Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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RESTRAINT AND EXERCISE DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a restraint device. Various
implementations of the
invention are envisioned, including its use as a lumbopelvic restraint device
during exercise to
relieve pain and/or restore range of motion in lower back, pelvis, and leg
pain suffers or in
healthy persons who wish to restore or increase their range of motion. It may
also be used to
treat pain and/or restore or increase range of motion in the neck, shoulders,
upper back, middle
back and other body parts.
In the human anatomy, the lower spine, known as the lumbar spine, is joined to
the
pelvic bone at a joint known as the sacro-iliac joint. The sacro-iliac joint
is a relatively stiff or
rigid joint. The upper leg bone, known as the femur, is joined to the pelvic
bone at the hip joint
by means of hip ligaments. Only a limited degree of movement of the lumbar
spine relative to
the pelvis is possible at the sacro-iliac joint, due to the relatively stiff
or rigid nature of this joint.
Thus, in general, upon movement of the lumbar spine in any direction, at least
some of this
movement is translated into a movement of the pelvis at the hip joint. This is
because the hip
joint is relatively free-moving in comparison to the stiff sacro-iliac joint.
Upon movement of the
leg, at least some of the hip ligaments start to wind up. When these hip
ligaments are fully
wound up, further movement of the leg is translated into a movement of the
pelvis.
A major and longstanding health problem that spans the world is acute or
clmonic baclc
pain. A comltless number of people suffer from pain in the lumbopelvic region
including their
lower baclc and hip. The causes of back pain are too numerous to enumerate,
but include
injuries, bad posture, accidents, genetic defects, disease, and aging. For
some, the pain arises
only during exercise. As a result, many eliminate beneficial exercises from
their routines. For
others, hip and/or lower back pain is always present. Exercise may be a
desirable or a necessary
treatment for the pain for many of these people. But again, the very exercises
needed to
alleviate the pain are difficult to perform due to the increased pain during
exercise. These
people often become stuclc in a depressing cycle of increasing pain as the
exercises and
treatments needed to alleviate pain are too painful to perform, with the lack
of proper exercise
resulting in weakening of the muscles and increased pain and/or discomfort.
The amount of
money and effort spent on trying to cure back problems and/or alleviate the
pain and/or
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discomfbrt is staggering. Modern medical attempts to address these issues,
including drugs,
surgery, traction, manual mobilization and exercise, are costly and have met
with little success.
There is no doubt there is a longstanding need for a safe, reliable and cost
effective way to solve
the problems associated with lumbopelvic back pain and disorders. Also, there
is no doubt that
the numerous attempts by others to meet this need and solve these problems
have largely been
failures.
Pelvis restraint devices have been proposed fox various uses, such as those
disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 3,709,216 to Hilyard et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,678,186 to
Mclntyre et al.; U.S.
Patent No. 5,094,249 to Marras et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 5,474,086 to
McCormick et al.
Among other deficiencies, none of the proposed devices suggests an apparatus
capable of
positioning the pelvis with six degrees of freedom in any of a number of three-
dimensional
positions to find a substantially pain-free position in which the pelvis may
be subsequently
restrained by the apparatus, and from which exercises can be performed in a
substantially pain-
free manner. In brief, they do not disclose a mechanical device capable of
eliminating pain,
exercising in a pain-free position, and directing movements to the affected
joint or region of the
body. In addition, these and similar devices may suffer from one or more
additional drawbacks.
First, the number of exercises available to the user is limited. Second, some
of the devices are
not user-friendly. Third, some of the devices are unable to conform to a
user's build and
preferences. Fourth, the devices do not do a sufficient job of preventing pain
in the user.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The invention meets the needs described above for a vast number of suitable
back,
pelvis, and/or leg pain suffers, and avoids the problems and disadvantages of
the prior art, by
provision of a mechanical device that allows a user, with or without the help
of a physician,
clinician, physical therapist or other healthcare professional, to position
and stabilize his/her
body in a substantially or completely pain-free position. The stabilized
position of the body is
then restrained so as to maintain its position, and exercises of other body
parts relative to the
restrained region may be performed substantially or completely pain-free. In
particular,
exercises may now be directed to the specific area of the body region that has
been causing pain.
In some suitable users, these and other similar exercises have produced
remarkable and
immediate results in terms of elimination or reduction of pain and restoration
or increased range
of motion.
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The principles of invention may be implemented in a number of ways.
In one example, a support body and a restraining device restrain a body
portion. The
restraining device may include two straps spaced apart, each of which may be
coupled to both
sides of the support body. The straps restrain a portion of a user's body -
most commonly the
pelvis - against the support body. Each strap has buckles that allow the
straps to be opened and
closed. Each strap is also adjustable in a number of ways. The straps adjust
to the user's build,
in part, by moving up and down with respect to the user's height and/or to the
required level of
restraint. Accordingly, each strap also may include two leverage points for
adjusting the tension
in the strap. Ratchets can be used to provide the leverage points - in this
example, at each side
of the person. After buckling the straps and placing them over the pelvis
region, each ratchet
may be tightened and loosened in order to position and restrain the pelvis in
a comfortable
position whereby any pain that otherwise would have existed is lessened or
eliminated. This is
accomplished in part because the ratchets adjust the tension of the straps
along either side of the
user, causing a slight rotation and repositioning of the pelvis. Adjustment of
the height of the
ratchets and tension in the straps in combination enables a three-dimensional
repositioning of the
pelvic or other body area until the pain is reduced. Once a comfortable,
preferable pain-free
position is reached, all of the ratchets may be tightened evenly to maintain
the comfortable
position.
The user then may perform any number of exercises or movements (stretching and
twisting exercises, weight lifting, etc.). Because the pelvis is restrained,
exercising directs the
movements to one or more joints. For example, during back exercises, movement
about the hip
joint is inhibited. Most of the exercising movement of the user's lumbar back
region is
translated into a pivoting of the spine itself, and about the pelvis at the
sacro-iliac joint. This
would not normally be the case. If the pelvis was not restrained, some of the
movement of the
lumbar spine region would be translated into a movement of the pelvis at the
hip joint. This is
because the hip joint is relatively free-moving in comparison to the
relatively stiff sacro-iliac
joint. These and similar exercises are a useful therapy for those with back or
other physical
problems, and may even be used for those without back problems, for example,
to increase range
of motion.
