VERTEBRAL PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a spinal decompression device. It is particularly applicable for relieving people suffering from back pain, caused for example by a herniated disc. Such pain occurs, among other things, because the vertebrae excessively compress the intervertebral discs separating them from each other.

[0002] Relief can be achieved by exerting a distraction force on the spine, so as to decoapt the vertebrae. Decoaptation means increasing the interarticular space between two surfaces that are too tightly fitted to each other.

[0003] Spinal decompression devices are known that can exert a distraction force on the user's spine.

[0004] Such a device is for example proposed by document EP 0 319 224, which describes a spinal decompression device configured to surround a portion of a user's trunk, comprising an upper support, a lower support and two telescopic bars mounted on the lower and upper supports so as to exert a spreading force on the lower and upper supports. Document US 5,462,518 A describes a spinal decompression device comprising actuators arranged in a V-shape.

[0005] The telescopic bars include an actuating lever by which a third party, such as a healthcare professional, can, when the device is worn by the user, move the lower and upper supports away from each other, to exert a distraction force on the user's spine.

[0006] However, such a device is particularly bulky and, in particular, cannot be worn under clothing. In addition, it significantly reduces the user's mobility, so that it cannot be worn for more than a few minutes. Furthermore, it must be installed and operated with the help of a third party. It also does not allow the spreading force exerted by the telescopic bars to be adapted, for example, according to the movements made by the user, so that, for example, when the user moves, the distraction effort varies, which tends to limit the relief provided by the device. Subject matter and summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to resolve, among others, the shortcomings described above of the spinal decompression devices known from the prior art, by proposing a spinal decompression device which the user can equip himself with and which he can wear throughout the day, discreetly and effectively, the intensity of the distraction force applied to the spinal column being constant, independently of the position or movement of the user.

[0008] This object is achieved by the fact that the invention relates to a spinal decompression device configured to surround the trunk of a user, comprising upper support means configured to surround a first part of the trunk, lower support means configured to surround a second part of the trunk and elongation means mounted on the upper support means and on the lower support means and configured to exert a separation force on the lower and upper support means tending to move the lower support means away from the upper support means; furthermore, the device comprises an electronic control system for controlling the elongation means so as to maintain a determined distraction force on the user's spine.

[0009] Considered in a substantially vertical position of the user, the second part of the trunk is arranged under the first part of the trunk.

[0010] By the presence of the electronic control system, the user can operate the device alone. In addition, by maintaining a determined distraction effort, the effectiveness of the device is improved, the relief enjoyed by the user not varying, in particular, depending on his movements and / or his position.

[0011] Preferably, the elongating means comprise a power source, such as a battery, by which they can be operated without external assistance.

[0012] The invention is set out below in a series of variant embodiments, which can be considered alone or in combination with one or more of the previous ones.

[0013] Preferably, the electronic control system includes adjustment means for varying the intensity of the distraction effort.

[0014] By this arrangement, the device, and more particularly the intensity of the distraction effort on the user's spine, are adapted to relieve users with, for example, different morphologies or suffering from pain of different intensities. In addition, the presence of the adjustment means makes it possible to adapt the device to changes in the user's condition.

[0015] Advantageously, the spinal decompression device further comprises measuring means configured to measure at least one characteristic relating to the movements of the user.

[0016] Advantageously, the electronic control system is configured to modify the spreading force exerted by the elongation means as a function of the measurements made by the measuring means.

[0017] Thus, the value and / or direction of the separation force can also be modified depending on the characteristics of the user measured by the measuring means, so that the intensity of the distraction force is constant, independently, for example, of the movements of the user.

[0018] Advantageously, the electronic control system is configured to modify the intensity of the distraction effort based on the measurements made by the measuring means.

[0019] It is therefore understood that the adjustment means is configured to modify the intensity of the distraction effort according to the user's mobility, or their position.

[0020] Preferably, the spinal decompression device further comprises means for recording the measurements taken by the measuring means.

[0021] The recording means thus make it possible to memorize all or part of the user's movements and positions during the period in which he is equipped with the device, so as, for example, to identify behaviors which may be the cause of or contribute to his back pain.

[0022] Advantageously, the elongation means comprise at least one linear actuator.

[0023] By this arrangement, the compactness, lightness and, consequently, the comfort of use of the device are not compromised. In addition, the precision, both in terms of value and direction, of the spreading force exerted by the elongation means, and consequently the effectiveness of the device in relieving the pain felt by the user, are also improved.

[0024] Advantageously, said at least one linear actuator is mounted articulated relative to the upper support means and / or to the lower support means.

[0025] By this arrangement, the user's freedom of movement is not compromised when wearing the device according to the present invention. He can thus easily move or bend, for example, the upper part of his body relative to his lower part, such behavior being significantly limited, or even impossible, with the known devices of the prior art.

