

[0020] FIG. 1B is a view of human body musculature and includes a set of trigger points on the body.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a view of a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points that include the intersection of the psosas, liliaca and rectus femorus, according to an example embodiment. (no back plate)

[0022] FIG. 3 is another view of a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points, according to an example embodiment. (with back plate)

[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of a human body with a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points attached to the body, according to an example embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a back view of a human body with a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points attached to the body, according to an example embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for placing of a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points onto the trunk of a body, according to another example embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a pressure element, according to another example embodiment.

[0027] The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments of the invention and such description is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] FIG. 1A is a front view of a portion of a human body 100 and shows several muscles associated with the trunk 110 of the human body 100. Specifically FIG. 1 is a view of the exterior portion of the front of the trunk that includes the point where the psoas, Iliacus, and rectus femorus muscles intersect and connect. There are two points 120 and 130 on the body where this happens. The point 120 is on the left front portion of the truck 110. The point 130 is on the right front portion of the trunk 110. The points 120 and 130 are proximate points within the body 100 where there is an intersection or connection point of the above mentioned muscles. These connection points are also common trigger points 122, 132. The trigger points are within the human body 100 but can be accessed or treated from the exterior of the body 100. At times muscles knot at the trigger points. The trigger points can be thought of as small patches of clenched muscle fibers that are sensitive and cause aching and stiffness. A trigger point may be a major factor in many common pain problems like low back pain and neck pain. Many times, trigger points may generate symptoms that are removed or remote from the location of the trigger point.

[0029] FIG. 1B is a view of the musculature of the human body and includes a set of trigger points on the body. As shown in FIG. 1B, the trigger points 122 and 132 are shown. Also shown are the psoas muscle 140, 141, the Iliacus muscle 142, 143, and rectus femorus muscle 144, 145. The trigger point 122 occurs at the intersection of the psoas muscle 140, the Iliacus muscle 142, and rectus femorus muscle 144. The trigger point 132 occurs at the intersection of the psoas muscle 141, the Iliacus muscle 143, and rectus femorus muscle 145. The trigger points 122, 132 are treatable from the points 120, 130 on the exterior portion of the trunk of the human body 100.

[0030] One factor in back and hip pain is frequently the psoas muscle. Many believe the psoas muscle is one of the most important muscles in the body. A number of problems may be related to the psoas muscle. The problems include: low back pain, sacroiliac pain, sciatica, disc problems, spondylolysis, scoliosis, hip degeneration, knee pain; menstruation pain, infertility, and digestive problems. The list can also include biomechanical problems like pelvic tilt, leg length discrepancies, kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis.

[0031] The psoas primarily flexes the hip and the spinal column. At about 16 inches long on the average, it is one of the largest and thickest muscles of the body (in animals it is known as the tenderloin). This powerful muscle runs down the lower mid spine beginning at the 12th thoracic vertebrae connecting to all the vertebral bodies, discs and transverse processes of all the lumbar vertebrae down across the pelvis to attach on the inside of the top of the leg at the lesser trochanter. The lower portion combines with fibers from the iliacus muscle, which sits inside the surface of the pelvis and sacrum, to become the Iliopsoas muscle as it curves over the pubic bone and inserts on the lesser trochanter.

[0032] The psoas has a number of diverse functions, making it a key factor in health. The psoas functions as a hip and thigh flexor, which makes it the major walking muscle. If the legs are stationary the action of it is to bend the spine forward; if sitting, it stabilizes and balances the trunk. The lower psoas brings the lumbar vertebrae forward and downward to create pelvic tilt.

[0033] When the psoas muscle becomes contracted due to injuries, poor posture, prolonged sitting, or stress, it can alter the biomechanics of the pelvis and the lumbar, thoracic and even cervical vertebrae. Typically a dysfunctional psoas is responsible for referred pain down the front of the thigh and vertically along the lower to mid spinal column. Trigger points are found above the path off the psoas on the abdomen. Frequently the quadratus lumborum muscles develop trigger points, as well as the piriformis, gluteals, hamstrings, and erector spinae psoas.

[0034] The psoas can torque your spine to the right or left, pull it forward and twist the pelvis into various distortions. Frequently one psoas will shorten and pull the spine and/or pelvis to our dominant side. The distortions of the spine and pelvis can also show up as a short or long leg. This all results in scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, trigger points, and spasms in back muscles trying to resist the pulling of the psoas.

[0035] It can also pull the spine downward, compressing the facet joints and the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. The pressure can cause the discs to degenerate, becoming thinner and less flexible. This degeneration makes the discs more susceptible to bulging or tearing, especially with twisting and bending movements.

