Device for vertebral decompression

0001Background of the invention The present invention provides a spinal decompression device. It is used in particular to relieve the pain of people suffering from back pain caused by, for example, herniated discs. Such pain, of other causes, is caused by the vertebrae over-squeezing the intervertebral discs that separate them from each other.

0002Pain relief can be obtained by exerting an extension force on the spinal column to pull the vertebrae apart. The term "decoaptation" is used to mean increasing the space between joints between two faces that are too close to each other.

0003There are known spinal decompression devices that are capable of exerting an extension force on the user's spinal column.

0004As an example, one such device is proposed in European Patent No. 0319224, which describes a spinal decompression device configured to surround a portion of the user's torso. The device comprises an upper support, a lower support, and two telescopic bars attached to the lower support and the upper support so as to exert a separating force on the lower support and the upper support. And have.

0005Each telescopic bar has a force that allows a third party, such as a healthcare professional, to separate the lower support and the upper support from each other while the user is wearing the device, thereby stretching the user's spine. Includes actuator levers suitable for making it possible to exert.

0006Nevertheless, such devices are quite large, and in particular, they cannot be worn under clothing. In addition, it significantly reduces the mobility of the user and cannot be worn for more than a few minutes. In addition, it needs to be worn and operated with the help of a third party. Also, the separation force exerted by the telescopic bar cannot be adapted, for example, in response to the movement performed by the user, so that the extension force changes, for example, while the user is moving. That tends to limit the mitigation provided by the device.

<p num="0007"><patcit num="1"><text>European Patent No. 0319224</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0008"> Purpose and outline of the invention In particular, the present invention allows the user to wear the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventionally known spinal decompression device by himself / herself in a state where the extension force applied to the spinal column is constant regardless of the position and movement of the user. The purpose is to solve the problem by proposing a spinal decompression device that can be worn all day long, and inconspicuously and effectively.</p>