[0026] Preferably, the electronic control system is configured to limit the relative movements of said at least one linear actuator with respect to the upper support means and / or the lower support means.

[0027] By this arrangement, the user is prevented from performing certain movements which could increase the pain felt or injure him.

[0028] Advantageously, the elongation means comprise at least a first and a second linear actuator configured to extend on each side of the trunk, when the device is worn by the user.

[0029] The presence of two linear actuators on either side of the user's trunk allows for better distribution of the spreading force exerted by the elongation means on the lower and upper support means, so as to increase the effectiveness of the device, without compromising the user's mobility.

[0030] According to the present invention the elongation means comprise two pairs of linear actuators configured to extend on each side of the trunk, when the device is worn by the user.

[0031] By this arrangement, the spreading force exerted by the elongation means is even better distributed over the user's trunk; in addition, it allows better mobility of the user equipped with the device according to the present invention, and even greater efficiency of the device.

[0032] The linear actuators of the same pair are inclined relative to each other, so as to further increase the freedom of movement of the user when wearing the spinal decompression device according to the present invention, while making it possible, by the presence of the electronic control system, to prevent the user from carrying out certain movements which might be painful for him.

[0033] The linear actuators of the same pair are arranged in a V shape.

[0034] Advantageously, the tip of the V formed by the linear actuators of the same pair is directed downwards.

[0035] Advantageously, the linear actuators extend in a direction inclined relative to the axis of the spine.

[0036] Preferably, the linear actuators of the elongating means are configured to exert spreading forces of different magnitude and direction.

[0037] This arrangement makes it possible to better distribute the distraction force on the spinal column, so as to increase the effectiveness of the device according to the present invention.

[0038] Advantageously, the upper and lower support means are configured to surround, respectively, an upper portion and a lower portion of the lumbar segment of the user's spine.

[0039] Preferably, the upper and lower support means are configured to be adjusted around the trunk portion they surround.

[0040] Advantageously, the upper and lower support means comprise an adjustable belt, configured to adapt the device to different user morphologies.

[0041] Advantageously, the upper and lower support means have a substantially conical shape, so as to increase the stability of the attachment of the device to the user's trunk, and, consequently, the precision of the location and intensity of the distraction force that it applies to the user's spine.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a spinal decompression system comprising a spinal decompression device according to the present invention, and a data processing system, the electronic control system of the spinal decompression device further comprising wireless transmission means configured to transmit the measurements made by the measurement means to the processing system.

[0043] By this provision, the system is configured to allow an exchange of data between the user and a third party, such as a healthcare professional, so as to adjust the prescription relating to the conditions of use of the device, such as the intensity of the distraction effort.

[0044] Preferably, the wireless transmission means are configured to transmit to the processing system data relating to the elongation means, such as variations in the value and / or direction of the separation force.

[0045] Advantageously, the wireless transmission means are configured to transmit to the processing system the data recorded by the recording means.

[0046] By this arrangement, the processing system can process data relating to a significant period of use of the device according to the present invention.

[0047] Advantageously, the processing system comprises a storage device configured to record the data transmitted by the wireless transmission means of the electronic control system.

[0048] Thus, the third party can compare, during successive exchanges with the device, the data received, in order, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of the parameter changes applied. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the following appended drawings in which: THE figures 1 And 2 schematically represent an example of a spinal decompression device according to the present invention, respectively seen from behind and from the front; the figure 3 schematically represents a partially exploded view of the device according to the present invention; and the figure 4 schematically represents a spinal decompression system according to the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0050] In the example shown in figures 1 to 3 , the spinal decompression device 10 according to the present invention comprises upper support means 12, lower support means 14 and means of elongation 16 which, as will be detailed in the remainder of the description, are mounted both on the upper support means 12 and on the lower support means 14, the means of elongation 16 being configured to exert a spreading force on the lower and upper support means 14, 12, tending to move away the lower means of support 14 lower support means 12.

[0051] The spinal decompression device 10 further includes an electronic control system 18 fixed, for example and without limitation, on the upper support means12.

[0052] The device 10 also includes measuring means 20 and means of recording 22 which will be described in more detail later.

[0053] The upper means of support 12 and the lower support means 14 include different portions of textile 24, 26, 28, 30, connected, for example, and in a non-limiting manner, by elastic bands 32, 34, configured to accommodate upper and lower support means 12, 14 to the user's morphology.

[0054] In addition, the upper and lower support means have closing means 36, 38, in this case a clip-on strap, making it easier for the user to equip it.

[0055] THE figures 1 And 2 represent in particular the device 10worn by a user, whose silhouette is symbolized by mixed lines.

[0056] The upper means of support 12 thus have the shape of a belt, configured to surround a first part of a user's trunk; for example and in a non-limiting manner, the upper support means 12 are configured to surround the midsection of the user's torso.

