spinal support

Abstract

This spinal support device addresses spinal misalignment caused by conditions such as scoliosis by primarily inducing twisting (rotation) and shifting, thereby guiding the spine towards ideal alignment. [Solution] The belt anchor member 1 has hook-and-loop fasteners on both ends 1A, 1C and the central part 1B, and the space between the ends and the central part 1D, 1E is made of an elastic material, and the belt members 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B are elongated in shape and have hook-and-loop fasteners on the front and back surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d from both ends in the longitudinal direction for a predetermined width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a spinal supporter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies have been proposed for supporters that correct posture and reduce low back pain and the like.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a lumbar support pad that abuts on the lumbar region including the sacrum of a user, a first annular strap that is annularly attached from one side portion of the lumbar support pad and engages with one knee of the user in a seated state, and a second annular strap that is annularly attached from the other side portion of the lumbar support pad and engages with the other knee of the user in a seated state are provided, and the lumbar support pad has a plate member that abuts on the sacrum of the user, and a lumbar supporter is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, nothing is disclosed about guiding the misalignment of the spine due to scoliosis or the like into correct alignment.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of such problems, and its object is related to a technique that mainly induces rotation and shift to an ideal alignment for the misalignment of the spine due to scoliosis or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a spinal support according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a belt anchor member having hook-and-loop fasteners at both ends and in the center, with an elastic material between the ends and in the center, and a belt member having a long shape with hook-and-loop fasteners on both sides for a predetermined width from both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] A spinal support according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a belt anchor member and a belt member, the belt anchor member comprising: a first attachment portion having one surface processed with hook-and-loop fasteners; a first elastic stretch portion having one end connected to the first attachment portion; a second attachment portion having one surface processed with hook-and-loop fasteners, having one end connected to the other end of the first stretch portion opposite to the end connected to the first attachment portion; and a second elastic stretch portion having one end connected to the other end of the second attachment portion opposite to the end connected to the first stretch portion. The belt member consists of a third mounting portion, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second expandable portion opposite to the connection end with the second mounting portion, and the front and back surfaces of which are processed with hook-and-loop fasteners. The belt member is elongated, and the front and back surfaces are processed with hook-and-loop fasteners for a predetermined width from both ends in the longitudinal direction. The first mounting portion and the third mounting portion of the belt anchor member engage with each other when mounted, and both ends of the belt member engage with either the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, or the third mounting portion of the belt anchor member, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, it is possible to provide a technique that primarily induces rotation and shift in the spine to guide it to an ideal alignment in cases of spinal misalignment such as scoliosis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figures 1(a) to 1(f) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a spinal support according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are conceptual diagrams illustrating the principles of thoracic rotational guidance and shift guidance, respectively. [Figure 3]Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate a method for attaching a spinal support suitable for correcting thoracic rotation. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate a method for attaching a spinal support suitable for correcting chest shift. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate a method for attaching a spinal support suitable for chest complex correction. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are conceptual diagrams illustrating the principles of lumbar rotational guidance and shift guidance, respectively. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate a method for wearing a spinal support suitable for correcting lumbar rotation. [Figure 8] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate a method for wearing a spinal support suitable for correcting lumbar shift. [Figure 9] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate a method for attaching a spinal support suitable for lumbar complex correction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figures 1(a) to 1(f) illustrate and explain the configuration of a spinal support according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 1(a) shows the surface configuration of the belt anchor member, Figure 1(b) shows the back configuration, Figures 1(c) and 1(d) show the configuration of the shift belt member, and Figures 1(e) and 1(f) show the configuration of the rotation belt member. The configuration and operation of each will be explained in detail.

