Device for acting on the body of a user with spinal curvature

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for acting on the human body in the event of curvature of the spine, comprising a central stimulation area (12) and support areas (14a, 14b) arranged on both sides thereof for contact with the human body, wherein the stimulation area (12) can be arranged at a distance from the body of a user (48) in the normal state, and acts against the body in the event of curvature of the spine to generate a mechanical, electrical and / or thermal stimulus. The stimulation area is normally positioned at a distance from the user's body (48) and, if the spine curves beyond a certain limit, touches the body, triggering a stimulus that is perceived by the user and prompts them to end the stimulus by straightening their spine. This ensures that the user does not remain in such a harmful position for an extended period but immediately attempts to improve their posture.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for acting on the body of a user in the case of curvature of the spine.

[0002] With the increasing prevalence of desk-based work, the number of spinal injuries caused by poor posture is steadily rising. A person may sit for hours in an incorrect posture with a rounded spine, which has long-term negative effects even when standing or walking. Any curvature of the spine leads, in the medium to long term, to orthopedic pathological degeneration of the intervertebral discs, bones, and nerve structures.

[0003] Apart from sitting, people's general movement patterns are also characterized by a constant tendency of the spine to bend, flex, and twist, especially during trivial everyday activities involving bending, work at floor level, etc. This bending, combined with the compression of the upper body mass and any excess or extra weight, leads in the long term to damage to the connective tissue of the intervertebral discs and the surrounding tissue, especially the nerve, bone, and cartilage tissue.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for influencing the human body of a user with spinal curvature, which, in the case of incorrect posture, acts on the body in such a way that the user corrects the incorrect posture, primarily by changing the position or tensing muscle groups towards extension or lordosis. The aim is, so to speak, to defend and maintain the lordosis in all positions and during all movements.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device that acts on the human body of a user at the moment of a bending, flexion, or twisting movement and thereby counteracts tissue damage. The aim of the invention is thus to stimulate or, in a certain way, force a change in the user's movement pattern, or in other words, to cause the user, through a perceptible impulse, to assume the natural axial position of the spine, i.e., to arch and maintain this position.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1.

[0007] The invention comprises a central stimulation zone and support zones arranged on either side thereof for contact with the human body. In the normal state, the stimulation zone is arranged at a distance from the user's body and, if the spine is curved beyond a certain limit, touches the body, triggering at least one mechanical, electrical, or thermal stimulus. This is perceived by the user, prompting them to terminate the stimulus by stretching the spine. This ensures that the user does not remain in such a health-endangering position for an extended period of time, but instead immediately strives to improve their posture. During use, the device is positioned such that the two support zones are aligned vertically one above the other, virtually parallel to the spine.The device can be positioned centrally directly opposite the spine or to the side of it in the area of ​​the back muscles. It is preferably secured to the user's body using a strap or belt that is wrapped around the body. The device is positioned so that, in a normal posture, the stimulation area is spaced away from the user's body, thus preventing any stimulation from the area against the body.

[0008] Fixation via skin adhesive is also possible.

[0009] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the stimulation area is adjustable in a direction toward the user's body. This allows the degree of spinal curvature at which contact between the stimulation area and the user's body should occur to be adjusted. This allows the device according to the invention to be adapted to different degrees of spinal curvature or different lengths of the upper body.

[0010] In a second embodiment, the stimulation area is in permanent contact with the user's body, and the device includes at least one sensor that detects the curvature of the spine and, if a threshold is exceeded, triggers a stimulus, preferably electrical or thermal, at the point of contact. The sensor can also be located within the stimulation area and be a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the user's body against the stimulation area. The sensor can also be triggered to detect a specific angular difference between the head and cervical spine when the user lowers their head. This is because if only the head is lowered, only the uppermost cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) can be involved.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the support areas is adjustable in a direction relative to the stimulation area. Preferably, both support areas are adjustable in this direction to maintain symmetry. This embodiment allows for adaptation to different physiological characteristics of the user; for example, the distance between the support areas will be greater for taller individuals than for shorter individuals. This also allows for adjustment of the contact point between the stimulation area and the user's body, either as an alternative or in addition to the adjustment of the stimulation area towards the body described above. This is because closer support areas have the same effect as moving the stimulation area away from the body.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two support areas comprises an elastic support element consisting of a support surface and at least two longitudinal guides molded onto it and arranged side by side, which are individually adjustable, thereby making the support surface tiltable. This design makes it possible to individually adapt the support surfaces equipped in this way to the user's body.

