CA2209463C - Apparatus and system for improving postural distortion - Google Patents

Apparatus and system for improving postural distortion Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2209463C
CA2209463C CA 2209463 CA2209463A CA2209463C CA 2209463 C CA2209463 C CA 2209463C CA 2209463 CA2209463 CA 2209463 CA 2209463 A CA2209463 A CA 2209463A CA 2209463 C CA2209463 C CA 2209463C
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Prior art keywords
bridge
bridges
arcuate
arcuate bridges
distortion
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Expired - Lifetime
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CA 2209463
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French (fr)
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CA2209463A1 (en
Inventor
John Robinson
Kenneth C. Beatty
Ethne Munden
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Individual
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Individual
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a system for use in improving postural distortion. The system comprises a plurality of arcuate bridges with each bridge having a different arc radius. Each bridge has two opposite ends and a lateral cut-away portion on each side therebetween. The cut-away portion is configured to accommodate soft tissue of the posterior axilla area when each of the bridges is in use. Uses of the system for improvement of postural distortion are also provided.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING POSTURAL DISTORTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and system for improving postural distortion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals and health professionals are becoming more aware of the impact of bad posture on back health specifically and overall health generally.
The growing popularity of lumbar and lower back supports help many of today's office workers perform at the keyboard for longer periods of time to meet the demands of the job. These types of supports are also becoming more commonplace in car seats and home furniture. However, while these supports offer temporary relief from the symptoms of back problems, there still exists a need for a more permanent solution to the underlying problem of postural distortion.
Postural distortion describes a variety of misalignments of the body, such as distortion of the pelvis, back and shoulders. Although these conditions are not always noticeable by the individual, they are easily recognized in others.
A
rounded upper back, forward sloping shoulders and head angled forward are all telltale signs of these conditions. In addition, any distortion, including the mild more common cases of poor posture, can diminish self-confidence and self-esteem.
More importantly, these distortions can lead to poor breathing, impaired circulation and overall feelings of lethargy which can affect a person's physical health and well-being.
It has been determined that postural distortion, and the most common symptoms of poor posture, sloping shoulders and rounded upper back, could be relieved through opposing force, that is through expansion of the chest area.
Thus, prolonged expansion of the chest could work to counteract and improve the symptoms of postural distortion. It is known that an old yoga prop known as "the whale" or "the bridge"
can be used during certain yoga exercises to achieve this expansion. However, it lacks the long term effects required for meaningful results as it is not suitable for all backs, as some backs are more flexible and healthier than others.

There have been attempts in the prior art to design a therapeutic back rest aimed at a similar purpose. However, these attempts have often proved inconvenient to use and have generally met with limited short-term success and little long-term effects.
Reference is made for example to U.S. Patent No. 4,927,139 of Taltre, which issued May 22, 1990, which describes a therapeutic back rest which completely lifts the person off the floor, thus failing to isolate the user's back. U.S. Patent No. 5,207,704 of Shields, which issued May 4, 1993, describes a posture board which is contoured to the spinal shape.
The design taught by this reference would not create the expansion of the chest sought in the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved system for improving postural distortion.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for improving postural distortion. The system comprises a plurality of arcuate bridges with each bridge having a different arc radius. Each bridge has two opposite ends and a lateral cut-away portion on each side therebetween. The cut-away portion is configured to accommodate soft tissue of the posterior axilla area when each of the bridges is in use.
Uses of the system for improvement of postural distortion are also provided.
In other aspects of the invention, the system may have two or three arcuate bridges. One of the bridges may have an irregular arcuate configuration. The bridges may be made of wood and may include a non-slip support to provide stability. The bridges may include a central longitudinally-disposed slot configured to eliminate pressure on the spinal column when said arcuate bridges are in use as well as flared opposite ends configured to provide additional stability when in use. A bolster may also be included in the system, for support of the head when the system is in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:-FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of the devices of the present invention in stacked relation.
FIGURE 2 is a perspective of one of the devices in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with the present invention, with a person shown in supine position.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus 2 for use in improving postural distortion. The apparatus 2 comprises a plurality of arcuate devices or bridges. The first bridge 10 has a first end 12 and a second end 14 and a curvature cl.
The second bridge 16 has a first end 18, a second end 20 and a second curvature c2.
Similarly, the third bridge 22 has a first end 24, a second end 26 and a third curvature c3.
The specific radii of the curvatures cl, c2 and c3 need not be specified in order to practice the invention, as long as cl is less than c2, which in turn is less than c3. However, clinical studies have shown that too gradual a curvature will reduce the benefit of the system whereas too great a curvature could produce aggravation in the back. As will be described in greater detail below, the bridges 10, 16 and 22 are thus designed to be used sequentially. It is the increased height from bridge to bridge which creates an upwardly moving pressure on the spine from the lowest end of the rounded back, gradually upwards, fmally to the apex of the round of the back. If the apex of the system were the first target, the correction would not be tolerated by the user.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the third bridge 22 has an irregular curvature as compared to the first 10 and second 16 bridges. Thus, the curvature c3 is not only greater than c2, but the bridge 22 has a lift from its first end 24 built in which serves to stretch the lumbar spine, rather than compress and aggravate it or cause too much hyperextension in that area.
The first bridge 10 is shown in perspective in Figure 2 by way of example. The bridge 10 comprises the first end 12 and the second end 14. As the bridge 10 curves downwards toward the first end 12, the sides 28, 30 flare outwardly at 32 and 34 respectively so that the width wl of the bridge at its apex 36 is smaller than the width w2 at its first end 12. The same flaring may be provided at the second end 14 to provide a symmetrical appearance to the bridge 10 and provide stability for the bridge in use and the user. The resulting cut away shape of the bridge 10 accommodates excess soft or adipose tissue at the posterior axilla area, to allow appropriate chest expansion for all users.