[0013] The spinal support according to this embodiment of the present invention is composed of a belt anchor member 1 and at least one of the shift belt members 2A, 2B (referred to collectively as 2) and the rotational belt members 3A, 3B (referred to collectively as 3). That is, the belt anchor member 1 is an essential component, and at least one of the shift belt member 2 and the rotational belt member 3 is included. Hereinafter, the shift belt member 2 and the rotational belt member 3 will be referred to collectively as belt members.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the belt anchor member 1 has the overall shape of a horizontally elongated rectangle with its four corners rounded off. The belt anchor member 1 includes a first mounting portion 1A with hook-and-loop fastener processing (female) on its surface 1a extending a predetermined width from the right end, a second mounting portion 1B with hook-and-loop fastener processing (female) on its surface 1b extending a predetermined width in the center, and a third mounting portion 1C with hook-and-loop fastener processing (female on surface 1c, and male on parts of back surfaces 1i and 1j) extending a predetermined width from the left end. A first expandable portion 1D made of a highly elastic material extending a predetermined width is provided between the first mounting portion 1A and the second mounting portion 1B, and a second expandable portion 1E made of a highly elastic material extending a predetermined width is provided between the second mounting portion 1B and the third mounting portion 1C.

[0015] In other words, a highly elastic first stretchable part 1D is interposed between the first mounting part 1A and the second mounting part 1B, which have hook-and-loop fastener processing on their surfaces 1a and 1b, and a highly elastic second stretchable part 1E is interposed between the second mounting part 1B, which has hook-and-loop fastener processing on its surface 1b, and the third mounting part 1C, which has hook-and-loop fastener processing on its front and back surfaces (1c, 1i, 1j). Note that the hook-and-loop fastener processing on the surfaces of the first mounting part 1A and the second mounting part 1B is female hook-and-loop fastener processing, while the hook-and-loop fastener processing on the third mounting part 1C may be female hook-and-loop fastener processing on the surface 1c and male hook-and-loop fastener processing on parts of the back surfaces 1i and ij.

[0016] In the third mounting portion 1C of the belt anchor member 1, a cut 1f is provided in the longitudinal direction at the central portion thereof, and the third mounting portion 1C is further divided into two regions, upper and lower. According to such a cut 1f, when the belt anchor member 1 is mounted on the user's body, it is possible to mount it in a close positional relationship along the unevenness of the body.

[0017] On either the upper end or the lower end near the back surface of the first mounting portion 1A and the second mounting portion 1B of the belt anchor member 1, anti-slip portions 1g, 1h extending in the longitudinal direction are provided. In this example, one anti-slip portion 1g, 1h is provided respectively below the back surfaces of the first mounting portion 1A and the second mounting portion 1B in the drawing. According to these anti-slip portions 1g, 1h, it is possible to prevent the belt anchor member 1 from slipping off the user's body (clothes) and maintain the mounted state. Note that the anti-slip portions 1g, 1h may be an aggregate of a plurality of dot shapes.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1(c), the shift belt member 2A is entirely composed of a stretchable member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are mounting portions 2a, 2b whose front and back surfaces are processed with surface fasteners over a predetermined width from the ends in the longitudinal direction. In the example of Fig. 1(c), the width of the shift belt member 2A is 6 cm and the overall length is 60 cm. As shown in Fig. 1(d), the shift belt member 2B is entirely composed of a stretchable member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are mounting portions 2c, 2d whose front and back surfaces are processed with surface fasteners over a predetermined width from the ends in the longitudinal direction. In the example of Fig. 1(d), the width of the shift belt member 2A is 6 cm and the overall length is 50 cm. The surface fastener processing of the shift belts 2A, 2B may be such that one surface (front surface) is processed with a male surface fastener and the other surface (back surface) is processed with a female surface fastener. Also, the lengths of the shift belts 2A, 2B are not limited to the lengths described above, and the size may be designed within the range of 50 to 70 cm.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1(e), the rotating belt member 3A is entirely composed of a member with elasticity. Both ends in its longitudinal direction are attachment parts 3a and 3b where the front and back surfaces are processed with surface fasteners over a predetermined width from the ends in the longitudinal direction. In the example of Fig. 1(e), the width of the rotating belt member 3A is 6 cm and the overall length is 40 cm. As shown in Fig. 1(f), the rotating belt member 3B is entirely composed of a member with elasticity. Both ends in its longitudinal direction are attachment parts 3c and 3d where the front and back surfaces are processed with surface fasteners over a predetermined width from the ends in the longitudinal direction. In the example of Fig. 1(f), the width of the shift belt member 2A is 6 cm and the overall length is 30 cm. The surface fastener processing of the rotating belts 3A and 3B may be such that one surface (the front surface) is processed with a male surface fastener and the other surface (the back surface) is processed with a female surface fastener. The lengths of the rotating belts 3A and 3B are not limited to the lengths described above, and the size may be designed within the range of 30 to 50 cm.

