Three exercise combination device to alleviate sciatica and low back pain

Abstract

A Three combination exercise table-chair device intended to reduce the pain and symptoms associated with low back pain & sciatica. This device is designed to be used by qualified operators in physical therapy offices, chiropractic offices, and rehabilitation clinics. By means of electric motors and gearboxes, the operator can adjust a moveable foot pad which raises the lower torso through varying degrees of incline to provide stretching, flexibility and range of motion. These functions are achieved by using three specific exercises of the Williams Exercise Protocol. The Williams Exercise Protocol is a specific set of exercises that are further described in the description of the device.

Claims

1. A powered chair table device comprising: a base assembly; two side panels extending upwardly from the base assembly; a cushioned seat portion extending between the two side panels; a backrest section pivotally with respect to the two side panels, wherein the backrest section is movable about a fulcrum by a backrest motor and screw assembly; the backrest section further includes a first opening positioned on a first side of the backrest section and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening and positioned on a second side of the backrest section; a pair of under arm assemblies, each of the underarm assemblies extending into a respective one of the first opening and the second opening and mounted for vertical adjustment along an armrest screw assembly positioned inside of the backrest section; an arm rest assembly motor configured to actuate the armrest screw assembly and adjust a vertical position of each of the pair of under arm assemblies along the armrest screw assembly; a lower leg assembly pivotally movable with respect to the cushioned seat portion by a lower torso elevation motor and lower torso elevation camshaft assembly from a first angle in which the lower leg assembly extends downward from an upper surface of the cushioned seat portion, through a position in which the lower leg assembly is essentially coplanar with the upper surface of the cushioned seat portion to a second angle in which the lower leg portion extends upward from the upper surface of the cushioned seat portion; a foot rest assembly extending substantially perpendicular from the lower leg assembly; and a control box, wherein an operator uses the control box to independently and/or simultaneously actuate the backrest motor, the armrest motor and the lower torso elevation motor to provide extension, flexion, continuous passive motion and continuous active motion to a seat occupant.

2. The powered chair table device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to support and adjust with a seated occupant while the seated occupant performs exercises, wherein the seated occupant can move their knees toward their chest during flexion into a flexion position; the seated occupant can extend into a substantially supine position during extension; and the seated occupant can actively and continuously cycle their knees from a lowered position to a raised position through applied resistance or can passively and continuously cycle their knees from the lowered position to the raised position by actuation of the backrest motor, armrest motor and lower torso elevation motor.

Description

(1) These and other particular objects of the instant invention will become apparent when referencing is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front view of the device;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the device;

(4) FIG. 3 is side view of the device with a user thereon in starting position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of the device showing the mechanisms underneath in a normal starting position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the device with a user thereon in the fully supine position with legs in starting position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side view of the device with the user thereon in the fully supine position with legs at maximum flexed position;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view of the device with the user thereon and in the Williams Back Extension position;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2; there is showing the chair-table device having a back rest section (1), a cushioned seat portion (4), an arm rest (2), an armrest opening (3) a side panel (5), a lower leg assembly section (6), a foot rest assembly section (7), a base table frame (8) and a back rest side panel (9). The table-chair device resembles an elevated recliner type of furniture. The user is assisted to the seated section (4) the user's back is resting against the backrest (I). Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3; from a seated position the user's legs are placed on the leg rest assembly (6). The user's feet are then placed on the foot rest assembly (7). The user's arms are placed overtop the underarm assembly (2) for comfort and also to assist in gravity induced stretching of the lower torso. This is the starting position for the user.

(10) FIG. 4 shows the inner workings and mechanisms of the table-chair device having a lower torso elevation motor (10), lower torso elevation camshaft assembly (11), a back rest lowering worm screw assembly (12), a backrest lowering and elevation electric motor (13), a backrest lowering fulcrum assembly (14), and an arm rest assembly motor (15).

(11) Referring now to FIG. 5, an operator then begins to lower the user into a fully supine position (16), the user places his feet on the foot rest assembly (7), the user's back is resting against the backrest assembly (1), the weight of the user is supported by the bilateral side panels (5) and by the base frame assembly (8).

(12) FIGS. 5 and 6 show the user thereon in the full flexion position (17) of the Williams Exercise Protocol. Once in the fully supine flexed position (17), the user's legs that are resting against the foot rest assembly (7) begin to elevate towards the user's chest region. This action completes the full flexed position of the Williams Exercise Protocol.

(13) The operator of the table-chair device is controlling all aspects of this motion. FIG. 6 also indicates the inner mechanisms of the present invention that are making this mechanical action possible. (19) shows the arm rest worm screw assembly used to elevate the user's arm to assist in gravity induced stretching of the lower torso.

(14) The trained operator assesses the position of the legs that are moving against the users chest. This is necessary to determine the optimum comfort and stretching level. The trained operator by means of a control box assembly begins to establish the correct cycling of the lower leg assembly (6) for optimum results. The elevating and raising of the lower leg assembly (6) is accomplished by actuation of the lower torso elevation cam assembly (11). The lower torso cam assembly (11) is powered by a lower torso elevation electric gear motor (10). When the user's legs are raised to the chest while in the seated position, this constitutes the Williams Single/Double knee to chest exercise portion of the Williams protocol (FIG. 6). Once in this seated position the user can also cross his legs to increase the amount of stretching in the Hamstring and Gluteus region. Also in this seated position while the user's legs are being raised, the user can begin an active exercise motion by resisting the force of the lower torso elevation electric motor (10). This serves to increase the strength and flexibility of the leg muscles. Through the use of the under arm support assembly (2) the user can rest his arms and begin to let gravity assist him in stretching his lower back and torso by means of the underarm support assembly (2) supporting the body's weight and allowing gravity to stretch the lower back and torso. FIG. 7 shows the user thereon in the Williams Back Extension position exercise. The trained operator controls all aspects of the table-chair operation. The trained operator also determines the length of treatment, degree of stretching, and the sequence of each particular exercise.