The bridge 10 is further provided with an elongated slot 38 in the center of the bridge 10. The slot 38 extends longitudinally along the bridge 10 from a first point 40 above the flared portion of the bridge 10 to a second point 42 beyond the apex 36 of the bridge 10. This slot 38 is made to accommodate the spine of a user when in position on the bridge 10. Thus, the slot 38 eliminates pressure on the spinal column of a user and evenly distributes the user's body weight across the muscles of the back.
The bridges 10, 16, 22 of the apparatus 2 are preferably constructed from a hardwood and are not padded. This provides improved effectiveness of the apparatus 2 within the system of the present invention.
With reference to Figure 3, the system of the present invention will now be described. Figure 3 shows a person 44, in phantom, lying in a supine position over a bridge 10. To achieve this supine position, the person 44 sits on the floor facing away from the bridge 10 with their buttocks 46 positioned adjacent the first end 12 of the bridge 10 and the first point 40. Alternatively, the person 44 may sit on a non-slip mat 48 positioned beneath the bridge 10. The person 44 then lies back over the bridge 10 such that their spinal column (not shown) falls into the elongated slot 38. The head 50 is thus positioned adjacent the second end 14 of the bridge 10. There may be provided with the apparatus 2, a bolster 52 to support the head 50 when the person 44 is in position on the bridge 10. Alternatively, the bolster 52 may be positioned as shown at 52a to support the neck 53 of the person 44 when in position on the bridge 10.

The person's back 54 rests on the bridge 10 and is thus arched over the bridge 10. In this position, the chest area 56 of the person 44 is expanded with a corresponding stretching of the back muscles and ligaments. It is this chest expansion which provides beneficial results for the user and which will eventually result in improved posture. However, it was found that for a long-term, permanent reversal of postural distortion, it is beneficial to employ an increasing arch or curvature in the bridges. This combined with a prescribed regiment and schedule of use of the bridges will result in the desired effects of the apparatus.
Thus, the system of the present invention provides for the regiment of use of the bridges. Starting with the first bridge 10, the user achieves the position shown in Figure 3 and holds that position for preferably about 10 minutes.
This should be repeated twice daily, preferably once in the morning and once at night, for 10 minutes each time.
After about three to four weeks, most users will begin feeling and seeing noticeable results, in the form of improved posture. Progress on the bridge is measured, in part, by the ability to arch in position over the bridge with ease and without discomfort. Once this level of ease and comfort has been achieved, the user may proceed to using the second bridge 16.
The use of the second bridge 16 is essentially the same as the first bridge 10, that is for the same amount of time and preferably at the same time each day. Again, after three to four weeks, the user will notice improved posture and the ability to ease into position on the second bridge 16. If desirable, the user may then proceed to the third bridge 22. It has been found, however, that some people cannot use the third bridge 22 because of the large curvature c3. If that is the case, lasting results can still be achieved by maintaining a regular use of the second bridge 16 in the normal manner described above. If, however, the third bridge is used, the user should repeat the same steps as before, that is, lie in a supine position over the bridge for ten minutes, twice daily. This will continue to enhance any benefits realized with the first 10 and second 16 bridges. Continued use of the third bridge 22 has the additional effect of causing a traction or lift of the lumbar spine and a resulting reduction of pressure on the lumbar discs.
In addition to improved posture due to a reduction in postural distortion, it has also been found that use of the apparatus 2 and the system of the present invention can improve breathing, circulation and flexibility. Lower back stress and stiffness in the shoulders and neck were significantly reduced while using the apparatus in the manner prescribed. There was also an appearance of improved functioning of the thyroid and thymus glands, as well as a relief of the pressure on abdominal organs, resulting in improved bodily functions.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an apparatus and system for improving postural distortion that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A system for use in improving postural distortion, said system comprising:
a plurality of arcuate bridges, each bridge having a different arc radius and each bridge having two opposite ends and a lateral cut-away portion on each side therebetween, said cut-away portion configured to accommodate soft tissue of the posterior axilla area when in use.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of arcuate bridges comprises two arcuate bridges.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of arcuate bridges comprises three arcuate bridges.
4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein one of said arcuate bridges has an irregular arcuate configuration.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said arcuate bridges are made of wood.
6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said arcuate bridges further include a non-slip support configured to provide stability when said arcuate bridges are in use.
7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said arcuate bridges further include a central longitudinally-disposed slot configured to eliminate pressure on the spinal column when said arcuate bridges are in use.
8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said arcuate-shaped bridges further include flared opposite ends configured to provide stability when in use.
9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 further including a bolster for support of the head when said arcuate bridges are in use.
10. Use of the system of any one of claims 1 to 9 for improving postural distortion.
CA 2209463 1997-07-02 1997-07-02 Apparatus and system for improving postural distortion Expired - Lifetime CA2209463C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2209463 CA2209463C (en) 1997-07-02 1997-07-02 Apparatus and system for improving postural distortion

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2209463 CA2209463C (en) 1997-07-02 1997-07-02 Apparatus and system for improving postural distortion

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2209463A1 CA2209463A1 (en) 1999-01-02
CA2209463C true CA2209463C (en) 2010-02-09

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CA2209463A1 (en) 1999-01-02

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Effective date: 20170704