Other features may be implemented to improve the benefits of the device. One
or more
additional straps connected to the support body may be placed around another
part of the user's
body to improve the exercise routines. For instance a strap could be placed
around the user's
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chest, leg, or arm. The strap may include a resilient portion so that when,
for example, the strap
is around the user's chest, the user can move his or her chest in many
different directions.
However, the resilient portion provides resistance to the movements. Tlus
strap may be
designed to be easily releasable from the user - no matter the user's position
on the support
body. Other accessories may also be provided. For example, a footstool for
elevating the user's
leg and a pivotable Ieg support for twisting the user's leg could be utilized.
A chair could also
be provided to allow the user to sit while exercising.
Additional and alternative features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention are set
forth in the following detailed description, drawings, and claims, including
methods of using the
invention to treat pain in injured persons or increase range of motion in
healthy persons.
Although numerous implementations and examples of the invention are set forth
in the patent -
including in this "Summary of Invention" section - the examples and
implementations are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of
the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate
preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed
description served to
explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lumbopelvic restraining and exercise device
constructed
according to the principles to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a side, partially cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1 in
use;
Fig. 4 is a side, partially cross-sectional view of the pelvis and lumbar
spine region of a
human;
Figs. 5 and 6 are side, partially cross-sectional views of the device of Fig.
1 in use;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a Iumbopelvic
restraining and
exercise device constructed according to the principles of the invention;
Fig. S is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a lumbopelvic
restraining and
exercise device constructed according to the principles of the invention;
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Fig. 8A is a plan view of a unitrack member that may be used to support the
support pad
and the ratchet mechanism of the invention;
Fig. 8B is an exploded, side view of a quick release mechanism that may be
used with a
unitrack member of the invention;
Fig. 8C is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating the quick release
mechanism of
Fig. 8B engaged with the unitrack member of Fig. 8A;
Figs. 9 to 11 are side, partially cross-sectional views of the device of Fig.
8 in use;
Fig. 1 1A is an exploded view of a ratchet and unitrack assembly that may be
used to
adjust the tension and height of the holding straps of the invention;
Fig. 11B is a side view of a support body and carriage member that may be used
with the
ratchet mechanism of Fig. 1 1A, according to the principles of the invention;
Fig. 11 C is a plan view of the carriage member of Fig. 11B;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an exercise strap constructed according to
the principles
of the invention;
Figs. 13 and 14 are side, partially cross-sectional views of the strap of Fig.
12 in use with
the device of Fig. 8;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a lumbopelvic
restraining and
exercise device of the invention;
Fig. 16 is a side view of the device of Fig. 15;
Figs. 17 and 18 are side, partially cross-sectional views of the device of
Figs. 1 S and 16
in use; and
Fig. 19 is a front view of part of a fifth embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The drawings illustrate various embodiments of a device for holding the pelvis
of a user
in any of a number of substantially fixed positions during exercise - for
example, leg or back
exercises. As a result, the user's pelvis is substantially inhibited from
pivoting about the hip
joint during back exercises. Instead, most of the exercising movement of the
user's back is
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translated into a pivoting of the spine itself, and about the pelvis at the
sacro-iliac joint.
Similarly, during leg exercises the device ensures that substantially all
movement of the leg is
translated into a pivoting of the leg about the pelvis. In this case, the
user's pelvis is
substantially inhibited from pivoting about the sacro-iliac joint and lumbar
spine. In other cases,
the restraining belts can be used to inhibit movement from spinal segments
between the belts,
and facilitate movement at other segments above or below the belts. The user
may be a patient
suffering from pain or a healthy person who wishes to perform exercises that
may increase range
of motion.
In order to increase its therapeutic effect, the device is adjustable to help
position and
secure the user in a substantially pain-free position. Hence, those who
previously had to endure
pain - even excruciating pain may be able to perform subsequent exercising
movements on the
device in a substantially pain-free manner. The therapeutic effects on
suitable users from
performing these substantially pain-free exercises has been dramatic in terms
of reduction of
pain and/or increase in range of motion. In some cases, the results have been
immediate and
have completely eliminated pain and restored full range of motion of users
having chrouc pain
after a short period of treatment with the invention.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first example of a restraint and exercise device
that provides
such treatment for the lower back/pelvis/hip joint region of a human. The
device 1 includes a
support body 2, which defines at least one, and in this case two, support
surfaces 3, 4, and a
holder to clamp the pelvis of a user in a substantially fixed position against
the support surfaces
3, 4. The holder may include one or more straps 5, 6 that extend around a
user. As illustrated in
Fig. 1, the straps 5, 6 are spaced apart and extend from a side wing 7 of the
support body 2 and
loop around to another side wing 8 of the support body 2. The straps 5, 6 are
releasably attached
to each side wing 7, 8 by means of, for example, clips or rope attachments.
However, it will be
appreciated that the straps 5, 6 may be integral with the support body 2 at
one side wing, and
may be releasably attached to the other side wing. Alternatively the straps 5,
6 may be integral
with the support body 2 at both side wings 7, 8 with a release, such as a clip
or rope, provided
intermediate the ends of each strap 5, 6. In any event, any suitable
attachment of the straps 5, 6
to the support body 2 may be employed.
The straps 5, 6 are adjustable in a number of ways. First, they may be moved
up or
down and positioned in any number of predetermined locations along side wings
7, 8. Side
wings 7, 8 include a plurality of recesses 9 that are configured to receive
clips on each end of the
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straps 5, 6 in a releasable manner. The inclination at which the straps 5, 6
extend from the side
wings 7, ~ may also be adjusted by pivoting of the ends of the straps 5, 6 in
the recesses 9. The
clamping tension in the straps 5, 6 may be adjusted by means of, for example,
a ratchet
mechanism or a pulley system provided at some point along the straps 5, 6. In
either case, it is
preferred that the adjustment mechanism keep the straps under tension and
permit the straps to
be incrementally tightened without releasing the tension. An example of a
suitable ratchet
mechanism is described in conjunction with the discussion of other embodiments
below.