<p num="0009"> This objective is achieved by a spinal decompression device configured to surround the user's torso, which includes an upper support means configured to surround the first portion of the torso and a second of the torso. The lower support means configured to surround the portion, attached to the upper support means and the lower support means, and exerting a separating force on the lower support means and the upper support means to bring the lower support means upward. The device comprises an extension means configured to attempt to separate from the support means, and the device provides an electronic control system that controls the extension means to maintain a predetermined extension force with respect to the user's spinal column. Including.</p><p num="0010"> Considering the user in a substantially vertical position, the second portion of the fuselage is located below the first portion of the fuselage.</p><p num="0011"> Due to the existence of the electronic control system, the user can use the device without human intervention. In addition, maintaining a given stretching force enhances the effectiveness of the device, and in particular, the pain relief that the user benefits from does not change, depending on the user's movements and / or position.</p><p num="0012"> Preferably, the stretching means includes a power source such as a battery capable of operating those stretching means without the need for external help.</p><p num="0013"> The present invention is described below in a series of modified embodiments that may be considered alone or in combination with one or more of the preceding modified embodiments.</p><p num="0014"> Preferably, the electronic control system includes adjusting means for varying the magnitude of the stretching force.</p><p num="0015"> With this measure, the magnitude of the extension force with respect to the device, more specifically the user's spinal column, can exhibit different morphologies or, for example, suffer from different magnitudes of pain. It is adapted to relieve the user's pain. In addition, the presence of the adjusting means allows the device to be adapted to change in the user's condition.</p><p num="0016"> Advantageously, the spinal decompression device further includes measuring means configured to measure at least one characteristic associated with the movement of the user.</p><p num="0017"> Advantageously, the electronic control system is configured to change the separating force exerted by the stretching means according to the measurements made by the measuring means.</p><p num="0018"> Therefore, the value and / or direction of the separating force also depends on the characteristics of the user measured by the measuring means so that the magnitude of the stretching force is constant regardless of the movement of the user, for example. Can be changed.</p><p num="0019"> Advantageously, the electronic control system is configured to vary in magnitude of the extension force depending on the measurements made by the measuring means.</p><p num="0020"> Therefore, it can be understood that the adjusting means is configured to change the magnitude of the stretching force according to the mobility or position of the user.</p><p num="0021"> Preferably, the spinal decompression device further includes a recording means for recording the measured values measured by the measuring means.</p><p num="0022"> Thus, the recording means, for example, while the user is wearing the device to identify behaviors that may cause or contribute to the user's back pain. It functions to memorize some or all of the user's movements and positions.</p><p num="0023"> Advantageously, the extension means comprises at least one linear actuator.</p><p num="0024"> This measure does not impair small size, economy, light weight and consequent comfort when using the device. In addition, the accuracy of the separating force exerted by the stretching means, both in value and direction, and the resulting effect of the device in alleviating the pain felt by the user are similarly improved.</p><p num="0025"> Advantageously, at least one linear actuator is hinged to the upper support means and / or the lower support means.</p><p num="0026"> By this measure, the degree of freedom of movement of the user is not impaired while wearing the device of the present invention. Therefore, it is easy for the user to move the upper part of the body relative to the lower part, eg, bend the upper part, and such behavior is not possible with known devices of the prior art. If not, it will be severely restricted.</p><p num="0027"> Preferably, the electronic control system is configured to limit the operation of the at least one linear actuator with respect to the upper support means and / or the lower support means.</p><p num="0028"> This measure prevents the user from making such movements at the risk of injuring or increasing the pain felt by the user.</p><p num="0029"> Advantageously, the extension means comprises at least first and second linear actuators configured to be located on either side of the fuselage when the user wears the device.</p><p num="0030"> The presence of two linear actuators on either side of the fuselage of the user acts to successfully distribute the separation force exerted by the extension means to the lower support means and the upper support means, thereby the user's. The effectiveness of the device is increased without compromising mobility.</p><p num="0031"> Advantageously, the extension means comprises two sets of linear actuators configured to extend to both sides of the fuselage when the user is wearing the device.</p><p num="0032"> With this measure, the separating force exerted by the stretching means is still well distributed to the user's torso. In addition, it provides the user wearing the device of the invention with better mobility and further enhances the effectiveness of the device.</p><p num="0033"> Preferably, the linear actuators in a given set are tilted relative to each other to further increase the freedom of movement of the user when equipped with the spinal decompression device of the present invention. The presence of the electronic control system makes it possible to prevent the user from performing certain actions that are at risk of causing pain to the user.</p><p num="0034"> Preferably, the linear actuator in a given set has a V-shape.</p><p num="0035"> Advantageously, the V-shaped tip formed by the linear actuator in a given set points downward.</p><p num="0036"> Advantageously, each linear actuator extends in an inclined direction with respect to the axis of the spinal column.</p><p num="0037"> Preferably, the linear actuator of the extension means is configured to exert different values and directions of separation.</p><p num="0038"> This measure allows the extension force to be well distributed to the spinal column so as to enhance the effectiveness of the device of the present invention.</p><p num="0039"> Advantageously, the upper support means and the lower support means are configured to surround the upper and lower parts of the lumbar spine of the user's spine, respectively.</p><p num="0040"> Preferably, the upper support means and the lower support means are configured to be coordinated around the fuselage site they surround.</p><p num="0041"> Advantageously, the upper support means and the lower support means include an adjustment belt in which the device is configured to fit different user configurations.</p><p num="0042"> Advantageously, the upper support means and the lower support means exert the extension force on the user's spine so as to improve the stability by which the device is anchored to the user's torso. It is substantially conical to improve the accuracy of positioning and size of the.</p><p num="0043"> The present invention also provides a spinal decompression system including the spinal decompression device of the present invention and a data processor system, and the electronic control system of the spinal decompression device uses the measured values measured by the measuring means as the processor system. It further comprises a wireless transmission means configured to transmit to.</p><p num="0044"> With this measure, the system collects data between the user and a third party, such as a healthcare professional, in order to adjust instructions related to the state of use of the device, such as the magnitude of the extension force. It is configured to be able to communicate.</p><p num="0045"> Preferably, the radio transmitting means is configured to transmit data associated with the stretching means to the data processor system, which may include variations in the value and / or direction of the separating force. ..</p><p num="0046"> Advantageously, the radio transmission means is configured to transmit the data recorded by the recording means to the processor system.</p><p num="0047"> This measure allows the processor system to process data relating to long-term use of the device of the invention.</p><p num="0048"> Advantageously, the processor system includes a storage device configured to store the data transmitted by the radio transmission means of the electronic control system.</p><p num="0049"> Thus, during the continuous exchange of data with the device, a third party can compare the received data, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of the changes in the applied parameters.</p>

0050<figref num="1">FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the spinal decompression device of the present invention as viewed from the rear.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the spinal decompression device of the present invention as viewed from the front.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a partial decomposition schematic diagram of the device of the present invention.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the spinal decompression system of the present invention.</figref>

0051Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer and more complete with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments shown as non-limiting examples and the accompanying drawings below. Become.