[0020] Here, regarding the materials of each part, the surfaces of the first attachment part 1A, the second attachment part 1B, and the third attachment part 1C of the belt anchor member 1 may be composed of nylon or the like, and the first elastic part 1D and the second elastic part 1E may be composed of nylon, polyurethane, or the like. Further, the shift belts 2A and 2B and the rotating belts 3A and 3B may be composed of nylon, polyester, polyurethane, or the like as highly elastic members, and the attachment parts may be composed of nylon or the like. In addition, silicon or the like may be used for the anti-slip parts 1g and 1h. However, it is not limited to these.

[0021] In such a configuration, the belt anchor member 1 is worn near the user's chest or waist by engaging the male surface fastener on the surface la of the first attachment part 1A with the male surface fasteners on the back surfaces 1i and 1j of the third attachment part 1C. When wearing near the chest, the engaging part of the first attachment part 1A and the third attachment part 1C may be located on one side surface of the user, and the second attachment part 1B may be located on the other side surface. When wearing around the waist, the engaging part of the first attachment part 1A and the third attachment part 1C may be located on the abdominal surface of the user, and the second attachment part 1B may be located on the back surface.

[0022] After attaching the belt anchor member 1, the shift belt members 2A, 2B and / or swivel belt members 3A, 3B are selected according to the intended use. The male hook-and-loop fastener at one end of each belt is engaged with the hook-and-loop fastener on the engagement surfaces of the first mounting portion 1A and the third mounting portion 1C, or on the hook-and-loop fastener on the surface 1b of the second mounting portion 1B. After stretching, the male hook-and-loop fastener at the other end is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the engagement surfaces of the first mounting portion 1A and the third mounting portion 1C, or on the surface 1b of the second mounting portion 1B. In this way, the shift belt members 2A, 2B and swivel belt members 3A, 3B are attached to the belt anchor member 1.

[0023] Basically, when the purpose is to shift, one shift belt member 2A or 2B is used, when the purpose is to rotate, one rotation belt member 3A or 3B is used, and when the purpose is to both shift and rotate, one shift belt member 2A or 2B and one rotation belt member 3A or 3B are used in combination.

[0024] Next, the principles of thoracic rotational guidance and thoracic shift guidance will be explained with reference to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), respectively.

[0025] After attaching the belt anchor member 1 near the user's chest, the male hook-and-loop fastener of attachment portion 3a at one end of the rotating belt member 3A is engaged with the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C located on one side of the user's body, and after stretching, the male hook-and-loop fastener of attachment portion 3b at the other end is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the second attachment portion 1B located on the other side of the user's body. When the rotating belt member 3A is attached to the belt anchor member 1, a tensile force is generated in the direction of the dashed line shown in Figure 2(a), and this force is transmitted to the spine via the ribs, inducing rotation of the spine as shown by the solid arrow in the figure.

[0026] After attaching the belt anchor member 1 near the user's chest, the male hook-and-loop fastener of the attachment portion 2a at one end of the shift belt member 2A is engaged with the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C, or the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the second attachment portion 1B, located on one side of the user's body. After stretching it to wrap around the body, the male hook-and-loop fastener of the attachment portion 2b at the other end is engaged with the same engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C, or the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the second attachment portion 1B, that the one end was engaged with. When the shift belt member 2A is attached to the belt anchor member 1, a pulling force is generated in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 2(b). This force is transmitted to the spine via the ribs, inducing a spinal shift as indicated by the solid arrow in the figure.