The straps 5, 6 are preferably formed of a tough, flexible material, similar
to or the same
as the fibrous material from wluch conventional seat belts are made. Soft foam
pads may be
provided on the contact side of straps 5, 6 for enhanced comfort. Straps 5, 6
may have a high
co-efficient of friction coating, such as a rubbery finish, to prevent
slippage of the straps 5, 6
relative to the user's clothing and/or body.
Like straps 5 and 6, support surfaces 3, 4 may also be adjustable in a number
of ways.
Support surfaces 3, 4 in this embodiment are releasably attached to the
support body 2 by means
of, for example, hand-releasable screws or quick release mechanisms so that
the support surfaces
3, 4 may be adjusted up or down in relation to body 2. An example of one
suitable quick release
mechanism is described below in connection with another embodiment. In this
way, the height
of each support surface 3, 4 is independently adjustable with respect to the
other. The
inclination of the support surfaces 3, 4 also may be adjusted (for example,
with a hinge
arrangement).
In one case, support surfaces 3, 4 at least partially include wedges or
bolsters releasably
attached to the support body 2 by means of hook and pile fastener material,
such as Velcro. The
wedges or bolsters may be selectively arranged on the support body 2 to ensure
that the user is
in a comfortable, pain free position clamped against the support surfaces 3,
4.
Support surfaces 3, 4 are preferably made of a resilient material, such as
foam or rubber,
to provide a sufficiently solid surface against which the user's pelvis is to
be clamped. The
support surfaces 3, 4 may be contoured to accommodate the shape of a pelvis,
and differently
shaped support surfaces may be provided to suit a range of anatomies.
Support body 2 may include a base 10 and a leg 11 extending from base 10.
Support
body 2 supports support surfaces 3, 4 and straps 5, 6 at a suitable height
above ground level.
More than one leg may be provided for additional support. The leg 11, which
may be made of
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metal (for instance, steel), is rigidly connected to base 10. Base 10 is
sufficiently wide to ensure
that the device 1 is stable even when in a user is exercising on it. hl this
case, the base 10 is
configured to define a platform on which the user stands when the user's
pelvis is clamped
against the support surfaces 3, 4. The user's body weight will thus further
stabilize the device 1.
As described in more detail in conjunction with further embodiments discussed
below,
stool 12 may be provided on base 10 to provide a platform for exercising a leg
of the user while
the user's pelvis is clamped against the support surfaces 3, 4. The stool
height may be adjusted.
A grippable bar 21 may be coupled to support body 2. As such, bar 21 is
supported by
support body 2. In the alternative, bar 21 could be supported by base 10, or
by a separate
supporting structure. The bar 21 may be gripped by the user and used to assist
exercising of the
user's back and/or leg while the user is clamped against support surfaces 3,
4. An elastic
exercise band, or a pulley system may be attached to the bar 21 to assist user
exercising. Again,
an example of a suitable exercise band is described subsequently.
The support body 2 may be attached to a rigid supporting structure, such as a
wall, a
door, a floor, or an exercise machine (for example a weight machine). If so
attached, base 10
may not be required. Any appropriate means may be used to attach the support
body 2 to the
rigid support structure. For instance, a recess could be provided in the side
of the support body
2 opposite to the support surfaces 3, 4. The recess would mate with a
corresponding protrusion,
such as a hook, on the supporting structure. In the alternative, a
conventional bracket or any
other appropriate means could be used.
Figures 3, 5 and 6, illustrate a use of device 1. In this example, device 1 is
used to
exercise the lower baclc/pelvis/hip joint region of a human user 30. The legs
40 and feet 41 of
the user 30 are represented schematically in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 for convenience.
In order to secure
oneself to the device, the user (or an assistant) detaches one end of the
straps 5, 6 from the side
wings 7, 8. Alternatively, if the straps 5, 6 are integral with both side
wings 7, 8, the release
intermediate the ends of the straps 5, 6 is opened. In either case, the user
30 steps upon the base
and positions his/her pelvis 31 (e.g., front, rear, or sides) against the
support surfaces 3, 4.
The support surfaces 3, 4 may be adjusted to suit the preferences and
characteristics of
the user 30. This is particularly advantageous if the support surfaces 3, 4
are contoured, as it is
important that the user's pelvis 31 is aligned with the pre-formed contours to
prevent discomfort.
The adjustments are accomplished by moving the surfaces 3, 4 up, down, or at
different
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inclinations. Support surfaces 3, 4 may be adjusted independently of one
another. This enables
the user 30 to achieve a comfortable position against the support surfaces 3,
4, despite any lack
of symmetry in the pelvis 31 (as frequently occurs in the non-ideal anatomies
of actual users).
When the user 30 is comfortably positioned with the pelvis 31 against the
support
surfaces, straps 5, 6 are looped around the user 30, and either reattached to
the side wings 7, 8,
or alternatively the release is closed. Typically, the straps are placed
around the lumbopelvic
region of the user. In other words, straps 5, 6 may be placed over the pelvic
and/or lumbar
regions. As with support surfaces 3, 4, straps 5, 6 each may be independently
adjusted up,
down, or at different inclinations. In addition, the clamping tension in
straps 5, 6 may be
adjusted, for example, by using a ratchet mechanism or pulley system, as noted
above. Straps 5,
6 are so adjusted until the user's pelvis 31 is securely clamped against
support surfaces 3, 4 in
such a position that the user is substantially free of any pain or discomfort
in the back. As
described in more detail below, the adjustment features enable the pelvic
region to move with
six degrees of freedom and then be restrained in any of a number of three-
dimensional positions,
which substantially increases the likelihood of finding a pain-free position.
A typical clamped position is illustrated in Fig. 3. In this case, strap 6
extends from the
side wing 7 around a lower part of the user's pelvis 31 to the other side wing
8, and strap 5
extends from the side wing 7 around a higher part of the user's pelvis 31 to
the other side wing
8. It will be appreciated that the desired clamped position varies depending
on the particular
user. The straps 5, 6 may extend around the user at any point on the user's
body as long as the
user is securely clamped against the support surfaces 3, 4 in a pain-free
position, as described
above. Thus, the straps may be placed above or below the user's pelvis, or at
any other
anatomical area as determined by the user or assistant. The adjustability of
the device in this
manner provides flexibility enabling its use in any of a number of conditions
and different body
areas that can cause people pain, discomfort and/or decreased quality of
movement.