0052Detailed description of the invention In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the spinal decompression device 10 of the present invention includes an upper support means 12, a lower support means 14, and the upper support means 12, which is described in more detail in the following description. And an extension means 16 attached to both of the lower support means 14, the extension means 16 exerts a separating force on the lower support means 14 and the upper support means 12, and causes the lower support means 14. It is configured to be separated from the upper support means 12.

0053The spinal decompression device 10 also includes, as a non-limiting example, an electronic control system 18 attached to the upward support means 12.

0054The device 10 also includes measuring means 20 and recording means 22, which are described in more detail below.

0055The upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 are, as a non-limiting example, an elastic tape 32 configured by fitting the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 so as to fit the user's form. Includes various fabric parts 24, 26, 28, 30 connected together by 34.

0056Further, the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 exhibit fastening means 36, 38, specifically, fastener straps that facilitate the attachment of the device to the user.

0057In particular, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the device 10 worn by the user, and the contour of the user is represented by a dashed line.

0058Thus, the upper support means 12 exhibits the form of a belt configured to surround a first portion of the user's torso, and as a non-limiting example, the upper support means 12 is in the center of the user's torso. It is configured to surround the part.

0059The downward support means 14 is also in the form of a belt configured to surround a second portion of the user's torso and, as a non-limiting example, a portion of the belt in the user's abdomen. ..

0060Therefore, it is understood that the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 are configured to surround a portion of the user's spinal column and, as a non-limiting example, the lumbar spinal cord of the spinal column.

0061As a non-limiting example, the inferior support means 14 and the upper support means 12 are formed of a material exhibiting non-allergic properties, for example, they make the spinal decompression device 10 better in the form of the user. It may be coated with a thermoformed foam so that it can be adapted and to improve the coordination between the support means 12, 14 and the user's fuselage.

0062As a non-limiting example, the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 are configured to further improve the cooperation between the lower support means 14 and the upper support means 12 and the user's torso. It has a conical shape.

0063As shown in some drawings, the extension means 16 comprises first and second sets 40, 42 consisting of extension actuators, the first and second sets 40, 42 being the device. It is configured to be located on both sides of the fuselage when the user wears the 10.

0064As a non-limiting example, each of the set 40 and the set 42 comprises first and second linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46'. As a non-limiting example, the various linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' are electric actuators, i.e., without going beyond the scope of the invention, any other type of linear actuator, eg, hydraulic. It will inevitably be possible to devise an actuator or the like.

0065Each of these actuators exhibits longitudinal and first and second facing ends, i.e., one of the ends of each linear actuator, particularly as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Is attached to the upper support means 12, and the other is attached to the lower support means 14.

0066As a non-limiting example, the linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' are attached to each of their ends, and various linear actuators are mounted on the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14. Includes a ball joint configured to be hinged to.

0067As shown in the various drawings, the linear actuators are formed on the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14, more specifically on their fabric portions 24, 26, 28 and 30. Attached by the pockets formed, the ends of the various linear actuators are housed in the pockets, i.e. something that attaches the linear actuator to the support means 12, 14 without exceeding the scope of the invention. It will inevitably be possible to devise other means.

0068The extending means 16 also includes, as a non-limiting example, a battery 50 attached to the rear portion of the upper supporting means 12 and the lower supporting means 14.

0069The term "posterior" is used to mean a portion of the spinal decompression device 10 that is configured to cover a portion of the user's back when the device 10 is worn. ..

0070The battery 50 is configured to actuate the linear actuator, i.e., the linear actuator can be actuated without going beyond the scope of the present invention and without the need for external help. It is possible to devise some other power source.

0071The linear actuator exerts a separating force on the upper supporting means 12 and the lower supporting means 14, and separates the lower supporting means 14 from the upper supporting means 12 in a state where the action of such a separating force is exerted. The upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 are configured to apply an extension force to the user's spinal column as a result of being fixed to a portion of the user's torso.

0072The electronic control system 18 of the device 10 is configured to control the stretching means 16 so as to maintain a predetermined stretching force with respect to the user's spinal column.

0073As a non-limiting example, the electronic control system 18 comprises an electronic substrate that acts to control the value and / or direction of the separating force exerted by the linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46'. ..

0074In other words, the electronic control system 18 of the device 10 has the extension means for adjusting the separation force exerted by the linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46'on the lower support means and the upper support means. Configured to control 16, the term "adjustment" is used to mean changing the value of the separating force and / or changing the direction in which the separating force is applied.