[0027] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate and explain how to wear a spinal support suitable for correcting thoracic rotation. Here, an example using the rotation belt member 3A is shown.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), when correcting chest rotation, the belt anchor member 1 is attached near the user's chest, and then the male hook-and-loop fastener on one end of the rotation belt member 3A is engaged with the engagement surfaces (surface 1c) of the first attachment part 1A and the third attachment part 1C located on one side of the user's body. After extending the rotation belt member 3A along the surface of the user's abdomen, the male hook-and-loop fastener on the other end of the rotation belt member 3A (attachment part 3b) is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface 1b of the second attachment part 1B located on the other side of the user's body, thereby attaching the rotation belt member 3A to the belt anchor member 1. In this example, the rotation belt member 3A is extended diagonally downward to also address lateral flexion. This provides a counterclockwise rotational effect to the spine via the ribs, as viewed from the user, thereby correcting chest rotation.

[0029] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate and explain how to wear a spinal support suitable for chest shift correction. Here, an example using shift belt 2A is shown.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), when correcting chest shift, the belt anchor member 1 is attached near the user's chest, and then the male hook-and-loop fastener on the attachment portion 2a at one end of the shift belt member 2A is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface 1b of the second attachment portion 1B located on one side of the user's body. After stretching the shift belt member 2A around the body, the male hook-and-loop fastener on the attachment portion 2b at the other end of the shift belt member 2A is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface 1b of the second attachment portion 1B. In this example, in order to also accommodate lateral flexion, the shift belt member 2A is stretched diagonally downward on the abdominal surface. This applies a leftward shift action to the spine via the ribs, as viewed from the user, thereby correcting chest shift.

[0031] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate and explain a method for attaching a spinal support suitable for chest complex correction. Here, an example using a rotation belt member 3A and a shift belt member 2A is shown.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), when performing chest complex correction, the rotational belt member 3A is attached to the belt anchor member 1 as described above in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), and the shift belt member 2A is attached to the belt anchor member as described above in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). This creates the rotational and shifting action described above, making it possible to perform chest complex correction.

[0033] The principles of lumbar rotational guidance and shift guidance will be explained with reference to Figures 6(a) and 6(b), respectively.

[0034] After attaching the belt anchor member 1 to the user's waist, the male hook-and-loop fastener of attachment portion 3a at one end of the rotating belt member 3A is engaged with the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C located on the user's abdomen. After stretching, the male hook-and-loop fastener of attachment portion 3b at the other end is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the second attachment portion 1B located on the user's back. When the rotating belt member 3A is attached to the belt anchor member 1, a tensile force is generated in the direction of the dashed line shown in Figure 6(a), and this force is transmitted to the spine, inducing spinal rotation as shown by the solid arrow in the figure. Alternatively, the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C of the belt anchor member 1 may be positioned on the back side of the user's body, and the second attachment portion 1B on the abdominal side.

[0035] After attaching the belt anchor member 1 to the user's waist, the shift belt member 2A is attached by engaging the male hook-and-loop fastener of attachment portion 2a at one end with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C located on the user's back, stretching it to wrap around the body, and then engaging the male hook-and-loop fastener of attachment portion 2b at the other end with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C, the same as the one end which was engaged. When the shift belt member 2A is attached to the belt anchor member 1, a pulling force is generated in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 6(b), and this force is transmitted to the spine, inducing a spinal shift as indicated by the solid arrow in the figure. Alternatively, the engagement surfaces of the first attachment portion 1A and the third attachment portion 1C of the belt anchor member 1 may be positioned on the abdominal side of the user's body, and the second attachment portion 1B on the back side.