Because the user is able to self adjust the straps 5, 6 and support surfaces
3, 4, a pain free
position may be readily achieved. Alternatively, another person, such as a
supervising clinician,
may assist in adjusting the straps 5, 6, and support surfaces 3, 4. When such
a position has been
achieved, the user 30 can then exercise his/her back or other body parts,
often without assistance
or intervention from another person, for example by bending backward (Fig. 5),
and/or forward
(Fig. 6). Thus, unlike manual mobilization techniques performed by a
clinician, the invention
enables the user to exercise using his/her own muscles. The straps 5, 6 and/or
the support
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surfaces 3, 4 may be adjusted during the exercise session to ensure that the
user is in a
substantially pain-free position throughout the session. The bar 21 may be
gripped by the user
30 to assist in exercising the back.
The exercises may be enhanced through the use of one or more elastic exercise
bands
attached to bar 21. An exercise weight stack pulley system also may be used to
provide
resistance to the exercises of the user. Bands and/or weights may be attached
via a belt or
harness to the user.
The sacro-iliac joint 32 between the lumbar spine 33 and the pelvis 31 is
illustrated in
detail in Fig. 4. The sacro-iliac joint 32 is normally a relatively stiff or
rigid joint, particularly in
comparison to a relatively free-moving joint such as a hip joint 34, or a
shoulder joint. Because
the user's pelvis 31 is securely clamped against the support surfaces 3, 4 by
straps 5, 6 during
exercising of the back, substantially all movement of the user's back is
translated into a pivoting
of the user's spine 33 about the user's pelvis 31, which remains fixed (Figs.
5 and 6). The pelvis
clamping arrangement of the straps 5, 6 substantially prevents pivoting of the
pelvis 31 about the
hip joint 34 during the back exercise, as would normally occur if the pelvis
31 was
unconstrained. By mobilizing the lumbar spine 33 to pivot about the pain-free
positioned pelvis
31, the back exercise has a therapeutic effect on the user 30.
In a manner similar to that described for Figs. 5 and 6, the user 30 can also
perform leg
exercises after being secured in a pain-free position. Because the user's
pelvis 31 is securely
clamped against the support surfaces 3, 4 by the straps 5, 6 during exercise,
substantially all
movement of the user's Ieg 40 is translated into a pivoting of the user's leg
40 about the user's
pelvis 31, which remains fixed. The pelvis clamping arrangement of the straps
5, 6 substantially
prevents pivoting of the pelvis 31 about the sacro-iliac joint 32 and lumbar
spine 33 during the
leg exercise, as would normally occur if the pelvis 31 were unconstrained. By
mobilizing the
leg 40 to pivot about the pain-free positioned pelvis 31, the exercise has a
therapeutic effect on
the user 30.
These exercises facilitate pivoting of the Itunbar spine 33 about the pelvis
31, or pivoting
of the leg 40 about the pelvis 31. It may also facilitate movement of some
parts of the spine
while restricting movements in other parts of the spine. This pivoting may
help relocate any
fault that may have developed in the pathological position of the lumbar spine
33 relative to the
pelvis 31 at the sacro-iliac joint 32 and/or of the leg 40 relative to the
pelvis 31 at the hip joint
34. By exercising with the pelvis 31 securely clamped in a pain-free position,
the spine 33,
to
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and/or the pelvis 31, and/or the hip joint 34 may become correctly re-aligned.
The exercising
may additionally or alternatively include twisting or rotational movements,
stretching
movements, flexing or extending movements, the lifting of exercise weights,
sideways bending,
or any other suitable exercise, as prescribed for the user 30 by a clinician,
for example. It is
believed that having the user use his/her own muscles to perform the exercises
in a pain-reduced
environment may induce certain beneficial neurological and/or muscular
responses, not possible
with manual mobilization techniques, that facilitate healing and/or pain
reduction.
After exercising the straps 5, 6 are detached (or the release means along the
straps 5, 6 is
opened) and the user 30 then steps away from the support surfaces 3, 4 and off
the base 10. It
has been found that after such an exercise session, the reduced pain feeling
or substantially pain-
free feeling experienced by the user while clamped to the support surfaces 3,
4 persists.
Referring now to Fig. 7, there is illustrated a second example of a pelvic
restraint and
exercise device 50 constructed according to the invention. The device of Fig 7
is similar to the
device 1 of Figs. 1 to 6, and similar elements in Fig. 7 are assigned the same
reference numerals.
In this case, exercise weights 13 are provided in place of the grippable bar
21. The exercise
weights 13 are provided on the support body 2, and are attached to a pulley
mechanism 14. The
weights 13 are supported by the support body 2, and may be used by the user to
assist in
exercising the user's back and/or the user's leg 40 after the user has been
clamped against the
support surfaces 3, 4.
Figures 8 to 11 illustrate a third example of a pelvic restraint and exercise
device 60
constructed according to the invention, which is similar to device 1 of Figs.
1 to 6. Identical
reference numerals are assigned to elements in Figs. 8-11 that are similar to
corresponding
elements in Figs. 1-6. Device 60 includes a support body 2 defining a single
support surface.
Support body 2 includes, in this case, a padded bolster 62. The padded bolster
can include a
plywood backing (such as shown in Fig. 11B at 186) covered with high density
polyurethane
foam, which in turn is covered with low density polyurethane foam. A vinyl
covering covers the
foams. Other suitable padding and covering materials may be employed. The
bolster 62 is fixed
to the support body 2, and may be sufficiently wide to extend across the
entire width of the
user's pelvis 31. In Fig. 8, bolster 62 is a relatively flat pad. However, the
bolster could be
shaped or angled to conform to the user or to provide pressure points. As
discussed above,
wedges could also be coupled to bolster 62 to provide the same effect.
Extensions could also be
added above, below, or to the sides of bolster 62. The extensions could be
lunged to bolster 62
11
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so that they can be angled towards or away from the user. The angle of
inclination of the
support body and/or the bolster 62 may be adjusted by any suitable mechanism.
In addition,
bolsters or wedges may be placed between the restraining belts 64 and the user
of the device
and/or under one or both feet. The bolsters and wedges may be employed to
create an
angulation of the pelvis or spine, which may be useful in locating a pain-free
position.