[0013] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the device has a holder for attachment to a strap or belt that is looped around the user's body. In this way, the device is firmly connected to the strap or belt and can be moved into or out of the operating position by putting the strap on or taking it off.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area has more or less pointed, preferably conical or pyramid-shaped projections which act against the skin of the user and trigger a touch stimulus which, depending on the shape of the projections, can extend to a pain stimulus.

[0015] The invention achieves a cancellation of the natural spinal axis or a dissolution of the natural hollow back by applying a clear external stimulus, which causes the user to return to the natural anatomical axial shape of the spine and remain there.

[0016] This “new” approach to the spine, conditioned by the invention, and the differently executed movement sequences lead to the maintenance of health of the orthopedic system, i.e. the musculoskeletal system, as well as the central nervous system, which runs in the spine in the form of the spinal cord.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area has a conductive surface that is coupled to a power supply unit such that the surface causes an electrical stimulation upon contact with the body. This can be achieved by having an electrode fixed to the user's body or to the surface of one of the support areas, and by the conductive surface of the stimulation area closing a circuit upon contact with the user's skin, which is perceived as an electrical stimulus. It is also possible to combine both variants, i.e., to design the stimulation area with at least one electrically conductive projection.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area is designed to be heated or cooled in order to generate a thermal stimulus. An electric resistance heater or a Peltier element can be used for heating, and a Peltier element can also be used for cooling. It is, of course, also possible to combine this embodiment with the first and / or second embodiment, i.e., to heat or cool projections with or without an electric probe.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a sensor for detecting contact between the stimulation area and the body, which is coupled to a signal transmitter. This signal transmitter can be used for additional visual or acoustic indication to the user or third parties, or can be coupled to a transmitter or recording device to determine how often or when a stimulus was triggered.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area and the support areas are attached to a base structure that has at least one predetermined breaking point. This serves to prevent or minimize injuries to the user if the device comes into forceful contact with foreign objects, for example, if the user falls. The predetermined breaking points are shaped in such a way that no sharp fracture edges are formed.

[0021] Because the central and autonomic nervous systems control the entire body, the invention presented here prevents many possible functional disorders.

[0022] The medical basis of the invention lies in the fact that a person who bends their spine mistakenly considers the facet joints of the spine to be true mechanical joints. However, these joints are anatomically and biomechanically designed not to be bent and to allow only minimal movement. Therefore, anyone who bends or overextends their spine below the second cervical vertebra overstretches their intervertebral discs and other ligaments, which can eventually either rupture or, depending on the type of connective tissue, become so weakened that the vertebral bodies shift towards the spinal cord and the nerve roots located there, causing structural damage.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention protects the naturally curved spinal axis by delivering an impulse when this anatomical rule is violated. The principle is somewhat analogous to the "seatbelt" system in a motor vehicle; it beeps until the driver or passenger is buckled up.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly important to protect the spine after spinal surgery. In this case, protection means avoiding overstretching, overloading, and improper loading of connective tissue types, especially the intervertebral discs, which could otherwise lead to tearing. The invention therefore provides an alternative to passive orthotic systems, which are much heavier and more uncomfortable to wear, and, above all, cause the muscles to weaken.

[0025] From a mechanical perspective, the spine has only "pseudo" joints, apart from the cervical spine joint, and should never be bent (but only in the real human joints of the musculoskeletal system, such as the hip, knee, ankle, etc.). The invention is therefore intended to initiate a medium- to long-term change in the user's movement behavior, and this is therefore not limited to the medical field.