[0036] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate and explain how to wear a spinal support suitable for correcting lumbar rotation. Here, an example using the rotation belt member 3A is shown.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when correcting lumbar rotation, the belt anchor member 1 is attached to the user's waist, the male hook-and-loop fastener on one end of the rotation belt member 3A is engaged with the surface 1b of the second attachment part 1B located on the user's back, and after stretching it along the user's flank and abdominal surface, the male hook-and-loop fastener on the other end of the rotation belt member 3A is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface of the engagement surface (surface 1c) of the first attachment part 1A and the third attachment part 1C located on the user's abdomen, thereby attaching the rotation belt member 3A to the belt anchor member 1. In this example, the rotation belt member 3A is stretched diagonally downward to also accommodate lateral flexion. This provides a clockwise rotational action to the spine as viewed from the user, thereby correcting lumbar rotation.

[0038] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate and explain a method for attaching a spinal support suitable for lumbar shift correction. Here, an example using the shift belt member 2A is shown.

[0039] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), when performing lumbar shift correction, the belt anchor member 1 is attached to the user's abdomen, the male hook-and-loop fastener on the attachment portion 2a at one end of the shift belt member 2A is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface 1b of the second attachment portion 1B located on the user's back, and after stretching it to wrap around the body, the male hook-and-loop fastener on the attachment portion 2b at the other end of the shift belt member 2A is engaged with the female hook-and-loop fastener on the surface 1b of the second attachment portion 1B. This applies a shifting action to the spine in the anterior-posterior direction as viewed from the user, thereby correcting the lumbar shift.

[0040] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate and explain how to wear a spinal support suitable for lumbar complex correction. Here, we show an example using a rotation belt member 3A and a shift belt member 2A.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), when performing a combined lumbar region correction, the rotation belt 3A is attached to the belt anchor member 1 as described above in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), and the shift belt 2A is attached to the belt anchor member as described above in Figures 8(a) and 8(b). This creates the rotational and shifting action described above, making it possible to perform a combined lumbar region correction.

[0042] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a spinal supporter is provided which comprises a belt anchor member and at least one combination of a rotation belt member and a shift belt member, making it possible to guide spinal misalignment caused by scoliosis and the like to a proper alignment.

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto and various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from its spirit.

[0044] For example, the shift belt member and the rotary belt member are not limited to the width and length mentioned above, and may be of various sizes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1...Belt anchor member, 1A...First mounting part, 1B...Second mounting part, 1C...Third mounting part, 1D...First telescopic part, 1D...Second telescopic part, 1a,1b,1c,1d,1e...Surface, 1f...Notch, 1g,1h...Anti-slip part, 1i,1j...Back surface, 2A,2B...Shift belt member, 2a,2b,2c,2d...Mounting part, 3A,3B...Rotating belt member, 3a,3b,3c,3d...Mounting part.

Claims

1. The belt anchor member has hook-and-loop fasteners at both ends and in the center, and the space between the two ends and the center is made of an elastic material. A spinal support consisting of a belt member that is elongated in shape and has hook-and-loop fasteners on both sides for a predetermined width from both ends along its length.

2. It consists of a belt anchor member and a belt member, The belt anchor member comprises a first mounting portion with a hook-and-loop fastener on one surface, a first stretchable portion with one end connected to the first mounting portion, a second mounting portion with a hook-and-loop fastener on one surface, with one end connected to the other end of the first stretchable portion opposite to the end connected to the first mounting portion, a second stretchable portion with one end connected to the other end of the second mounting portion opposite to the end connected to the first stretchable portion, and a third mounting portion with hook-and-loop fasteners on both sides, with one end connected to the other end of the second stretchable portion opposite to the end connected to the second mounting portion. The belt member has a long shape, and both ends in the longitudinal direction have hook-and-loop fasteners attached to the front and back surfaces for a predetermined width. The first mounting portion and the third mounting portion of the belt anchor member are engaged when mounted, and the belt member is engaged at both ends with either the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, or the third mounting portion of the belt anchor member. Spinal support brace.

3. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion have an anti-slip portion on one surface. The spinal support according to claim 1.

4. The third mounting portion has a notch in the center that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt anchor member, and is divided into two parts. The spinal support according to claim 1.

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