Support body 2 is supported by leg 11. As shown in Fig. 8, support body 2 is
fixedly
secured to leg 11. It could be integrally formed with leg 11. However, support
body 2
preferably should be movable up and down in order to adjust to the height of
the user. This
could be accomplished in many ways. For instance, support body 2 could include
a carriage
plate slidably mounted on leg 11. Figs. 11B-11C illustrate a suitable carriage
plate 180 having
holes 182 for fixedly securing the carriage plate to the back of the plywood
backing 186 of
padded bolster 62. Refernng to Fig. 11B, screws 184 or other fasteners may be
inserted through
holes 182 and screwed into plywood backing 186. Carnage plate 180 may then be
slidably
mounted on leg 11 as described below. Leg 11 could include or be formed from
one, two, or
more unitraclcs, i.e., a member having an elongated recess. An example of a
suitable unitrack
from which leg 11 may be formed is illustrated in Fig. 8A as a generally "C"-
shaped channel
section 110, which may be constructed from galvanized steel or other suitable
material. Channel
section 110 is defined by longitudinally extending back 112 and opposed side
portions 114, 116,
which curve inwardly at 114a, 116a to define an opening 118 into the interior
of channel section
I I0. The inner surfaces of back and side portions 112 and 114, 116 bound the
interior of the
channel, which defines an elongated recess 120.
One or more portions of support body 2 may project into and be slidably
retained within
the recess 120, thus allowing support body 2 to move up and down along the
track. One or more
of the projecting portions could include a quick release mechanism, similar to
the quick releases
used on bicycles to mount the wheels to the frame. The release acts as a latch
to lock the
support body 2 into place at a desired height. When the release is unlocked,
the support body 2
is able to move up and down. An example of a suitable quick release mechanism
130 is shown
in Figs. 8B-8C. However, any suitable release may be used. Quick release
mechanism 130
includes a handle 132 pivotally comzected to a threaded shaft 134 by a pin
136. A washer 138
and resilient bushing 140, such as a rubber bushing, may be placed over the
free end of shaft
134. Shaft 134 may then be inserted through a hole 188 in carriage plate 180
for slidably
mounting the carnage plate to a unitrack. Plate member 139 may be placed over
the free end of
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shaft 134 and retained in place by a suitable nut 142. In use with a unitrack
such as shown in
Fig. 8C, washer 138, bushing 140, carriage plate 180, plate member 139, and
nut 142 are
connected so as to be able to slidably engage the unitrack. More particularly,
plate member 139
may be in the form of an elongated rectangular plate made from polyethylene,
steel, or other
suitable material having opposed surfaces 139a and 139b. Plate member 139 may
extend
lengthwise along the height of the carriage plate, e.g. from top hole 188 to
bottom hole 188 in
Fig. 11C. As shown best in Fig. 8C, washer 138, bushing 140, and carriage
plate 180 are
disposed outside the unitrack 110 trapped between outwardly facing surfaces
114a, 116a of the
unitrack I 10, and a face 131 of handle 132, which acts as a caroming surface
as described below.
The plate member 139 and nut 142 are positioned within the recess 120 of the
unitrack 110 such
that the surface 139a abuts against the inwardly facing surfaces 114b, 116b of
the unitraclc's side
channel portions 114, 116. Referring to Figs. 8B-8C, as the shaft 134 and nut
142 are tightened,
inner surface 139a of plate member 139 becomes seated against the unitraclc's
inner channel
surfaces 114b, 116b, the carriage plate 180 becomes seated against the
unitraclc's curved
portions 114a, 116a, washer 138 seats against resilient bushing 140, and the
resistance to sliding
movement between the carriage plate and unitrack becomes greater. Handle 132
may be pivoted
to the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 8B to trap washer 138 tightly
between caroming
surface 131 of handle 132 and the bushing 140, which compresses bushing 140
tightly between
washer 138 and carriage plate 180 to lock the mechanism in place, thereby
preventing sliding
movement between the unitrack and the support body 2. Pivoting the handle 132
to the dashed
lines shown in Fig. 8B releases the mechanism to facilitate sliding. In one
advantageous design,
the leg 11 includes two unitracks, each of which may have two quick releases
that cooperate
with respective holes in the carriage plate. Plate member 139 may be formed
with upper and
lower holes 139c to accommodate two quick release mechanisms within one
unitrack. The
unitrack and quick release mechanisms preferably would be located at the front
of leg 11 (facing
support body 2) and above and below support body 2 to facilitate user-
adjustment, such as at
188 of carriage plate 180 as shown in Fig. l IB.
A detent mechanism 179 also shown in Fig. 11B may support carriage plate 180
at a
selected height along leg 11 while a user tightens or loosens the quick
release mechanisms.
Detent mechanism 179 may be a springloaded pin as is well-known in the art,
and may be
insertable through hole 190 of carriage plate 180 and into one of a vertical
series of holes formed
in leg 11 to prevent relative movement between the leg 11 and support body 2.
A damping
cylinder may be associated with leg 11 (e.g., located around, connected to,
etc.) and attached to
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the bottom of support body 2 to facilitate the lifting of support body 2 and
prevent the support
body from falling too quickly upon release of the release mechanism and/or the
detent
mechanism 179. In another example, leg 11 may itself be a damping cylinder,
and support body
2 may be fixedly secured to leg 11. As a result, support body 2 moves with leg
11.
As with Figs. 1-7, device 60 of Fig. 8 includes a holder for securing a person
to support
body 2. The holder includes two straps 5, 6 for extending around a user, yet
more than two
straps might be utilized. The ends of each strap 5, 6 may be releasably
attached to each side
wing 7, 8 by a ratchet mechanism 65 designed to adjust the tension of the
belts in small
increments without releasing the tension. An example of a suitable ratchet is
shown in more
detail in Fig. 11A, and commercially available from A-Belt-Lin Industrial and
Trading Co., Ltd.,
www.abeltc.com, vendor item code TDB-502. Of course other devices may be used
to adjust the
tension of the holding straps, such as electrically driven stepper motors or
the like suitable for
adjusting belt length.
