Spine tensioning support chair

Abstract

A chair has two independent body supports which move in similar rotation and inverse elevation to one another to change from a chair configuration, one support higher than the other, to a spine tensioning apparatus, supports near equal in elevation. Preferably body supports are spaced apart from one another such that the only interconnecting human link between the two supports, when in a near equal elevation configuration, is the human spine. The spine, in this configuration is then subjected to similar forces as a simple beam supported by two separate forces, tension, compression, shear and moment. The spine is aided by and through tension and compression and increased blood flow and afforded the ability for spinal muscle, nerve and soft tissue development and maintenance. The supports, independent of each other, comprise an upper body support and a lower body support and allow an individual's body to practice spine enhancement, development, & or traction, laying in any combination of, or alternately, face up, face down, or on either left or right side. The apparatus is also applicable to retrofitting existing chairs.

Description

[0001] This is a Division of application Ser. No. 08 / 944,945 wherein applicant elects Species No. 8, Fig. No. 21, of the Parent Issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,611, for prosecution. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] Provisional application No. 60 / 027,767, filed on Oct. 4, 1996.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SUPPORTED RESEARCH OR DEV [0003] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, ETC [0004] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] This invention relates generally to devices used in physical therapy and, more particularly, to a spine tensioning, traction and muscle exercise apparatus. [0006] Back pain is a national health problem. It is the second most likely reason people go to the doctor. It is estimated Americans spent $20 billion alone in 1990 on back-related medical bills. More and more people sit for hour upon hour and perform computer work. Studies show that sitting creates two times the pressure on the low back as compared to standing. [0007]...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a spine tensioning chair that allows users to practice spine tensioning, traction, and development in a simplified and cost-effective way. The chair has two rotating body supports that can be adjusted to different elevations and rotational positions to provide different levels of support for the spine. This allows users to perform various spine tensioning, traction, and developing exercises while sitting in the chair. The chair also has a reclined position that decompresses the low back and a computer input function that allows users to perform computer-related tasks while in the chair. Overall, the invention provides a convenient and effective tool for spine healthcare and wellness."

Problems solved by technology

Back pain is a national health problem.

However, it cannot provide spine tensioning because it supports the user's posterior.

This feat is difficult for some users and may prohibit older users and those with back pain from obtaining the benefits of the device.

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