[0057] Lower support means 14 have the shape of a belt, configured to surround a second part of a user's torso, for example and without limitation, a part of the user's abdominal strap.

[0058] We therefore understand that the higher means of support 12 and lower 14are configured to surround a portion of the user's spine, for example and without limitation, the lumbar segment of the spine.

[0059] For example and without limitation, the lower and upper support means 14, 12 include a material with non-allergenic properties; they can also be coated, for example, with thermoformable foam, so as to adapt the spinal decompression device even better 10 to the user's morphology and to improve cooperation between support means 12, 14 and the user's trunk.

[0060] For example and without limitation, the upper support means 12 and lower 14 feature a conical shape configured to further improve the cooperation of the lower and upper support means 14, 12 with the user's trunk.

[0061] As shown in the various figures, the means of elongation 16 include a first 40 and a second 42 pairs of linear actuators, the first and second pairs 40, 42 being configured to extend on each side of the trunk, when the device 10 is worn by the user.

[0062] For example and without limitation, each of the pairs 40, 42 comprises a first and a second linear actuator 44, 44', 46, 46'. For example and without limitation, the various linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' are electric cylinders; one could obviously design, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, any other type of linear actuator, such as for example a hydraulic cylinder.

[0063] Each of the actuators has a longitudinal direction and first and second ends opposite each other; as shown in particular in the figures 1 And 2 , one end of the linear actuators is mounted on the upper support means 12, the other end being mounted on the lower support means 14.

[0064] For example, and without limitation, linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' have ball joints mounted on each of their ends, and configured so that the various linear actuators are articulated relative to the upper support means 12 and to the lower support means 14.

[0065] As shown in the various figures, the mounting of the linear actuators is carried out by pockets formed on the upper and lower support means 12, 14,and more particularly on their textile portions 24, 26, 28, 30, the ends of the different linear actuators being housed in said pockets; it would of course be possible to design, without departing from the scope of the present invention, any other means of mounting the linear actuators on the support means 12, 14.

[0066] Means of elongation 16 also include batteries 50 mounted, for example and without limitation, on the rear portion of the upper and lower support means 12, 14.

[0067] By rear portion is meant the part of the spinal decompression device 10 configured to cover part of the user's back, when the device 10 is worn.

[0068] The batteries 50are configured to operate the linear actuators; any other power source could be conceived, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to operate the linear actuators without external assistance.

[0069] The linear actuators are configured to exert a spreading force on the upper support means 12 and lower 14, the exercise of such a spreading force allowing, thanks to the adhesion of the upper and lower support means 12, 14 on the user's trunk parts, moving the lower support means away 14 superior support means 12, to apply a distraction force to the user's spine.

[0070] The electronic control system 18 of the device 10 is configured to control the elongation means 16in order to maintain a determined distraction effort on the user's spine.

[0071] For example and without limitation, the electronic control system 18 includes an electronic board allowing the value and / or direction of the separation force exerted by the linear actuators to be controlled 44, 44', 46, 46'.

[0072] In other words, the electronic control system 18 of the device 10 is configured to control the elongation means 16 so as to regulate the spreading force that linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' exert on the lower and upper support means 14, 12 ; by regulation is meant a variation in the value of the spreading force and / or a variation in the direction of application of said spreading force.

[0073] The means of measurement 20are configured to measure at least one characteristic relating to the user's movements, such as his position, his movement or the relative movements of different parts of his body; for example and in a non-limiting manner, the measuring means 20 include an accelerometer, a gyrometer, or any other sensor allowing the relative position of the different parts of the user to be determined.

[0074] The electronic control system 18 is further configured to modify the value and / or direction of the spreading force exerted by the linear actuators of the elongation means 16 based on the measurements taken by the measuring means 20.

[0075] For example, when the user performs a walking movement, the intensity of the distraction force to be applied to the user's spine varies; the electronic control system18 thus allows the value and / or direction of the separation force exerted by the different linear actuators to be adjusted 44, 44', 46, 46', to account for variation in the intensity of the distraction effort.

[0076] Recording methods 22 are configured to record the measurements made by the measuring means 20. Such recording of measurements is particularly useful in enabling, for example, a health professional to adapt the intensity of the distraction effort to be applied to the user's spine, to adapt the prescription relating to the wearing of the device or even to give the user advice on movements and / or positions which might increase the pain felt and / or delay healing.

[0077] As shown in the various figures, the first and second pairs 40, 42linear actuators each have a V shape, the longitudinal direction of each of the linear actuators being inclined relative to the axis of the spine.

[0078] This arrangement allows, among other things, to better distribute the force exerted by the linear actuators, without hindering the freedom of movement of the user equipped with the device. 10.