As illustrated in Fig. 9, a plurality of recesses 9 are provided spaced along
each side
wing 7, 8. The ratchets 65 may be attached to the side wings 7, 8 by extending
a fixing pin
through each ratchet 65 into a co-operating recess 9 in the side wing 7, 8.
This enables the
location of the ratchets 65 to be adjusted up or down along the side wings 7,
8, and accordingly
the position at which the straps 5, 6 extend around the user 30 may be
adjusted to suit a user.
Other types of strap position adjustment devices may be employed instead of
the recess and pin
arrangement. For example, instead of providing the side wings, 7,8 with
recesses, they may be
formed from or include a unitrack mechanism having a cross sectional shape
like channel 120
illustrated in Fig 8A. Each ratchet mechanism may include structure proj
ecting into and
captured within the recess of the unitrack's channel to support the ratchet
mechanism for sliding
movement up and down the length of the unitrack. One such suitable arrangement
is illustrated
in Figs. 1 lA-B.
Ratchet mechanism 65 may be secured to a mounting bracket 150. Bracket 150 may
be
in the form of an angle bracket having L-shaped portions 152, 154. Ratchet
mechanism 65 may
be secured to L-shaped portion 152 by bolt 156, washer 158, and nut 160. L-
shaped portion 154
may include a thru-hole 162. A bolt assembly 164 passes through hole 162, and
further through
a hole 166 formed in a rectangular washer 168 and through bushing 170, both of
which are
situated within the unitrack's recess 120. In this manner, nut 172 may be
loosely tightened on
bolt assembly 164 to retain ratchet mechanism 65 in a predetermined position
relative to the
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unitrack's channel section 110. Washer 168 preferably may be made of
polyethylene and
fractionally engages inner channel surfaces 114b, 116b when nut 172 is
tightened on bolt
assembly 164. In another embodiment, bushing 170 and nut 172 may be replaced
by a
rectangular steel nut formed of dimensions similar to washer 168, and having
threads to engage
bolt assembly 164. Accordingly, ratchet mechanism 65 may slide vertically up
or down the
unitraclc's channel section 110, and be fractionally held in place with
respect to the unitrack, thus
assisting a user to achieve a pain-free position as previously described. Nut
172 may be loosely
tightened on bolt assembly 164 to provide sufficient play such that the weight
of ratchet
mechanism 65 causes leg 154 to tilt off of a vertical axis. L-shaped portion
154 may then impart
a tension force in bolt assembly 164 which in turn pulls washer 168 in
friction contact with the
unitrack's charnzel surfaces 114b, 116b sufficient to hold the ratchet
mechanism and attached
straps in place. Fig. 11B illustrates two ratchet mechanisms 65 vertically
spaced apart along a
unitrack's channel section 110, similar to Fig. 9.
The ratchets 65 enable the clamping tension in the straps 5, 6 to be
selectively adjusted
by the user 30, or by another person (such as a supervising clinician), to
ensure that the pelvis 31
of the user 30 is clamped against the bolster 62 in a substantially pain-free
position before
exercising. It is preferable that each ratchet be able to make fine
adjustments of approximately
12-13 millimeter precision or less. Precision to less than about 12-13
millimeters, including to a
fraction of a millimeter, while not required may be achieved by any means
known in the art such
as stepper motors mentioned above and provides even greater ability to achieve
a substantially
pain-free position. However, each ratchet could, of course, have courser
adjustments than a
fraction of a millimeter - for example, approximately two millimeter precision
or less, three
millimeter precision or less, four millimeter precision or less, five
millimeter precision or less, or
greater depending upon the application and desired adaptability of the device.
As noted above,
rather than using ratchets 65, electronic or other adjustors having the same
fme adjustment
capability may be employed. As a result, each strap 5, 6 has at least two
independently
adjustable leverage points.
Each strap 5, 6 has a buckle 63 intermediate the ends of the straps 5, 6, as
illustrated in
Fig. 8. The buckles 63 enable the straps 5, 6 to be quickly and easily opened
to release the
clamping of the user's pelvis 31 against the bolster 62. The straps 5, 6
preferably are made of a
suitable strong, durable material, such as the material of conventional
airline or automobile seat
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belts. Soft pads 64 or wedges may be provided along the straps 5, 6 to prevent
discomfort to the
user 30 when the straps 5, 6 are securely clamped around the user 30.
Device 60 is used similarly to devices 1 and 50 shown in Figs. 1-7. The user
30 opens
the buckles 63 and steps upon the base 10 and positions his/her pelvis 31
(back, front, or side)
against the bolster 62. The straps 5, 6 are extended around the user's pelvis
31 and the buckles
63 are closed. The user 30 can then adjust the position of the straps 5, 6 by
adjusting the
location of the ratchets 65 along the side wings 7, 8, and can adjust the
clamping tension in the
straps 5, 6 by means of the ratchets 65 (Fig. 9).
The ratchets 65 act as leverage points for the straps. In this case the
leverage points are
located on either side of the user. Adjusting the clamping tension in either
side of each strap
rotates the pelvic area width-wise along the user's body, i.e. about a
generally vertical axis, such
as y-y shown in Fig. 8. A different rotational motion of the pelvis is caused
by adjusting the
location of the ratchets along side wings 7, 8, in combination with
adjustments.to the tensions of
straps 5 and 6. Changes to the difference in tension between straps 5 and 6
causes the pelvis to
rotate length-wise along the user's body, i.e. about a generally horizontal
axis such as x-x shown
in Fig 8. Moreover, the user may rotate his pelvis about an axis perpendicular
to the front
surface of the bolster 62, such as z-z shown in Fig. 8 by raising or lowering
one leg and then
tensioning the straps to hold this position. The user may stand on a bolster,
wedge or other
support to facilitate positioning in the desired orientation. Using all of
ratchets 65 in
combination helps the user to reposition the pelvic area until reaching a
substantially pain-free
position. Preferably, the ratchets are tightened or loosened one at a time
until a substantially (or
completely) pain-free position is found. This ensures that the subsequent
exercises have a
maximum therapeutic effect on the user 30.
