GB2378658A

GB2378658A - A lumbar support for use by a reclining user

Info

Publication number: GB2378658A
Application number: GB0214598A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Pegg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-30
Filing date: 2002-06-25
Publication date: 2003-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-25
Also published as: GB0116102D0; GB2378658B; GB0214598D0

Abstract

A lumbar support 1 has a convex upper surface 2 and location means to locate the lumbar support generally under the area defined by the user's sacrum, fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The location means may take the form of a central raised location contour 3, a shaped buttock support area, or handle grips 9. The support has projections 7 which provide pressure at acupressure locations. The support has a depression 4 and a channel into which is location means for part of the spine of the user.

Description

TITLE : Lumbar Support DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a lumbar support. In particular, the invention relates to a therapeutic lumbar support for supporting the sacral region of a reclining user.

Back pain is a very common problem causing misery and discomfort to many people. A common strategy for dealing with back pain is to spend some time in a reclining position, that is to say lying on one's back. This provides only temporary relief, if any. For increased effectiveness and sustained results, a more proactive initiative in addressing the underlying causes of back pain is required.

The spinal cord is protected by a segmented spinal column, which is composed of discs and joints, reinforced by muscle and ligaments. When healthy, the segments work in harmony, providing strength, flexibility and durability. Between the segments are a series of pain-sensitive spinal nerves branching off from the spinal cord. If the structure of the spine is impaired, the defective area may impinge on the spinal nerve, causing pain. Reclining relaxes the spine so that decompression of the spinal segments can occur. This position can provide welcome relief from conditions such as bulging discs and swollen joints, which impinge on the pain-sensitive spinal nerves. As discussed, however, any relief thus provided is usually temporary. A solution is therefore

required which affords improved relief of back pain. In particular, such a solution is required which is simple, easy to use, economical, comfortable and safe.

It is an object of the current invention to provide such a solution.

According to the above object, the invention comprises a lumbar support for use by a reclining user, the lumbar support having a convex upper surface, location means being provided to locate the lumbar support generally under the area defined by the user's sacrum, fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.

Preferably, the said location means include a central raised location contour adapted to correspond to the buttock crease of a user. Alternatively or in addition, the said location means may include a shaped buttock support area adapted to correspond to the buttocks of a user. Further alternatively or in addition, the said location means may include one or more handle means for enabling a user to grasp the support whereby the support may be optimally located.

According to a preferred aspect, pressure means are provided which project from the said lumbar support, the said pressure means being located so as to provide pressure to selected locations on a user. Advantageously, the said locations correspond to known acupressure locations.

Preferably, a channel is formed in the upper surface of the support, the said channel being located so that in use at least part of the spine of a user is located generally over the said channel. Further preferably, the said channel is provided with protrusions along one or more of its edges, the said protrusions providing pressure to selected locations along the edges of the spine of a user.

Advantageously, a depression is provided in the upper surface of the support, the said depression in use being located so that in use the sacrum of a user is located generally over the said depression. Further advantageously, the said depression is provided with one or more protrusions around its edges, the said protrusions providing pressure to selected locations around the sacrum of a user.

Preferably, the upper surface of the support is contoured so as to be convex in two dimensions.

Advantageously, the under surface of the support is concave.

The support may be moulded, preferably in one piece, from material such as coated EHD expanding polystyrene or high-density polyurethane.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show schematically various embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a lumbar support according to the invention; Figure 2 is a bird's-eye view of the support of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the support viewed from its top end; Figure 4 shows the support viewed from the base; Figure 5 shows the underside of the support; Figure 6a shows the support in use with the user in a first position; and Figure 6b shows the support in use with the user in a second position.

In Figure 1, a lumbar support (1) has a generally convex upper surface (2). The support (1) is designed to be placed under a reclining user. In the discussion which follows, that part of the device designed to be located near the upper part of the back of the user will be referred to as the"top"of the device, while that part which is designed to be positioned near the buttocks of the user will be referred to as the"base"of the device.

A central raised location contour (3) is provided running from the base of the device towards the centre of its upper surface (2). The contour (3) is designed to fit into the buttock crease of a reclining user, aiding the correct positioning of the device. A sacral depression or cavity (4) is also provided. In use, the sacral depression (4) is designed to be located under the"focus area", which can be defined as the area defined by the user's sacrum, fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The sacral depression (4) is located centrally behind the central raised location contour (3) and is a generally spoon-shaped cavity surrounded by a contoured lip (5). The depression (4) itself allows relaxation and movement of the bones in the"focus area", while the contoured lip (5) provides acupressure stimulation along the sacrum border. Acupressure therapy is provided by the Inner Meridian, Xiachangshu, Pangguanashu, Zhonglushi and Balhuanshu.