[0026] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the stimulation area is adjustable in a direction toward the user's body. This allows the degree of spinal curvature at which contact between the stimulation area and the user's body should occur to be adjusted. This allows the device according to the invention to be adapted to different degrees of spinal curvature.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the support areas is adjustable in a direction relative to the stimulation area. Preferably, both support areas are adjustable in this direction to maintain symmetry. This embodiment allows for adaptation to different anatomical or physiological conditions of the user; for example, the distance between the support areas will be greater for taller individuals than for shorter individuals. This also allows for adjustment of the contact point between the stimulation area and the user's body, either as an alternative or in addition to the adjustment of the stimulation area towards the body described above. This is because closer support areas have the same effect as moving the stimulation area away from the body.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two support areas comprises an elastic support element having at least two integrally formed, adjacent legs that are individually adjustable. This design makes it possible to tilt or incline the support surfaces equipped in this way transversely to the longitudinal direction and thus to adapt them individually to the body contour.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has a holder for fixing it to a strap or belt that is wrapped around the body. In this way, the device is firmly connected to the strap or belt and can be put into or taken out of the operating position by putting the strap or belt on or taking it off.

[0030] According to an alternative development, it is also possible to "stick" the device directly to the user's skin using suitable skin-compatible adhesives. Stretch sensors can be attached for monitoring purposes.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area has more or less tapered, preferably conical or pyramidal projections that act against the user's skin and trigger a tactile stimulus which, depending on the shape of the projections, can range up to a pain stimulus. The projections are not designed to be excessively pointed in order to avoid injuring the user. Preferably, some or all of the projections can be adjustable in height or angle. Preferably, the projections, or at least their tips, are made of flexible plastic material.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area has a conductive surface that is coupled to a power supply unit in such a way that the surface causes an electrical stimulation upon contact with the body. This can be achieved by having an electrode fixed to the body or to the surface of one of the support areas, and by the conductive surface of the stimulation area closing a circuit upon contact with the user's skin, which is perceived as an electrical stimulus. It is also possible to combine both variants, i.e., to design the stimulation area with at least one electrically conductive projection.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area is designed to be heated or cooled in order to generate a thermal stimulus. An electric resistance heater or a Peltier element can be used for heating, and a Peltier element can also be used for cooling. It is, of course, also possible to combine this embodiment with the first and / or second embodiment, i.e., to heat or cool projections with or without an electric probe.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a sensor for detecting contact between the stimulation area and the body, which is coupled to a signal transmitter. This signal transmitter can be used to provide visual or acoustic indication to the user or third parties, or it can be coupled to a transmitter or recording device to determine how often or when a stimulus was triggered.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stimulation area and the support areas are attached to a base structure that has at least one predetermined breaking point. This serves to prevent or minimize injuries to the user if the device comes into forceful contact with foreign objects, for example, if the user falls. The predetermined breaking points are shaped in such a way that no sharp fracture edges are formed.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one embodiment is described in detail—possibly with reference to the drawings. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1a: a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 1b: a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1a without the stimulation element; Fig. 2: a perspective view of the stimulation element; Fig. 3: a perspective view of a support element; Fig. 4: a perspective view of a second version of a device with a Peltier element; Fig. 5: a perspective view of a third design of a device with electrodes; Fig. 6: a perspective view of a fourth design of a device with electrodes; Fig. 7: two schematic diagrams for attaching the device to a user's body; Fig. 8: A view of the back of a user with an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0038] The Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b show perspective views of a first embodiment of a device 10a according to the invention, which functionally consists of a centrally arranged only in Fig. The device consists of the stimulation area 12 shown in Figure 1a and two support areas 14a, 14b arranged on both sides (above and below the wearing position). These components are mounted on a base structure 16 which has a holder 18, preferably in the form of a slot for guiding a strap or belt (not shown).

[0039] A design of the stimulation area 12 in the form of a stimulation element 19 is shown in Fig. Figure 1a shows that this stimulation element 19 consists, in the illustrated configuration, of a base plate 20 from which a number of cone-shaped projections 22, 24 extend, with larger projections 22 arranged in the center of the base plate 20 and smaller projections 24 in the edge region. In the Fig. 1a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, there is a region without projections between the larger projections 22 and the smaller projections 24. In other embodiments, the entire surface of the base plate 20 can be provided with projections, which preferably become lower from the center to the edge. The projections 22, 24 have rounded tips to prevent injury to the user. The tip radii can also increase from the inside to the outside to form increasingly rounded projections.