In this example, the adjustments help the user reach a substantially pain-free
position by
permitting the pelvic region to move in six degrees of freedom - they provide
for three-
dimensional adjustment capability. These adjustments can be accomplished
incrementally while
the user is completely or at least partially secured against bolster 62 by
straps S, 6. Hence, the
user can reposition himself or herself even after securing the pelvis. Once a
pain-relieving
position is found, all of the ratchets 65 are tightened evenly to maintain the
substantially pain-
free position and prevent the pelvic region from returning to a more painful
position.
One or more of these actions can be performed by the user or by another
person, such as
a clinician. The user 30 then performs exercises, such as exercising the back
33 by bending
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forward (Fig. 10) or backward (Fig. 11), or any other suitable exercise, such
as those described
previously with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.
The mobility of support body 2 leads to other possible uses of the invention.
Once the
user's pelvis 31 is securely clamped against bolster 62, the movable support
device 2 could be
released and allowed to move up and down along with the user.
To release the clamping of the pelvis 31 to the bolster 62, buclcles 63 are
opened.
Buckles 63 thus provide a simple and fast means of releasing the clamping, and
this provides for
safe use of the device 60.
Figures 12 to 14 illustrate a resilient arm 70, which may be formed from
rubber or other
suitable material that can be used to provide for resistance to the user 30
exercising on device
60. Arm 70 has a hole 72 at one end and a ring 76 at the other. It is
supported by support pole
71, which in turn is located on support body 2. Arm 70 is coupled to support
pole 7I by placing
the hole 72 over the pole 71 (Fig. 13). The arm 70 is attached to the user 30
by means of a strap
73 connected to the arm 70 via ring 76. The strap 73 includes a buckle 74 for
adjusting the
tension in the strap 73. The buckle 74 also facilitates opening the strap 73
to release the user 30.
In this example, strap 73 - unlike resilient arm 70 - is made of a
comparatively inelastic
material, such as conventional seat belt material. In the alternative,
resilient arm 70 could be
eliminated, and a modified strap could serve the functions of strap 73 and
resilient arm 70. In
this case, the modified strap includes a resilient material to provide the
resistance to the user 30
exercising on device 60 that otherwise would have been provided by arm 70.
Two connectors are provided along strap 73 for releasably attaching strap 73
to arm 70.
The connectors may be in the form of rings 75, 77 for releasable inter-
engagement with ring 76
carried by arm 70. One ring 75 is substantially adjacent buckle 74 on strap
73, and the other
ring 77 is substantially opposite buckle 74, as illustrated in Fig. 12. When
using device 60, the
user 30 may be clamped with the front or rear of the pelvis 31 against bolster
62 (Figs. 13 and
14). When the front of the pelvis 31 is clamped against bolster 62, strap 73
is attached to arm 70
by ring 75. In this case, buckle 74 will be located to the front of the user
30 (Fig. 13) for ease of
opening and closing of buckle 74 by the user 30. When the rear of the pelvis
31 is clamped
against bolster 62, strap 73 is attached to arm 70 by ring 77. In this way,
buckle 74 is again
located to the front of the user 30 (Fig. 14) for ease of opening and closing
of buckle 74 by the
user 30. If a modified strap serving the functions of strap 73 and resilient
arm 70 is used, then of
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course the connections provided along the strap could releasably attach the
strap to the support
pole 71.
Strap 73 is of a suitable strong, durable material and may include soft pads
78 to prevent
discomfort to the user 30 when strap 73 is in use. When the user's pelvis 31
is securely clamped
against bolster 62 in a substantially pain-free position, strap 73 is attached
to arm 70 and strap
73 is extended around the chest of the user 30. Buckle 74 may then be closed
and the tension in
strap 73 may be adjusted to suit the user 30. When the user 30 performs
exercises, for example
bending backwards or forwards, resilient arm 70 provides resistance to the
exercising.
Exercising of the user's back 33 against the resistance force of arm 70 has a
therapeutic effect on
the user 30.
A tension gauge may be added to the resistance band and connected to a
computer,
processor and/or monitor to provide the user with feedbaclc as to the amount
of tension, the
number of repetitions performed, etc., and/or for data collection. Alternative
means of
resistance to exercising of the user 30 may be provided, alternatively or
additionally to the
resilient arm 70. For example, exercise weights may be attached to the user
30, for example by
means of a suitable pulley arrangement, to provide a resistance force against
user movement.
Figures 15 to 18 illustrate a fourth example of a pelvic restraint and
exercise device 80
constructed according to the invention, which is similar to the device 60 of
Figs. 8 to 11. Device
80 includes at least one leg/foot mounting to assist exercising of the leg 40
of the user 30. In
particular, device 80 includes a footstool 81 to assist in exercising the
user's leg 40. The
footstool 81 has a foot platform 82 supported above base 10 by a stem 83. The
stem 83 is
releasably fixed to base 10 by means of a fixing pin 84 which passes through a
hole 86 in base
into a root portion 85 of the stem 83 which is located beneath base 10, as
illustrated in Fig.
16. A plurality of holes 86 located in base 10 facilitate adjustment of the
position of footstool 81
to suit the user 30.
When the user's pelvis 31 has been clamped against the bolster 62 in the
substantially
pain-free position, the foot 41 of the user 30 is placed upon the platform 82.
Footstool 81 may
then be used to assist in exercising the user's leg 40, for example by
pressing down on the
platform 82 with the foot 41 during extension of the leg 40, as illustrated in
Fig. 18.
The device 80 also may include a pivotable leg support 87 for twisting the leg
40 of the
user 30. The leg support 87 has a curved support surface 88 substantially
parallel to the base 10
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for supporting a knee or lower leg of the user 30, the support surface 88
being held above the
base 10 by a stem 89. The support surface could take on other shapes, such as
V-shaped, which
has been found to increase friction between the user's leg and the leg support
87 and facilitate
the exercises described below. The height of the stem 89 is selectively
adjustable to suit the user
30 by means of a telescoping arrangement of an inner portion of the stem 89
within an outer
portion of the stem 89 (Fig. 15). The support surface 88 is rotatable relative
to the stem 89 for
exercising the leg 40 of the user 30 by twisting.