[0079] We therefore understand that the spinal decompression device 10 allows a determined distraction effort to be maintained on the user's spine, without compromising the user's mobility. Thus, the spinal decompression device 10 according to the present invention constitutes an exoskeleton making it possible to support part of the user's back.

[0080] The electronic control system 18 of the device 10is further configured to limit the relative movements of the linear actuators 44, 44', 46, 46' compared to the upper and lower support means 12, 14, so that the user cannot perform movements that could injure him or increase his pain.

[0081] The device 10 according to the present invention has a reduced bulk, such that it can be worn discreetly, under the user's usual clothing.

[0082] In addition, it offers significant freedom of movement to the user and, thanks in particular to the batteries 50 described previously, has an autonomy allowing it to be worn for several hours.

[0083] In order to further increase the autonomy of the device 10, it would be possible to design, without departing from the scope of the present invention, means of elongation 16comprising semi-active actuators, such as linear actuators cooperating with springs, such semi-active actuators making it possible to store all or part of the energy released by certain movements of the user and to reuse this stored energy during other movements carried out by the user.

[0084] The electronic control system 18 also includes adjustment means 60 allowing the intensity of the distraction force applied to the user's spine to be modified thanks to the separation force of the elongation means 16. The adjustment method 60 is thus configured to allow a healthcare professional to adjust the setting of the device 10 to the morphology and pain felt by the user.

[0085] In addition, the electronic control system 18 includes wireless transmission means 62allowing, among other things, the transmission of measurements made by the measuring means 20.

[0086] It is also possible to design, without departing from the scope of the present invention, wireless transmission means. 62 which are configured to transmit the variations in values ​​of the spreading force exerted by the elongation means 16 when using the device 10.

[0087] The invention also relates to a spinal decompression system 100 including a spinal decompression device 10 according to the present invention and a data processing system 80, for example installed in a computing device such as a computer or a smartphone, the data processing system 80 being configured to receive data transmitted by wireless transmission means 62 of the electronic control system 18.

[0088] The spinal decompression system thus allows a third party, such as a healthcare professional, to access the user's data without the user necessarily having to remove the device. 10 or even be close to the third party.

[0089] For example and without limitation, wireless transmission means 62 are configured to transmit to the data processing system 80 data relating to means of elongation 16, such as variations in the value and / or direction of the spreading force.

[0090] Wireless transmission means 62 are also configured to transmit to the data processing system 80 the data recorded by the recording means 22 ; we can also conceive of the presence of a storage device in the data processing system 80configured to record data transmitted by wireless transmission means 62 of the electronic control system 18 of the spinal decompression device 10.

[0091] The above description is given by way of example, and is therefore not limiting of the invention.

[0092] In particular, the invention, although particularly suitable for lower back pain, can also be adapted to relieve any other type of back pain, such as cervical or thoracic pain.

[0093] Furthermore, the number, structure and arrangement of the linear actuators of the elongation means of the present invention are in no way limiting of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertebral decompression device (10) configured to surround a user's trunk, the device comprising: - upper support means (12) configured to surround a first portion of the trunk; - lower support means (14) configured to surround a second portion of the trunk; - elongation means (16) mounted on the upper support means (12) and the lower support means (14) and configured to exert a separating force on the lower and upper support means tending to move the lower support means away from the upper support means; the device further including an electronic control system (18) for controlling the elongation means (16) in such a manner as to maintain a determined distraction force on the user's vertebral column, the elongation means comprising two pairs of actuators configured to extend on opposite sides of the trunk when the device is worn by the user, the actuators in a given pair being inclined relative to each other and in a V-arrangement, the device being characterized in that the tip of the V-shape points downwards.

2. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control system (18) includes regulator means (60) for modifying the magnitude of the distraction force.

3. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it further includes measurement means (20) configured to measure at least one characteristic relating to the movements of the user.

4. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the electronic control system (18) is configured to modify the separating force exerted by the elongation means (16) as a function of the measurements taken by the measurement means (20).

5. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that it further includes recording means (22) for recording the measurements taken by the measurement means (20).

6. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuators of the elongation means (16) are linear actuators (44, 44', 46, 46').

7. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that said linear actuators (44, 44', 46, 46') are hinge-mounted relative to the upper support means (12) and / or to the lower support means (14).

8. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the electronic control system (18) is configured to limit the movements of said linear actuators (44, 44', 46, 46') relative to the upper support means and / or to the lower support means.

9. A vertebral decompression device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each actuator extends in a direction that is inclined relative to the axis of the vertebral column.

10. A vertebral decompression system comprising a vertebral decompression device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and according to claim 3, together with a data processor system, the electronic control system (18) further comprising wireless transmission means (62) configured to transmit the measurements taken by the measurement means (20) to the processor system.