[0036] The psoas will stay contracted because of postural habits and trauma. The way we stand, walk and sit can distort the psoas. If we walk or stand with our chin in an overly forward position the muscle will tighten. Sitting through much of the day causes the muscle to shorten to keep us bio-mechanically balanced in our chairs. Over time we develop a normal way of holding the psoas that is dysfunctional.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a view of a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points that include the intersection of the psosas, liliaca and rectus femorus, according to an example embodiment. The mechanism or apparatus 200 places pressure on a set of trigger points 122, 132 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the body 100, according to an example embodiment. The mechanism or apparatus 200 includes a support or a support belt 210. The support belt 210 can be elastomeric or less than elastomeric. The support belt can be made of substantially non-stretch nylon, cording or the like. The support belt 210 could also be made of cloth. The support belt can be a thin cord or a wide belt. Common to all types of support belts 210 is that the support belt 210 carries a first pressure element 220 and a second pressure element 222. The first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222 are moveable with respect to the support belt 210. The pressure elements are also moveable with respect to one another. The pressure element can be of any shape. The pressure elements 220, 222 can be balls, cylinders, pyramidal or the like. In this way, the first pressure element 220 can be positioned over the left trigger point 122 on the human body (see FIG. 1) and the second pressure element 220 can be positioned over the right trigger point 132 (see FIG. 1). The length of the support belt 210 can be adjusted to place more or less pressure on the left trigger point 122 and the right trigger point 132. For example, the support belt can be tied with a shortened length to place more force on the first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222. Some example of the support belt 210 can include a buckle and a free end with openings therein for engaging the buckle. Other support belts 210 can merely be tied. Other mechanisms can be used to attach the support belt to the lower trunk portion of a human body 100. It should also be noted that the ends for tying or buckling can occur on one side of the body or the other. Of course, it would be inconvenient to make the tie points or buckling portions over the pressure points. It should also be noted, that the support belt can be one portion or a plurality of portions connected or otherwise attached to one another. As mentioned above, the first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222 are movable with respect to the support belt 210 so that the mechanism or apparatus 200 can be adjusted from one individual to another. The first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222 are placed over the trigger points 122, 132. It should be noted that the distance between these trigger points differs with each individual. Of course, the spacing between the first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222 can be the same for some individuals.

[0038] The first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222 can be made of a material that places pressure on the trigger points 122, 132. The first pressure element 220 and the second pressure element 222 can be made of plastic or rubber. In general, the rubber will have a relatively high durometer rating so that it will place a force on the trigger points 122, 132. The amount of pressure is related to the amount of force placed on the support belt. With the support belt 210 shown in FIG. 2, the force will be distributed over a portion of the back and to the pressure elements 220, 222. The pressure associated with the pressure elements 220, 222 is related to the area that is in contact with the body 100. The area for each pressure elements can be determined in square inches. The force applied divided by the area of the pressure element yields the actual pressure applied to the body 100 by the pressure elements 220, 222.

[0039] FIG. 3 is another view of a mechanism or apparatus 300 for placing pressure on a set of trigger points, according to an example embodiment. This particular embodiment differs from the apparatus 200 in that the apparatus 300 for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points 122, 132 further includes a back paddle 310 carried by the support 210. The back paddle includes a third pressure element 320 and a fourth pressure element 322. These elements 320, 322 are generally spaced from one another. In one embodiment, the third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322 are spaced so that they can straddle or extend to both sides of a person's spinal column and rest on or place a force on muscles at or near the back of the human trunk 110. As shown, the third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322 are fixed with respect to the back paddle 310. In other example embodiments, the third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322 may be adjustable with respect to the back paddle 310. As a result, the distance between the third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322 could be varied for each individual. The third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322 specifically place pressure on the sacral tubercle ligaments and gluteus medias attachments. The constant, gentle pressure of the third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322 allows the tissue at or near the sacral tubercle ligaments and gluteus medias attachments to gently release and stay released. The more it tightens, the more gentle pressure is created. The result is an ebb and flow of tissue release as the brain acclimates.

[0040] It should be noted that in this particular embodiment, the support 210 is actually formed of a first support portion 211 and a second support portion 212. The first support portion 211 is attached to one end of the back paddle 310 and the second support portion 212 is attached to the other end of the back paddle 310. The first support portion 211 and the second support portion 212 include free ends which can be connected to each other to vary the force and ultimately the pressure applied by the first pressure element 220, the second pressure element 222, the third pressure element 320 and the fourth pressure element 322. Again, the pressure elements can be made of various materials and made of various shapes with various areas to place appropriate amounts of pressure to the exterior portions of the human body.

[0041] In operation, the apparatus 300 is an ambulatory support device includes two support portions 211, 212 or straps with adjustable balls or elements 220, 222 to be positioned on the front of the user's body. The two support portions 211, 212 or straps connect to the canting mechanism of the human body 100 and allows direct, constant pressure on the sacrum within the body. The apparatus 300 allows the user to rotate about associated pivots, such as pressure points 122, 132 to allow the support paddle 310 to conform to the user's body and synchronizes the anterior pressure mechanisms on both left and right substantially simultaneously of the support belt 210 such that any anterior engagement subsides and posterior engagement dominates, respectively, of a substantially equivalent or greater magnitude. The traction of the device provides stability to the user's body 100.