[0040] Two flanks 26a, 26b project from the back of the base plate 20, encompassing the base structure 16 and featuring bores 28 that can be aligned with bores 29 in the base structure 16. The stimulation element 19 can be positioned higher or lower on the base structure 16 by means of bolts or screws guided through the bores 28, 29. It is also possible to thread the inner bores 29 into which machine screws or wing nuts can be screwed. For this purpose, the flanks 26a, 26b must possess a certain degree of elasticity so that the studs can be moved into other bores 28.

[0041] The Fig. The stimulation element 19 shown is interchangeable, so different stimulation elements 19 with differently shaped or spaced projections 22, 24 can alternatively be mounted on a basic structure 16.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 3 shows one of the two support areas 14a, 14b in perspective as a support element 30. This element comprises a support 32, preferably made of soft plastic, which has two legs 34a, 34b that are individually held longitudinally displaceable in two brackets 36a, 36b. By individually adjusting the insertion depth of the two legs 34a, 34b into the brackets 36a, 36b, the surface inclination of the support 32 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device 10 can be varied by elastically deforming it. This allows the device to be adapted to different positions, for example, an inclination when the device 10 is attached directly along the user's spine, or an inclination of 5° to 20° when attached laterally with respect to the spine or the midline of the body.

[0043] The in Fig. Figure 3 shows a design with two legs 34a, 34b to effect an adjustment of the inclination transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device. Alternatively, the legs 34a, 34b can also be arranged one behind the other longitudinally to effect an adjustment of the inclination in the longitudinal direction. Or, according to an advantageous embodiment not shown, three or four legs can be provided to achieve an adjustment of the inclination about two axes. Likewise, a single leg and a joint are conceivable.

[0044] Returning to Fig. In 1a and 1b, two preferably identical support elements 30 are mounted on the base structure 16. At least one of the two support elements 30 will be adjustable in the longitudinal direction, for example by means of a knurled nut 38, which displaces a spindle 40 and thus moves the support element 30 closer to or further away from the stimulation area 12 in order to achieve the best possible adaptation to the user's body shape. Preferably, both support elements 30 are provided with a corresponding longitudinal adjustment device with a knurled nut 38 in order to achieve optimal adaptation to the user in the vertical direction as well.

[0045] The spindle 40 has a predetermined breaking point 42, which serves to break the spindle 40 at this point in the event of excessive forces, particularly in the event of a user fall, thereby separating the attached support element 30 from the rest of the device 10 and reducing the risk of injury. Such a predetermined breaking point 42 need not be located on the spindle 40, but can alternatively or additionally be provided on the base structure 16. It is also possible to provide the projections 22, 24 with predetermined breaking points (not shown) so that they break off when excessive force is applied.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a device 10b according to the invention, in which a Peltier element 44 is integrated into the stimulation element 19 to thermally heat or cool the stimulation area 12 and thus generate a corresponding thermal stimulus upon contact with the user 48. The Peltier element 44 is electrically coupled to a power supply device (not shown). Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a simple electric heating device instead of the Peltier element 44.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a device 10c according to the invention, in which two electrodes 46a, 46b are provided to generate electrical current stimuli. The electrodes 46a, 46b are electrically coupled to a power supply unit (not shown). Alternatively, it is also possible to mount only one electrode 46a on the stimulation element 19 and to design the second electrode 46b as a separate, wired component that is brought into electrically conductive contact with the user's skin 48 at another location, e.g., on the finger or wrist. Or the second electrode 46b can be mounted on one of the support elements 30. The power supply unit is preferably mounted on the base structure 16 and provides a voltage that triggers an electrical stimulus in the user upon contact with the body. Preferably, the power supply unit is provided with a controller for adjusting the stimulus intensity.

[0048] To conserve energy, such electrodes 46 can only deliver an electrical stimulus upon skin contact. This can be achieved either via a mechanical electrical switch or via an electronic measuring device, e.g., a resistance or capacitance measuring device.