Running centrally upwards as a continuation of the sacral depression (4) is the spinal process channel (6), which has protruding ridges (7) disposed along its edges. The channel is designed to allow the sensitive spinal protrusions of

the user to"float"freely inside the channel as the adjacent connected facet joints slide over the protruding ridges (7). The ridges offer acupressure stimulation of the facet joints, while the spinal process channel (6) allows mobilisation of the joints. Acupressure therapy is provided by the Inner Meridian, Quihaishu, Dachangshu and Guanyuanshu.

Contoured lateral surfaces (8) are also provided, which slope downwards gradually in both lateral directions from the spinal process channel (6). A pivotal stretch is maintained by gravitational pulling down of the upper legs and buttocks. The surfaces (8) aid the user in initiating a multidirectional stretch, providing support, tonification and gentle joint separation, and resulting in decompression of the discs in the focus area. The longitudinal and transverse slope of the device creates a pivotal stretching of associated muscle and tissue along the contact area of the surface.

The sides of the support towards the base are shaped so as to provide hand grip sections (9), which are formed by a continuation of the contoured surface area curving downwards towards and into the concave underside of the support. The hand grip sections (9) facilitate the correct positioning and alignment of the unit, whilst also providing support, muscle tonification and acupressure stimulation. Acupressure stimulation is provided by the Outer Meridian and Baohuang Zhibian.

The device is supported on four integrally moulded feet (10) which provide stable support.

The central raised location contour (3), sacral depression (4) and spinal process channel (6) together aid the user in the correct positioning of the device - the user will adjust the support naturally until it reaches the correct position.

Figure 3 shows the device viewed from its top end, Figure 4 shows the support viewed from the base, and Figure 5 shows the underside of the support.

Figures 6a and 6b show the device in use. In Figure 6a a user (11) is shown using the support (1) in a stretching position. In Figure 6b, the user is shown in a rocking position.

The device is conveniently moulded in one piece from e. g. coated EHD expanded polystyrene or high-density polyurethane. Alternatively, the device may be manufactured of any suitable material using any appropriate technique.

A lumbar support according to the invention combines conventional therapy with traditional Chinese techniques for the treatment of back pain. The support aids a user to perform safe and therapeutic stretching of the spine while also providing acupressure treatment to selected locations. The device therefore aids in correcting the stiffness and impaired movement caused by the continual compression of the spine. The action of the various protrusions give an effect similar to the"thumbing"action of physiotherapists as well as stimulation of various acupressure locations. In traditional Chinese medical theory, it is postulated that Meridians or lines of energy are connected along the surface of the body. There are two pairs of Meridians running along each side of the spinal column, continuing through the buttocks and terminating at the feet. The lumbar support according to the invention provides protrusions/ridges which act on

specific points along these Meridian lines allowing "blocked" energy to be released and aiding self-repair of damaged or inflamed tissue.

Claims

1. A lumbar support for use by a reclining user, the lumbar support having a convex upper surface, location means being provided to locate the lumbar support generally under the area defined by the user's sacrum, fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.

2. A lumbar support as claimed in claim1, wherein the said location means includes a central raised location contour adapted to correspond to the buttock crease of a user.

3. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the said location means includes a shaped buttock support area adapted to correspond to the buttocks of a user.

4. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the said location means includes one or more handle means for enabling a user to grasp the support whereby the support may be optimally located.

5. A lumbar support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 having pressure means, which project from the said lumbar support, the said pressure means being located so as to provide pressure to selected locations on a user.

6. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 5, wherein the said locations correspond to known acupressure locations.

7. A lumbar support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a channel is formed in the upper surface of the support, the said channel being

located so that in use at least part of the spine of a user is located generally over the said channel.

8. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 7, wherein the said channel is provided with protrusions along one or more of its edges, the said protrusions providing pressure to selected locations along the edges of the spine of a user.

9. A lumbar support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a depression is provided in the upper surface of the support, the said depression in use being located so that in use the sacrum of a user is located generally over the said depression.

10. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 9, wherein the said depression is provided with one or more protrusions around its edges, the said protrusions providing pressure to selected locations around the sacrum of a user.

11. A lumbar support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper surface of the support is contoured so as to be convex in two dimensions.

12. A lumbar support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the under surface of the support is concave.

13. A lumbar support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 and moulded in one piece.

14. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 13 made from coated EHD expanded polystyrene or high-density polyurethane.

15. A lumbar support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.