[0042] The apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points can further include a back paddle carried by the support. The back paddle includes a third pressure element and a fourth pressure element. These elements are generally spaced from one another. In one embodiment, the third pressure element and the fourth pressure element are spaced so that they can straddle or extend to both sides of a person's spinal column and rest on or place a force on muscles at or near the back of the human trunk.

[0043] An apparatus for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points includes a support, a first pressure element, and a second pressure element. The first pressure element is carried by the support. The second pressure element is carried by the support. The first pressure element is moveable with respect to the support, and the second pressure element is moveable with respect to the support. The first pressure element and the second pressure element are also moveable with respect to each other. The support has a length so that the support can be attached around a lower portion of the trunk of a human body. The first pressure element and the second pressure element are shaped to apply an external force to at least two portions of the human body proximate to where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a back paddle movably engaged with the support, a third pressure element and a fourth pressure element attached to the back paddle. The third pressure element is spaced from the fourth pressure element so that the third pressure element is placable on one side of a human spine and the fourth pressure element is placable on the other side of the human spine.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a front view of a human body 100 with a mechanism 200, 300 for placing pressure on a set of trigger points attached to the body, according to an example embodiment. The strap or belt or support 210 fits around the waist/at the point where the psoas, Iliacus, and rectus femorus, intersect or attach to one another or at a common point. The intersection point is a pressure point 122, 132 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Stated more accurately, the pressure elements 220, 222 are positioned over these points on the exterior of the body. The device 200, 300 can be fitted over a person's clothes and still positively effect the posture of the user by effecting the canting mechanism of the body. One use is in an office environment where workers sit for long periods of the work day. By using the mechanism 200, 300, the muscles the pressure elements 220, 222 relax the muscles at the pressure points 122, 132 to all them to pivot and place the user in a position of better posture.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a human body with a mechanism 300 for placing pressure on a set of trigger points attached to the body, according to an example embodiment. The rear view shows a human back side 510. The back paddle 310 carried by the belt or support 210. The back paddle 310 includes a third pressure element 320 (shown in phantom) and a fourth pressure element 322 (shown in phantom). The elements 320, 322 are shown in phantom in this view since they would be covered by the back paddle 310 when it is attached or strapped to the user. The back side 510 includes a dotted line 512 representative of the human spine. These elements 320, 322 are generally spaced from one another so that they can straddle or extend to both sides of a person's spine 512 or spinal column. The pressure elements 320, 322 rest on or place a force on muscles on a person's back 510 at or near the spine 512 or spinal column.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 for placing of a mechanism for placing pressure on a set of trigger points onto the trunk of a body, according to another example embodiment. The method 600 for placing pressure on a plurality of trigger points includes providing a support 610 having a first pressure element carried by the support, and a second pressure element carried by the support. The method 600 also includes attaching the support around a lower portion of a trunk of a human 612. The first pressure element, moveable with respect to the support, is positioned over a first trigger point on a portion of the trunk. The second pressure element, moveable with respect to the support, is positioned over a second trigger point on another portion of the trunk 614. The support is adjusted to adjust the force on the first pressure element and the force on the second pressure element 616. The first pressure element is positioned over a lower front external portion of the trunk of the human body proximate one of at least two areas where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect. The second pressure element is positioned on a lower front external portion of the trunk at another area where a psoas muscle, an Iliacus muscle, and a rectus femorus muscle intersect. The support can be elastomeric support or the like. Adjusting the support to adjust the force on the first pressure element and the force on the second pressure element 616 includes tightening the support. The method 600 also includes providing a back paddle 618 carried by the support. The back paddle includes a third pressure element and a fourth pressure element. The back paddle is positioned on the back so the third pressure element on one side of a spine, and the fourth pressure element on the other side of the spine 620. The third pressure element and fourth pressure element can be positioned so that a line between the third pressure element and the fourth pressure element traverses the spine or a plane that includes the spine. The third pressure element is positioned on a third pressure point, and the fourth pressure element is positioned on a fourth pressure point. The support or belt can be tightened or loosened to adjust the amount of force placed by the support on the first pressure element, second pressure element, third pressure element and the fourth pressure element.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a pressure element 720, according to another example embodiment. The pressure element 720 can be substituted for any of the other pressure elements 220, 222, 320, 322 of the mechanisms 200, 300 discussed above. The pressure element 720 includes an element 724 that produces vibration within the pressure element 720. The vibration element 724, in one embodiment, is powered by a battery 726. In another embodiment, the vibration element could be electrically connected to an external power source, such as a larger battery or an AC current source. It is contemplated that the vibration element 724 could be connected to most any current source.

[0048] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications without departing from the concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

[0049] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.