[0049] It is also possible to use electrodes 46a and 46b as sensors, for example, by connecting them to a resistance measuring device that detects contact between the stimulation area 12 and the user's body by sensing a drop in resistance. This signal can be used to apply a stimulation voltage to the conductive surfaces, which triggers the electrical stimulus in the user. Additionally or alternatively, the signal can be used for other purposes, in particular to be stored or transmitted wirelessly to a receiving station (e.g., via Bluetooth to an app on a mobile device). Alternatively, the sensor can be used to cause thermal heating of the stimulation area 12 in order to produce a thermal stimulus in the user.

[0050] In Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a device 10d according to the invention, wherein knobs 47, preferably made of a soft rubber material, are arranged on the support elements 30 in order to improve adhesion to the body.

[0051] The Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the attachment of the device 10 according to the invention to the body of a user 48. In order to use the device 10 according to the invention, a belt 50 or strap is passed through the Fig.The device 10 is guided through a slotted bracket 18 and looped around the user's body 48 and tightened, so that the device 10 is positioned in the user's lumbar region in such a way that a spinal curvature occurs between the two support areas 14a, 14b. The two support areas 14a, 14b rest against the user's body 48, while the stimulation area 12 is spaced away from the user's body 48. The user 48 will individually adjust the distance of the two support areas 14a, 14b from the stimulation area 12, as well as their surface inclination and the height of the stimulation area 12, so that contact between the stimulation area 12 and the user's body 48 occurs when an undesired spinal curvature is achieved. If the user's spine 48 is less curved than set in the device 10, the user 48 will feel nothing except the pressure stimuli at the support areas 14a, 14b.However, if he assumes a posture in which the spinal curvature reaches a limit specified by the setting of the device 10, the stimulation area 12 comes into contact with the body of the user 48 and triggers a corresponding stimulus designed to cause the user 48 to reduce the spinal curvature by tensing his muscles.

[0052] The device 10 can be attached anywhere along the spine, especially in the thoracic vertebrae.

[0053] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. List of reference symbols 10a,b,c,d device 12 Stimulation areas 14a,b Support areas 16 Basic structure 18 bracket 19 Stimulation element 20 Base plate 22 large protrusions 24 small protrusions 26a,b flanks 28 holes 29 boreholes 30 support elements 32 support 34a,b Legs 36a,b brackets 38 knurled nut 40 spindle 42 Breakaway point 44 Peltier element 46a,b Electrodes 47 studs 48 users 50 belt

Claims

[1] Device for acting on the body of a user (48) in the event of curvature of the spine, comprising a central stimulation region (12) and support regions (14a, 14b) arranged on either side thereof for application to the body of a user (48), wherein the stimulation region (12) in the normal state does not generate any noticeable stimulus to the body of a user (48), and in the event of a curvature of the spine acts against the body to generate a mechanical, electrical and / or thermal stimulus. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the stimulation area (12) is adjustable in a direction towards the body of the user (48). [3] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the support areas (14a, 14b) is adjustable in a direction towards the stimulation area (12). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the support areas (14a, 14b) is adjustable in a direction towards the body of the user (48) [5] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the two support areas (14a, 14b) comprises an elastic support element (30) which comprises a support surface and at least two longitudinal guides formed thereon, arranged next to one another, which are individually adjustable, whereby the support surface is inclinable. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has a holder (18) for fixing to a belt. [7] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the stimulation area (12) has pointed projections. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by that some of the projections are height-adjustable and / or angle-adjustable. [9] Device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized bythat the stimulation region (12) has an electrically conductive surface which is coupled to a power supply device in such a way that the surface generates an electrical excitation when the body is touched. [10] Device according to claim 1 or 7 or 8, characterized by that the stimulation area (12) is designed to be heated or cooled. [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized by that the stimulation area (12) is provided with a thermally active surface (44) for electrically generating heat. [12] Device according to claim 1 or 7 or 8, characterized by that the stimulation region (12) is provided with a Peltier element (44) and a power supply device for electrical cooling or heating. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it comprises a sensor for detecting contact between the stimulation area and the body and is coupled to a signal generator. [14] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the stimulation region (12) and the support regions (14a, 14b) are attached to a base structure (16) which has at least one predetermined breaking point (42).