A connector 90 is provided to facilitate pivoting of the support surface 88,
thereby
twisting of the user's leg 40. One end of the connector 90 is attached to the
support surface 88
and the other end has a handle 91 for gripping by the user 30. The connector
90 is passed from
the support surface 88 through a series of eyelets on the leg 11 to locate the
handle 91 above the
bolster 62, as illustrated in Fig. 15. A lever arm 92 is provided to attach
the connector 90 to the
support surface 88, the connector 90 being attached to the end arm~92 that is
farther from the
pivot axis of the support surface 88. This arrangement increases the
mechanical advantage of
the system when a user pulls on the connector 90 to pivot the support surface
88 and thus twist
the user's leg 40.
When the user's pelvis 31 has been securely clamped against the bolster 62 in
a
substantially pain-free position, the user 30 bends one knee and rests the
bent knee in the support
surface 88. By pulling on the connector 90 at the handle 91, the support
surface 88 is pivoted
about the stem 89, and thereby the leg 40 of the user 30 is twisted, as
illustrated in Fig. 17. This
twisting action will have a therapeutic effect on the user 30.
It will be appreciated that the leg support 87 may be provided at any location
on the base
for twisting of either of the user's legs 40. Additionally, connector 90 can
be eliminated and
ann 92 extended to form approximately a right angle such that its end that is
farthest from
support surface 88 is substantially perpendicular to the base 10 and within
reach of an arm of
user 30. The support surface 88 may be pivoted by alternative actuating means,
such as by an
electro-mechanical means or by any other suitable means. Suitable controlling
means may be
provided for controlling the pivoting of the support 88.
Fig. 19 illustrates a fifth example of a device 101 constructed according to
the invention,
which is similar to the device 60 of Figs. 13 and 14. Tn this case, the device
101 has an
attachment bar 100 extending laterally from each side of the leg 1 l, for
example by about 20 cm.
from each side. The bar 100 may be used to support the resilient arm 70, which
is attached to
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the user's leg 40 by the strap 73, in a manner similar to that described
previously with reference
to Figs. 13 and 14. The position of the bar 100 on leg 11 is adjustable along
leg 11.
In use, hole 72 in arm 70 is slotted around bar 100. When the user's pelvis 31
is securely
clamped against bolster 62 in a substantially pain-free position, strap '73 is
attached to arm 70,
and strap 73 is extended around the user's leg 40. Buckle 74 is then closed;
and the tension in
strap 73 may be adjusted to suit the user 30. As the user 30 performs
exercises, for e~.ample leg
extensions, resilient arm 70 provides resistance. In this manner, exercising
of the user's leg 40
against the resistance force of the arm 70 has a therapeutic effect on the
user 30.
It will be appreciated that resilient ann 70 may alternatively be attached to
bar 100 by
means of loops or hoolcs provided along bar 100. The position of the
attachment loops/hooks
may be adjustable, and/or a plurality of loops/hooks may be provided along bar
100 to enable
adjustment of the position of resilient arm 70 to suit the user 30. Because
bar 100 is adjustable,
strap 73 can be placed around different body parts, including the upper back,
neck, legs, and
arms. Rather than having an adjustable bar 100, multiple attachment points may
be placed at
any number of countless different positions on any of the devices described in
the accompanying
Figures. This gives the user many options. A single strap 73 rnay be attached
at any one of the
attachment points, thus allowing the user to exercise different parts of the
body. In the course of
exercising a given part of the body, strap 73 could be moved to different
attachment points so
that the angle at which strap 73 approaches the body changes. Multiple straps
73 could also be
used, permitting the user to exercise multiple parts of the body
simultaneously.
Other resistance devices may be provided instead of, or in addition to, strap
73 and
resilient arm 70. For example, exercise weights may be utilized. A suitable
pulley arrangement
could allow for the user 30 to lift the weights while stabilized in any of the
devices described in
this patent.
Although the above descriptions are directed to various embodiments of the
invention,
other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of
the invention. For example, the devices in the accompanying Figures may be
configured for use
by a user in a horizontal lying position instead of a vertical standing
position. In this case, the
device may be provided on, or as part of, a treatment table or bed.
Alternatively the device may
be configured for use by a user inclined at any suitable angle. The angle may
be selectively
adjustable to suit the needs of the user. The device also may be configured
for use by a user in a
seated position. For example, a seat could be placed below support body 2
shown in Fig. 8. The
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support pad 2 could be movable in any direction and subject to gravity or
mechanical forces to
move, or to variable resistance forces provided by, for example, suitable
springs, elastic bands or
a pulley system with weights.
Straps 5, 6 could also vary - in number, design, and arrangement. One, two,
three, four,
five, six or more additional straps could be utilized to restrain additional
parts of the body (for
example, upper back, neck, arms, legs). The additional straps could be coupled
to the device in
the same manner as straps 5, 6. A tension gauge or similar mechanism could be
provided to
allow the user to determine the tension in the straps. '
In another example, any of the disclosed devices could be altered to include a
processor,
software and a read-out device. The device could be programmed to provide
workout routines,
instructions, treatment charts, to monitor the treatments and the user (e.g.,
heart rate, blood
pressure, body temperature), or even to provide audio or visual entertainment.
The devices disclosed in the accompanying Figures also could be used with a
person
who is clamped with the rear or side of his/her pelvis against the support
surfaces, instead of the
front of his/her pelvis, as illustrated in the drawings.
Although the devices of the accompanying Figures may be used to treat a person
suffering from back pains or disorders (e.g., back disorder in the region of
the cervical
spine/thoracic spine/lumbar spine/sacro-iliac joint/pelvis/hip joint), they
may be used in other
ways and for other purposes. Indeed, rather than restraining the pelvis, other
parts of the body
could be stabilized, including the thoracic spine, chest, and shoulder
regions. After
immobilizing, for example, the chest, the pelvis could be exercised. After
immobilizing the
shoulder area, arm exercises could be performed. The devices need not even be
used for
therapeutic purposes or by a person suffering from back discomfort. It could
be used as a
prophylactic device to help prevent back complaints or back disorders from
developing. The
invention can also be used for strength and flexibility purposes, for example,
to increase range of
motion, such as in a golfer's back swing; or even as a warm-up or cool-down in
conjunction
with another exercise routine or athletic activity.
Again, these examples axe merely illustrative and are not meant to be an
exhaustive list
of all possible designs, implementations, modifications, and uses of the
invention. Moreover,
features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention maybe
used in
conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.
21