0075The measuring means 20 is configured to measure at least one characteristic associated with the movement of the user, eg, the position of the user, the movement of the entire body, or the relative movement between different parts of the body. As a non-limiting example, the measuring means 20 includes an accelerometer, a gyro, or any other sensor that functions to detect the relative position of different parts of the user.

0076The electronic control system 18 is also configured to change the value and / or direction of the separating force exerted by the linear actuator of the extending means 16 according to the measured value measured by the measuring means 20. ing.

0077For example, when the user is performing a walking exercise, the magnitude of the extension force to be applied to the user's spinal column changes, that is, the electronic control system 18 changes the magnitude of the extension force. The value and / or direction of the separation force exerted by the various linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' can be adjusted to take into account.

0078The recording means 22 is configured to record the measured values measured by the measuring means 20. As an example, such measurement records can be used by medical personnel to modify the magnitude of the extension force to be applied to the user's spine, or to modify the instructions for wearing the device. , Or in fact, is particularly useful in making it possible to give the user advice on movements and / or positions that risk increasing the pain felt and / or delaying recovery.

0079As shown in various drawings, the first and second sets 40, 42 consisting of linear actuators are V-shaped, respectively, and the longitudinal direction of each linear actuator is the axis of the spinal column. It is inclined with respect to.

0080In particular, this configuration functions to successfully distribute the forces exerted by the linear actuator without interfering with the degree of freedom of movement of the user wearing the device 10.

0081Therefore, it is understood that the spinal decompression device 10 can maintain a predetermined stretching force with respect to the user's spinal column without impairing the user's mobility. Therefore, the spinal decompression device 10 of the present invention constitutes an exoskeleton that functions to support a portion of the user's back.

0082Also, the electronic control system 18 of the device 10 has access to the upper support means 12 and the lower support means 14 so that the user cannot perform movements that may lead to increased damage or pain. It is configured to limit the operation of the linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46'.

0083The device 10 of the present invention is compact so that it can be worn almost inconspicuously under the user's everyday wear.

0084In addition, it provides the user with considerable freedom of movement, and in particular, the battery 50 described above exhibits a battery life that allows it to be worn for several hours.

0085To further extend the battery life of the device 10, and without going beyond the scope of the present invention, it is possible to devise an extension means 16 comprising a semi-active actuator, eg, a linear actuator that works with a spring. In this case, such a semi-active actuator stores some or all of the energy released by a particular movement of the user, and the stored energy during other operations performed by the user. Allows you to reuse.

0086The electronic control system 18 also includes adjusting means 60 that change the magnitude of the stretching force applied to the user's spine by the separating force of the stretching means 16. Therefore, the adjusting means 60 is configured to allow the medical personnel to adjust the device 10 to the user's morphology and pain sensation.

0087Further, the electronic control system 18 includes, in particular, a wireless transmission means 62 that makes it possible to transmit the measured values measured by the measuring means 20.

0088Therefore, we devised a radio transmission means 62 configured to transmit fluctuations in the value of the separation force exerted by the extension means 16 while the device 10 is in use without going beyond the scope of the present invention. It is possible to do.

0089The present invention also relates to a spinal decompression system 100 including the spinal decompression device 10 of the present invention as well as a data processor system 80 installed in a computer device such as a personal computer or a smartphone. It is configured to receive the data transmitted by the radio transmission means 62 of the electronic control system 18.

0090Thus, the spinal decompression system allows the third party, eg, a healthcare professional, to use the user's data without the user removing the device 10 and even keeping the device close to a third party. Allows you to access.

0091As a non-limiting example, the radio transmission means 62 is configured to transmit the data associated with the extension means 16, eg, a variation in the value and / or direction of the separation force, to the data processor system 80. Has been done.

0092Further, the radio transmission means 62 is configured to transmit the data recorded by the recording means 22 to the data processor system 80, and the radio transmission means of the electronic control system 18 in the spinal decompression device 10. It is also possible to devise a storage device within the data processor system 80 that is configured to store the data transmitted by 62.

0093The above description is provided as an example and is therefore not intended to limit the invention.

0094Specifically, the present invention is specifically adapted for low back pain, but can also be adapted for relieving some other type of back pain, such as neck or chest pain.

0095Furthermore, the number, structure and configuration of the linear actuators of the extending means of the present invention are by no means limiting to the present invention.